Short answer: No regular pets in the cabin. Only certified service dogs travel in-cabin, free of charge. All other animals travel as checked baggage on domestic New Zealand flights or as manifest cargo on international routes, handled exclusively through approved pet transporters.
Air New Zealand fees are charged in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). As a New Zealand carrier, Air New Zealand follows IATA Live Animals Regulations for all international pet transport. New Zealand also enforces some of the world’s strictest biosecurity requirements, meaning import permits and health certificates are mandatory for any pet entering the country.
Last verified: April 2026. Policies change frequently. Verify all details directly with Air New Zealand or an approved pet transporter before booking.
Quick Reference
| Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Cabin pets allowed | Service dogs only (no cats, dogs, or other pets) |
| Cargo weight limit (domestic checked baggage) | 25 kg (55 lbs) at NZD $75; over 25 kg (55 lbs) at NZD $100 |
| Cargo crate dimensions | IATA-compliant rigid crate; pet must stand, turn, and lie naturally; crates with interior length over 60 cm (23.6 in) require two or more fasteners per side |
| Domestic checked-baggage fee | NZD $75 (up to 25 kg / 55 lbs); NZD $100 (over 25 kg / 55 lbs) |
| International cargo fee | Starts at approximately NZD $200+ (approx. USD $120+) via approved transporter; contact transporter for current quote |
| Booking method | Phone or approved pet transporter only; no online pet booking portal |
| Advance notice required | Minimum 48 to 72 hours; booking weeks ahead is strongly recommended |
| Breed restrictions | Yes; brachycephalic and dangerous breeds restricted or banned (see full list below) |
| Temperature embargo | No acceptance above 29.4°C (85°F) or below 7.2°C (45°F) without acclimation certificate; below -6.6°C (20°F) prohibited entirely |
Pro tip: Air New Zealand does not publish a single pet policy page. Details are spread across the cargo site (airnewzealandcargo.com), the special assistance page, and the optional fees page. Always confirm with the airline or a licensed transporter rather than relying on any single webpage.
Overview of Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand (IATA code: NZ) is headquartered in Auckland and operates its primary hub at Auckland Airport (AKL). The airline is not a member of any major global alliance.
Air New Zealand does not maintain a single dedicated pet policy page. Policy details are distributed across three separate sections of its website: special assistance (airnewzealand.com/special-assistance-disability-accessible-travel), cargo services (airnewzealandcargo.com/national-cargo-pet-services and airnewzealandcargo.com/international-cargo-pet-services), and optional fees (airnewzealand.com/optional-fees).
To arrange pet travel, you must call the Air New Zealand reservations line at +64 9 336 2400 (New Zealand) or 1-800-262-1234 (US toll-free), or contact an approved pet transporter directly. There is no online pet booking portal.
Air New Zealand does not allow cats, dogs, or any regular pets in the cabin on any route. Only certified service dogs travel in-cabin. All other pets travel as checked baggage on domestic New Zealand flights or as manifest cargo on international routes.
In-Cabin Pet Travel: What Is and Is Not Allowed
No cats, dogs, or other regular pets are permitted in the cabin on any Air New Zealand flight, on any route. This applies to domestic New Zealand flights, trans-Tasman routes, and all long-haul international services.
The only animals permitted in the cabin are certified service dogs. There are no in-cabin carrier size or weight requirements for regular pets because in-cabin pet travel is not offered.
If you arrive at the gate with a regular pet expecting cabin travel, the gate agent will refuse boarding. You will need to rebook the animal as cargo or checked baggage, which requires advance coordination with an approved transporter. Do not attempt to book cabin pet travel online; the option does not exist.
Service Dog Details
- Species permitted: Dogs only.
- Documentation required: Complete the Air New Zealand Service Dog Declaration form (2025 version available at p-airnz.com/cms/assets/PDFs/airnz-2025-service-dog-declaration-non-us-routes.pdf). For US-bound flights, DOT identification forms must be submitted at least 48 hours before departure, in compliance with the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA).
- Advance notice: At least 48 hours before departure via the special assistance form at airnewzealand.com/special-assistance-disability-accessible-travel.
