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To-dos before you travel

When travelling with your pooch, you’ll need to take care of their pre-holiday checklist as well as your own. This includes making sure they’re up-to-date with their vaccinations and health checks, and have any documentation they may need for travel. If you’re unsure what to look for, then the Jetpets team can help you out.

Packing for your pup is another important preflight to-do. First up, you’ll want to stock up on their favourite treats and food to eat while they’re away from home. Bowls and toys are also important to bring along, as being in unfamiliar places can be stressful for dogs, and having home comforts can help to keep them calm.

Getting around

If you’re travelling New Zealand by car, then be aware of New Zealand’s laws regarding pets in vehicles. These are in place for their comfort and safety, as well as those of other road users, so sticking to them is paramount. When it comes to public transport, on the other hand, the rules can change depending on your location. In Auckland, for example, domesticated animals are allowed on public transport, but there may be some restrictions depending on the service.

Whatever the weather

Dogs can’t directly tell you when they’re too hot or too cold, so it’s up to you to be mindful of the inside and outside temperatures on their behalf.

While 25° might seem like a beautiful summer’s day to you, for your dog, it’s enough to burn their paws when they walk outside. During seasonal peaks and high heats while you travel, your dog will rely on you to keep them safe and comfortable. One way to do this is to make sure they have access to water and shade, but this can be tricky if you’re actively on the move. Cooling ice pads are perfect for use on the road, as they work by absorbing body heat without the need for refrigeration or freezing.

Winter getaways across the Land of the Long White Cloud can get pretty chilly, and even with fur to keep them somewhat warm, your travel pal will likely need more help. Having blankets to hand is a quick fix to this when you’re travelling, particularly during the colder months when temperatures below 7° can pose a threat to some breeds.

Whether you’re at home, on a  holiday or have made the big move to NZ, following pet etiquette is a must!  Here are some interesting facts you may not know.

Leash laws

New Zealand has strict laws and regulations that dog owners must follow, and councils around the country also implement their own additional rules. For your dog’s safety, it’s crucial that you familiarise yourself with the guidelines of each location you visit, as these can vary from place to place. At a minimum, you should keep your dog leashed, or be carrying the leash with you at all times. Remember that abiding by these regulations is necessary to protect yourself and other animals, as well as being crucial for the local environment and wildlife.

Cleaning up

From Auckland to Wellington, Hutt, and around the country, picking up poo is the responsibility of the dog owner. If you fail to clean up after your pup, you can face fines of hundreds of dollars, so don’t leave your holiday accommodation without dog waste bags!

Are you getting ready to set off on an adventure across Aotearoa (New Zealand) with your furry friend in tow? Travelling New Zealand with your dog can be an amazing experience, just as long as you know the ins and outs of pet-friendly travel! From coastal road trips to countryside escapes, we’ve got the ultimate guide to make you and your pet’s holiday a walk in the park.

Here, we’ll share our top dog-friendly destinations across New Zealand’s North and South Islands.

The Ultimate Travel Companion

Owning a dog comes with a range of proven health benefits, and when you travel with your pooch, you’ll likely uncover even more.

As well as being a built-in bff, your dog will also provide you with some good motivation to get out and about, particularly during New Zealand’s cold or rainy spells. On average, dog owners exercise more than non-dog owners, and your pal needs fresh air and a run around come rain or shine, encouraging you to get outdoors, too. Taking a trip to a local dog park on your travels also creates a great opportunity for you to strike up conversation with the locals, so it’s a win-win for you and your pooch.

Dog-Friendly Destinations in New Zealand

New Zealand’s 13 national parks are off limits to dogs, as are nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries, and owners can face large fines for breaking these rules as part of the Dog Control Act. If you check out the Department of Conservation website, though, you’ll find plenty of places where you can set up camp with your furry friend.

As for spots where your dog is more than welcome, here are a few of our top picks around the country!

North Island

Auckland

Cornwall park has off-leash areas that span far and wide, giving your dog plenty of space to run around just 15 minutes by car from the CDB. A stone’s throw from the city, this spot is immersed in nature, and even offers sheep-spotting experiences (which your dog must be leashed for!)

If the coast is more your style, then head over to Mission Bay. Here, your pup can frolic off-leash before 10am and after 5pm while you sit back and relax at a waterfront cafe or stroll the scenic walkway.

Waiheke Island

For a true island getaway, hop on the ferry to Waiheke Island. Your dog can make the crossing for free, and once you arrive, can enjoy all the perks of island life! This dog-friendly utopia has plenty for everyone to enjoy, from restaurants, cafes, and accommodation to winery tours that welcome your pal along for the experience.

Rotorua

With hiking, camping, and kayaking opportunities, Rotorua is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. The small city is widely dog-friendly, so you’ll be sure to find experiences you can take your pooch along to. If you’re visiting during the transitional months, be sure to make some time for a visit to Centennial Park which is ripe with cherry blossoms in spring and dressed in fall colours throughout autumn.

South Island

Christchurch

Jump into the off-leash paradise that is Bottle Lake Forest, with more than 1,000 hectares of open space. This spot has well-marked trails for you to explore and mountain bike through, so you can embrace that kiwi sense of adventure!

Lake Wanaka

With waterfront views, rolling mountains, and open space as far as the eye can see, Wanaka is a sight to behold for anyone who finds peace and joy in nature. While your furry friend may not have the same appreciation for the scenery, there’s no doubt they’ll revel in the opportunity to run free. To pump a sweat, head 24 metres up the Mount Iron Track and take in the view from the top.

Dunedin

Situated on the south-east coast of South Island New Zealand, Dunedin is a university town with a lot to offer. For dog owners specifically, there are safe swimming beaches and off-leash areas that welcome pets, as well as a local dog community if you feel like making friends.

Planning Your Trip

For international pet travel or domestic pet transportation, Jetpets is your go-to hub of information and services. When it comes to travelling this breathtaking country with your furry friend, we’re here to help, so contact us to start planning the trip of a lifetime!

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.