What is the process to relocate from Canada to New Zealand with a dog?

Question

I am considering working in New Zealand for a few years and wouldn't dream of doing so without my Weimaraner. Does anyone know how difficult it is to bring a dog with you abroad? Any idea how long the quarantine is when the dog is from Canada going to New Zealand? Can you visit with the dog during their stay in quarantine? Any info would be a big help. Thanks!

Answer 1

New Zealand prides itself on its rabies-free status, much like Great Britain and Sweden. Therefore, animals from these two countries can be brought in after a period of home quarantine of a few weeks, provided certain veterinary certificates have been compiled. I brought my cats straight in from Britain to New Zealand under that programme. Dogs would be the same, but I am not sure if Canada has rabies-free status.

The best place to check is your local vet. He or she will be up to date on international requirements for animals, which have a habit of changing every now and then anyway.

My thoughts are that you will certainly be able to bring your dog, but that you would do well to start your footwork well in advance (half a year or so before departure), beginning with a call at your vet.