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Travelling with your pet in New Zealand Carrier requirements

Travelling with your pet in New Zealand

Choose the right carrier

Your pet’s carrier needs to be secure, suitable for air travel, and the right size for your pet.

The requirements depend on the type of pet travelling, the aircraft operating your flight, and whether more than one pet is travelling in the same carrier.

Check your carrier

Your pet must travel in a carrier that meets specific requirements. Use the illustration as a guide, then check the full requirements below before you request pet travel.

Illustration of a pet carrier with numbered markers showing key features, including a secure door, water container, fasteners, ventilation and cable ties.
  1. Secure door - The door must close securely and not be able to open accidentally.
  2. Water container - Your carrier must have a water container fitted inside.
  3. Strong carrier structure - Your carrier must be strong, secure and suitable for air travel.
  4. Secure fasteners - If the carrier has separate top and bottom sections, they must be securely fastened.
  5. Solid floor - The carrier must have a solid, leak-proof floor with absorbent material inside.
  6. Ventilation - The carrier must have ventilation on the upper half of at least three sides, not including the door.
  7. Cable ties on the door - Cable ties must be attached to all four corners of the carrier door. Our airport team can attach these at check-in.

Carrier size and space

Your pet’s carrier must be large enough for your pet to:

  • stand without their head or ears touching the top of the carrier
  • turn around normally while standing
  • lie down in a natural position with their paws extended

If your pet does not have enough room, they will not be accepted for travel.

Requirements by pet type

Some carrier requirements depend on the type of pet your travelling with.

What to put in your carrier

Your pet’s carrier must have:

  • a water container fixed to the carrier that can be filled from the outside
  • absorbent material on the floor, such as a puppy pad or paper sheets

You can also include one soft, familiar item, such as a small blanket or bedding.

Do not put collars, harnesses, clothing, toys, food, or loose items on your pet or inside the carrier. These can become caught, tangled, chewed, or move around during handling and transport.

You’ll need to remove your pet’s collar or harness before your pet is accepted for travel.

Securing your carrier

Your pet’s carrier must be strong and securely fastened so it cannot come apart or open during handling and travel.