For many people, pets are truly members of the family, leaving pets behind is simply not an option.
New Zealanders are passionate animal lovers. Dogs are especially well catered for, with off-leash parks in urban areas and excellent veterinary care across the country. But moving pets here involves careful planning.
As an island nation with a unique ecosystem and an economy that relies heavily on farming, New Zealand has strict biosecurity requirements to protect against pests and diseases.
This means that pets need a series of tests and vaccinations in their home country before departure, and most also spend time in quarantine on arrival. Quarantine facilities are staffed with experienced professionals who monitor health, check paperwork, and ensure pets are safe before reuniting them with their families.
The Value of Using Pet Transport Specialists
The process can be complex, so working with a specialist transporter is invaluable. They handle regulatory requirements, arrange flights, and book quarantine facilities. At Mobile, we work closely with reputable providers around the world to ensure families can feel confident their pets are in safe hands.
Behind the Scenes: A Pet’s Journey
Understandably, many of our clients feel anxious about what their pets experience while apart. Recently, our Principal, Bridget Romanes, had the opportunity to go behind the scenes in both Los Angeles and Auckland to see exactly how pets are cared for on their journey.
🐾 Departure from the US – Many pets travel via Jetpet, our long-time transport partner. Owners typically handle vaccinations and vet checks before departure, and then Jetpet takes care of the final steps. Owners can even drop off their pets in person to the Jetpet facility in LA and say goodbye at the farewell photowall. Accommodation options include everything from simple kennels to cosy “living rooms” with sofas and beds. If you have two animals, they can stay together.
Veterinarians conduct health checks onsite, then pets are transferred in air-conditioned vans to the airport.
🐾 Arrival in Auckland – Once in New Zealand, pets are collected by quarantine staff. Bridget visited Pet Haven Quarantine near Auckland and was reassured by the high standards of care. While owners cannot visit (to reduce disease risk), they do receive regular updates.
Pets from the same family can stay together and sleeping areas have heat lamps to keep animals comfortable if they arrive during the winter months. The facility is located in a peaceful rural area with plenty of fresh air. MPI vets check pets twice during their stay before they are cleared to go home
Peak periods are August to February, so it’s best to book well in advance.
Reunited at Last
After quarantine, pets are released to their owners and finally get to enjoy their new home in New Zealand. While the process can feel daunting, knowing what happens behind the scenes helps ease the anxiety, for both owners and pets.
At Mobile, we’re here to guide clients through the process, ensuring that every family member (including the furry ones) can settle happily in New Zealand.
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand!
Mobile Relocation connects you with what you need to thrive in New Zealand. Contact us today to talk about how we can carry your relocation burden.
If you are a recruiter or HR Professional bringing international talent to NZ Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements (Kiwi Launch Pad) through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.
Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India. After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.
Source: www.mobile-relocation.com