Pigs, and other animals, can fly

The number of pets being relocated or travelling overseas is increasing, as cheaper air travel and a globalised workforce makes families more mobile.

Cats and dogs are most commonly taken aboard but goats, piglets and rabbits have also been checked through passport control.

Two New Zealand pet travel agents said the industry was booming, with the summer and new year period the busiest of the year. Instead of rehoming or using traditional catteries and kennels, owners are opting to fork out the cost of having their beloved companions join them on a new adventure.

Aero Pets Ltd, run by Brenda Lupton and Tony Crump, said the number of people taking animals overseas had ‘‘definitely’’ increased. ‘‘Air travel is as cheap as it has ever been. Also with business relocations, companies are more willing to pay for pet relocation expenses,’’ Crump said.

December and January are the busiest months, however there is often a spike at the end of the school holidays too.

Ministry of Primary Industries’ statistics state 4324 cats and dogs were exported in 2018 – an increase of 160 exports from the year before.

International pet travel to other countries, not including Australia, has increased by more than 400 animals a year compared with 2011.

Move My Pet’s Karen Duncancaley

has worked as an exporter for nine years. She has always worked with animals, and likes her job as a pet travel agent because she gets to work with all the ‘‘really spoilt’’ dogs and cats.

She said the company’s consignments had consistently grown and numbers had nearly doubled in five years.

While they were mostly permanent moves, the company also sometimes catered for holidaymakers coming to and from Australia. In the past month, most animals went to Australia but Milan, Denmark and London were also on the list, Duncan-caley said.

Cats and dogs are the most regular travellers but she has also done kunekune piglets and a goat.

‘‘People inquire about rabbits all the time too,’’ she said.

Prices vary excessively but a rough ‘‘ballpark’’ figure is about $1400 to send a cat to Australia.

Pets travelling to London were a couple of thousand dollars at least, she said.

Dogs are generally more expensive, depending on animal size, crate and the airline.

However, considering people who take their pets on holiday are usually going for an extended time, these periods would still render a hefty price tag for those having to use kennels or catteries.