How to Ship a Snub-Nosed Dog to New Zealand

Shipping a dog to New Zealand is already a complex process with strict import rules around vaccinations, rabies titers, and quarantines. If you’re bringing a snub-nosed breed, that’s an added layer of complexity, as your options for pet owners are limited from the get-go.

Many airlines have stopped flying snub-nosed breeds, also known as brachycephalic breeds, and those that do accept them have strict rules to keep dogs safe in the air. This guide covers everything you need to know about airline policies and the careful planning required when shipping snub-nosed dogs to New Zealand.

Picking the Right Airline 

Snub-nosed dogs have short noses, flat faces, and compressed airways, making them prone to breathing issues. The unique anatomy of these dogs makes air travel riskier for them, and many airlines won’t fly them at all.

Snub-nosed dogs include but aren’t limited to the following breeds:

• Affenpinschers 
• Boston terriers
• Boxers 
• Brussels Griffons
• Bulldogs 
• Chow chows
• English toy spaniels
• Japanese Chins
• Lhasa Apsos
• Mastiffs
• Pit Bulls
• Pugs
• Pekingese
• Shih Tzus

Some of these breeds, like pit bull types and mastiffs, show up on airlines’ banned breed lists for being considered dangerous, too, so it’s important to check airline by airline as you plan. Burmese, Persian, and Himalayan cats are also considered snub-nosed pets and are often restricted by airlines.

Most U.S. airlines won’t fly brachycephalic dogs in cargo. International airlines that do fly them may only do so under strict conditions and require the support of a professional pet transport company for all breeds. 

Note: Pets arriving in New Zealand as their destination country must do so in the cargo hold. They aren’t allowed in-cabin on international flights, no matter how small they are. The only exception to pet import rules is service dogs, which may travel in-cabin with the right paperwork.

Here are your options:

• Air New Zealand: Snub-nosed dogs are only allowed to fly on Air New Zealand Cargo if flights are 5 hours or less, so this would not be an option for international.. 
• Emirates: Emirates SkyCargo has limited flights from New York to Auckland via Dubai, but only between November-April. All breeds are required to submit fit-to-fly assessment paperwork, ensuring they’re healthy on the day of travel. Due to Dubai’s climate, this route is not an ideal option.
• Qantas: The Best Option-Qantas allows snub-nosed breeds to fly as cargo on Qantas Freight when booked through an approved pet travel specialist. Flights include stops in Australia before heading to Auckland Airport, which means you must obtain a Transit Permit from DAFF  As you plan your dog’s itinerary, you’ll also need to consider their quarantine stay. Pets coming from the United States must complete a minimum 10-day quarantine upon arrival. There are 2 facilities in Auckland and a third in Christchurch, so if your final destination is another city like Wellington, you’ll need to factor that into your transport plans.

At Tailwind, we work with our clients to find the best routes for their dogs. While fewer layovers is always best to reduce the risk of stress, temperature fluctuations, or delays, that likely won’t be possible for brachycephalic breeds. 

What we can ensure is that your pet’s route complies with New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) regulations for the safest, most efficient travel possible. 

Travel Crate Requirements

Crate requirements for all dogs vary by airline, but airlines that allow snub-nosed breeds generally follow international pet travel regulations for keeping these breeds safe. That includes shipping these dogs in a crate that is one size larger than usual.

A larger crate can improve airflow and reduce the risk of breathing difficulties. Snub-nosed breeds have compromised airways, making them more vulnerable to heat and stress. Extra space and ventilation in a crate helps keep them cooler and more comfortable during the flight.

From there, follow IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) for pet travel in cargo. Crates should be made of sturdy materials (rigid plastic is most common, but some airlines accept wood) with ventilation on all four sides. The crate floor should be solid and leakproof. 

Crates should be secure and escape-proof, with no wheels underneath. Water bowls should be attached inside the crate and accessible from the outside. 

A blanket, soft bedding, or garment that smells like you can make the journey more comfortable, but avoid adding toys or other choking hazards to your packing list.

If your pet needs a reinforced crate — some airlines require that dogs on dangerous breed lists travel in specialized crates — our experts at Tailwind can provide a CR82 crate. 

These are crates that were once used to transport live animals considered dangerous. They now provide an added layer of security for pets that may pose an additional risk in flight.

Using a Specialized Pet Shipper

Some airlines require that you work with professional pet transport companies to bring pets to New Zealand, and we see this as a good thing. Shipping a snub-nosed dog internationally is complicated enough without expert help. Airlines want you and your pet to get to your destination without issues, almost as much as you do.

This is even more important with snub-nosed dogs. Brachycephalic breeds are more vulnerable to heat stress, respiratory issues, and travel anxiety, especially during long-haul flights. Working with a professional pet shipper is your best option for keeping pets safe.It’s also your best option for keeping track of every part of your move. We specialize in navigating the strict regulations, breed-specific airline restrictions, and quarantine requirements involved in destinations like New Zealand.

Additional Considerations

Outside of making sure you’re booked on an airline that will take your pet and purchasing the right crate, there are a few more things to consider when relocating a snub-nosed dog:

• Double-check airline regulations. Policies vary by airline and change often, especially for high-risk breeds. There may be temperature cutoffs at play, too, as many airlines won’t allow pets in cargo during periods of extreme cold and heat. 
• Double-check New Zealand’s regulations. New Zealand has strict rabies vaccination, microchip, rabies titer, and quarantine rules. Start preparing well in advance to meet all deadlines, keep things stress-free, and make sure your pet is ready to fly when it’s time.
• Consider cooler months. Snub-nosed dogs are extra sensitive to heat, and many airlines impose temperature restrictions. As a result, you’ll likely need to travel during cooler seasons or consider nighttime flights.
• Talk to your vet. In addition to the health checks required for import permits and international health certificates, your snub-nosed dog may need additional fit-to-fly documentation. This is because these breeds are at higher risk of breathing issues in the air.
• Avoid sedatives. Sedatives can impair breathing, especially in snub-nosed breeds, and are banned by most airlines for traveling pets. Airlines may reject sedated pets at check-in.
• Pack the essentials. Include absorbent bedding, water bowls, and a favorite shirt with your scent in your dog’s crate. These help reduce stress and keep your pet comfortable. Skip toys and bulky items that can pose a choking risk to your pet.
• Prep your pet. Your dog shouldn’t see their travel crate for the first time on their travel day. Let your dog get used to their travel crate weeks in advance. This reduces anxiety and helps them associate the crate with safety and comfort.
• Work with a pet travel specialist. Professional pet shippers manage paperwork, crate sizing, flight logistics, and contingency planning. This is all crucial for higher-risk dogs like snub-nosed breeds, who already have fewer options available.

FAQ

We’re the Experts in Pet Shipping, so You Don’t Have to Be

Our approach is full-service and hands-on, and the well-being of our clients’ pets is our top priority. From crate sizing and vet paperwork to flight routing and customs clearance, we manage every detail door-to-door so that you don’t have to, and keep you informed every step of the way.

If you’re planning to travel with your snub-nosed dog, the process may feel extra stressful and discouraging. Let us take some of that burden from you as you plan your big move. 

Ready to get started? Each pet relocation situation is different, so to get an idea of the costs involved, fill out a quote request.