Latest News

Keep up-to-date with the latest Pet Travel and Jetpets news.

Scout the Tiger Arrives at Hamilton Zoo

Jetpets are proud to have assisted in the delicate move of Scout the Tiger to his new home at Hamilton Zoo.

Travelling from Orana Wildlife Park to Hamilton Zoo in June this year, the teams and staff of all parties involved worked together to accomplish a safe and successful relocation.

Scout arrived at Hamilton Zoo from Orana Wildlife Park in June as part of the international breeding program for his species. Scout has been matched with Kirana in this vital role.

Being a male, Scout can quickly be recognized due to his larger frame and his large white ruff around his face. He has quickly won over the hearts of his keepers, as well as Kirana, and frequently produces a friendly greeting called a prusten – which is more commonly known as a “chuff”.

Scout is often active throughout the day and is spending much of his time exploring both enclosures thoroughly. You may even see him taking a dip in the pool if you’re lucky!

We wish Scout all the best in his new home with Kirana. For information on how you can visit Scout at Hamilton Zoo, please visit their website:-  https://www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/

Photo Credit: Hamilton Zoo

Going Above & Beyond in Animal Welfare Standards!

Jetpets Melbourne is proud to announce that we have been recertified by IATA in the Centre of Excellence for Live Animals Logistics (CEIV) Certification, being the only Pet Transport company in the Asia Pacific region to achieve this accolade.

“Congratulations to Jetpets on achieving CEIV Live Animals recertification. Their focus on excellence beyond compliance in live animal handling and transport activities ensures that customers can be confident that their precious cargo is traveling in safe and healthy conditions,” said Brendan Sullivan, Global Head of Cargo IATA.

Jetpets quality systems, training and operational procedures are an integral part to ensuring the comfort, safety and welfare is the number one priority when your fur baby is travelling with Jetpets.

We understand the importance of the role we play in taking care of people’s precious family members as they travel across Australia and New Zealand and around the world, and trust that our certification allows our customers to feel confident that their pets will always be in excellent care when travelling with Jetpets.

The Jetpets teams across New Zealand and Australia are extremely proud of this achievement and committed to our vision of being the respected pet travel company of choice striving for excellence in pet welfare, customer service and investment in our people.

Jetpets Philosophy – Happy Pets, Happy Customers and Happy People

With over 30 years in transporting and caring for clients’ fur babies, we have seen many changes over this time. From aircraft types, animal breeds, crate comfort improvements and of course the incredible advancement in technology. People can stay connected with their friends and family across the world with various technology platforms but nothing beats being reunited in person with their favourite fur baby!

At Jetpets our company culture is built on Happy Pets, Happy Customers and Happy People and one noticeable feature we have seen over recent years are the bonds between fur babies and their parents becoming stronger than it has ever been.

When we first started transporting pets some time back, it would be fair to say that traditionally, pets were kept outside for most of their day. It would be also very uncommon to have a café where fur babies had their special “parking space” and bowls of water out the front to accommodate customers’ pets!

Over the past 10 years, we have witnessed clients transitioning their pets from outside to inside. It may have slowly started with bringing pets onto the veranda at night time, to then slowly allowing their pets to stay in certain sections of the house when it was cold, to eventually allowing pets to sleep inside (perhaps in the laundry), to now in some cases sleeping with their parents in the bedroom!

It is amazing to think that perhaps 10 years ago when you asked someone where their animal slept overnight and they replied with “in my bedroom”, we may have thought this was quite “unusual”?

We of course may have understood that many pets needed to be inside in certain types of climates for welfare reasons but to think that someone would have their pet in the main bedroom or indeed on their bed some 10 years ago may have raised some eyebrows to certain folks across the country.

As times have changed with housing in many capital cities having smaller dwelling sizes, the traditional backyard has someone been transformed. We are seeing many more units, apartments, and common living areas now as we transition to the modern-day 21st-century world.

Now whilst there are many changes and advancements that have occurred, what we do know at Jetpets is that our clients’ love of their fur babies has always been paramount. We understand that pets are part of the family, and their care is of the utmost importance when looking after their journey, no matter how far that may be.

