Incredible Experiences: Max Becomes a Kiwi

Name: Catherine & Mark
Pet's Name: Max
From: New York City, New York, USA
To: Christchurch, New Zealand

My husband and I moved from New York City to Christchurch, New Zealand with our cat, Max, by way of 3-month stint in Bangor, Maine. New Zealand has strict rules on animals entering the country and require a pet relocation company to assist with the move. Max would live in St. Louis, MO with my mom for 3 months while he finished up relocation vet requirements.

I chose PetRelocation not only based on their customer feedback but also because of the amount of detail, care and attention I received when I made my first call to inquire. I felt that my cat would be treated not just humanely, but lovingly, from one phone conversation with Paul.

Max's care and travel planning was assigned to Brooke, who not only had to deal with my anxiety, but my mom's as well, as Max lived with her for 3 months after my husband and I relocated to New Zealand. Brooke was patient, attentive and available whenever we needed her (which was often).

There was no "easy" part to this move. I was anxious to have my cat back in my care, and when he was 6 hours into a 15 hour plane flight, there was no amount of nail-biting that made me feel better. Max of course missed his connecting flight, and my email immediately lit up with emails from Brooke updating me with all advances in his plans. She was even able to ensure that Max would not have to wait at the airport, but rather with an actual human in a quieter setting, which settled the butterflies in my stomach. Max finally arrived to the quarantine facility just a few hours later than expected.

Max is a lover. He would give us up in a heartbeat if someone else was offering a better chin rub or a few Greenies. In his world, everyone is his friend and the quarantine facility was no exception. The ladies at Canterbury Quarantine loved playing with him and thus he received great care (not to mention he was the only cat onsite at the time). When I went to pick him up he was eager to get out of his "prison" (he does not like to be confined, he's an explorer!) and on to the next adventure.

Now he enjoys watching the birds in our garden from our many windows and sleeping in the sunlight. He is no worse for the wear and still has all 9 cat lives (though I may have lost a few!). Moving is never easy and moving across the country with a fur baby is definitely tougher.

Without PetRelocation I think this process would have taken a great toll not only on Max, but an emotional one on me as well. I am grateful for their expertise, care, and love of animals, which helped reunite me and my husband with our beloved Max!

Thanks to Catherine and Mark for sharing their move story with us! Interested in cat travel to New Zealand (or pet travel in general)? Please contact us for a consultation.