Should we take our dog ?

[gecko]

Personally I would not advise that you bring your dog with you to New Zealand unless you plan to stay here. Firstly your dog would have to go through a quarentine period when he arrives and secondly if you plan to explore our national parks your dog would not be able to accompany you into the parks as dogs are not permitted in the parks because they could endanger the wildlife particularily the birds. I know of an incident where a dog was lost in a national park and during its time there killed 300 of the poulation of 600 kiwis in that park.

[LilAmy]

Hi Gecko,

Thats part of the reason we decided not to take our pooch with us.

On the other hand quarantine isnt that bad in NZ, its just 48hrs, or thats what we got told when we were looking into it at the start of the year.

The only problem is quarantine coming back to the UK.

Good luck with what ever you decide Johnty. Really look into it and think about it long and hard. Sometimes its cruel to be kind.

Although if we could have afforded it and knew our pup would defo be OK we probably would have taken him. Its a hard decision to make but you'll make the right one and which everyone it is the kiddie winks will eventually understand.

[DawnMarron]

We are planning to stay Gecko and altho our dogs come most places with us, they don't mind being left behind if they have to be, so if we do go out exploring anywhere they're not welcome then they'll be fine at home! I take Hugo to work with me sometimes, he's used to being around lots of people, he loves kids. He's been with me when I've been working with disabled kids, kids with learning difficulties and young people with extreme social issues and he's like a therapy dog, he has a calming effect on them, it's quite a thing to see really.

Johnty, I know it's expensive but I really can't see us being able to leave them behind. Our 4 year old snuggles up with the Newfie, he's like her best friend. Cost or o cost, they'll have to come!

[LilAmy]

Hi Dawn,

I think thats the thing with dogs in the UK, they are left in the house quite a lot and can deal with that and quite enjoy it. Means it'll be easier if there are restrictions in NZ for them.

I wish we could have taken our pooch but it didnt make sense for us.

Just a thought, not really the right post to pop it on but can you not go for a 12 month WHV to start with rather than the VV and take pooch with you on that one?

It's gonna be hard leaving him with the breeder but it'll be great seeing him in NZ when its time, think of the slobbery kisses you'll get