Air New Zealand Pet Travel with Jetpets

Jetpets have been an airline pet travel partner with Air New Zealand for over 30 years. Air New Zealand has a wide variety of routes to get Kiwis moving across the country or around the world. Jetpets work with Air New Zealand to ensure the comfort and safety of animals in transit, though pet owners must adhere to certain guidelines and prepare accordingly for a smooth journey.
Whether relocating, traveling for an extended period, or going on vacation, Air New Zealand offers options to facilitate pet travel both domestically and internationally.

Domestic Pet Travel with Air New Zealand

As a preferred Domestic pet travel partner with Air New Zealand, Jetpets can book and manage your pet travel for you. We can also assist in providing you with a travel crate and collection to most locations around New Zealand with our expert team of Pet Handlers.   Speak to our team to find out how we can assist with your upcoming pet travel requirements.

International Pet Travel Options

For international pet travel, Air New Zealand provides many pet travel options, however the requirements and complexity are generally higher than for domestic flights. Depending on the country, certain restrictions and health certifications are mandatory.
Pets traveling internationally will need an export health certificate, microchip, and are recommended to be up-to-date with general vaccinations.

International Pet Travel Regulations

Air New Zealand advises pet owners to work with a professional pet transport agency, especially for international travel due to the complexities of International Pet Transport. Jetpets are one of Air New Zealand’s preferred travel partner’s. Jetpets are well versed and experienced in handling the logistics, paperwork, and requirements for the complex nature of international pet travel.

Guidelines for Pet Travel Crates

All pet carriers used for Air New Zealand flights must meet the International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. Travel crates must be sturdy, spacious, and secure, with sufficient ventilation and room for the pet to sit, stand, and turn around comfortably. See our recommendations on selecting the right pet travel crate size.

Air New Zealand Pet Travel Costs

The costs for pet travel with Air New Zealand will vary based on factors such as the size of the animal and their crate size and the destination your pet/s are travelling to. At Jetpets we are able to book directly with Air New Zealand on your behalf to save you time and take the stress out of moving.

Special Considerations To Consider With Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand has specific guidelines around certain breeds, especially brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs and Persians, which are more susceptible to breathing difficulties. Due to health risks, the airline may limit or restrict travel for these pets during warmer months or on long-haul routes. Additionally, pets requiring medical attention or animals that are particularly sensitive to stress should be evaluated by a veterinarian before embarking on air travel.

Breed Restrictions on Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand does not accept greyhounds unless you can prove your dog is only a pet and has been only a family pet (not used for racing or breeding purposes), for at least 12 months.

Other breed restrictions relate to snub-nosed or brachycephalic dogs and cats – those with shortened or flat snouts. Due to their breed, these animals can be at risk with their breathing and sensitive to temperature, humidity, and the stress of their journey.

Air New Zealand will not accept the following breeds on flights longer than five hours, including cross breeds:

  • Affenpinscher (all breeds)
  • Boston Terrier
  • Boxer (all breeds)
  • Brussels Griffon
  • Bulldog (all breeds)
  • Cane Corso
  • Chow Chow
  • Dogue de Bordeaux
  • English Toy Spaniel
  • Japanese Chin
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Mastiff (all breeds)
  • Pit Bull
  • Presa Canario
  • Pug (all breeds)
  • Pekingese
  • Shih Tzu
  • Burmese (cat)
  • Himalayan (cat)
  • Persian (cat)

Pet Sedation

Air New Zealand’s website explicitly states that “The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) does not permit the use of sedation for pets traveling by air. As all pets must pass MPI Certification prior to export by air, pets cannot be under the influence of sedation for any domestic or international flights.”

Speak to one of our Pet Travel Consultants regarding your pet and its specific health requirements.

Book Air New Zealand Pet Travel With Jetpets Today

Jetpets is the leading pet travel provider for tailored, professional, and reliable pet travel whether domestic or international. We help streamline the pet travel process, from organising the best flights and routes, preparing the necessary documentation and certificates required for travel, advice on suitable pet travel crate sizing, collecting your pet upon arrival and much more.

Get in touch to see how we can help with your next Air New Zealand pet travel today!