Announcing Jetpets NZ Brand New Transit Lounge

Exciting News: We’re Moving to Better Serve You and Your Pets!

We’re thrilled to announce that we are relocating to a new office space designed with both you and your beloved pets in mind. Our move is part of our commitment to enhancing the quality of service we provide and ensuring a more comfortable experience for all our clients and their furry friends.

Here’s what you can expect from our new location:

  • Pet-Friendly Facilities: Our new office is equipped with dedicated pet areas to make visits smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your pets.
  • Enhanced Accessibility: With improved parking and easier access, your trips to see us will be more convenient, reducing stress for you and your animal companions.
  • Comfortable Waiting Areas: Our redesigned waiting areas include comfortable seating and calming environments to keep your pets relaxed and at ease.

Our New Zealand Manager, Stephanie Tawhai is proud of the new facility.

“Jetpets New Zealand are delighted to expand our Transit Lounge facilities as we continue to grow and cater for our client’s needs. We love the extra space we now have for furbabies to relax, have a walk and some playtime before their travel. We are committed to ensuring animal welfare is at the very heart and centre of what we do and this is the reason we continue to evolve and upgrade our facilities”.

Thank you for your continued support and for trusting us with the care of your pets!

Jetpets NZ Office:

Unit A 80 Richard Pearse Drive, Mangere, Auckland 2022

 

Click ‘View Larger Map’ for directions

 

Helping Furbabies In Need

In working to assist those pets in need our Australian Jetpets team have been working behind the scenes partnering with PetRescue whose mission is to rescue pets, who may otherwise go unnoticed, with their new families. Below is Zues, the American Staffy who was adopted after 13 months in an animal shelter. Zeus was found at the age of 6 months old and lost contact with his original owner and our Jetpets team in Australia have arranged his transport from Sydney to Adelaide for his new life with his new parents to give Zeus a new chance of life.

 

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.

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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:-

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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

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.

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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.

 

Jetpets becomes a Regulated Air Cargo Agent (RACA)

Jetpets is proud to announce that we are the only pet transport company in New Zealand to become a Regulated Air Cargo Agent (RACA).

The Regulated Air Cargo Agent scheme is for businesses that handle or make arrangements to transport air cargo. The scheme is in place to ensure efficient, safe and secure air cargo management. As we handle the most precious of cargo (our furry family members), applying to become a RACA was a must for our team.

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The application process included training, a facility site inspection and an examination, all to ensure that we are setting the highest standards when it comes to examining and clearing our air cargo (pets) in the safest possible manner.

“Becoming a Regulated Air Cargo Agent is a fantastic achievement for Jetpets, and it solidifies our confidence that we are leading the way when it comes to ensuring we follow best practice to ensure animal safety throughout travel,” said Belinda Gallpen, General Manager, Jetpets.

“There is 109 air cargo agents that have been certified on the RACA list in New Zealand, and to be the first pet transport company on the list makes me extremely proud of our team,” Belinda continued.

 

How do anxious pets cope with travelling on a plane?

There is no doubt that Covid-19 has impacted everyone, our furry friends included. Our pets may have loved having us at home during lockdowns, however as we start to return to our places of work, separation anxiety in pets is on the rise.

So you may be wondering, if your pet can barely cope with you leaving the house, how will they be able to handle a plane trip ? The truth is, it will be a new experience for them, but they will be OK. And we have some tips to help prepare them for their trip.

Tips for Dogs travelling on planes  

  1. Crate train prior to travel so they are familiar with a crate environment. Associate their crate with positive things such as play and treats
  2. Exercise – ensure they have an opportunity to go on big walk before hopping into their crate
  3. Familiar Scent – pop an old piece of your clothing into their crate (please note this may be removed and discarded).
  4. Stay calm and relaxed – our pets feed off our emotions
  5. Place an Adaptil Collar on your dog prior to travel. Adaptil Collars release pheromones to help relieve stress

Tips for Cats travelling on planes  

  1. Crate train your cat, let them explore a crate environment prior to travel
  2. Consider our PP60C crate with inbuilt kitty litter – cats are clean creatures and feel more at ease when they have somewhere to do their business
  3. On the morning of travel, ensure your cat is kept in an enclosed area where it easy for you to retrieve them. Nothing worse than chasing around a stressed cat!
  4. Familiar Scent – pop an old piece of your clothing into their crate (please note this may be removed and discarded).
  5. Stay calm and relaxed – our pets feed off our emotions
  6. Spray Feliway Spray in their crate – this is a pheromone helps to keep cats calm and relieves stress and anxiety

When you speak with our Pet Travel Consultants to book your pets travel, they will ask about the temperament of your pet. Please let us know if your pet is particularly anxious, so our gentle and experienced Pet Handlers know how to best handle your loved one (the more cuddles the better we say!). Call us on 0800 311 742 to discuss your pet relocation requirements.

11 Best Dog-Friendly Cafes in Wellington, New Zealand

There’s nothing better than heading to a dog-friendly cafe on the weekend for a hot date with your favourite woofer. Rather than tieing them up outside while you rush in and out with your order, these Wellington cafes welcome humans to bring their furry friends along for the day.

Discover these pet-friendly cafes in and around Wellington

Beach Babylon

Google  rating to date: 4.3/5

Address: Ground Floor/232 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay, Wellington 6011

Providing beds and water bowls for four-legged friends, Beach Babylon is a cult beachside favourite amongst pawrents. To top it off, they even have a dedicated “K9 Menu” complete with delicious pup-friendly food and doggy drinks – you won’t need to deal with your doggo’s woeful eyes while you’re selfishly scoffing down your human meal. Facing the gorgeous harbour, humans can tuck into brunch, lunch and dinner, whatever you fancy.

