Advice and Support for South Africans Immigrating to New Zealand

South Africans Going To New Zealand

Author Topic: Importing your pets  (Read 24326 times)

Offline Nolan

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Importing your pets
« on: October 19, 2006, 09:12:39 pm »
Can I bring my pets with to NZ and how do I go about it?

Offline Nolan

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Re: What are the typical costs (A - Z) to get a dog (x3) from SA to NZ?
« Reply #1 on: October 21, 2006, 10:02:29 am »
That all depends on what you have for a pet  :buck2:

Cats and dogs are not a problem, but it is not a cheap or quick process.

Visit the Essential Links section for more info : Essential Links

Generally your pets will have to undergo a period of quarantine as well.
« Last Edit: October 22, 2006, 12:22:18 pm by Nolan59 »

SA Going to NZ Advice Forum

Re: What are the typical costs (A - Z) to get a dog (x3) from SA to NZ?
« Reply #1 on: October 21, 2006, 10:02:29 am »

Offline zatexnz

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Re: What are the typical costs (A - Z) to get a dog (x3) from SA to NZ?
« Reply #2 on: October 23, 2006, 03:26:41 pm »
Yeah, this was one of the reasons we landed up going to the US instead of NZ 8 yrs ago.  But at this point, if our situation forces us to leave the US, then we will probably have to leave our 12 yr old kitty behind too :'( :'( :'(
lekker sweet as, y'all
~ Colleen

Offline Nolan

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Re: What are the typical costs (A - Z) to get a dog (x3) from SA to NZ?
« Reply #3 on: October 23, 2006, 08:58:49 pm »
My Dad doesn't know it yet, but he is inheriting our dog  ;D

Offline Smitte

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Re: What are the typical costs (A - Z) to get a dog (x3) from SA to NZ?
« Reply #4 on: November 05, 2006, 11:05:41 pm »
Hi Nolan,

You are correct by saying that it is not cheap or quick process.  We have a little Jack Russel and after founding out we decided that it is going to be the best to give her for a friend.

In the beginning of the year, I phone Animal Travel in Cape Town (tel no. 021 - 934 9556.

The animal must be older than a year and must have a micro ship,  if not, the animal must get one.  Then it undergo a thorough examination by a vet and is injected  for rabies.  It then stays for 30 days in quarantine.  After that  the animal is tested for rabies.  The animal must be in NZ before 6 months because the results of the rabies must not be older than 6 months.  After being flying over or shipped the animal undergo a period of 4 months of quarantine in NZ.  These quarantine processes are being conducted only by specific kennels, indicated by the government.

The flying ticket for our little Jack Russel was at that stage R4 690, that include the handling cost and cage.  The implanting of the micro chip and vet's cost was between    R2 000 and R3 500.  The permit  was $135. I've calculated that the 4 months of quarantine in NZ was going to cost us nearly R20 000.  In the end our little Jack Russel was going to cost us between R27 000 - R30 000.  :buck2:

It's not just the money, the flight and staying in quarantine for 4 months is going to be to hard for her.  :'(


Offline Nolan

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Re: What are the typical costs (A - Z) to get a dog (x3) from SA to NZ?
« Reply #5 on: November 06, 2006, 07:52:46 am »
Our dog is the most gentle animal I have ever met. The trauma of the move and the quarantine will be too much for him. I just can't do that to him. We will miss him though.

Offline grahamvdv

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Re: What are the typical costs (A - Z) to get a dog (x3) from SA to NZ?
« Reply #6 on: December 27, 2006, 03:35:50 pm »
Hi
We have 3 pooches, all mongrels and worth nothing save to my family!!
If we get a job offer to emigrate I'm afraid that my family won't tolerate me finding good homes for our 3 dogs in SA.
The one is a middle aged lady, and the other two are quite young ( they'll be two years old in July).
They are all cross fox terriers and all spayed bitches.
What is a good ball park figure to budget for to get these pooches over to NZ from SA?

Also, what is the doggy world like in NZ? Do the average Kiwi family keep dogs, if yes, how many on average?
Any ideas, inputs and points of view will be gladly received.

Kind Regards
Graham

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Re: What are the typical costs (A - Z) to get a dog (x3) from SA to NZ?
« Reply #6 on: December 27, 2006, 03:35:50 pm »

Offline Nolan

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Re: What are the typical costs (A - Z) to get a dog (x3) from SA to NZ?
« Reply #7 on: December 27, 2006, 04:18:45 pm »
Hi Graham

You are looking at R20 000 to R30 000 per dog. They need to be vaccinated, micro-chipped, shipped over, quaranteen-ed.

