For Breeders

Dedicated pet transport for New Zealand breeders

As active breeders ourselves, we understand what it takes to send a puppy to a new home or bring in breeding stock from overseas. We handle the details so you can focus on your animals.

Discuss Your Requirements ->

Why Breeders Choose Us

A transport partner who understands breeding

Star Pet Travel is run by active dog breeders. We've handled the documentation, the coordination, and the stress of sending our own animals - so we know what matters to you.

Breed-specific experience

Betty and Desiree are active Labrador Retriever and Lagotto Romagnolo breeders. We understand breed standards, NZKC paperwork, and what a buyer expects when their puppy or kitten arrives.

Reliable for repeat shipments

Most of our breeder clients send multiple litters a year. We know your preferences, your paperwork requirements, and your expectations - so each booking gets easier, not harder.

Full import and export capability

We handle the complete documentation chain for importing breeding stock from Australia and Europe, and exporting New Zealand dogs and cats worldwide - including official health certificates, import permits, and veterinary endorsement.

Vet nursing background

Desiree's training as a vet nurse and animal care technician means we handle each animal with genuine clinical knowledge. We understand stress indicators, correct crate sizing, and safe travel conditions for young or sensitive animals.

Multi-puppy bookings

We can arrange transport for multiple puppies from the same litter - either together in an appropriately sized crate for young pups or as individual bookings to different buyers nationwide.

Buyer communication included

We can liaise directly with your puppy or kitten buyers about crate collection, flight details, and arrival times - taking that coordination off your plate so you can focus on the litter.

Breeder Services

What we handle for breeders

  • Domestic puppy and kitten transport to any destination in New Zealand
  • Import of breeding stock from Australia, UK, and Europe
  • Export of New Zealand dogs and cats to approved destinations worldwide
  • Stud dog and queen transport - domestically and internationally
  • IATA-compliant crate supply for all sizes, including custom wooden builds
  • Health certificate coordination with your vet
  • Microchip verification and documentation checks
  • NZKC / Dogs NZ / NZCF registration papers included in travel documentation
  • Import permits - we advise on and assist with destination-country requirements
  • Flight booking, cargo check-in, and Live Animal documentation
  • Glenstar Kennels boarding before or after flights if required

Whether you send one puppy a year or run a busy breeding programme with multiple litters, we can set up a working process that fits your schedule and your buyer network.

How It Works

From first enquiry to delivery

  1. 1

    Get in touch with your timeline

    Contact us as soon as you have a potential litter date or an import enquiry. For domestic puppy transport, three to five days notice is usually sufficient. For international movements, allow four to eight weeks to manage permits, health certificates, and airline cargo bookings.

  2. 2

    We confirm requirements

    We'll confirm the age and weight of each animal, vaccination and microchip status, documentation requirements for the destination, and crate sizing. For international movements, we'll advise on import or export permit requirements specific to your breed and destination country.

  3. 3

    Crate preparation

    We source and prepare the correct IATA-compliant crate for each animal. For young puppies or kittens, we assess whether same-crate travel is permitted. Crates are labelled, fitted with water bowls, and inspected before travel day.

  4. 4

    Health certificate and vet check

    Your vet issues a health certificate within the required window before travel. For international movements, government endorsement of the certificate may be required. We advise on timing to keep the certificate valid for the entire journey.

  5. 5

    Check-in and departure

    We handle cargo check-in with the airline on travel day, complete all Live Animal documentation, and confirm your puppy or kitten is booked as cargo. You'll receive flight details to pass on to your buyer.

  6. 6

    Arrival and collection

    We confirm estimated arrival time with the destination airport and advise your buyer on collection procedure. If transit or short-term boarding is needed, Glenstar Kennels can accommodate arrivals at either end of the journey.

Got Questions?

Breeder FAQs

What is the minimum age for a puppy to fly?
For New Zealand domestic flights, puppies must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned. For flights to Australia, the minimum is also 8 weeks - but your vet certificate must confirm the puppy is fit and healthy for travel. For other international destinations, the minimum age varies - some countries require 12 to 16 weeks, or proof of completed core vaccinations. We advise on this for every international shipment.
Can I send multiple puppies from the same litter together?
Yes, in many cases. Two puppies from the same litter can travel together in the same crate if they are young enough and there is sufficient space for both to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Airlines have specific rules about this - we assess each case individually and advise on whether a single shared crate or individual crates are most appropriate.
What documentation does a registered puppy need?
A registered puppy travelling domestically within New Zealand needs a health certificate from your vet, microchip details, and the crate documentation (Live Animal labels, directional arrows). Internationally, you'll also need a government-endorsed health certificate, vaccination records, and in many cases an import permit issued by the destination country. We can include NZKC or Dogs NZ registration papers in the documentation package for your buyer's reference.
How do I prepare a puppy crate for air travel?
The crate should be IATA-approved, clean, and correctly sized. Attach a water bowl inside the door. Include a small amount of dry food taped to the top of the crate (for long journeys). Add a cloth with the mother's or your scent. Do not include toys with stuffing, collars with hardware that could snag, or any loose items. We provide full preparation guidance when you book.
Do I need to be present at the airport for check-in?
No - we handle the cargo check-in process on your behalf. You simply need to deliver your puppy or kitten to us (or arrange for us to collect from your kennels if you are in the Canterbury region) within the check-in window before the flight departs. We'll confirm exact handover arrangements when you book.
Can you transport breeding dogs and stud dogs internationally?
Yes. We regularly arrange temporary transport of stud dogs and breeding females for natural mating or artificial insemination programmes - both within New Zealand and internationally. For international stud transport, a health certificate, microchip, and depending on the destination, a semen or breeding permit may be required. Contact us well in advance as lead times vary by country.
How much notice do I need to give for a booking?
For domestic puppy transport within New Zealand, three to five working days is usually sufficient. For Australia, four to six weeks is recommended to allow time for health certificate timing and cargo booking. For other international destinations, allow six to eight weeks or more - particularly if an import permit or rabies vaccination titre test is required.

Still have questions? Get in touch - we're happy to help.

Ready to arrange your next shipment?

Get in touch to discuss your puppy litter, import enquiry, or ongoing breeder account. We make repeat bookings straightforward.

Contact Us ->

Or call 027 273 1049