Virgin Pet Travel
Virgin Pet Travel
Flying your pet domestically in Australia? Virgin Australia is one of the most trusted airlines that provides pet air travel services. Virgin currently requires all guests wishing to book travel with their pet to make a booking with a Commercial Pet Transport Company, like Dogtainers™. The Dogtainers team arranged Virgin flights for approximately 11,900 pets in the last year, so your pets are in good hands. Get a Virgin pet travel quote today.
Booking a Virgin Pet Flight
Virgin Australia requires all guests wishing to book travel with their pet to make a booking with a Commercial Pet Transport Company, like Dogtainers.
At Dogtainers, we can cover the basics or much more:
- Import Permit Application
- Quarantine Reservation
- Guidance on the protocols with a detailed veterinary schedule
- Endorsements and vet checks with overseas animal health authorities
- Overall management of your pet’s relocation
- Flights into Australia
- Collection from quarantine and delivery to your home.
Virgin Pet Domestic Flights
Dogtainers have an approved cargo account with Virgin Australia so that we can make bookings directly through their pet transport portal. Not all pet transporters have access to this portal, as you must have a stable booking volume to access it.
We can check Virgin’s availability and book flights up to 3 months in advance, which allows us to streamline the booking process. Our local operational teams have close working relationships with the Virgin freight teams in each Australian state, our team is based in all major cities in Australia including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Cairns, Adelaide, Canberra, Townsville, Darwin and hobart.
Virgin Pet Travel Container Standard
The size of the container is very important to the welfare of your pet. Virgin has provided the following guidelines for pet air travel crates:
- Your pet must be able to stand with their head up unrestricted by the container; and
- Your pet must be able to turn around freely within the container.
- Virgin Australia does NOT accept wire containers.
Additionally, the container must:
- Have adequate ventilation;
- Have a water bowl/receptacle affixed to the container;
- Have escape-proof hinges and latches and be adequately locked;
- Be in good repair and strong enough to withstand damage and ensure the pet cannot escape;
- Be made of wood or a polypropylene material;
- Be lined with absorbent material and designed so that no water or excreta can escape;
- Not exceed a total weight of 65kgs when the pet is inside;
- Not have any wheels attached;
- Not be designed to collapse; and
- Two-part rigid plastic containers must have the top and bottom (or side) parts secured by screws or nuts and bolts (not plastic clips).
Dogtainers’ crates meet the requirements of the Virgin airline, and as a recommended pet crate supplier, our team can advise the best crate for hire or purchase, for your fur babies’ comfort and welfare.
Virgin International Flights
We work with many international airlines to ensure your pet’s journey is as smooth as possible. As each pet flight is unique, with factors such as the date, destination, pet breed, seasonal restrictions, and service in transit requirements all factoring in, the international team works closely with pet owners to work out a customised pet travel solution. During international flights, airlines update us on how your pet is doing, photos included. We then pass these updates on to you, so you’re always in the loop.
Virgin Boarding for Pets
Virgin doesn’t provide any boarding services for pets. If your pet needs accommodation between flights, or somewhere to stay until you can reunite with them, they won’t be able to stay at the airport. Luckily, we have Australia’s largest network of pet professionals, including partners who specialise in pet accommodation, boarding, kennels, and catteries. We recommend Dolittles Pet Retreats for pets in Brisbane but we can organise accommodation anywhere in Australia or overseas as needed. Have a preferred pet accommodation provider? We’re more than happy to organise the stay for you.
Virgin Flight Quotes
Like all other air freight items, your pet’s weight and the size of their crate will determine the price of the pet’s flight. Other factors that can influence the cost of your pet’s travel include:
- Adaptil collar for dogs
- Deluxe vet bedding for dogs and cats
- Door-to-Door service
- Pet boarding
- Pet travel permit
- Quarantine
Pick Up and Drop Off
Drop Off Time
Virgin recommends dropping off your pet at the Virgin Freight Terminal* 90 minutes before their flight is scheduled to depart.
Please note that if your pet flight departs at or before 0700, pet check-in opens between 60 – 120 minutes before your departure and closes between 50 – 90 minutes before departure, depending on the departing port. The freight team has to balance the weight of the aircraft before the flight takes off, so if you miss the lodgement time, your pet may miss their flight.
*Most customers can drop off their pets themselves. For some airports, the freight areas might not be open to the public. Therefore, customers from these areas will need to drop their pets off at a Dogtainers office where one of our professional pet handlers will take them to the Virgin Freight Terminal for their flight.
Pick Up Time
Virgin requests that pets are collected from ports 30 minutes after their flight’s arrival.
We’ll let you know exactly when and where to pick up and drop off your pet based on their specific flight details. Or, if you’d prefer, we can handle the pickup and drop off for you with our door-to-door service. With this service, your pet will be collected from your residence in one of our climate-controlled vans and taken to boarding or directly to the airport, depending on the flight schedule. After the plane lands, they’ll be collected and delivered to their destination. For international travel, this includes going through customs clearance and other requirements in the destination country.
FAQs About Virgin Pet Travel
How to Prep Your Pets for Travel with Virgin Australia?
Your pet will be in their container from check-in to when they’re picked up at their destination. For safety reasons, Virgin Australia will not release your pet from their container. Your pet must be fit and healthy and able to cope with being confined for an extended period of time. Before you present your pet for check-in, ensure they are well-hydrated and have had some time to exercise. It is also recommended that pets travel on an empty stomach and that their food is limited before travel. If your pet soils the container before departure, you may be required to return to the pet check-in area to clean the container. Otherwise, Virgin may be unable to load your pet onto the aircraft.
Where Should I Drop Off My Pets for a Virgin Flight?
