Author Topic: To those wanting to bring pets (Read 3316 times)

Lea · « **on:** March 02, 2009, 07:43:37 am »

We had two little miniature pinchers when we were still in SA, and lucky we had friends who volunteered to take them and take care of them. The dogs are really really happy and well settled and we don't think they would have enjoyed or even possibly survived such a big trip.

We know people who brought their two dogs and it cost them a fortune, it took around 6 months in SA to get a load of tests and injections done and then a further 3 or 4 months here in quarantine.

We've been renting homes for the past 4 years. What we found is that 95% - 98% of all rental homes did not allow pets at all. A small number allowed cats, but more often than not you will find a "definitely no dogs" policy. Now we weren't looking for a rental home where pets were allowed, but that's what we've noticed on Trade Me which is where a lot of rental properties are advertised.

Now keep in mind if you have kids that you will need to find a rental home in a suitable school zone, so already that will limit your options.

I would like to wish you all

in making the decision whether to bring pets or not. And I hope that it all works out for you whatever you decide. Making these decisions aren't always easy.

Paperdoll · « **Reply #1 on:** March 03, 2009, 09:08:04 am »

We made the heartbreaking decision to not to take our adorable little maltese poodle to New Zealand - it truly broke our hearts

We were very lucky to find a special mommy and daddy to give her a new home. We just heard from our family back in SA that she is absolutely adored by her new parents and that she is so settled in their home.

We still miss her stacks and often wish that she could be here with us, but I know we made the right decision. I really don't think she would have coped very well with the quarantee. And she really is happy where she is now.

SA Going to NZ Advice Forum · « **Reply #1 on:** March 03, 2009, 09:08:04 am »

!!DV!! · « **Reply #2 on:** March 08, 2009, 08:15:21 am »

I might be wrong, but the big thing with dogs are the winters here.
It is wet and miserable outside, I would definitely not what to leave my pets outside, in doing so tramping mud into the house

, not even talking about the amount of houses that have wooden floors here.

We also had to find new homes for our 3 beautiful Scottish Terriers in SA, was absolutely gut renching...

Awa · « **Reply #3 on:** March 08, 2009, 10:29:54 pm »

I agree with Lea, very very difficult to find a rental that allowes pets. We were umming and ahhing about bringing our dogs over but in the end decided that it was not going to happen either cost wise or rental wise. We knew that we would not be in position to buy a house over in NZ soon so our decision was made for us in many respects. Lucky for us my mom in law took our dogs in and I know that she loves them to bits. Not an easy thing to do though (and I'm not what you would call it dog person and it was still difficult) - the kids especially still talk about their dogs and how much they miss them!

Doreen · « **Reply #4 on:** March 09, 2009, 06:27:11 am »

I brought my dog to NZ, and I thank everyday God that it was possible!!

Dogs have no idea of time - that is why they are able to survive quarantee. Kila never saw the sea before, and she just adore it here in NZ. It is such a pleasure to go with my SA dog to the beech every morning. If you are willing to pay a 3 week bond, your change is better that they will allow you to keep your dog in a rent house. Just talk to the agent and owner. Tell them your dog is trained and blah, blah blah....

I'm a dog person...my dogs stay with me in the house. We all put our raincoats on if we want to go outside in the rain

(My one dog is from SA and the other is a NZ dog that eats "mieliepap" and "vetkoek". The previous owner of our house also have a dog. They made a path with white stones and shells to the door. When the dogs come in the house from outside - there paws are already clean... It really works. The nice thing from NZ...our sliding door stands open 24 hours!! My dogs is fully trained.

It depents, but I would advise you to bring your dog with you!! The 4 months in quarantee is'nt a picnic at all. But it really was the best for me and Kila. She is almost 3 months out of quarantee, and just the same. We are together now - and I didn't make her my mother of 70 years problem. And there was no way that I would give her to someone else. It would feel the same to advertise my 2 kids in the newspaper!!

I know too many people that still cry over there dogs in SA. But overall everyone must do what is best for them.

with your decision

Etresia · « **Reply #5 on:** March 09, 2009, 08:11:50 am »

Thanks for that Doreen!

Am bringing my 2 dogs and 1 cat, and was worrying about the rental situation. Am still in SA, can only leave once i sold the house.