Prefab Eatery

Google  rating to date: 4.6/5

Address: 14 Jessie Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

prefab dog friendly cafe wellington

Image: @ardiesavea

The flagship cafe for ACME & Co’s daily house-roasted coffee, Prefab Eatery is a 180 seater inner-city cafe is a great date spot for you and your furry BFF. As long as your pup is well-behaved, they’ll be allowed inside and outside as long as you follow a few reasonable rules. With fresh bread baked daily and a focus on seasonal produce, their menu is full of delightful goodness, from Mediterranean Scrambled Eggs to Seafood and Bacon Chowder.

Cafe Polo

Google  rating to date: 4.6/5

Address: 84 Rotherham Terrace, Miramar, Wellington 6022

cafe polo wellington pet friendly

Image: @cafepolo

With outdoor seating for your paw pal, this unassuming cafe serves up a ripper menu with great food, wine and smiles all around. Sourcing the best local produce including additive-free products, free range meat and eggs and organic fair trade coffee, they have their very own in-house, four-legged taste tester that responds to the name “Ralph”.

The Botanist

Google  rating to date: 4.4/5

Address: 219 Onepu Road, Lyall Bay, Wellington 6022

the botanist pet friendly cafe wellington

Image: @rocky.on.the.rocks

Bringing you the very best in organic vegetarian and vegan fare with stunning views of the sea, The Botanist is a dog-friendly cafe on the south coast of Wellington. Located right across from the biggest dog beach in Wellington, you and your pup can choose from sitting in the fenced area out back or out the front. They also provide dog beds so your furbaby can wait for you to accidentally drop some morsels from a comfortable vantage point.

Lola Stays

Google  rating to date: 4.4/5

Address: 106 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay, Wellington 6011

One of the few dog-friendly cafes that allow well-behaved four-legged guests inside (not just outside), this relaxed seaside hangout is brought to you by a team of doggo enthusiasts. While you chow down on your smashed avo and Havana coffee, your furbaby can enjoy organic, homemade biscuits from the counter – it’s a win-win!

Customs by Coffee Supreme

Google  rating to date: 4.6/5

Address: 39 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

customs coffee wellington nz

Image: @shannonharris0n

Passionate about specialty coffee sourced from all over the word, Customs is at the heart of the Wellington coffee scene. Located on the trendy Ghuznee Street with their dog-friendly seating out front, this cosy cafe also offers a menu of toast with seasonal toppings and delicious donuts on the weekends.

The Bresolin

Google  rating to date: 4.5/5

Address: 278 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

the bresolin wellington dog friendly cafe

Image: @thebresolin

Born from a love of all things delicious and awesome, The Bresolin dishes up flavourful food alongside eclectic drinks, seven days a week. From buttermilk fried chicken share plates to the mouth-watering slow roast pork knuckle, there’s something for every appetite. And according to their Facebook page, they LOVE dogs and welcome all furry friends to join their humans in their dog-friendly courtyard.

Chocolate Fish Cafe

Google  rating to date: 4.5/5

Address: 100 Shelly Bay Road, Maupuia, Wellington 6022

chocolate fish cafe wellington nz

Image: @j_dog_the_stalker

With plenty of outdoor seating and water bowls for furry friends, the Chocolate Fish Cafe offers an extensive menu for humans from breakfast options to flash sammies, salads, burgers, bagels and more! A venue with a laidback Kiwiana vibe, this cafe is open seven days a week for you and your fluffy BFF to enjoy hearty food with good views of Shelly Bay.

Scorch-O-Rama

Google  rating to date: 4.5/5

Address: 497 Karaka Bay Road, Karaka Bays, Wellington 6022

scorch o rama pet friendly wellington

Image: @amcsviatko

Located right across Wellington’s Scorching Bay Beach, Scorch-O-Rama is beachy cafe that dishes tasty brunch classics alongside vintage-styled shakes for a blast from the past. Littered with nostalgia and nerdery, their menu reflects their casual vibe with names like “Beercan Benny” and “Scorch No Harma LLama Meat’s Wrong G”. With dog-friendly outdoor seating, you can enjoy your meal with Fido right by the sea, no questions asked.

Cafe Thyme

Google  rating to date: 4.4/5

Address: 238 Middleton Road, Glenside, Wellington 6037

cafe thyme wellington pet friendly

Image: @harlequinpug

Famed for having the best eggs benedict in Wellington, Cafe Thyme is a renovated 1950s villa with a giant courtyard for furry friends to accompany their pawrents. Tucked next door to the local garden centre Twigland Gardener’s world with plenty of parking spaces, enjoy the standard breakfast fare amongst a beautiful herb garden and flowers.

The Larder

Google  rating to date: 4.8/5

Address: 133 Darlington Road, Miramar, Wellington 6022

the larder wellington nz

Image: @richiemcpaw

A casual suburban eatery that serves up a menu of innovative dishes sourced locally and directly from their close network of growers and suppliers, The Larder has a philosophy of ‘nose to tail eating’. Perfect for those with an adventurous palate (note: the delicious gremolata crumbed lambs’ brain), bring your furry friend along  to their dog-friendly outdoor area and enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at The Larder.