The carriage of live animals by air is regulated by various Government authorities as well as by Air New Zealand and IATA.
Air New Zealand sets as a minimum standard the provisions of IATA Live Animal Regulations. This is a yearly publication covering acceptance, packaging, labelling, stowage and handling of animals for carriage by air.
The container used must be of a standard that enables the animal to be carried securely and in good condition. Ensure provisions of the "IATA Live Animals Regulations" are complied with. The safety of those handling the container must also be ensured. These requirements are detailed in the IATA Live Animals Regulations publication.
| Click on the PDF below for details regarding container requirements. |
| Carriage of Pets Within NZ |
National Cargo reserves the right to refuse carriage of livestock not presented in suitable containers.
Kennel/Cage Container Requirements
The correct size of a container is essential. It must protect the animal during transport, be secure and have sufficient ventilation. If you do not meet the following requirements, Air New Zealand National Cargo may refuse travel for your pet.
- Container must be large enough for the pet to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural manner. Your pet will be in the container for some time; therefore, it should be as comfortable as possible.
- Container must be strong enough to protect the pet during transport, be secure enough to contain it and have sufficient ventilation.
- The door must be secured in such a manner that it will not open accidentally or your pet cannot open it during handling and transport.
- Your pet's nose and paws should not be able to fit through any ventilation opening or door mesh.
- The container must have a water container within the container with outside access for filling
- The container should be constructed out of rigid plastic, wood, or a material of comparable strength. Fibreboard or wire mesh containers are not suitable for air transportation.
- Most pet store and kennels sell and/or hire containers or they can be made to measure to meet IATA specifications.
- No animals are permitted to travel within the passenger cabin in shipping kennels or otherwise (excluding Seeing Eye dogs).
- Weaned puppies younger than eight weeks must not be shipped due to possible dehydration effects in air transportation. Kittens, likewise, younger than 8 weeks must not be shipped
Notes
- A maximum of two adult animals of comparable size up to 14kg each, which are used to cohabitation, may be shipped in the same container. Animals over that weight must travel individually.
- Animals up to six months old from the same litter, up to a maximum of three, may be shipped in the same container/compartment.
