[leosus]

I thought I had checked the NZIS site for the answer to this question, but I just heard from an American officer for NZIS (I think), and he has this to say-
"You cannot bring pets in on a Working Holiday." Since the WHV is the only option for me to go, get a job offer, and get enough points to submit my EIO this poses a slight problem.

I thought it was children you couldnt bring. Anyone done this or rather found a way around it? Just curious.

[Going2NZ]

I can't answer your question but do have a suggestion which might or might not work for your circumstances. It takes about 6 months to get a pet through everything to be allowed into NZ, could you come over and leave him/her with a friend or family member? Keep in mind that it is a major pain to deal with the tests and the process so it needs to be someone willing to take that on. Thats essentially what my husband and I have done - I'm in NZ (it took 3 months to get the right job) and he's in the US. It won't be easy to find a place and be able to take care of a pet while you're trying to learn a new culture, figure out how things work, find a job, etc.

As much as I miss my pups, it would have been a nightmare to go through all that and worry about them on top of it.

Susan

PS Mine will be landing in Wellington this Saturday!!!!!! Whooohooo! Squeakie balls for everyone!

[sweetpea]

My impression was that the process for importing pets and moving yourself there was quite separate. I brought my dog and I have a 6-month student visa (granted it will be extended another 4 1/2 years).

Could you start the pet import process -- which takes about 7 months -- go on a visit to find a job, get a work permit, then come back to the US and leave when your pet does? Just thinking out loud here. It seems like an awful lot of time and money to spend importing and quarantining an animal if you don't have a guarantee that you'll be staying for awhile.

[leosus]

My impression was that the process for importing pets and moving yourself there was quite separate. I brought my dog and I have a 6-month student visa (granted it will be extended another 4 1/2 years).

Could you start the pet import process -- which takes about 7 months -- go on a visit to find a job, get a work permit, then come back to the US and leave when your pet does? Just thinking out loud here. It seems like an awful lot of time and money to spend importing and quarantining an animal if you don't have a guarantee that you'll be staying for awhile.


My ex husband has agreed to keep them until I can bring them over, but this is very sketchy agreement. They had thier titers done in October, so as long as I get thier testing and the hundreds of vet visits done in April all is good for them. It looks like I will have to go first and them either come back and get them, or have him send them.

I cant believe that you could bring them on a 6 month student visa, but not a 1 year work visa!?!?!? I guess I am wondering at what point am I able to get them over? When I submit my EOI? When I get PR? When I get a work permit (which I understand is the minute I step off the plane in AKL). And what about a container, do people omn WHV's bring containers or is that a NO NO too?

Thanks for your responses sweetpea and going2nz!

[Going2NZ]

I don't know about the WHV but I think you should bring them over when you decide to stay and are settled in - at least have picked a city. Keep in mind that when they get here they'll be in quarantine for 30 days anyhow.

<side note: the Shado Lans quarantine people are incredible, they've jumped through hoops to help us including rearranging the schedule when the pups tested positive for erlichia (sp?)>

It sounds like you are the do-it-yourself type, but it might be worth it to contract with a pet transport company to make sure everything is done on time and in the right order. It would take a huge burden off you and the ex.

Also, if it would help, when we were getting organized, I put together a spread sheet to keep it all straight. I can send it to you (or anyone else) if you want.



Susan

[sweetpea]

I cant believe that you could bring them on a 6 month student visa, but not a 1 year work visa!?!?!?

Yeah, it seems weird, but if you think about it... The WHV is generally for young people and is a reciprocal agreement between countries that ends up being a wash (financially) for NZ, whereas a foreigner taking a 5-year degree at a NZ uni makes the NZ gov't $185,000 (gross, not net, but still...). So there is some incentive for them to be more lenient with the long term students.

[leosus]

I got an email from MAF today stating pets may enter NZ as long as they go through the proper entry procedure, reguardless of my residence status. WHEW!!!

I was mislead by a NZIS representtive on yahoo groups. So for future reference for anyone else having this problem I hope this alieviates some stress!!