With more Kiwis crossing the ditch to Australia and beyond, a tough decision confronts those with dogs and cats: take the fur kids with or rehome them here in New Zealand.

It’s a dilemma made worse by the costs involved, which can tilt the balance particularly for those leaving in search of better financial prospects.

“While this isn’t an easy decision and ultimately you should make the best choice for your circumstances, we believe pets are part of the family," says pet insurance specialist PD Insurance’s COO Michelle Le Long.

"And whether you do take them with or leave them in a trusted home, the most important factor is their long-term wellbeing."

Many factors underpin a tough decision

Emigration itself is a draining and emotional choice, with both ‘pull’ and ‘push’ factors.

For many New Zealanders, the biggest pull factor is the promise of better economic prospects such as higher pay and lower cost of living.

For some, it’s the warmer Australian weather particularly in northern New South Wales and Queensland.

Cat and dog. Photo: Supplied.

Push factors are in some respects the opposite; our cooler winter weather, housing and other costs, or any one of many personal reasons. Whatever the motivation, those with pets have much more on their plate.

Families already have children to take care of, including sorting schools, healthcare, sports and more. Living arrangements aren’t always certain, and may require a short-term stay in a hotel, AirBNB or flat. “None of that is made easier when the pets are involved,” says Michelle.

A migratory flood

Just how many people are leaving is quite staggering, says Michelle.

The last full year’s figures – those for 2023 – showed a net migration loss of 47,000 New Zealand citizens, a new annual record.

“There’s no sign of a slowdown either,” says Michelle, observing that nearly everyone knows someone who is going.

The last full year’s figures – those for 2023 – showed a net migration loss of 47,000 New Zealand citizens, a new annual record.

And while the number of pets accompanying – or not accompanying – emigrants isn’t readily available, she points to pet ownership statistics as an indication of how many doggos and kitties may well be involved.

“While estimates vary, Companion Animals NZ puts the percentage of Kiwi households with a pet at 64 per cent.

Many emigres are likely young folk just setting out, and therefore probably don’t have a cat or dog, just as many are families. So, the number of affected pets could be anywhere as many as 30,000 in a year.”

Taking pets to Australia

Michelle says probably the top consideration after potentially narrowed or unworkable short term accommodation options is the cost of transporting a pet.

In most cases, the airfare and associated expenses exceed those of a human ticket; it can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 or more per pet.

It is, Michelle says, expensive.

“There is some relief, though, because taking your dog or cat to Australia doesn’t require a permit nor a quarantine period.

"However, there are requirements which must be met, including microchipping, a negative rabies test, and a vet’s approval that your pet is fit for travel.”

Taking your dog or cat to Australia doesn’t require a permit nor a quarantine period. Photo: Supplied.

The advice she offers is simple: check with the NZ Ministry for Primary Industries, the Australian Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, and your local vet.

“Bear in mind you can’t take some breeds into Australia, so there are a few potential fishhooks. Don’t leave anything to chance; it will make the process that much harder.”

An emotional decision

Michelle says individuals must decide for themselves if the pets are coming with.

“It’s an incredibly difficult decision. If you are leaning towards leaving the pets, the best you can do is place your loved fur babies with trusted family members or friends.”

She says animal shelters are already overwhelmed with pets left behind by those emigrating, as well as people feeling the economic pinch from the cost-of-living crisis.

“Shifting down the street is hard. Moving countries is enormously draining. But please keep your pets and their wellbeing at the top of mind, and do your best to do right by them,” says Michelle.