Years ago the Kiwis didn't take kindly to pets, especially dogs as they hunted the indigenous animals, but nowadays they are pet friendly and you can often find folks walking their pets. You obviously need to keep them out of your neighbours' yard and pick up their poop as you go along.  :knuppel2:

There is another thread under the Getting Ready Section about taking pets to NZ that you can also go and read up.

Offline grahamvdv

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Re: What are the typical costs (A - Z) to get a dog (x3) from SA to NZ?
« Reply #8 on: December 27, 2006, 07:04:17 pm »
Wow! That's pretty steep!!!!
I guess we'll just have to find a good home for the dogs. :'(

Offline Nolan

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Re: What are the typical costs (A - Z) to get a dog (x3) from SA to NZ?
« Reply #9 on: December 27, 2006, 08:05:29 pm »
Yes, it is hectic, we are also going to find a good home for our dog.

Offline yolanda

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Re: What are the typical costs (A - Z) to get a dog (x3) from SA to NZ?
« Reply #10 on: January 03, 2007, 08:53:20 am »
I know what it's like, we are also just about on our way and we have to pure bred staffies (cost us R4000 each) and I cant see my way open to taking them with. I dont even know where we are going to stay once we get there... so my heart is breaking and I am also trying to find a good home for them....they are my babies....


Offline Nolan

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Re: What are the typical costs (A - Z) to get a dog (x3) from SA to NZ?
« Reply #11 on: January 03, 2007, 09:31:39 am »
Sometimes I wonder if I am going to miss my dog more than my family  ;) ;D

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Re: What are the typical costs (A - Z) to get a dog (x3) from SA to NZ?
« Reply #11 on: January 03, 2007, 09:31:39 am »

Offline Virtual

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Re: What are the typical costs (A - Z) to get a dog (x3) from SA to NZ?
« Reply #12 on: January 16, 2007, 09:05:25 pm »
Graham/Yolanda and Co

I came across this article as we are also in the process of leaving SA. This changed my mind and I told my wife if we have to decide between cost of container or sending pets over, then the container must stay behind. I would strongly suggest that you contact keringa international, global paws, pets intransit  ect and get a quote before you leave your family member behind.


How Could You?


When I was a puppy I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was “bad,” you’d shake your finger at me and ask “How could you?” – but then you’d relent and roll me over for a bellyrub.
My housetraining took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because “ice cream is bad for dogs,” you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a “dog person” – still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a “prisoner of love.”

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them, especially their touch – because your touch was now so infrequent – and I would have defended them with my life if need be.

I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams. Together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered “yes” and changed the subject. I had gone from being your dog to “just a dog,” and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now you have a new career opportunity in another city and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You’ve made the right decision for your “family,” but there was a time when I was your only family.

I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said “I know you will find a good home for her.” They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, even one with “papers.”

You had to pry your son’s fingers loose from my collar as he screamed “No, Daddy! Please don’t let them take my dog!” And I worried for him and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.

After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked “How could you?”

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you – that you had changed your mind – that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.

I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table, rubbed my ears and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.

She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured “How could you?”

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said “I’m so sorry.” She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn’t be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself – a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. With my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my “How could you?” was not meant for her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.

May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.


Offline Nolan

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Re: What are the typical costs (A - Z) to get a dog (x3) from SA to NZ?
« Reply #13 on: January 16, 2007, 09:42:59 pm »
I agree to the point that I wouldn't have my dog put down, that is just not an option, then I would also rather take him with, but I sure will go to any length first to ensure he gets the best owner possible.

It is unfortunately a very emotional decision mostly dictated by the depth of ones pocket. For some it is a case of arriving in NZ with dogs in tow with no money for food, or no dogs and some money.

It is actually all the fault of the guys who transport and watch the pets during quaranteen, they know you will do all you can to bring your pets along and charge you based on that emotional value. Sad, but true.

Offline zatexnz

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Re: What are the typical costs (A - Z) to get a dog (x3) from SA to NZ?
« Reply #14 on: January 16, 2007, 11:52:57 pm »
Ok, now you really got me crying there!  I don't have a dog, but I do have a 12 yr old kitty which came over to the States from South Africa with us 8 years ago.  We've had her since she was 4 weeks old.  I thought that quarentine was 6 months, but now I read on their site that it is usually one month unless there are other complications.  So perhaps it won't be so long... but I have never put a microchip in her...  :(
lekker sweet as, y'all
~ Colleen