Travel with your Pets Globally
Tailored Solutions for Travelling with Pets
The physical and emotional well-being of pets is our top priority, and our tailored pet travel solutions ensure they are taken care of every step of the way.
Our Global Pet Travel Services
- Import permit applications
- Quarantine reservations
- Flight organisation and booking
- Advice and schedules for required blood tests and vaccinations
- Endorsements and vet checks with overseas animal health authorities
- Door-to-door transport to and from the airport, anywhere in the world
- Overall management of your pet’s relocation
Insider Advice from Your Pet Travel Specialist
Prepare for your journey with our insider pet travel tips. As your trusted guide, we offer valuable insights to address common concerns, including how to prevent parasites and diseases, and what you should be packing for your trip abroad. Count on us for reliable information that goes beyond the basics.
Worldwide Pet Travel
We understand that your furry friends are cherished members of the family, and when it comes to pet travel, we’re here to make the journey as comfortable as possible – for you and your pet. As your pet travel specialists, we take pride in offering tailored solutions for every adventure, ensuring you always receive stress-free pet travel with Dogtainers.
Domestic Pet Travel
Air travel is the most popular option for interstate pet travel, as it’s typically quicker and cheaper. Your pet will fly with a pet-friendly airline in an area dedicated to animal transport. The animal-hold is dimly lit to encourage sleeping, with the temperature set by the pilot to keep them comfortable.
Road transport is a particularly good domestic pet travel option for extra-large dogs and brachycephalic breeds, like pugs. Our road transport vans are specially designed for animal transportation. Featuring secure crate-holding mechanisms and climate control, pets are not only safe but comfortable. They are under the continuous supervision of one of our experienced pet handlers.
International Pet Travel
Pet travel overseas can be complicated, but we make it simple. With more than 50 years of international pet travel experience, Dogtainers is your global pet travel expert.
We handle all the logistics of booking and provide easy-to-understand timelines of key events to ensure your pet is ready on the day of travel. We’re always on standby to help you with any questions you may have and to provide you with tailored advice about your particular situation.
Pet Road Travel
If you’d prefer your pet to travel by road but can’t drive them yourself, we can help. With a modern fleet of pet relocation vans, your pet can have their very own road trip with Dogtainers.
We have dedicated pet handlers with expertise in road pet travel who will drive your furry companion anywhere in Australia.
Pet Travel Processes
At Dogtainers, we specialise in streamlined pet transportation so you can have a hassle-free pet travel journey. From the initial consultation to the safe arrival at your destination, we’re committed to making the entire experience as straightforward as possible.
It all begins with a pet transport consult. Here, we learn about you and your pet. Based on this, we let you know the travel options available. You decide when and with whom you want to fly and we handle the logistics behind the scenes. To ensure your pet is travel-ready, we send you a checklist and timeline of key events to ensure they’re up to date with the health requirements of the destination country. On the day of travel, we can handle the handover with the airline, or provide you with instructions on how to do it yourself. After the flight, we can take your pet through customs and drive them to your new residence, anywhere in the world – this is typically the preferred option if you and your pet are travelling on different planes or at different times.
Pet Travel Documentation
Our expert handling of pet travel paperwork ensures happy tails on travel day! We’ve developed a smooth documentation process that’s thorough and easy to understand. After your consult with us, we’ll send you an info packet of everything you need to know about travelling to your destination country, including vaccination requirements, quarantine info, and more.
You’ll receive a straightforward timeline of events leading up to your flight day and a checklist to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. We secure your pet import permit and can connect you with certified vets to endorse the required health documents of the destination country. We then submit the required documents to the relevant governing bodies on your behalf. Trust us to handle the paperwork, so you can focus on the excitement of the journey ahead.
Why You Should Choose Dogtainers
There are four different categories recognised by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. The categories are based on the rabies risks of animals coming from these countries. Cats and dogs from approved countries are allowed to enter, provided all the veterinary requirements are met.
We are Australia’s largest owner-operated pet transport network and the only pet travel company to have our own offices and staff located in every state in Australia, including the Northern Territory.
Dogtainers has been operating for 50 years, and we import thousands of pets into Australia every year.
We’re an official RSPCA partner and a member of IPATA.
Most importantly, we’re pet lovers just like you! We understand that pets are family, and they deserve to be treated like it.
Pet Flights and Flying with Pets
Our goal at Dogtainers is to give you a stress-free flying with pets experience. Some owners feel more comfortable knowing they’re flying on the same plane as their four-legged friend.