- Placement: At the passenger’s feet; the dog must not intrude into the aisle or adjacent seats. The owner must provide a blanket or pad.
- Fee: Free on all routes.
- Dogs in training: Permitted on domestic New Zealand flights at the airline’s discretion.
Pro tip: Submit your service dog declaration form as early as possible, not just 48 hours out. Space confirmation for service dogs on busy routes can take time, and early submission reduces the risk of complications at check-in.
Cargo and Checked-Baggage Travel: How Pets Actually Fly
Air New Zealand separates pet cargo into two distinct categories depending on the route.
Domestic New Zealand flights: Cats, dogs, and small birds may travel as checked baggage, booked through Air New Zealand reservations.
International flights: All pets must travel as manifest cargo, coordinated exclusively through the Air New Zealand Cargo division. Direct public bookings are not accepted for international cargo. You must use an approved pet transporter.
Contact an approved pet transporter weeks before your travel date, not days. Space in the cargo hold is allocated by aircraft type and load, and popular routes fill quickly. The minimum notice is 48 to 72 hours, but that is not a guarantee of availability.
IATA-Compliant Crate Requirements
Air New Zealand follows IATA Live Animals Regulations for all cargo pet transport. Crate requirements include:
- Material: Rigid fiberglass, metal, or hard plastic only. Soft-sided carriers are not accepted for cargo.
- Door locks: Spring-loaded; must be secure and tamper-resistant.
- Floor: Leak-proof.
- Size: The pet must be able to stand at full height, turn around completely, and lie down in a natural position. Crates with an interior length exceeding 60 cm (23.6 in) require two or more fasteners on each side.
- Acclimation certificate: Required for cold-weather shipments.
Temperature Embargoes
Air New Zealand will not accept pets as cargo under the following temperature conditions:
- Above 29.4°C (85°F): Not accepted.
- Below 7.2°C (45°F): Not accepted without an acclimation certificate.
- Below -6.6°C (20°F): Not accepted under any circumstances.
Brachycephalic breeds face stricter temperature limits than the thresholds listed above. Verify current seasonal embargo dates directly with your transporter or Air New Zealand Cargo before booking.
Temperature embargoes are enforced at the time of check-in, not at the time of booking. A pet booked for cargo travel can be refused on the day of departure if ambient temperatures exceed limits. Check forecasts and confirm with your transporter close to the travel date.
Cargo Booking Process
- Book your own flight online at airnewzealand.com or through the Air New Zealand app.
- Contact an approved pet transporter or call Air New Zealand reservations at +64 9 336 2400 (NZ) or 1-800-262-1234 (US) with your confirmed flight details, including flight number, date, origin, and destination.
- The transporter coordinates crate compliance, health documentation, and airline cargo space. Allow a minimum of 48 to 72 hours for this step, though booking weeks in advance is strongly recommended.
- Receive a confirmation reference number from the transporter. Keep this with your travel documents.
- Arrive early on travel day: At least 60 minutes early for domestic checked-baggage pets; at least 90 minutes early at the cargo facility for international shipments. Present your health certificate, crate, and all required documentation.
Note: Direct bookings without a transporter are rejected for international cargo. Do not attempt to book international pet cargo through the standard reservations line without transporter involvement.
Fees Breakdown
All fees are charged in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). USD equivalents are approximate and subject to exchange rate fluctuation. Domestic checked-baggage fees below are sourced from 2022 data and may have changed; verify current amounts with Air New Zealand before booking.
| Travel Type | Route | Weight | Fee (NZD) | Approx. USD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Checked baggage | Domestic NZ | Up to 25 kg (55 lbs) | $75 | ~$45 | Crate not included in fee |
| Checked baggage | Domestic NZ | Over 25 kg (55 lbs) | $100 | ~$60 | Crate not included in fee |
| Manifest cargo | Domestic and international | No fixed limit (IATA crate) | Starts at $200+ | ~$120+ | Via approved transporter only; quote varies by route, aircraft, and crate size |
| Cabin | All routes | N/A | N/A | N/A | Prohibited for regular pets |
| Service dog (cabin) | All routes | N/A | Free | Free | Documentation required |
Domestic checked-baggage fees are NZD $75 to $100 depending on weight. International cargo starts at approximately NZD $200 plus transporter service fees. Cabin travel for regular pets is not available at any price on any route.
