What methods of transport does Air New Zealand provide for my pet?
- Checked as baggage in pressurized and temperature controlled area of your aircraft.
- Shipped as cargo in pressurized and temperature controlled area.
Does my pet qualify for travel as checked baggage?
Domestic pets, cats, dogs (excluding any transported for profit e.g. racing greyhounds) and small caged birds can travel as checked in baggage on all domestic services. Due to space limitations on Air New Zealand Link services, only one cage per customer will be accepted for travel. For international flights, pets must travel in cargo.
Pets that meet the following qualifications can travel as checked baggage:
- Your are only traveling within New Zealand.
- Your pet can comfortably remain in its kennel for the entire flight.
- Only domesticated dogs, cats and birds are accepted.
- The kennel meets all requirements (see below for more information) and the combined weight of the animal and kennel does not exceed 70 lb/32 kg (for some aircraft only).
- Your pet has all necessary health documents required by your destination (see below for more information).
Does my pet qualify to be shipped as cargo?
If your pet does not meet the requirements for travel as checked baggage, or if you would like your pet to travel unaccompanied, contact Air New Zealand Cargo for more information.
What are the fees associated with pet transport?
- Fee for kennel and pets weighing less than 70 lb/32 kg: NZ $75 one way
- Fee for kennel and pets weighing more than 70 lb/32 kg: NZ $100 one way
What are the kennel requirements?
In addition to the size and weight maximums, below are some other kennel requirements:
- Be leak-proof and escape-proof.
- Be properly ventilated, but not allow any part of the animal from protruding outside of the container.
- Provide enough room for the animal to stand and turn around.
- Contain absorbent material or litter.
- Be made of two rigid plastic halves.
- Have cage locking mechanisms with more than one way to secure the door.
- Have holes allowing airport staff to tie the halves together using cable ties, securing the cage.
What health documentation is required?
Many places require health documents. As it is the passenger's responsibility to be aware of all regulations, you should consult your veterinarian and the local Embassy to ensure that your animal will comply with all requirements.
Are there any other restrictions?
Air New Zealand can refuse to transport an animal due to illness, aggressive behavior, poor kenneling, or extreme temperatures at origin, transfer, or destination airports.
Please contact the airline directly for information about traveling with a service animal.
