Pet transport to New Zealand
A Complete Service for Moving Pets to New Zealand
Moving pets to New Zealand takes more planning than most international moves. Quarantine space is limited, paperwork must be timed carefully, and the tests and vaccinations must be done in a specific order and timeframe.
Transfur Animals has been helping families with pet relocation to New Zealand for over 20 years, and with over 5000 successful moves to date, it’s safe to say we know the process well.
We’ll arrange the paperwork, secure the import permit and quarantine booking, sort the flights and work closely with your vet to make sure everything is done in the correct order.
Some owners ask us to handle the whole move. Others want help with complicated parts, like timing the rabies blood test or finding the right flight. No matter how much help you need, we’ll keep things clear and straightforward so you can focus on getting everyone ready for the move – paws included!
Any questions?
Feel free to call us on 01403 212 900 and speak to one of our helpful team members today.
Why Moving Pets to New Zealand is Different
Pet relocation to New Zealand is one of the more complex international moves. These are the main steps we’ll help you manage:
1. Cats and dogs must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies
2. A rabies blood test must be passed before travel
3. An official import permit from MPI, the NZ Ministry for Primary Industries, is required
4. A DEFRA export health certificate must be issued for departure
5. Quarantine space must be booked in Auckland or Christchurch, and places are limited
6. The timing of vaccinations, tests and paperwork is fixed, so everything must happen in the correct order
7. Pets must complete a mandatory 10-day quarantine on arrival in New Zealand
Our experienced team will take care of the details and keep things simple so your pet’s move feels a lot less stressful.
What we do for pet relocation to New Zealand
Moving pets to New Zealand involves many components and stringent timelines.
Here’s what we can take care of for you:
Import permits and quarantine booking
We apply for your cat or dog’s import permit with MPI and book their quarantine space in Auckland or Christchurch.
Vaccination and testing schedule
Our team can work with your vet to plan the vaccinations, rabies blood tests and health checks, ensuring everything happens in the proper order and on time.
DEFRA export health certificate
We’ll handle the DEFRA export health certificate application and guarantee it matches the current New Zealand entry requirements.
Pet travel container
Transfur Animals supplies an IATA-compliant travel container and delivers it to your home in plenty of time so your pet can get comfortable with it before they fly.
Vet sealing at UK airport
We arrange vet sealing of your pet’s travel container at the UK airport on departure — a key part of the export process for New Zealand.
Flight booking
We book your pet’s flights with a trusted airline and secure the route that fits the required timeline for quarantine and import.
Home-to-airport transport
If you’d like us to, we can organise home-to-airport transport for your pet, so you’re not juggling it all yourself on departure day.
Boarding before departure
If there’s a gap between final vet checks and your pet’s flight, we can arrange boarding to keep them safe and comfortable.
Onward travel after quarantine
Once your pet has completed their 10-day quarantine, we can arrange delivery to your new home in New Zealand, whether that’s in Auckland, Christchurch or a little further afield. All ready for their first paws on Kiwi soil.
-
Experience & Reputation
+10,000 pets transfered worldwide
-
Travel Crate & Pet Safety
Ensure pet's comfort & well-being
-
Global Compliance
Expert handling of all paperwork
What Happens When You Book With Us
Relocating your pet to Canada comes with a few moving parts. But, as your reliable pet travel company, we’re here to Moving pets to New Zealand takes a bit of forward planning, and the process can take several months from start to finish. Transfur is on hand to assist you and keep everything simple and stress-free. Here’s what to expect:
Step 1: First chat
After contacting us, we’ll take a few details about your pet and your move and explain what’s involved. You’ll get a clear breakdown of the pet relocation timeline, so you know when important things need to happen, from vaccinations to quarantine booking.
Step 2: Planning and paperwork
We’ll organise the import permit, apply for your DEFRA export health certificate and book the quarantine space. We’ll also liaise with your vet to plan the correct vaccinations and blood tests.
Step 3: Getting ready to go
Your pet’s travel container will be delivered to your home well in advance. We’ll confirm flight details, arrange vet sealing and UK customs clearance and check that all final paperwork is complete.
Step 4: Travel day and arrival
On departure day, we can arrange transport to the airport if you need it. When your pet arrives in New Zealand, we’ll coordinate their transfer into quarantine. Once your beloved pet has completed their 10-day stay, we can help arrange delivery to your new home … and then it’s time for plenty of well-earned cuddles.
Please note: New Zealand’s only quarantine stations are in Auckland and Christchurch.
It should be noted that all pets must only enter New Zealand through Auckland or Christchurch airports, where they will go directly into quarantine upon arrival for a mandatory period of ten days. After this period of 10 days, your pet(s) can be collected from the quarantine facility, or we can arrange for their onward travel to another destination within New Zealand.
Frequently Ask Questions
Do animals have to quarantine in New Zealand?
Yes, all cats and dogs arriving from the UK must spend 10 days in quarantine on arrival in New Zealand. Quarantine is only available at facilities in Auckland or Christchurch, so you must arrange and pay for it before travel.
How much does it cost to move pets to New Zealand?
The cost of pet relocation to New Zealand depends on several factors, including your pet’s size, travel requirements and final destination. Costs typically cover flights, veterinary checks, an IATA-compliant travel container, quarantine booking and customs clearance. Contact our friendly team for a complete, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific move.
When should I start planning a pet move to New Zealand?
Start planning at least 7 months in advance. Quarantine space is limited and the vaccination and testing schedule must be carefully timed before your dog or cat can travel.