But i would not make it without my animals either. You are so right, for me it would also be like advertising my child. Its good to hear from someone who's just gone through the process. Very reassuring

Each person must do what is right for their situation and there is no wrong or right answer, just that which suits your personal situation best.

Doreen · « **Reply #6 on:** March 10, 2009, 04:57:35 am »

Estresia, its not going to be easy...but its worth it!! You must just visit as often as you can and give them alot of toys. It was very expensive, but worth it. And the time will pass, before you know you will pick up again "poo" on the grass

SA Going to NZ Advice Forum · « **Reply #6 on:** March 10, 2009, 04:57:35 am »

Etresia · « **Reply #7 on:** March 10, 2009, 06:23:06 am »

Aah Doreen, at least i'll have a break for a while from the pooh picking up thing!

They are big dogs too, one is a great dane and the other one a labrador!!!!

Yes, the cost involved is just unbelieveable and we are making huge financial sacrifices to get them over there.

They will be at the quarantine facility close to wellington, which will be an hour's drive from us, so luckily not to far!

Paperdoll · « **Reply #8 on:** March 10, 2009, 06:49:01 am »

Doreen and Etresia, I'm so happy that you could bring your pets with you. If I could have, I would have.

But firstly, we just could not afford the cost and ...

And secondly, due to circumstances, our little lady had moved with us through 3 homes and I could see how sensitive she was to all the change - so much so that she was becoming a bundle of nerves and highly strung. I just felt I could not put her through such an extreme experience .... How many moves would we have to go through until we ourselves get settled? .... I think this might have just tipped her over the edge.

So when we got the offer from a real doggie lover to give her a new home, we decided it was best for her. We were totally gutted when she left us, cried buckets for the first few days, but in our hearts feel we made the right decision as sad as it was. And she is in a very settled home with folks that adore her - so I think she will feel totaly loved and secure where she is now.

MJ · « **Reply #9 on:** March 10, 2009, 08:06:17 am »

Etresia we brought our two sausage dogs with and as Doreen says the quarantine is hard but worth it in the end. We are in our second rental now with the dogs and have not found it too hard to get a rental. We left our Great Dane back in Durban in a fantastic home and reading your post makes me wish we had been able to bring him too. My husband asks if you have room to bring him with yours

Etresia · « **Reply #10 on:** March 10, 2009, 07:18:09 pm »

Dear MJ, i would have loved to bring your Dane if i could !! They have such special characters. Mine thinks she is a maltese poodle - just wants to cuddle and be close and so gentle too!!

It is difficult to take a Dane - i had to measure mine as well, apparantly Quantas do not take dogs over a certain height. Luckily mine is not the biggest of the breed so she makes it by 2 cm's!!

They will only leave in July 2009, they had their rabies vaccs in Nov 2008.

Am feeling less worried re the good feedback about rentals where they allow pets.

Lea · « **Reply #11 on:** March 11, 2009, 07:27:29 am »

Quote from: MJ on March 10, 2009, 08:06:17 am

Etresia we brought our two sausage dogs with and as Doreen says the quarantine is hard but worth it in the end. We are in our second rental now with the dogs and have not found it too hard to get a rental. We left our Great Dane back in Durban in a fantastic home and reading your post makes me wish we had been able to bring him too. My husband asks if you have room to bring him with yours

You are so lucky! Whenever we looked for rentals (we've been in 6 different rentals and will be moving in our 7th soon the past 4 years) pretty much all the adverts would say "no pets" or "no dogs". But I'm very happy for you that you were able to bring your pets.

My little doggies would not have coped at all - a stay at the vet used to stress them out so much that they would stop eating and stuff like that.

SA Going to NZ Advice Forum · « **Reply #11 on:** March 11, 2009, 07:27:29 am »

Doreen · « **Reply #12 on:** March 12, 2009, 01:03:43 am »

Jannee, you did the right thing!! You must get yourself also a NZ dog now...

Lea, Kila is also a dog full of stress. I told the people at the quarantine, and they took note. But she coped. I prayed everyday for her. They are stronger than you think!! But I'm sure you do the right thing - that was best for your dogs and yourself!! You as owner will know the best. I hope you make peace with your decision and start moving on!!