Although times may have changed, our Jetpets philosophy of ensuring Happy Pets, Happy Customers and Happy People is always at the very heart of what we do when caring for your fur babies.
For more information on transporting pets across New Zealand or Internationally please visit our see our domestic FAQ and international FAQ pages.

Jetpets Moves Birubi The Fur Seal

Jetpets were proud to assist with the animal transport of an 18-month-old long-nosed fur seal pup named Birubi for SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium. Working in conjunction with the SEA LIFE team Birubi was transported in a purposely designed transport crate from Sydney to Maroochydore.

In settling into the new environment her trainer Jess Hart said, “Relocating any animal comes with months of planning and preparation and we’re so excited to share that Birubi has arrived safely and is settling in well.

Her confidence is already shining through, and her new trainers will slowly begin socialising her with the other seals within the colony”.


“Birubi is now the smallest resident at the aquarium’s Seal Island, weighing just 12kg. Birubi will act as an important ambassador for her species educating thousands of guests who visit SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast each year about the important role seals play in our marine ecosystems”.

If you are up on the Sunshine Coast on holidays or passing through, drop in and say hello to Birubi and also learn more about the amazing work SEA LIFE do for wildlife conservation.

For more information about the seals at the aquarium visit https://www.visitsealife.com/sunshine-coast/whats-inside/animals/seals-and-relatives/

Summer Season Hints and Tips

As we approach the summer season most of us start to think of warmer weather, extended holidays, spending time with family over Christmas and having fun at our favourite park, beach or holiday venue. Pets are no different!

Our fur babies too love time with their parent’s and will be looking forward to spending more time with you whilst you have been back at work more since our lockdown restrictions have eased across the nation.

One of our resident vets Dr Kathy Johnson explains some of the key things to prepare your fur baby for when heading into the summer season.

“It is important that if you are planning to travel over the summer season and looking to place your pets in boarding for any period of time that their vaccinations are up to date. All boarding facilities will require that your dogs have C5 and cats have F3 vaccinations which are valid.

Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle during summer also means your fur babies should have plenty of water for those hotter days, walking them earlier or later in the day and if they like the water, a swim in the pool or at the beach will definitely make them feel more comfortable during those hot summer days.”

Jetpets also takes special care of your fur babies over the summer season. We always look for early morning and late evening domestic flights across NZ to avoid the hottest parts of the day and choose the most direct flight available to minimise time spent travelling. Our purpose built fleet ensures your fur baby is pampered from start to finish.

If you are looking to travel over the summer season, please complete our online request a quote form.

Pet Refuge Helping Our Community

Jetpets has always been a big supporter of Pet Refuge and we knew from the beginning that they would be an important organisation to support. Pet Refuge provides temporary shelter for pets, enabling their owners to escape abuse.

style="height:

Throughout their journey of slowly increasing their pet numbers and reaching full capacity we have seen them thriving and completing amazing work for those in need. The numbers alone show the positive impact that Pet Refuge have been able to make on communities around New Zealand and the opportunities for families to get the much-needed support for their fur babies.

Jetpets have recently been fortunate enough to sit down for a Q&A with one of their Program Managers to further understand the great work they are doing. Here are some insights into our interview:-

style=

Q: Who Is The Founder Of Pet Refuge And Why Did They Start The Organisation?

Julie Chapman Founder and CEO of KidsCan is the founder of Pet Refuge. Julie became aware that some people experiencing family violence delay leaving out of fear for their pets’ lives and she felt driven to help. Sadly, NZ has one of the highest rates of family violence in the world. Many women feel trapped and delay leaving out of fear for their pets. Pet Refuge provides temporary shelter for pets which allows owners to escape abuse.

Q: How Many Animals Has Pet Refuge Been Able To Provide Refuge For So Far?

187 and we have been able to reunite 131 of those so far.

Q: Are You Running At Full Capacity And What Does That Look Like?

