5. Q: Should I tranquilize my Dog/Cat before flying ? 

A: We do not recommend that you tranquilize your dog / cat before travel. If you feel your dog/cat needs to be calmed down then you could use a natural alternative like Rescue Remedy from your local health shop or naturopath. We suggest you contact your own vet to get some professional advice. 

6. Q: What can I do to prepare my Dog/Cat for travel? 

A: You can help prepare your Dog/Cat for travel by slowly introducing them to strange environments (especially dogs). For example: go near construction sites or wherever there is a lot of activity and loud noise. It also helps to socialize your dog/cat with people especially veterinarians and clinics. If you can make your dog/cat familiar with his/her travel crate by feeding them inside it, as well as slowly getting him/her to sleep in it, then when the big day comes they will not stress so much. 

7. Q: I know you do grooming can you cut my dog's hair before leaving N.Z? 

A: Yes we can, but if you are moving to the Northern Hemisphere you will need to consider what season it will be at their destination. Remember that if it is summer here, they will be travelling into a Northern Hemisphere winter.

8. Q: What size Travel crate will my Dog/Cat need? 

A: The travel crate must be large enough for your Dog/Cat to be able to stand completely upright, turn around and lie down, If you have a breed of dog such as a Basset Hound or Dachshund the crate will need to be wider. 

9. Q: How do I measure my Dog/Cat for the travel crate?  

A: Measure your dog from the top of the head to the floor (if you have a German Shepherd please measure from the tip of the ears) when standing up straight. Then measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (top of the bottom), and across the chest. Cats do not normally need to be measured, unless exceptionally large.

Please also tell us the weight of your dog/cat. Please refer to the pet transport and transit picture on our website.

10. Q: Can I provide my own travel crate? 

A: Yes you can provide your own travel crate and this will reduce the quote, but it must be International Air Transport Association approved. If we provide the travel crate, we can be sure it is airline approved and of adequate size, with suitable water bowl, funnel and labels attached. NZ MAF are very conscious about animal welfare and will not let a dog/cat travel in an undersized crate.

11. Q: What is an animal welfare cert? 

A: An Animal welfare certificate is a certificate provided from MAF New Zealand Government on the day of flying. This certificate gives the Dog/Cat plus the crate the clearance to fly over seas. 

12. Q: What vaccinations are required? 

A: In addition to the vaccinations that may be required by the Government of the country your Dog/Cat will be entering; you will also need to ensure your annual vaccinations are up-to-date. These vaccinations are Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis and Canine Cough. Please note: a Rabies vaccination may also be required. All reputable Kennels will insist on these vaccinations in case your dog/cat needs to board overnight or has to stay in a transit facility overseas.

12A. Q: Does my Dog/Cat need to have a Rabies vaccination before going to another country?

A: All countries are different and a Rabies vaccination is not required for entry into all. When you have the Import Health Standards for the country you are moving to, it will state whether you need a Rabies vaccination or not.

14. Q: What should I put in the crate for my Dog/Cat?

You will need to put something of yours in the crate for example a towel or a T-shirt that has your smell on it. Another good idea is to put a chew toy which can keep your Dog/Cat busy on their long journey. We will put in the newspaper and ensure there are two water bowls, a funnel and appropriate labels which meet the airline regulations.

15. Q: Can you put the choker chain, collar and lead in the crate with my dog/cat?

Yes we can, but we prefer to attach all collars and leads to the outside of the crate by putting in a plastic bag and sellotaping to the top. This is for safety reasons as the dog/cat could become entangled in them inside the crate. Please never leave a lead, harness or collar on your Dog/Cat when they are travelling.

16. Q: Do you recommend drip bottles?

No, we don't recommend drip bottles but if you feel it necessary to use one then please make sure your dog/cat knows how to use the drip bottle before they start their journey.

17. Q: How can I collect my Dog/Cat?

We will give you an Airway Bill Number which becomes your dog/cat's ticket number. On arrival into the country you are travelling to, ask someone to direct you to the Cargo section of the airline you have used, or their agent in that country. They will ask you to give them the Air Way Bill number, and to clear Customs for your Dog/Cat. They will charge you for doing this. Make sure you collect all documentation including vaccination cards when you pick up your dog/cat in case you need to travel overseas again.