Esresia, if they advertise a renthouse with "no pets allowed" still ask them if they won't consider your pets. Tell them you will pay more bond fee. And also don't tell them your dogs is so big.... They will ask - say its medium size and they stay outside. Don't tell them they sleep in the house!! You know they won't rip the carpet or dirt in the house. They don't- and they also don't want to take the change...The agents will make an appointment to come and check your house. Tell them before the time you will be out but they are welcome to come. Take then your dogs to the beech or somewhere. Then there is no room for anything they can "moan" about.

I really hope you get a house!!

Lea · « **Reply #13 on:** March 12, 2009, 08:16:18 am »

Quote from: Doreen on March 12, 2009, 01:03:43 am

Jannee, you did the right thing!! You must get yourself also a NZ dog now...
Lea, Kila is also a dog full of stress. I told the people at the quarantine, and they took note. But she coped. I prayed everyday for her. They are stronger than you think!! But I'm sure you do the right thing - that was best for your dogs and yourself!! You as owner will know the best. I hope you make peace with your decision and start moving on!!

Esresia, if they advertise a renthouse with "no pets allowed" still ask them if they won't consider your pets. Tell them you will pay more bond fee. And also don't tell them your dogs is so big.... They will ask - say its medium size and they stay outside. Don't tell them they sleep in the house!! You know they won't rip the carpet or dirt in the house. They don't- and they also don't want to take the change...The agents will make an appointment to come and check your house. Tell them before the time you will be out but they are welcome to come. Take then your dogs to the beech or somewhere. Then there is no room for anything they can "moan" about.
I really hope you get a house!!

Rest assured we are totally at peace with our decision as wonderful friends of ours took our two little miniature pinchers and when we saw our doggies 10 months later (when we went back to finalise the sale of our house), they were totally at peace, so well settled and very happy. We absolutely made the right decision as far as our doggies are concerned. They have totally adopted their new owners. And we've moved on a long long time ago, we're certainly not heartbroken anymore or anything like that and we know they aren't missing us at all. I agree with you that all of us need to make the decision that is best for us.

The purpose of my topic was really just to let people know that it can be challenging to find a rental home where pets are allowed and it was to wish everybody good luck with their decisions.

Just out of interest, I had a quick look on Trade Me where a large number of rental properties are advertised and where we found all our rental properties the past 4 years, and of the 70 latest listing properties in the general Auckland area that I looked at (South, North, East and West), 46 had a definite no pet policy, 4 allowed pets, 19 did not specify, but that does not mean they will be happy with a pet, and 2 allowed cats, but definitely no dogs. And then a person also need to keep in mind where you need to live in relation to transport / work and school zones is a big one to keep in mind if you have kids, so if you then have pets, your options become very limited indeed. I had a look at some other random areas, and certainly found most saying definitely no pets. In our experience dealing with lots of various agents and owners who managed their own properties, we found that the majority were not willing to negotiate on the matter of pets, one was willing to consider a fully grown cat, but no kitten and no other pets and one agent even mentioned to us that they knew of an owner who evicted somebody because they kept pets without permission.

Personally I wouldn't lie to agents as there is a chance you would be caught out and then your reputation won't be so good anymore and certainly having good references makes all the difference. (certainly where we live now the next door neighbours rent their place from the same owner as us and the owner lives just down the road so if we had to keep pets when we were not allowed to or let them sleep inside when we said they only sleep outside or that they are medium sized instead of big he would definitely know)

If you work with an agent, you won't always know who the owner is or even where he / she might live, you also won't know if they have any other tenants close to where you might live, so you can't say for sure they wouldn't notice.

But certainly if this works for you, then that's great. I'm very happy for those who decide to bring their pets and manage to find a rental home without any effort. From my experience it would be pretty challenging (and we lived in both Wellington area and Auckland area).

But yes, fully agree with you, you need to make the right decision for you! I'm really glad your dog settled so well!

Paperdoll · « **Reply #14 on:** March 12, 2009, 09:17:24 am »

Just like Lea, we are now at peace with our decision for Jessica. We hear quite often how she is doing in her new home and we have a good chuckle about her antics. She is a real character and already has sorted out her new family.

And yes, Doreen, I am sure at some stage, we may get another dog-child. We just want to make absolutely sure that we ourselves are well settled by then. And if we do eventually get ourselves that lifestyle section that we dream of, it will be perfect for a couple of dogs.

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