As of 28th of June 2011, all cats and dogs entering New Zealand will have to undergo ten days of quarantine on arrival.  This is a massive change from the previous requirements that involved a large amount of testing prior to export but meant that the pet was free to go once they arrived in New Zealand, and the change has come as quite a shock to pet shippers and owners alike.

In a nutshell life is easier for cat owners in as much as that there are no more nasty faecal tests in the run up to export- in fact there are only tick and tapeworm treatments (twice, at least 14 days apart, with the first no more than 30 days prior to export and the second no less than 2 days prior) and the vaccinations that are required for entry into the quarantine station.

For dog owners there are still a number of blood tests that will need to be done within the 30 days prior to export, along with tick and tapeworm treatments with the same regime as for cats.  Once again the faecal tests have been eliminated.  Vaccinations need to be up to date for the quarantine kennels.

Along with the Export Permit from Animal Health in the UK, pets now require an import permit (basically a mirror of the export permit) to enter New Zealand.

This really is a case of good news/ bad news all the way along the line- whilst money will be saved as a result of there being fewer tests, there will be the extra outlay for the import permit, vet fees on arrival and ultimately the stay in quarantine (on top of the cost of the flight for the animal).

Pets will are required to stay at one of the country’s 5 licensed quarantine stations on arrival, located in Auckland (3 companies, one of which is cats only) or Christchurch or Wellington (one company each city, both requiring transit via Auckland).  Costs for quarantine vary depending on location and number of pets, as well as if they are able to share.  The quarantine stations come with good qualifications, having previously been in use for pets from other countries, and will be able to arrange onward travel to anywhere outside the big 3 cities.

Whilst most pet owners are likely to be upset at the prospect of being separated from their furry friends for any duration, it’s important to note that they will be in good care and it may prove a useful tool in the emigration process.  A 10 day pet-free period can be put to good use at either or both ends of the move.  Packing and unpacking is a lot easier without stressed pets either jumping in and out of boxes or fretting at the sight of suitcases.  Similarly at the other end unpacking is easier without a pet picking up on the stress while you look for the kettle/sun cream/TV remote.  This is could be pet food for thought in the moving process and a possible sweetener for the unfortunate stay in quarantine.

Visiting in quarantine is up to you: on one hand it depends on your pet’s personality- if they suffer from separation anxiety then it might not be a good idea to visit and make them think they are leaving every time they see you.  On the other hand if you as an owner suffer from separation anxiety then it might reassure you if you can visit them in quarantine to ease your mind about their stay.  This would be a good time to give them any home comforts such as a blanket, since any blankets travelling with the pets will be destroyed on arrival- at a cost.

Professional pet shippers are always a good base of knowledge and can talk you through the process, discussing the timetable prior to export and when to go to the vet.  It’s also recommended to chat to your vet about the trip- a quick exam can allay any fears regarding the pet’s flight and a chat to see if the vet has done it before is always reassuring.

Despite a recent review around the proposed changes, they look like they are here to stay, so think ahead, get up to date on the requirements and book well in advance with the quarantine, then there should be no worries for your four-legged friend’s trip to the land of the long white cloud!

20 August 2011: Edited to add the following:
In addition to the requirements listed above, there has been a change due to come into force in January 2012.  Likely to be in relation to the changes in the Pet Travel Scheme in the UK, the new requirements include stipulations regarding rabies vaccinations and rabies blood tests.

In the case of pets that have not been vaccinated before the pet must be vaccinated against rabies no less than six months and no more than one year prior to export.

In the case of pets that do have a vaccination against rabies the pet must be vaccinated not more than one year prior to the date of shipment, with evidence of the previous vaccination.

In terms of the blood test, the blood test must be conducted on a sample taken not less than 3 months and not more than 24 months prior to shipment.  Rabies vaccinations must be kept up to date during the period after testing.  In whichever case, the test result must be at lease 0.5 IU/ml.

Obviously these changes not only add to the costs of shipping your pet to New Zealand, but also they change the logistics of the move.  It’s always good to have a chat to your vet and to a pet shipper to double check the requirements and make sure you think about your pet’s move well in advance of your own.  If you’re not sure when you’re going to go you could always arrange the vaccination and blood test soon and then you’d be in a good position to go when it suits you, rather than be held up nearer the time.”

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