DEPARTURE PETS
From New Zealand to Australia
Seamless Pet Relocation
Pet transport from New Zealand to Australia, handled with care
New Zealand to Australia Pet Transport
Wherever You're Headed in Australia, We’ll Get Your Pet There.
Your pet’s journey across the ditch starts here. Safe, smooth, and fully taken care of.
Whether you're moving to Australia permanently or temporarily, Departure Pets manages the full process, so your furry friend arrives safely and comfortably.
Because New Zealand is Australia's nearest neighbour, pets coming from New Zealand have fewer import requirements. Departure Pets handles everything from the flight bookings, MPI, Customs Clearance and everything in between.
Cats and dogs coming to Australia from New Zealand do not require an import permit. There is no Australian post entry quarantine period.
Why Kiwi Pet Owners Choose Departure Pets
Trusted by pet parents across Aotearoa, we specialise in pet relocation from New Zealand to Australia.
With no import permit or quarantine required, the process is simpler and we make it even easier.
We can handle everything:
- Flight bookings with pet-friendly airlines
- MPI export paperwork & statutory declarations
- Vet certificates & parasite treatments
- Customs clearance & landing fees
- Door-to-door pickup and delivery (optional)
What Our Happy Travellers Are Saying…
So kind and understanding. Made the whole process very easy. Communication was easy and reply’s were swift. My cat Ada arrived safely in Melbourne from Auckland and I’d absolutely use the service again if I ever need it.
Hannah Davidson
I recently used Departure Pets to move my cats from rural New Zealand to Brisbane. The team were always quick to respond to any questions along the way, and made the process smooth, even overseeing the MPI vet appointment in NZ and customs clearance in Australia. Highly recommended!
Ashley Way
Hi Shaun. Just wanted to say thank you heaps for an awesome experience with the relocation of my cats Mia & Toni from NZ to Australia. They are home and happy. Your communication and assistance made it stress free. Cheers Martie.
Martie Jewaskiewitz
I can’t thank Departure Pets enough for the incredible care they gave to my dog, Bambi, when flying her to Australia and then back home to New Zealand. Shaun and his team were truly exceptional — professional, kind, and so genuinely caring throughout the entire process.
Kobi Bracken
What You’ll Need to Move Your Pet to Australia
Owners Statutory Declaration
Only required if Departure Pets is completing the MPI export health clearance on the owner's behalf and the owner is not present at the time of the veterinary appointment.
Must confirm:
- Pet’s breed, age, sex, and microchip
- NZ residency since birth (or 180+ days post-import from another country)
- Not pregnant >40 days or nursing (if female)
- Not a prohibited or restricted breed
Health Certificate
Must confirm:
- This needs to certify that the animal has been identified by a microchip
- Needs to verify that New Zealand is free from rabies
- Needs to verify that the animal was examined within five (5) days before the date of export and found to be fit to travel
- Needs to verify that the animal was treated for external and internal parasites within five (5) days before the date of export.
- If transporting a dog, the health certificate needs to state that no confirmed cases of the below diseases have been reported in New Zealand within the 12 months preceding the export of the pets; Canine Brucellosis, Leptospirosis or Leishmaniosis.
Customs Clearance Upon Arrival
- Animals must be cleared at the first port of arrival in Australia.
- The biosecurity officer will examine your pet to verify that all details match the documentation, and ensure it meets all entry requirements before clearing it for release into the country.
- Our team can manage the Customs and landing Fees on your behalf upon request.
What Sets Us Apart
NZ–AUS Specialists
Full-Service Support
Animal Lovers First
Clear Communication
Complete Pet Travel Coordination, Start to Finish.
Whether your pet is flying from Invercargill to Cairns or Auckland to Perth, we’ve got it covered.
At Departure Pets, we can quote and book all flight legs, domestic and international, in-house, without outsourcing to third parties. This means:
- More accurate quotes upfront (no hidden transfer fees or surprises later)
- Better rates when flights are booked as a complete itinerary
- Smoother travel plans for your pet, with fewer delays and better crate coordination
- One point of contact. No chasing multiple agents
We also coordinate domestic flights within New Zealand to connect your pet with their international departure, no matter where you’re located.
By letting us manage both the international flight from New Zealand and the domestic connection within Australia (if needed), you’ll often save more than booking separately. Plus, your pet’s journey is safer and better coordinated when it’s handled by one trusted team from door to door.
New Zealand Airports We Service
See below for the airports in New Zealand we service and their locations.
How Pet Travel Works
Relax. We’ll handle the details. Here’s how we do it in 6 steps.
Step 1
Get in Touch for a Free Quote
Ready to plan your pet’s next big adventure? The Departure Pets team is here to help. With years of experience in international pet travel, we’ll guide you every step of the way and happily answer any questions along the journey.
Request a quote online or give us a call — we’d love to hear from you!
Step 2
Confirm Your Booking
Once you're happy with your quote, our team will be in touch to lock in your booking. At this stage, we'll gather all the important details about you, your pet, and the receiving contact.
From there, we’ll arrange the best flight date and route to ensure your pet’s journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Step 3
Complete the Paperwork
Step 4
Time for Pick or Self Check In!
Whether we collect your pet from home or you check them in at the airport, this is where the adventure begins!
Our caring team is here to make the handover smooth and stress-free. One last cuddle and they’re on their way.
Step 5
It’s Flight Time!
The big day is here! Once your pet is comfy in their travel crate, we’ll hand them over to the airline team for VIP treatment. Their comfort and safety are the top priority from take-off to landing.
We’ll keep you updated throughout the journey, so you always know how your furry friend is doing.
Step 6
Welcome To Your New Home!
Your pet has officially arrived! If you’ve arranged delivery, we’ll bring them straight to your door. Prefer to pick them up? You’re welcome to collect them at the airport.
Either way, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. A happy reunion with your beloved furry family member!