Verify all fees directly with Air New Zealand or your approved transporter before booking. The domestic checked-baggage figures are sourced from 2022 data and may not reflect current pricing.
Breed Restrictions
Air New Zealand restricts or bans specific breeds. Restrictions are route-dependent, with the strictest rules applying to flights longer than five hours.
Brachycephalic Dog Breeds: Prohibited on Flights Longer Than 5 Hours
The following breeds are restricted on long-haul routes:
Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog, Cane Corso, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff, Pit Bull, Presa Canario, Pug, Pekingese, Shih Tzu.
Brachycephalic Cat Breeds: Prohibited on Flights Longer Than 5 Hours
Burmese, Himalayan, Persian.
Dangerous Breeds: Banned on All Flights
American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Brazilian Fila.
Greyhounds
Greyhounds used for racing or breeding purposes are restricted. Family pet greyhounds may be accepted with 12 months of documented proof of pet status.
Breed restrictions apply regardless of the animal’s size or temperament. A brachycephalic breed that is small enough to meet weight limits is still subject to the breed ban. Confirm your specific breed’s status with Air New Zealand or your transporter before making any bookings.
Required Documents
The following documents are required for pet cargo travel. Requirements vary by destination; the list below covers standard Air New Zealand requirements.
- Health certificate: Issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel.
- Rabies vaccination proof: Required for dogs, cats, and ferrets.
- Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 standard preferred.
- Acclimation certificate: Required for cold-weather cargo shipments (temperatures approaching 7.2°C / 45°F).
- Service dog declaration form: Required for service animals on all routes (2025 PDF at p-airnz.com/cms/assets/PDFs/airnz-2025-service-dog-declaration-non-us-routes.pdf).
- DOT identification forms: Required for service dogs on US-bound flights, submitted at least 48 hours before departure.
New Zealand Import Requirements
Pets entering New Zealand are subject to strict biosecurity controls enforced by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). An MPI import permit and a quarantine plan are mandatory. These are destination-country requirements, not airline requirements, but Air New Zealand Cargo will not accept a pet for import without evidence that these requirements are being met. Contact MPI directly for current import conditions before booking.
For other destinations such as Australia, the United Kingdom, Hawaii, and Japan, similar country-specific import rules apply. Confirm requirements with the destination country’s biosecurity or agriculture authority.
Route-Specific Restrictions
| Route Type | Cabin | Checked Baggage | Cargo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic New Zealand | Service dogs only | Cats, dogs, small birds permitted | Available |
| Trans-Tasman (Australia) | Service dogs only | Not available | Required for all pets |
| Long-haul international | Service dogs only | Not available | Required for all pets |
Codeshare flights: When Air New Zealand operates a codeshare, the operating carrier’s pet rules apply. Verify with the operating carrier directly before booking. Contact Air New Zealand at +64 9 336 2400 to confirm which carrier operates your specific flight.
Temperature embargoes: Apply to all cargo routes. No acceptance above 29.4°C (85°F) or below 7.2°C (45°F) without an acclimation certificate. Seasonal embargo dates vary; confirm with your transporter close to the travel date.
Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support Animals
These are two separate categories with entirely different policies under Air New Zealand.
Service dogs are dogs professionally trained by a recognized organization to assist a person with a disability. They are permitted in the cabin on all Air New Zealand routes, free of charge, with proper documentation. Dogs in training are permitted on domestic New Zealand flights at the airline’s discretion.
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not recognized by Air New Zealand. Following the US Department of Transportation’s 2021 regulatory changes, which eliminated the requirement for airlines to accommodate ESAs as service animals, Air New Zealand treats ESAs as regular pets. ESAs must travel as checked baggage on domestic New Zealand flights or as cargo on international routes, subject to all standard pet fees, breed restrictions, and documentation requirements. Some older third-party sources incorrectly state that Air New Zealand accepts ESAs in the cabin; this information is outdated.
For current DOT service animal regulations, refer to transportation.gov/serviceanimals.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Air New Zealand flights?
