So you are thinking of going on an adventure in and around New Zealand at one of the local, top-notch locations in the country? Perhaps you are even going further afield and jetting off to an overseas holiday? Either way, the thought of leaving your dog at home can be a daunting one, especially since they not only miss you but also miss out on the fun with the family. Whether it’s a beach holiday or a winter escape, chances are you want your dog to be front and centre, joining in on the adventures too. This dream seems wonderful and extremely enticing; however, you then factor in the unknowns. All the logistics come into the equation, and getting your canine friend over with you seems like no easy feat. No worries, though there are some logistics to unpack, and with some attention to planning, you can have these administrative tasks all covered by pet transport providers such as Airport Pets. Airport Pets is there to help throughout the process.
Planning is key with dog travel
New Zealand has strict biosecurity laws, and pets are no exception. If you are flying overseas, your dog must meet the export requirements set by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). In addition, the destination country will have its own import regulations that must be met. Each country has different regulations. For example, bringing a dog to Australia involves different vaccination, microchipping, and quarantine requirements than travelling to the United Kingdom. In most cases, if you start planning earlier, you will have a more straightforward and smoother experience. Airport Pets makes this easier for you as an owner, as they can help facilitate these documents and timelines, allowing for deadlines to be locked in far in advance before your trip. Using an experienced provider can make the process more streamlined and reduce common stress points.
Select the Airline
Flying with a dog can be involved, so when it comes to your dog, make sure you select an airline with them in mind. When flying with Air New Zealand, dogs typically travel as manifest cargo and receive dedicated check-in procedures. It’s also a big plus for you and your travels, as Airport Pets can also, at times, line up your flight with your dog’s flight. In some cases, too, you might even be on the same flight. With complex airline policies, navigating your dog’s departure and arrival can be a challenge, but with a certified provider taking away lots of the administrative aspects, you will have more time to plan your trip and adventures.
Your dog’s home-away-from-home matters
With Airport Pets, they can supply or recommend a crate that will be approved and work for your dog’s comfort. Airlines follow guidelines set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regarding crate sizing, ventilation, water access, and security. Ensuring the crate meets airline standards is essential, and many owners choose to seek professional guidance for extra peace of mind.
Be on top of it with your vet visits
When it comes to your dog’s journey overseas, booking your dog’s vet check ahead of time is as important as ever. Depending on where you travel to, your dog will need various requirements from this list:
- Core vaccinations
- ISO-compliant microchipping
- Rabies vaccination (for countries where required)
- Proof of parasite treatments
- An official health certificate endorsed by MPI
Follow these tips for flying with a dog, and you’ll be on your way to meeting all regulations. Check in with Airport Pets as to what is needed from the country that you are visiting.
Potential Quarantines
Domestic travel within New Zealand does not typically require quarantine. However, depending on the country you land in, there may be some pet compliance that needs to happen in order for the trip to run smoothly. Airport Pets can book quarantine in the country and oversee logistics, planning all things pet travel. Having a provider on board can help reduce stress as the behind-the-scenes practical measures are met, giving you more time to plan your holiday.
Get your dog flight-ready – before the big day
The most important thing for your dog and your peace of mind is that they are relaxed and ready for their adventures ahead. In order to make the experience as seamless as possible, keep their exercise constant and maintain a sense of routine for normalcy. It’s also a good idea to practise some calm separation from you, too. Another top dog in cabin tip is to familiarise them with the crate at least 1 week before the big flight. Crate training in advance can help your dog feel more secure during transport.
Support upon Arrival
It’s all very well to have a successful flight with all things going by the book. However, on top of this, the arrival ritual of your dog also matters. On new soil, think about ways to establish their new home-away-from-home routine and create some new routines too. It’s a good tip to bring toys or a blanket that they can recognise, anchoring them in their new temporary environment. This helps them settle into the swing of the new lifestyle in holiday mode, through the positive association of their favourite blanket or toy.
Airport Pets
It is recommended that if you are considering flying your pet companion over with you, you plan within 3-6 months in advance. This does depend on what’s required from each separate country and their regulations. Get your paperwork and prep all sorted ahead of time, so your trip can be as stress-free as possible. Depending on the country you are travelling to, your dog may need extra vaccinations, checks or certificates. Best to know this ahead of time and be clued up by your chosen provider.
Airport Pets helps with all things logistics as well as care. Paperwork is sorted, pet bookings of flights, MPI veterinary inspection and exporter declaration forms. You even have the option of transport to and from the Auckland Airport, making your flight much more straightforward. Contact Airport Pets to discuss your dog’s travel requirements and begin planning ahead for your next holiday.