Travelling From New Zealand To The UK
Moving from New Zealand to London or elsewhere in the UK is a big move for the whole family – and for many pet owners, making sure their dog or cat can make the journey with them is one of the most important parts of the planning.
International pet travel involves more than booking a flight. There are veterinary requirements, export documentation, airline regulations, crate requirements and destination-country entry rules to consider. Getting these details right is essential to avoid unnecessary delays or last-minute complications.
With more than 30 years of experience in pet transport and international pet relocation, Jetpets has helped thousands of pet’s travel safely around the world. Our team coordinates the journey from New Zealand through to the UK, with your pet’s welfare at the centre of every process, conversation and decision we make.
UK Pet Import Requirements
The UK has specific requirements for dogs and cats travelling from New Zealand. These requirements can change, so it is important to check the current rules well before your planned departure date.
Depending on your pet and their circumstances, preparations may include:
- An ISO-compliant microchip
- A valid rabies vaccination administered in accordance with the required rules
- Any required veterinary testing or treatments
- An official veterinary examination and certification
- MPI export certification and documentation
- The appropriate UK pet travel documentation
- An IATA-compliant travel crate suitable for your pet’s size and needs
The exact requirements depend on your pet’s circumstances and the current regulations in place at the time of travel. Our Pet Travel Consultants work with you throughout the process and help coordinate the veterinary, documentation and travel requirements before departure.
Start Preparing Early
One of the best things you can do when planning an international pet relocation is to start early.
There can be several steps involved before your pet is ready to travel, including veterinary appointments, vaccinations, documentation and flight planning. Some requirements also have specific timeframes, so leaving everything until the last few weeks can make the process much more difficult.
We recommend allowing plenty of time to:
- Discuss your plans with your veterinarian
- Check your pet’s microchip details
- Confirm vaccination requirements
- Complete any required veterinary testing or treatments
- Arrange the necessary export documentation
- Allow time for certificates and paperwork to be reviewed before departure
- Discuss your pet’s flight and travel arrangements with your Jetpets Pet Travel Consultant
Starting early gives you more time to work through the requirements and address anything that may need attention before your pet is due to fly.
A Travel Plan Built Around Your Pet
No two pets are exactly the same, which is why we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to international pet transport.
When planning your pet’s relocation, our team considers factors such as their breed, size, age, temperament, health, travel history and specific destination.
Considerations will include:
- Advice and supplying the correct sized IATA-compliant travel crate
- Advice and support from our experienced in-house veterinary team
- Assistance with veterinary and export requirements
- International flight and routing coordination
- Access to the Jetpets Auckland Transit Lounge, where pets can rest and receive professional care before continuing their journey
- Communication and support from your Pet Travel Consultant throughout the relocation
- Assistance with clearance and delivery arrangements at the destination, where required
Our aim is to make the process as straightforward as possible for you while ensuring your pet is properly prepared for the journey.
Working With a Global Network of Airline Partners
International pet travel can involve a number of different airlines, routes and transit points. Jetpets works with a network of leading airline partners across New Zealand and around the world, allowing our team to consider a range of options when planning your pet’s journey.
The most suitable routing will depend on a number of factors, including your destination, your pet’s breed and size, the time of year, aircraft and airline requirements, available schedules and the overall journey.
Our experience in international pet transport means we can look at the journey as a whole rather than simply booking the first available or what may appear to be the cheapest flight.
For families travelling from New Zealand to London or elsewhere in the UK, this can be particularly important as international routes and airline requirements can vary and welfare will always be our number one consideration when planning your pets travel journey.
Comfort Stops During Transit
A long international journey can involve transit, depending on the available routing and airline requirements.
Where suitable and available, our Pet Travel Consultants can discuss comfort stop and transit options with you before your pet travels. These arrangements depend on the individual journey, airline requirements, airport facilities and your pet’s circumstances.
Our team will explain the options available and help you understand what your pet’s journey will look like before departure.
Why Choose Jetpets for Your Pet’s Move to the UK?
Moving your pet internationally can feel complicated, particularly when you’re also organising your own relocation.
That’s where an experienced pet transport team can make a real difference.
Jetpets has more than 30 years of experience helping families move their pets from New Zealand around the country and around the world! Our services bring together pet travel expertise, veterinary support, airline coordination and destination requirements to ensure a safe and memorable journey.
Jetpets is also the only pet transport company in New Zealand to have achieved IATA CEIV Live Animals Certification – an internationally recognised programme focused on the safe and compliant transport of live animals.
From your first enquiry through to your pet’s arrival in the UK, our team is here to help you understand what needs to happen, when it needs to happen and how your pet’s journey will be managed.
If you’re planning pet transport from New Zealand to London or elsewhere in the UK, speak with the Jetpets team early in your planning. The sooner you start, the more time we have to make sure everything is in place for your pet’s journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Transport from New Zealand to the UK
Do pets need to quarantine when travelling from New Zealand to the UK?
Cats and Dogs travelling from New Zealand generally do not need to go into quarantine on arrival in London when they meet the applicable UK pet travel requirements. This includes meeting the relevant identification, vaccination, documentation and entry requirements.
Because import rules can change, it is important to check the current requirements for your pet before travelling.
How far in advance should I start planning my pet’s move?
We recommend contacting Jetpets around 4 to 6 weeks before your intended travel date where possible.
Some veterinary and import requirements have specific timeframes, and international flight planning can also take time. Starting early gives you more flexibility if anything needs to be arranged or changed.
How long does the journey from New Zealand to London take?
Travel time depends on the departure city, airline, routing and transit arrangements. International pet journeys can vary considerably, so rather than relying on a standard travel time, our team will discuss the proposed routing and expected journey with you before departure.
Can Jetpets arrange the entire relocation?
Jetpets can coordinate every step of the journey, including travel planning, crate arrangements, airline coordination, veterinary guidance, export documentation and destination arrangements where required.
Can multiple pets travel together?
Yes. We regularly arrange international travel for families with multiple dogs and cats.
Each pet is assessed individually so that their crate, documentation and travel arrangements are appropriate for their needs.
Will my pet be looked after during transit?
Your pet’s welfare remains an important consideration throughout the journey. Where transit is required, our team works with the relevant airline and service providers to coordinate the journey and any available care or comfort arrangements.
Before departure, your Pet Travel Consultant will explain the proposed routing and what to expect during transit.
Why should I choose Jetpets for pet transport to the UK?
Jetpets combines more than 30 years of experience with international pet travel expertise, IATA CEIV Live Animals Certification, in-house veterinary support, purpose built Auckland Transit Lounge and a global network of airline partners.
Most importantly, we understand that you’re not simply shipping an animal – you’re moving an important member of your family. Our role is to take care of the many details involved in the journey so you can focus on your own move.
