Qantas Pet Travel
Qantas is a pet-friendly airline that offers both domestic and international flights. They recently changed their pet travel policy, so now all bookings for domestic pet and animal transport must be made through a Qantas Freight-approved pet travel specialist. We’re a proud Qantas pet travel partner and happy to organise all aspects of your pet travel needs. From organising flights to scheduling vet visits, and ensuring all of your documents are in order, Dogtainers™ can help. The Dogtainers team arranged Virgin flights for approximately 5,500 pets in the last year, so your pets are in good hands. Get a Qantas pet travel quote today.
Qantas Pet Travel Requirements
To be able to travel with Qantas, your pet must:
- Be fit, healthy, and able to cope with being confined for an extended period of time;
- Be at least 12 weeks old;
- Be under 12 years old, or over 12 years old with a certificate stating they’re healthy enough to fly;
- Not be sedated;
- Not be unwell;
- Not be injured;
- Not be heavily pregnant; and
- Not be aggressive
Qantas recommends talking to your vet and having an assessment carried out before booking any travel arrangements.
Qantas Pet Travel Crate Standard
Qantas requires all pets to be transported in an IATA-specified crate. All crates used by Dogtainers are IATA-specified and approved by all domestic and international airlines. Our airline-approved crates are available for sale or hire for your convenience. If you already have an IATA-specified crate, you’re more than welcome to use it for your pet’s flight.
TRUSTED SINCE 1971
Why Choose Dogtainers
Australia’s most trusted pet transport company — 50 years of experience, offices in every state, and a team of genuine pet lovers.
● Official RSPCA partner
● IPATA member
● Australia’s oldest pet transport company
Offices in every state
The only pet transport company with local offices and staff in every state and territory — always someone nearby looking after your pet.
50 years of experience
Operating since 1971 — Australia’s oldest pet transport company, moving thousands of pets safely every year.
Accredited and trusted
Official RSPCA partner and IPATA member. Your pet is in certified hands from pick-up to delivery.
Pet lovers, just like you
We know pets are family. Every team member shares your commitment to their care and wellbeing.
Qantas Boarding for Pets
Qantas doesn’t provide any boarding services for pets. If your pet needs accomodation 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 can organise accommodation anywhere in Australia or overseas as needed. Have a preferred pet accommodation
Qantas Flight Quotes for Pets
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:
Banned Dog Breeds On Qantas
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 dog 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
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.
Pet Pick Up and Drop Off at Qantas Airport
Drop Off Time
Qantas recommends dropping off your pet at the Qantas Freight Terminal* between 90 and 120 minutes before their flight is scheduled to depart. 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, however, the Sydney and Melbourne Qantas Freight Terminal is not accessible by the public. 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 Qantas Freight Terminal for their flight.
Pick Up Time
Qantas requests that pets are collected from local ports between 45 to 90 minutes after their flight’s arrival. For regional ports, they request your pet be picked up between 10 to 30 minutes after the inbound flight has departed.
Not sure which one applies to you? We’ll let you know exactly when and where to pick up your pet based on their specific flight details. Or, if you’d prefer, we can handle the pick up 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?
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?
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?
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?
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).
What Happens if My Pet’s Flight is Delayed, or Cancelled?
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?
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?
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?
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.