(Real) Life in
New Zealand
Mini-Series:
Dogs
“If you are thinking of moving to New Zealand and you have a dog, then today you are in for a treat!“
I honestly think that New Zealanders love dogs more than people. Actually, what am I saying? I love my dog more than any person!!
If you are bringing your dog to New Zealand then you are in for a treat.
Although walking places for your pup might not be as plentiful as somewhere like the UK, when you do take your dog out in public expect for people to coo over them.
All dogs must be registered in New Zealand and you are expected to keep your dog under control at all times.
Check out the FAQ on having a dog in New Zealand for more information!
FAQ About New Zealand & Dogs
How expensive is it to bring my dog to New Zealand?
I explain in the video the basic needs and costs that you will need to bring your dog to New Zealand but contact Starwood Pet Travel (FREE Consultation), and they will tell you absolutely everything that you need to know about bringing your dog to New Zealand. Please know that we are proud affiliates of Pet Starwood Travel. If you use their services, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How long must my dog stay in quarantine?
New Zealand requires a quarantine period of 180 days for all dogs and cats entering the country, except for animals coming in from Australia. About 170 days of the quarantine can be spent in the home country and 10 days at the quarantine facility in New Zealand.
Are there plenty of places to walk with my dog?
New Zealand is full of open spaces.
You can live in the middle of Wellington and within a twenty-minute car drive, you can be in the middle of nowhere.
Yes, there are plenty of places to exercise your dog and your local council will be able to give you a full list of dos and don’ts depending on where you live.
The one thing that I don’t like about having a dog in New Zealand is that you can’t walk freely withing all of the national parks.
The Department of Conservation don’t allow dogs in a large percentage of the national parks due to the threat of native species.
If you are lucky enough to live next to a national park that allows dogs then you will love it! The smells of the damp ferns and the mossy footpaths make these walks extra special for both you and your dog!
I work full time! Are pet sitters and walkers readily available in New Zealand?
The short answer to this is yes!
The long answer is…
I suggest that if you are moving to New Zealand with pets and you think you might like to travel back to your home country (or even take a holiday without your dog) then join Trusted Housesitters
Because New Zealand is such a desirable country to visit you will be inundated with offers for top quality dog sitters offering to come and stay in your house and take very good care of your dog.
I think the cost is about $110 a year but for that price, you will never have to worry about putting your dog into kennels or asking friends to sit them if you have to travel overseas ever again!
I love trusted housesitters and use them constantly.
But, if the thought of having someone come and stay in your home with your dog then you can get doggy daycare.
The cost of a company in Christchurch is $70 NZD for 3 x 60 min in-home sessions per day.
Dog walking (from this same company) is $60 an hour.
If I were you I’d put an advert up on the local supermarket notice board and advertise for a teenager to walk your dog – you’ll only have to pay around $20 NZD ph!
What is the average cost to keep a dog in New Zealand?
The NewZealand Companion Animal Council (NZCAC) estimated that “caring for a dog costs around $1,686 a year”, with costs including food, veterinary care and annual expenses.
Recommended Services
Pet Relocation:
There is only one company we recommend when it comes to pet relocation, and that is Starwood Pet Travel.
We have had many, many super recommendations for this company, and we couldn’t be happier with them. They can ship your furry friend from almost anywhere in the world, and they do so with love and care.
For members of our community who have not signed up with a pet transportation company, Starwood is proud to give new customers one FREE Pet Protection Plan for your pet’s upcoming move to New Zealand.
This is a $400 value and will cover unexpected travel-related expenses for your pet’s journey.
Make sure to mention this promo when you speak to a Starwood Team Member.
Click the link below, and don’t forget to mention Liz and Brian @ NZ Ahead or It’s a Drama Podcast! https://itsadrama.com/starwood-pet-travel
Immigration Services:
We cannot give immigration advice, but if you need to know more about visas etc then we recommend the company New Zealand Shores.
They are amazing. Super helpful and on the ball.
Take their FREE Eligibility Quiz Here to see how they can help you.
Currency Transfer:
We all know that when we move overseas, our money comes with us. We also know the importance of getting the absolute BEST rate and service when swapping currencies. I wish Brian and I had known about this company when we transferred our life savings fourteen years ago; it would have saved us lots of tears and late-night worry …
After doing intense research and gathering many testimonials and referrals from those who have moved money overseas with this company and now RAVE about them, we are proud to say that It’s a Drama and NZ Ahead has teamed up with TorFX, a foreign exchange service company that offers personal FREE advice and guidance for individual clients and businesses anywhere in the world.
If you are looking for a money-saving currency solution in a volatile market where trust and transparency count (and we can personally vouch for these guys), then this is the only company that we (and hundreds of our private NZ Ahead members) recommend.
Click below for the best rates and a no-cost chat. We’ve done the homework for you! These guys are the best: https://itsadrama.com/torfx
Want More New Zealand Content?
Coming Up Next Time…
I hope that this lesson has given you more of an insight into owning a dog in New Zealand.
Look out for tomorrows email where I will share with you another aspect of real life in New Zealand.
Until then, sending you lots of warm kiwi wishes!
Liz
