Relocating overseas is an exciting new chapter – but when pets are involved, there’s naturally a lot more to consider, and an added stress that pet owners experience on top of an already stressful time while navigating towards their new life. From vaccinations and travel documentation through to airline requirements and travel planning, international pet travel can feel overwhelming without the right support.
At Jetpets, we understand that pets are family. That’s why our experienced team works closely with pet owners to make international pet transport from New Zealand as safe, smooth and stress-free as possible.
Whether you’re organising pet relocation to Australia, the UK, Europe or another international destination, here’s what you need to know before your pet travels overseas.
Planning for International Pet Relocation
When it comes to international pet transport, preparation is paramount to ensuring pet transportation runs smoothly for your journey overseas.
Every country has different import regulations and pet travel requirements. Depending on your destination, your pet may require specific vaccinations, health check certifications, import permits or government-approved documentation before departure.
Some international pet relocation journeys can be organised relatively quickly, while others may require several months of preparation. Starting the process early helps ensure everything is completed within the required timeframes and allows plenty of time to plan your pet’s journey carefully.
At Jetpets, our Pet Travel Consultants guide pet owners through every step of the process – from initial planning and travel advice through to flight coordination and arrival requirements.
International Pet Travel Health & Vaccination Requirements
The health and wellbeing of pets is always our number one priority with pet transport here at Jetpets.
Most international destinations require pets to be microchipped and up to date with necessary vaccinations before travel. Depending on where your pet is relocating, additional veterinary treatments, may also be required.
For international dog transport and international cat transport, veterinary oversight is an important part of ensuring pets are fit and ready for travel when departing from New Zealand.
Jetpets works closely with trusted in-house Veterinarians and our international partner networks to help make the process easier for pet owners navigating complex international pet travel requirements. Our role is to ensure that you are fully across every step of the international pet travel process when booking our services.
Crate Training & Airline-Approved Pet Travel Crates
An airline-approved crate becomes your pet’s safe space throughout their journey.
For international pet transport from New Zealand, airlines require pets to travel in secure crates that meet strict international airline regulations. The crate must provide enough room for pets to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably during their travel.
Allowing your pet to become familiar with their crate in the months leading up to travel can help them feel more comfortable and secure during their overseas journey.
We help pet owners who are moving across international borders select the correct travel crate size and ensure all arrangements meet airline compliance standards for international pet travel.
Welfare Considerations During Pet Travel
Here at Jetpets, the wellbeing of the pets we look after sits at the centre of everything we do. Our mantra of Happy Pets, Happy Customers and Happy People are ingrained into our processes for international pet travel.
International pet relocation involves detailed planning to help ensure pets travel safely and comfortably throughout their journey. This includes carefully coordinating flight schedules, transit arrangements, airline handling procedures and temperature considerations.
Our experienced pet travel specialists work alongside airline and handling teams to support pets throughout each stage of their travels.
As part of our CEIV Live Animal Certification, Jetpets follows handling standards across the pet transport journey, providing additional reassurance for pet owners travelling internationally with their pets. Jetpets New Zealand are the only Pet Travel company in New Zealand to achieve this internationally recognised achievement and highlights Jetpets’ unwavering commitment to animal welfare, industry-leading processes, and the highest standards of pet transportation.
For senior pets, anxious travellers or pets with medical conditions, additional veterinary guidance is recommended before travel to determine whether extra precautions should be taken to ensure these fur babies are safe and eligible for international travel.
Will My Pet Require Quarantine?
Quarantine requirements vary depending on the country your pet is travelling to. Because international pet travel regulations can change over time, it’s important to confirm current requirements well in advance of your pet’s departure date.
Some countries require quarantine for pets arriving from overseas, while others may not. The exact requirements depend on the destination country and whether all import and veterinary conditions have been completed correctly.
For pets travelling from New Zealand to Australia, the good news is that no quarantine period is required, provided all vaccinations are up to date and the required documentation has been completed correctly. Upon arrival, a biosecurity officer will inspect your cat or dog and verify that all information matches the import documentation. If everything is in order, your pet will be released from biosecurity control. Should any discrepancies arise, additional documentation may be requested before release.
How Long Does International Pet Transport from New Zealand Take?
Every international pet relocation journey is different.
Pet relocation to Australia is often faster due to the close proximity to New Zealand and more streamlined entry requirements. However, international pet transport to destinations such as the UK or Europe may require additional preparation time for testing, approvals and travel documentation.
In many cases, preparing for overseas pet travel can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months depending on the destination so it is important to start your research and any possible preparation as soon as you know you are on the move!
Trusted International Pet Travel Support with Jetpets
Relocating overseas with pets can feel like a complex process – but you don’t ever have to navigate it alone!
As trusted pet travel specialists across Australia and New Zealand, and the only CEIV Accredited pet transport company in Australia and New Zealand, we’re committed to providing safe, reliable and welfare led pet transport services for every transport journey – because we know they aren’t just pets, they are family.