The Dogtainers team can assist with pick up and drop off and ensure your pet safely arrives at their destination. You may also choose to pick up and drop off your pet at the various Virgin freight areas.
Can Brachycephalic (snub-nosed / flat-faced) Breeds Travel with Virgin?<br />
Brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs, are required to be transported by a pet transport specialist, like Dogtainers. We are a Virgin-approved brachycephalic transport specialist and can advise you on all the requirements brachy breeds need to meet.
To ensure brachy pets are fit for flight, we can organise a Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) test with one of our qualified vets or your preferred reputable vet. Mixed breeds aren’t required to take a BOAS test.
Which Breeds Can’t Fly with Virgin?
Australia has a list of “dangerous dog breeds” that are prohibited from flying in Australia. They cannot be imported into Australia, and if they’re already here, they can not fly domestically.
These breeds are not allowed to fly in Australia:
- American Pit Bull and other Pit Bull Breeds
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Perro de Presa Canario
Some domestic/non-domestic hybrids (e.g. dog-wolf crosses) are also prohibited under the “Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999”.
- Czechoslovakian wolfdog or Czechoslovakian Vlcak
- Saarloos wolfdog or Saarloos wolfhound
- Lupo Italiano or Italian wolfdog
- Kunming wolfdog or Kunming dog.
We don’t judge a dog by its breed, we know each dog has their own personality, and just because they’re a ‘dangerous breed’, it doesn’t mean they’re dangerous. So long as your dog isn’t aggressive, we can transport all dog breeds by road in one of our specialist pet transportation vans.
Will I Need a Permit For My Pet with Virgin?<br />
Maybe. Different states and countries have varying requirements for pet transport, including the need for a permit. Unfortunately, the airlines won’t tell you which ones apply to you. Luckily, we will. As part of our service, we ensure you’re informed about any and all vaccines, permits, and other requirements your pet must meet in order to travel to their destination.
What is it Like for Pets to Travel in Virgin’s Pet Cargo?<br />
Pets travel in a pressurised, temperature-controlled, dimly lit compartment, which is usually at the rear of the plane. In this section, travel crates are safely strapped into position by trained airline staff. The captain of the aircraft sets the temperature to around 18 degrees Celsius. With the gentle hum of the aircraft, pets often spend time dozing before reaching their destination.
What Animals Does Virgin Transport?<br />
Virgin can transport various pets, including dogs (not racing greyhounds), cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, domestic fish with no aeration requirements that aren’t intended for resale, and domestic birds that don’t need a permit to travel (maximum four birds per cage).
Can I be Booked on the Same Flight as My Animal?
Maybe. There are only minimal spots on a flight for pets, whereas there are hundreds of flight seats for people. For the best chance of being on the same flight as your pet, it’s best to book your pet’s flight first. However, this does not guarantee you’ll be together, it just gives you better odds.
What Happens if My Pet’s Flight is Delayed, or Cancelled?<br />
Delayed – The airline must notify us if the delay is a few hours long. Our team then goes to the airport to check on the animal and ensure they’re doing well.
Cancelled – If a Virgin domestic flight is cancelled, our team will contact you to confirm the alternative flight you’d like to book. Depending on what you want to do, we can go pick up your pet and bring them back to our office, to boarding, or back to your residence.
What Happens When My Pet’s Flight Lands?<br />
For safety reasons, animals are first to be loaded off the aircraft. Pets are then brought to the Virgin Freight Terminal and are usually ready for collection at least 30 minutes after flight arrival. Owners need to have their ID and airway bill (digital or printed) to collect the pet. Alternatively, Dogtainers can arrange the pickup and drop off of your furbaby either at one of our offices or at a location of your choice.
How Do I Get Notified About My Pet’s Flight?<br />
Unfortunately, airport staff only send updates for international flights. If you’d like to track your pet’s domestic flight, you can Google their flight number, or check on their Virgin Flight Status. If you’ve elected to have Dogtainers drop off or pick up your pet from the airport, we can send you updates personally, so you know how your fur baby is doing.
How Many Pet Flights Were Booked with Virgin Last Year?<br />
Dogtainers and Virgin have a strong relationship, and in 2021, we arranged Virgin flights for more than 11,900 pets.
Can I Pack Medications or Special Food for My Pet on a Plane?
Airline regulations state that we cannot send food with your pet when they travel. We can send medications with your pets if they are identified by the vet and clearly state the content. However, the airline reserves the right to refuse the medication.
Do I Need to Measure My Pet for Their Flight?
Be sure to weigh and measure your pet correctly. If at the time of lodgement there are any weight discrepancies, or a larger crate is required, your pet may be offloaded, and additional charges will be incurred. Learn more about crates and measuring your pet.
Should I Feed My Pet Before They Fly?
We recommend not feeding your pet within 8 hours of travel as this can cause them to have an accident inside the crate. Although it is natural for your pet to answer nature’s call, if your pet has an accident in their crate before their flight, the airline will refuse to put them on the flight until a Dogtainers representative can clean the pet and inside the crate. This can then result in flights being missed, and additional charges may apply.
What’s Allowed in My Pet’s Cage with Virgin?
Virgin does not allow any toys or other items inside your pet’s crate. Virgin and Dogtainers take no responsibility for any lost items during transport. Any items you send are at your own risk.
A firmly fixed water bowl that your pet can drink from with a funnel on the outside is mandatory for your pet to fly.
You can place absorbent material in your pet’s crate, such as Deluxe Vet Bedding or a puppy training pad, but no straw, kitty litter or newspapers are allowed. If the material is soiled during the flight, it will not be returned after the flight.
What Can’t I Put in My Pet’s Crate with Virgin?
Do not put any food, leads, or harnesses in your pet’s crate, as these are not allowed by Virgin.
Plan your pet’s trip the right way
With the care and support they need