Australian Pet-Friendly Airlines
In Australia, not all airlines are pet-friendly. This is because there are many regulations in place before an airline can transport pets. These regulations ensure pets can travel by air safely and securely. Although these regulations may be inconvenient to pet owners, they’ve been put in place to protect your pet’s health and wellbeing during their travels.
Pet-friendly airlines have recently changed their pet travel policy, so now all bookings for pet and animal transport must be made through an approved pet travel specialist. We’re a proud airline partner of both Virgin Australia and Qantas, and are 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.
We have strong working relationships with many of the world’s biggest and smallest airlines, both international and domestic. More than just dogs, we are experienced in dog air travel, cat air travel, pet breeder air travel, zoo animal air travel, and more. Working with our airline partners, Dogtainers can help ensure your pet has a travel experience that’s as stress-free as possible. Get a pet travel quote today.
Booking a Flight for My Pet
Airlines recommend customers book with commercial pet travel companies like Dogtainers. This is because there are many rules around flying an animal, including making sure your pet has the required vaccinations, paperwork, crate, and more.
You can get an obligation-free Dogtainers quote and book a consultation call where we will run you through the pet transport process, and answer any questions you may have.
Airline Requirements for Pet Travel
Airline requirements for pet travel change depending on which airline you’re flying with. We have dedicated pages for flying pets with Qantas and flying pets with Virgin, including their requirements for pet travel. But in general, to be able to fly, pets must:
- Be fit and healthy;
- Be at least 8-12 weeks old;
- Not be sedated;
- Not be injured;
- Not be heavily pregnant;
- Not be aggressive;
- Not exceed 65kgs (including the container); and
- Be transported in an airline-approved pet container that is the correct size for your pet.
Domestic Pet Friendly Airlines
Qantas and Virgin allow pets to fly in their cargo area. REX allows pets as checked baggage on some flights. Jetstar doesn’t allow pets at all.
If you want to fly with your dog or other pet in the cabin with you in Australia, you’re out of luck. Although the Civil Aviation Safety Authority changed their rules in December 2021 to allow pets to fly in the cabin with you, no airlines currently allow it.
Service dogs are the exception to this rule. Service Dogs (Guide, Hearing, and Assistance Dogs) are allowed in the cabin on Qantas, Virgin, REX and Jetstar flights. This includes service dogs in training.
Can All Dogs Fly in Australia?
No. 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.
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.
Bathroom Break Policy for Pets on an Aeroplane
For their safety and the safety of others, pets are secured in their crates during the entirety of their flight. This means they don’t have access to a bathroom. We recommend taking your dog for a walk before their flight, so they don’t have a full bladder while flying.
It’s completely normal for your pet to relieve themselves in their crate. You can purchase deluxe vet bedding for domestic flights that can absorb moisture and urine inside the travel crate. The bedding has a rubber backing that makes it non-slip and safer for transportation. If your pet is on an international flight, they are provided with complimentary deluxe vet bedding.
Crate Requirements
All Australian airlines require pets to fly in an IATA-specified crate. All crates used by Dogtainers are IATA-specified and approved by all domestic and international airlines.
Where Do I Pick Up and Drop Off My Pet at the Airport?
Airline pickup and drop off zones vary by airport, but they are typically in the cargo or freight terminal area. Once we’ve confirmed your flights, we’ll let you know exactly where your pet needs to be picked up and dropped off, or can even handle it for you with our Door-to-Door service.
Dropping Off Pets for Their Flights
Pet drop off times vary based on the airline, the time of the flight, and the departure location. We have dedicated pages for flying pets with Qantas and flying pets with Virgin, including their specific drop off times. But in general, pets need to be dropped off either 60, 90, or 120 minutes before scheduled departure. We would recommend you to drop off your pets early so the freight team can check your pets in and make sure everything is in place.