No. Air New Zealand does not permit dogs or cats in the cabin on any route. Only certified service dogs are allowed in the cabin, free of charge, with proper documentation. All other dogs must travel as checked baggage on domestic New Zealand flights or as manifest cargo on international routes.
How much does Air New Zealand charge for pets in cabin?
Air New Zealand does not offer in-cabin travel for regular pets. For domestic New Zealand checked-baggage travel, fees are NZD $75 for pets up to 25 kg (55 lbs) and NZD $100 for pets over 25 kg (55 lbs). International cargo starts at approximately NZD $200 plus transporter fees. These figures are sourced from 2022 data; verify current fees with Air New Zealand or your transporter before booking.
What dog breeds are banned on Air New Zealand?
Air New Zealand bans the following dangerous breeds on all flights: American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, and Brazilian Fila. The following brachycephalic breeds are prohibited on flights longer than five hours: Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog, Cane Corso, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff, Pit Bull, Presa Canario, Pug, Pekingese, and Shih Tzu. Confirm your breed’s status with Air New Zealand before booking.
Does Air New Zealand allow emotional support animals?
No. Air New Zealand does not recognize emotional support animals. Following the US DOT’s 2021 regulatory changes, ESAs are treated as regular pets and must travel as checked baggage or cargo. They are not permitted in the cabin. Some older sources claim otherwise; that information is outdated.
What documents do I need to travel with my pet on Air New Zealand?
Standard requirements include a health certificate issued by a licensed vet within 10 days of travel, rabies vaccination records, and an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. For cold-weather cargo, an acclimation certificate is required. For pets entering New Zealand, an MPI import permit and quarantine plan are mandatory. For service dogs on US-bound flights, DOT identification forms must be submitted at least 48 hours before departure. Requirements vary by destination; confirm with Air New Zealand Cargo or your transporter.
Can I book pet travel online with Air New Zealand?
No. Pet travel cannot be booked online. For domestic checked-baggage pets, call Air New Zealand reservations at +64 9 336 2400 (NZ) or 1-800-262-1234 (US). For international cargo, you must use an approved pet transporter who coordinates directly with Air New Zealand Cargo at airnewzealandcargo.com. Book at least 48 to 72 hours in advance; booking weeks ahead is strongly recommended.
Are there weight limits for cargo pets on Air New Zealand?
Yes, for domestic checked-baggage travel. Pets up to 25 kg (55 lbs) are charged NZD $75. Pets over 25 kg (55 lbs) are charged NZD $100. For international manifest cargo, there is no fixed weight limit, but the crate must be IATA-compliant and sized so the pet can stand, turn, and lie naturally. Fees for cargo are quoted by the transporter based on route, aircraft type, and crate dimensions.
If you’re considering other airlines for your pet travel needs, you might want to compare with emirates pet policy or check out airlines that allow pets in cabin for more options. For those planning to travel with specific breeds, our complete pug flying guide or french bulldog airline restrictions might be helpful. Additionally, if you’re preparing for your first flight with your pet, consider reading our guide on first time flying with a dog and learn about keeping dogs calm on flights.
For those looking at alternative transportation methods, you might also want to explore amtrak pet policy or check if can dogs travel greyhound. If you’re planning an international move, our comprehensive guide on pet relocation mistakes can help ensure a smooth transition. Finally, make sure you have all the essentials covered with our dog travel essentials checklist.
Official sources:
- Air New Zealand domestic cargo pet services: airnewzealandcargo.com/national-cargo-pet-services
- Air New Zealand international cargo pet services: airnewzealandcargo.com/international-cargo-pet-services
- Special assistance: airnewzealand.com/special-assistance-disability-accessible-travel
- Service dog declaration form (2025): p-airnz.com/cms/assets/PDFs/airnz-2025-service-dog-declaration-non-us-routes.pdf
- IATA Live Animals Regulations: iata.org/en/publications/store/live-animals-regulations/
- US DOT service animal rules: transportation.gov/serviceanimals
This article is for informational purposes only. Air New Zealand pet policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Air New Zealand or an approved pet transporter before booking. Domestic fee figures are sourced from 2022 data and may not reflect current pricing. International cargo fees vary by route, aircraft, and crate size and must be confirmed with a transporter at the time of booking.