Yes, we are, our main shelter is full and has been working at capacity for several months.  We have external boarding partners we work with to provide temporary care.  The number we can take at our main facility is dependent on size and breed and whether pets are from the same family and can be housed together.  We currently have 56 pets boarding across our main shelter and external providers.

Q: What Is The Most Rewarding Part Of Working Within Pet Refuge?

The most rewarding part has to be seeing the pets and families being reunited – the joy from both the pets and owners makes every day worthwhile.  Also, knowing that we are providing great care until they can go home to their owner, who is hopefully, in a place of safety and security. Seeing the owners be able to move on and have their pet with them is huge.

Q: How Has The Public/Community Support Been Since Pet Refuge Opened? Was It As Expected?

The support has been fantastic.  Our NZ community have been incredibly supportive. I wouldn’t say we expected the support, but we definitely hoped that people would recognise this important issue and support us. They have certainly done this and we are forever grateful for the support we get.

Q: What Are Some Up And Coming Fundraising Events Pet Refuge Have Planned?

We are currently running an urgent appeal campaign. As we are running at maximum capacity, with an overwhelming need for a temporary pet shelter, we need to ensure we can keep helping pets and their families. A donation of just $25 can help provide a safe bed, transport, veterinary care, enrichment and a loving environment.

Q: How Can People Donate And Support Pet Refuge?

The best way is through our website www.petrefuge.org.nz  all donations, no matter how much are really appreciated

Q: What Is The Best Way For People Who Need Pet Refuge’s Help To Get In Touch?

If anyone is in immediate danger, please contact the police but to discuss how Pet Refuge can help either email help@petrefuge.org.nz or call their Helpline – 0800 PET REFUGE / 0800 738 733 843

A Day In The Life Of Our Pet Handlers

As the fog starts to lift, our Jetpets Handlers have already been briefed and are on their way to pick up someone’s furbaby, reptile or feathered friend.

However, before they get to this stage there are a few things our team of professional animal handlers have to do to ensure our VIP (very important pets) receive the very best of the Jetpets experience.

Daily Briefing By Our Customer Service Team

Each and every day brings a new adventure for our animal handlers. Are they going to be picking up someone’s new furbaby, an exotic zoo animal, or someone’s old mate? Who knows! Well, we ensure they do!

Our pet handlers are briefed by our customer service teams on their day ahead with animal welfare and safety at the very heart of what we do. Our team is trained in animal behaviour and handling techniques to ensure your furbabies are in the very best of care when entrusting Jetpets transportation services.

Your pet travel consultant would have raised your questions about their temperament, age, likes and dislikes, size of pet, big, small, overweight, skinny, or arthritic, we want to know the details as this helps our Pet Animal Handlers to get a real understanding of your pet, before the big introduction and handover.

Because they have been briefed on the size of your pet, they have the correct crate in their van ready to go, and if in the brief with your pet travel consultant there was a bit of umming and ahhing on what crate would be the best size, your animal handler will have that option there for you, ready to size up on the day.

Picking Up Your Furbaby

So, once they leave the Jetpets Transit Lounge they will have sent you a text to let you know that they are on their way. Beep beep! Once they have arrived and have done the big introduction, worked out the best crate for maximum comfort, cross referenced the microchip against the records we have on file.

Then they will load the crate in the van and close the door…. there may be tears, as you wave goodbye to your furbaby. But don’t worry they’re in good hands!

Where time allows, your furbabies are taken back to our transit lounge, and if time is on our side the dogs are walked and cuddled and sometimes allowed some play time prior to departure.

Again, we repeat all of our safety checks to ensure our vans are in tip-top shape. Our climate-controlled vans provide maximum comfort for your furbabies, so they can really enjoy that VIP experience.

What Happens At The Airport

Once they are at the airport, our animal handlers then lodge your furbaby with our airline partners and do one final check of the crate ensuring tags are in place. The door is both fastened and secured with cable ties as per IATA regulations and their water bowl is topped up prior to departure.

