Louise, the topic has been discussed many times before, just search for "pet", "dog", "animal", "cat" or "quarantine" etc. and you'll find some more info. But here are two of the major threads discussing it all:
http://www.sagoingtonz.co.nz/forum/index.php?topic=1779.0http://www.sagoingtonz.co.nz/forum/index.php?topic=1705.0The facts are that the pets need to stay in
quarantine for 120 days in New Zealand, they need not be put in quarantine this side. There are loads of tests that need to be done and the most important is the
rabies test - the animals are only allowed to be moved out of the country 6 monhts AFTER this test (of course, you'll have to make sure their rabies vaccinations were up to date and if the last vaccination was longer than a year ago, you'll need to take them for the vaccination first and then can only do the blood test about 3 weeks after that). Other things include
deworming, some more vaccinations against kennel cough etc and checking that their
microchips still work or getting them microchipped (check that the microchip you use comply with the standards set by NZ). Point is - if you want to take your furry friends with, start the process SOONER rather than later.
Whether or not your pets will stress out entirely depend on their nature. My two Jack Russels and two cats will be more than fine, I know this and have chatted to my vet about it as well. Some other pets, however, could become easily stressed or irritated, especially if they are frail and old and in those cases it may not be in the best interest of your animal to go over.
The quarantine facilities that I've seen and gotten independent reports on, seem fabulous - they really care for the animals and give them loads of attention, love and exercise (and good food). You can also visit the animals in quarantine, so that really is not a worry for me. The worst part I think is the actual flight - but then again, it depends on your animals temperament and health on how they will take to it. Many people have taken their animals over very successfully.
Anyway, I've got LOADS of e-mails from various kenneling facilities, quarantine facilities, VET procedures, pet import regulations and pet transport companies, so if you want all those details, PM me with your e-mail address and I'll forward it to you.
