#USA #Cape Coral #New Zealand #Starwood Pet #Pet Relocation

Starwood Pet Travel's Remarkable Growth in Pet Relocations

In a groundbreaking report, Starwood Pet Travel, a leader in international pet relocation, has unveiled a staggering 800% increase in pet relocations since 2019. This impressive growth can be linked to an influx of healthcare professionals moving to New Zealand, particularly doctors and nurses who wish to ensure their beloved pets accompany them during this transition.

Surge in International Healthcare Workers

According to the Medical Council of New Zealand, a substantial 43% of the country’s medical workforce consists of internationally trained doctors. The latest stats reveal that from June 2023 to June 2024, over 70% of all new doctor registrations were international, emphasizing the nation's reliance on overseas talent in healthcare. Likewise, the Nursing Council reports that a significant portion of new nurse registrations—72%—also hail from abroad, revealing a trend of healthcare migration into the region.

This influx is strongly tied to New Zealand's strategic initiatives aimed at attracting medical professionals through programs like the Accredited Employer Work Visa and Green List pathways. In just the first year following the reopening of borders, New Zealand welcomed more than 6,300 overseas health workers, including approximately 2,500 nurses.

Insights from Relocating Healthcare Workers

Ezekiel Watts, a healthcare professional relocating from the U.S. with his family and pets, spoke about his experience navigating this transition. He shared, "Most healthcare workers are on Tier 1 of the Green List, expediting the visa process and offering a direct route to residency and dual citizenship within five years." He continued, reflecting on the complexities of pet relocation, stating, "The process of shipping pets to NZ is incredibly complicated and full of potential pitfalls. Starwood has made the process clear, guided us throughout, and ensured we have everything done on time for our fur babies to safely reach the other side of the world."

Starwood's Commitment to Pet Welfare

Adam Melton, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Starwood Pet Travel, expressed the company’s dedication to easing the relocation process, highlighting the emotional toll that moving can take on families. "For many, their pets are family. We assist numerous medical professionals burdened with the stress of immigration and starting new careers in a foreign country. Our commitment is to ensure they never worry about the care of their pets during this vital transition."

The Significant Growth in Pet Relocations

From 2019 to 2025, the reported increase in pet relocations to New Zealand is nothing short of remarkable. By 2025, bookings had tripled compared to 2024, showcasing the rise of pet-inclusive migration among healthcare workers as a prominent trend. This growth is closely aligned with New Zealand's evolving strategies for recruiting medical talent.

Essential Tips for Medical Professionals Moving with Pets

For healthcare professionals preparing to relocate with pets, Starwood offers valuable insights:

• - Engage an immigration agency early: Start early to navigate immigration hurdles smoothly.
• - Expect lengthy processing times: Planning ahead is crucial to avoid unexpected delays.
• - Budget appropriately: Full relocation expenses, including pet travel, can range from $30,000 to $45,000, with pet shipping starting around $5,295.
• - Stay resilient: View the process as a marathon, not a sprint—patience is essential.

Conclusion

Starwood Pet Travel remains committed to providing exceptional support throughout the international pet relocation process. They are dedicated to helping families make seamless transitions, ensuring that their pets can always be a part of their new adventure. As the demand for pet relocation increases, especially among new healthcare recruits, Starwood stands at the forefront, ready to assist anyone embarking on this journey.

For further information, potential clients can reach out to Georgiana Strait, Marketing Manager at Starwood Pet Travel, at [email protected], or by phone at 573-337-8415.