There is no going thirsty! When tails are wagging, we then give our furry friends a big wave and say goodbye for their journey home to their parents.

When travelling through our Transit Lounge, we will share with you some updates on your furbabies journey with us, so stay tuned.

Each day is an amazing experience for our team to witness the joy and happiness we bring to our clients when reuniting their furbabies. Whether the journey is domestic, country or overseas the satisfaction our pet handlers enjoy is very special indeed.

Jetpets Furbaby Fridays

It’s back!

For many years, every Friday in our Jetpets Auckland office has been renowned for “Furbaby Friday”. Each Friday our team bring in their furbabies to work so we can have some fun and excitement each week as we start to think about the weekend ahead.

With the lockdowns and working from home requirements, this has meant our teams and their furbabies have missed the adventures of mingling with other 4 legged furry friends!

This month we were finally allowed to get back to the office as a team and celebrate “Furbaby Friday” and re-acquaint pets with their old buddies and ensure that we had some form of “normality” back to our week at Jetpets.

 

Sali the Sumatran Tiger

In April, Jetpets were lucky enough to assist in the transport of Sali the Sumatran tiger during her journey from Hamilton Zoo to Auckland Zoo.

Fourteen-year-old Sali has relocated to Auckland Zoo as a part of the zoos global breeding and advocacy programme for this critically endangered big cat.

Photo Credit: Auckland Zoo

In the lead up to her travels, Sali was introduced to her crate in advance so it was a familiar environment on the day of travel (much like we suggest for travelling dogs and domestic cats). On morning of travel, she was loaded onto the truck, and travelled with our Animal Handler Tineshea, and a Hamilton Zoo vet and keeper to ensure safety at all times. Sali had two welfare stops during her journey, before arriving at Auckland Zoo.

style=

Photo Credit: Auckland Zoo

Once Sali arrived at Auckland Zoo, she underwent a brief observation period in the tiger habitats inside quarters, ahead of exploring Auckland Zoo’s new Lowlands tiger habitat, within the South East Asia Jungle Track. Sali is the first tiger to experience this new habitat.

“Sali is quite sensitive in nature, but once comfortable she exudes this really warm presence, and is a real ‘chuffer’ – the vocalisation tigers do when they’re in a friendly and relaxed state,” said carnivore keeper Nick Parashshak.

Jetpets feel very privileged to have been able to assist in this special move, and we look forward to following Sali’s journey as she settles into her new environment at Auckland Zoo. For information on how you can visit Sali at Auckland Zoo, please visit their website:-  https://www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/

Feline sisters take to the sky with Jetpets!

Auckland Zoo has recently welcomed three four-year-old female lions who travelled from an Australian Zoo with Jetpets.

Twin sisters Aziza and Kibibi and half-sister Ilola made the journey to Auckland Zoo in September, as a part of the international zoo breeding and advocacy programme for this increasingly threatened African big cat.

Photo Credit: Auckland Zoo

While COVID-19 has halted international travel plans for many of us, the team at Jetpets worked closely with both zoos to ensure that this important animal transfer was made possible. Transporting exotic animals is a highly complex process, and many months of planning, obtaining permits and following strict Government processes were followed to ensure a safe and successful transfer of the trio.

Upon arrival into Auckland, the lionesses began their quarantine, a standard MPI and biosecurity requirement for all new exotic animal arrivals into New Zealand. They have now completed their quarantine and are enjoying their landscaped habitat at Auckland Zoos Africa Safari Track.

Auckland Zoo’s carnivore team leader, Lauren Booth, said she and her team are delighted to have welcomed the trio.

“Having three very clever young girls in Aziza, Kibibi and Ilola is both daunting and very exciting for us. We know they’ll have a lot to teach us, and we are really looking forward to getting to know each of them and their unique personalities,” said Lauren.

Photo Credit: Auckland Zoo

While Auckland remains in lockdown, Auckland Zoo is currently closed to visitors. In the meantime, you can keep updated on how Aziza, Kibibi and Ilola are settling in via their social channels.

You can also watch the video below for more information on their exciting journey.