However, in order to ensure comfortable pet flights, the number of spots available in the animal-only area of the plane is limited. Because of this, we recommend booking well in advance if you want to fly on the same plane as your pet. Unfortunately, no airlines in Australia permit pets to fly in the cabin. The only exception to this rule is for service dogs.
For more specific information about your pet’s travel in Australia, fill out your details in our quote request form.
FAQs About Global Pet Travel
How Can I Travel With My Pet Internationally?<br />
To travel internationally with your pet, ensure your pet meets the vaccination and health standards of the destination country, obtain necessary permits, and follow specific documentation requirements. Most airlines recommend or require you to work with a pet transport company, like Dogtainers, for international pet travel.
What Are The Requirements For Flying With A Pet?<br />
Particular health requirements depend on the destination country but typically include a health certificate, microchip, and up-to-date vaccinations. Airlines require pets to be fit and healthy and to travel in an IATA-specified crate. They may also have age restrictions, like pets being over 8 weeks or under 12 years of age. When you travel with Dogtainers, we can provide specific information based on your circumstances.
Are There Specific Airlines That Allow Pets In The Cabin?<br />
In Australia, no airline permits pets to be in the cabin, unless they are a service animal.
How Do I Prepare My Pet For A Long Road Trip?<br />
Ensure your pet is comfortable with car travel, use a secure carrier or restraint, and plan breaks for water, food, and bathroom stops during the journey. When you travel with Dogtainers, we handle all this for you, and more.
What Vaccinations Does My Pet Need For Travel?<br />
It depends. Different countries have different requirements. Some common vaccinations are rabies, F3 for cats, and C5 for dogs.
Can I Bring My Pet On Public Transportation?<br />
Policies regarding pets on public transportation vary. We recommend you check with the specific provider or contact Dogtainers to handle road transport on your behalf.
Are There Restrictions For Travelling With Certain Breeds Of Pets?<br />
Yes, the following dog breeds are banned in Australia and many other countries: American Pit Bull and other Pit Bull Breeds, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Perro de Presa Canario. Restrictions can be put in place for brachycephalic breeds, like pugs, due to respiratory concerns. Additionally, dogs over 12 may require a health certificate to fly on certain airlines.
What Is The Process For Shipping A Pet As Cargo?<br />
Most airlines recommend or require you to work with a pet transport provider, like Dogtainers. To ship a pet as cargo, they will likely need the vaccinations of the destination country, a health certificate, an import permit, and to travel in an IATA-specified crate.
Do I Need A Pet Passport For International Travel?<br />
In most cases, no. While Pet Passports are prevalent within the EU, their usage is not widespread beyond it. Alternative documentation, such as microchip details, health records, and an import permit, is often acceptable. Dogtainers is ready to help you secure the required documents for your pet’s travel.
How Can I Keep My Pet Calm During Travel?<br />
Familiarise your pet with their carrier, use familiar bedding and toys, and consider calming products or consult with a veterinarian for advice. We do not recommend sedating your pet unless explicitly instructed by a veterinarian.
What Are The Quarantine Requirements For Travelling With A Pet?<br />
Quarantine regulations vary based on the destination country. While certain nations mandate mandatory quarantine, others impose it only if import requirements are not met, and some have no quarantine requirements at all. Generally, the stringency depends on the rabies status of the country, with rabies-free nations having rigorous import conditions. Dogtainers can help secure quarantine reservations in all countries, ensuring a journey that aligns with regulatory compliance.
Are There Pet-Friendly Hotels At My Destination?<br />
Yes! Through Dogtainers’ global network of pet specialists, we can help find you pet-friendly hotels, kennels, and catteries in almost every country around the world.
Can I Travel With Multiple Pets At Once?<br />
Yes, you can travel with multiple pets at once. However, each pet will likely need their own crate and all pets must travel in the animal’s only section of the cargo hold.
What Should I Include In A Pet Travel Kit?<br />
Pack essentials like food, water, bowls, medications, leash, and health records. Include familiar items for your pet’s comfort, like a toy or a blanket.
Is It Safe To Fly With A Brachycephalic Breed (Like Bulldogs Or Pugs)?<br />
Flying can pose respiratory risks for brachycephalic breeds; as such, most airlines require you to work with a pet transport company, like Dogtainers, to manage these risks. Your brachycephalic breed will probably need a slightly larger crate than usual to make their journey more comfortable and ensure easier breathing.
Start Your Pet Transport Journey
Australia: 1300 13 52 52 | New Zealand: 0800 13 52 52