[sweetpea]

I did a search on this topic and got some great info. I still have a few extra questions on the subject.... and it would be so reassuring to hear from someone who has gone through -- or is going through -- the process.

First, how much money are people budgeting for this? I'm thinking US$3,000. My dog will be flying from SFO (or LAX if it is much cheaper) to Auckland. US$1,000 for vet costs, US$1,000 for transport, US$1,000 for quarantine. Is this about right? I'm not going to use a pet import/export service, I don't think.

The other question is timing. I'm wondering if I should send him a few weeks early or at the same time I go. Can he just go in cargo on the same Air New Zealand flight I'm on?

I'm going over in February 2006, so I have some time to put him through all the vaccines, titres, tests, etc. I'll be starting the process in June.

[MelissaLG]

It probably won't quite cost you $1000 in vet costs, even at full price. Call your vet and ask for a discount if you do all services through his/her office. We got a 20% discount on all move-related services. However, we are moving four pets, so maybe we had a little more negotiating power, but hey, its worth a shot.

As far as timing, your pet certainly can travel in cargo on an Air NZ flight. My pets are doing so. We unfortunately are not on the same flight, but we would not be able to see them on unload anyway, so it really doesn't matter. Whether to send your pet early is a personal choice. It would certainly make your own departure less stressful and hectic. And you would have less time in NZ waiting for your pet to get out of quarantine. On the other hand, you would not be able to visit your pet until you get to NZ, so if it is important to you to frequently visit your pet throughout quarantine, you might want to arrive at the same time or soon after your pet. Also, some people just feel better knowing they are on the same flight as their pet.

I am sure you have good reasons not to use a pet shipper. I was surprised though how relatively inexpensive it was to do so. Although I think I could have done everything myself, I have been extremely grateful to have the pet shipper's expertise on my side, and just to have someone else take some of the stress and anxiety of dealing with all of this off of my shoulders.

Anyway, good luck to you!

Melissa