Traveling with Pets to Canada from New Zealand
Traveling With Pets: Moving from New Zealand to Canada
Hi PetRelocation,
Can you please tell me in regards to cats and dogs (we have one of each):
1. What are the quarantine laws from NZ to Canada (Toronto)?
2. Other than quarantine, what else should we be aware of relocating our pets from NZ to Canada?
3. Is there a reputable company in NZ to handle the relocation of our pets?
4. What are the best airlines to go with?
5. Can you travel with your pets?
6. How long after you've relocated them to Canada before we could bring them back again, and what would be the quarantine to bring them back to New Zealand?
Hi Sam,
Thank you for your inquiry! We're happy to answer your questions.
1. What are the quarantine laws from NZ to Canada (Toronto)?
Good news! There is no quarantine when coming into Canada from New Zealand. New Zealand is rabies-free, which is why they have such stringent quarantine requirements. Canada is not rabies-free so there is no quarantine at all.
2. Other than quarantine, what else should we be aware of relocating our pets from New Zealand to Canada?
It helps to know that the Canadian government is very concerned about pets entering Canada for breeding purposes. If either of your pets are not neutered/spayed, customs will be very difficult (but not impossible) and you will likely have to pay additional VAT fees. You should get your pets up to date on all annual vaccinations (including rabies shots) and we highly recommend having them microchipped. For export from NZ, you will also need an animal welfare permit. More information is available on the government website, or a pet transportation company like ours can do this on your behalf.
3. Is there a reputable company in NZ to handle the relocation of our pets?
Yes -- PetRelocation! It is wise to seek a professional to oversee your pets' relocation, especially when dealing with Canadian customs, which can be rather tricky.
4. What are the best airlines to go with?
We use Qantas for most of our NZ/OZ pet relocations, due to their esteemed cargo programs for pets.
5. Can you travel with your pets?
You can travel with your pets, however sometimes the routing a human might take is not the ideal routing for a pet (the airplanes aren't the right sizes, the cabin isn't pressurized, etc.). We would need to know more specifics on your pets, especially your dogs, in order to get a better idea of whether it would be possible.
It can sometimes also be a stressful event to try to travel with your pets and your family. Some people find it easier to place the pets in the responsible hands of a pet relocation company like ours and have us take care of everything.
6. How long after you've relocated them to Canada before we could bring them back again, and what would be the quarantine to bring them back to New Zealand?
There is a minimum 180 day quarantine for pets going into New Zealand from countries that are not free of rabies, and at least 30 of those days must be spent in quarantine in NZ (the other 150 days can be done in the country of export). This is a very detailed process, and I recommend you visit the government site regarding import requirements in order to get a good idea of what is required.
Please feel free to contact us if you'd like some help or if you have any more questions. Happy travels!