Moving to NZ

Hi. I'm so sorry to take over your post. Very new to this and not really sure how to start my own. Could anyone help me, I'm looking to immigrate to NZ however I won't leave my dog behind. I've checked and staffs aren't on the list of banned dogs. But I'm not 100% sure if she would be allowed. Also I'm not sure if she is pure breed.

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Hi ya, welcome to the forum from Flo & me

I moved your post here as it will get more views. I've also found some info at this link http://www.pettravel.com/immigration/newzealand.cfm so it looks like you should be fine as they definitely aren't a banned breed there .

Thank you so much for all your help. I see that they aren't a banned breed however American Staffordshire Terrier's look W LOT like pitbull. She often gets mistaken for one. And the process of moving an animal is very expensive. I think I'll have to get in touch with someone who can help me with this.

Hi and welcome from me and mine

I fear that the same exists in NZ as in so many other countries - there isn't a clear definition of a pit bull. Although I know what our local police will class as a pit bull (I've seen a fair few) and they don't look like staffies, it might be worth exploring further what the definition of an American pit bull terrier is in New Zealand.

My gut feeling is that you'd be ok provided your girlie doesn't draw anyone's attention by her behaviour.

Can you try and post a photo? I say try because sometimes the system doesn't let you for a few days. Click on the 4th icon to the right on the top line above, the one with a square on a square, and follow the instructions.

We have papers saying that she is a red nose Am staff. She is not violent at all. Loves children . So behaviour shouldn't be a problem. I will try to add a picture in a minute!

What unusual colouring! That looks quite floral to me!!!

I don't suppose you happen to have a shot that shows her body at all, do you? Preferably side on.

I'm really starting to worry that our paperwork is not accurate. She does have traits that looks like a pit but she is much smaller 

We have had an american pitbull before. Her facial structures are very different.  Her mom was a very big staff but we didn't see the father.

To be honest, I would be careful. She's not a full staffie in my opinion and yes, I can see that someone who wanted to see her as a APBT could. I think I'd do a bit more research, maybe contact some people over there. There's this group for example

https://www.facebook.com/pg/AmericanPitBullTerrierAssnIncNZ/posts/?ref=page_internal

You need to know how the law is applied, what your risks are in the area you are looking to move to. In the UK, some forces apply the law more proactively than others, it's worth seeing if that is the same there.

A tough decision.

Hello and welcome.
She really is lovely, I can fully understand that you would not want to go without her.
I can't be of any help for NZ but I know that she would not be allowed here as not being a papered Am Staff in category 2, she’s a mix so put into the pit bull basket which is a category 1 and forbidden in importation and ownership.

Do thoroughly do your research beforehand and hope you are able to find a compromise that suits you and her situation

It's very unfortunate because she will not adapt ro any other household.  She is a very very special dog. I am wondering though.  If we have papers that have actually been signed off by a vet if those can be questioned?

To confirm, but I would not have thought that your vet’s document would be secure enough as in doubt, they could always call another vet for counter expertise and believe the opinion that suited their expectations

Yes that is true. I am contacting as many people as I possibly can. Including the breeder and associations all over NZ. I have a friend there whose dog looks identical to mine. Slightly darker and is also classified as an American staffordshire terrier.

Might be worth trying to contact equivalent of RSPCA and dog wardens over there for their opinion/experience as they’ll be on the front line in case of trouble

Thank you so much for all your help! I appreciate it so much!

I live in NZ and would happy to chat with you in detail before you make your move...time is of the essence and I have first hand information that is important to know. Email me at your convenience ;-) Cheers, Amy

Hi Amy,

I'm afraid we don't have the facility for members to message each other through the forum, or exchange email addresses. This is to protect people from direct approaches by the less than honest of this world.

Do feel free to share any information you are able to here though.

And thanks for your offer to help!

(by the way, you can change your details by going into 'profile' at the top right of the page, just at the bottom of the banner)

Oh thank you and understood...I have brain injuries so I have a hard time reading all details of the terms and services without another pair of eys....I may have missed something ;-) Cheers and ok will keep all in mind-Amy