[nickbraddock]

Hi,
has anyone moved their cat/s to NZ from the UK?? If so, can you give me any advice as to how to go about it all, what jabs/forms etc I need to get/submit, also, how do I get them to NZ, are they quarantined (bad spelling) for a while?? Or are they just sent on the same plane as us??
Basically, anyone that can assist me with a start to finish story would be appreciated.
Thanks
Nick

[veronica]

we moved the dogs through an agency because we felt that it was a bit too challenging a responsibility ourselves, but if you want to sort the cats out yourself you can find a lot of info on the web (MAF) and your vet should also be able to find out what is needed. It is worth your while double checking everything yourself that the vet does as it only needs the tests done a couple of days out and you can't take them.

[Dave & Sandra]

Hi Nick

I used Golden Arrow shippers in Shropshire Tel 01588 680240. They charged me £832 for my cat, but that includes costs of absolutely everything, including flight.

It is a complicated process so I personally think it is best to use a company who know what they're doing. The timing of taking faecal samples has to be just right and you send the samples to the lab in envelopes that Golden Arrow provide. Your vet can do everything to do with necessary jabs and tests but you also have to have a permit from MAF to Import Live Animals. Golden Arrow also make the box that the pet travels in. There are other companies that people have used on this forum so I would do a search and get quotes from other companies. I was really happy with Golden Arrow. My cat flew with Air New Zealand via LAX, apparently they are cheaper than BA, two days before I flew out with Singapore. So he went round the world one way and I went the other :laugh

He didn't have to go into quarantine but you are told to keep them in for 30 days. Moxie was going crazy being kept in so I called MAF to ask if an inspector would call to make sure he was OK before we let him out, but the girl laughed and said it was OK to let him out, they just needed to know where he is. I could have let him out from day 1 and it would have been OK.

Also, you have to make sure that your cat is chipped. The chip number is entered on the official documents for MAF.
Sandra

[nickbraddock]

Thanks for the info, I will get in touch with them. We have had our cats chipped and their vaccines updated, our vet was not exactly sure what to do so we are waiting for some further info from MAF.
Thanks again
Nick

[lollypop]

Hi

I'm in the same predicament - I've no idea where to start with this cat thing. Where did you start? By asking the vet or approaching MAF. I keep reading that you need to sort animal exportation out early - help!

[daventi]

Hi Nickbraddock.We are taking our 2 dogs and its nearly the same procedure for cats.You will need an export certificate(available from DEFRA)They have a web site.youll also need an import permit (available from MAF import management PO box 2526 Wellington).Your vet will have to fill out a form and obtain blood and stool samples 2 weeks before departure.If you are using an agency you will still have to sort your own vets etc. out,but it will be easier to sort your air travel out with an agent in tow.We found airlines unwilling to help without an agent.Hope this will help. Bev :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso

[Dave & Sandra]

Golden Arrow sorted everything for me. They got the import permit and dealt with all paperwork. They do all the vet side of things as well. The only thing I had to do was collect the two faecal samples, and post them in pre-stamped, pre-adressed envelopes - which was the hardest part as the cat kept escaping - and deliver him to Golden Arrow, but they will pick up if necessary. They are in Staffordshire and I'm not sure if they just deal with the NW. They built the box he travelled in and arranged the flights. They also have a contact in NZ in case there are any problems.

I wouldn't have dreamt of doing it all myself with all the other hassle of moving to the other side of the world going on at the same time. :no

There are a couple of animal exporters near Heathrow as well. Just look in the yellow pages or search on-line.

[Juniper]

Hi Nick
He didn't have to go into quarantine but you are told to keep them in for 30 days. Moxie was going crazy being kept in so I called MAF to ask if an inspector would call to make sure he was OK before we let him out, but the girl laughed and said it was OK to let him out, they just needed to know where he is. I could have let him out from day 1 and it would have been OK.


REALLY that's great...i think it might have to do with england being a rabies-free island tho? is that true? we might not have the same luck coming from california i bet... :? you have given me hope however... my poor babies stuck in auckland for a month? :no

[Tanya]

We used Golden Arrow for our cat too - charged £950(roughly) but that included them collecting her from our house and boarding her in their cattery for 3 weeks while we got settled here and them doing her samples (didn'trfancy that job myself!)

They were great and 1 happy(ish) but tired moggy turned up at Air NZ cargo as had been arranged.

No problems from them at all - nothing was too much trouble(even when I phoned a couple of times to check she was okay(kids wanted to know :laugh ) and even a neighbour in the UK phoned them after we went to check up on her.

Can highly recommend them!

Tanya

[lollypop]

Golden Arrow sound like the one to go for. I'll give them a ring - cheers.

Lollypop

[captainxmas]

I know it's a daft question, but would they let our 2 girls go in the same box?

Our littlest (Tiger) gets anxious in a basket on the motorway for 2 hours, maybe if she could have some company... :?

[Juniper]

even if your cats get along great, i think you should give serious thought against the idea of shipping them together. cats can get really stressed out in unfamiliar situations, and could tear each other to shreds over such a long trip...i think it's called redirected agression when they attack creatures they are normally friends with due to anxiety. it's fine for a trip to the vet maybe, but that's a really long haul, especially if there's any mix-ups along the way.

[captainxmas]

Point taken Juniper, I guess the best way is to send them out later and be the friendly face at the airport.

:cheers

[captainxmas]

This is interesting and I will have to look into it, I have had a chat about shipping the girls via various agencies and he let on that cats can go as EXCESS BAGGAGE!

Correct me if I'm wrong but this could save an awful lot of pennies, so I am tempted to organise the paperwork and testing myself and then let my folks bring them out later.

He also gave me the dimensions for boxes:

Cats under 5kg 18"long, 12"wide, 14"high
Cats over 5kg 20"long, 12"wide, 16"high

We will let you know... :cheers

[Dave & Sandra]

Captain

Just be very careful - maybe they were pushing their service, but Golden Arrow told me that if the paperwork and timing of the tests etc. is not spot on then the animals can be returned to their point of origin, which could mean that they might be destroyed when they are returned. There is a time limit as to when the tests, de-fleaing, worming are done and the pet is exported.

I don't mean to be a doomsayer, but I thought you should be aware of any potential problems.

[Going2NZ]

Lots of great advice on shipping pets - things I never would have thought of and will add to my list. Thanks for everyone who has contributed. My biggest worry for this move is that my "fur kids" end up alright on the other side.

Has anyone used a service to ship pets from the US? I haven't found anyone yet who provides this.

Susan

[catjlin]

Susan,
From the US we are using International pet transport, Inc to move our two big dogs. So far we are very happy with their services, the coordinate everything with your vet and the quarantine station in NZ. Check out their website at www.iptlax.com

Another great place to check for information in the States is www.ipata.com, this is the International pet mover association. Lots of info.
Cat

[neilw71]

Captain - re the excess baggage thing......be very careful, as there are only a few spaces for animals in the front hold.....if you turn up and that space is full already, then you have a big problem if you are booked on that flight - what to do with the cats??

Golden Arrow just booked our cats on flights and said the exact date we wanted was not available and things were very busy to NZ at the minute !

Neil