Collecting Pets After Their Flight
Pet pick up times vary based on the airline and the arrival location. We have dedicated pages for flying pets with Qantas and flying pets with Virgin, including their specific pick up times. But in general, pets need to be picked up between 10 to 90 minutes after their flight arrives. We know this is a wide range, but we’ll let you know when your pet needs to be collected once your flight is booked. Alternatively, our team can also pick up your pets from airports and deliver them to the final destination.
Best Airline for Domestic Pet Travel
There is no one “best” airline for pet transportation, but there are some factors you should consider when deciding which one is best for you.
Some factors to consider when picking an airline for pet travel are:
- Will your pet be flying on the same flights as you?
- Is the flight direct?
- How long is the flight?
- How often do they have flights?
- What times do they fly?
- What are the airline’s regulations?
- Can your pets travel together?
- Will they fly your pet’s breed?
- How is the value for money?
We can answer all these questions for you and more during your complimentary pet consultation call. Just fill in our obligation-free Dogtainers quote and we’ll be in touch with you shortly.
Pet Airline Transport FAQs
What Crates Are Permitted For Pet Air Travel?
Only IATA-specified crates are airline approved. All Dogtainers crates are IATA-specified, which means they’re accepted by all airlines. We have a range of crate sizes available for hire and for sale.
What Animals Do Airlines Transport?
Airlines can transport pets and non-pet animals. Pets include 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).
Animals that aren’t pets include, but are not limited to: reptiles, crocodiles, race horses, zoo creatures, racing pigeons, mice, day old chicks, live coral/rocks, marine animals for aquariums and research purposes, and racing greyhounds.
Do All Airline Flights Take Animals?
No. Whether an airplane takes animals as cargo depends on the size of the plane. Smaller planes can’t take animals, or can only take one per flight. Bigger planes can carry more pets.
Can I Be Booked On The Same Fight As My Animal?
Maybe. There are many more seats for people than there are for pets on an airplane. Because of this, if you want to be on the same flight as your pet, it is best to book their flight first. This does not guarantee you will be on the same flight, but it does give you much better odds.
What Happens Before and After A Pet's Flight?
Once lodged at the airline terminal for the flight, the airline staff places your pet in a special waiting area. Your pet will be last to be loaded onto the flight to avoid any lengthy waits in the elements on the tarmac.
Do I Get Updates On My Pet’s Travel?
If your pet is flying on an international flight, you’ll receive updates from the airline with pictures at the start and end of the journey. As there are no people in the cargo area, you cannot get updates on your pet during their flight, unless there’s a layover.
If your pet is flying on a domestic flight, the airline will not update you on your pet’s journey. However, if you elect to have Dogtainers drop off or pick up your pet at the airport, we will provide you with updates on how your pet is doing.
Can I Fly My Brachy Breed Dog?
Yes, but only under the guidance of a pet transportation specialist, like Dogtainers. There are certain conditions brachycephalic breeds need to follow to fly that don’t apply to non-brachycephalic breeds.
Which Dogs are Brachy Breeds?
- Affenpinscher
- American Bully
- American Bulldog
- Australian Bulldog
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer
- Brussels Griffon/ Griffon Bruxellois
- British/ English Bulldog
- Chow Chow
- Dogue De Bordeaux
- English Toy Spaniel/ King Charles Spaniel
- French Mastiff
- French Bulldog
- Japanese Chin/ Japanese Spaniel
- Lhasa Apso
- Neopolitan Mastiff
- Pekingese
- Pug (Chinese Pug, Dutch Pug, Japanese Pug)
- Shih-Zhu (Tsu) (Tzu)
- Tibetan Spaniel
- Valley Bulldog
Brachy Breed Cats
- Exotic Shorthair Cat
- Himalayan Cat
- Persian Cat
Can Big Dogs Fly in Australia?
Maybe. Both Virgin and Qantas have a maximum weight of 65kg per pet, including their crate. REX’s weight limit is 30kg.
If your pet + their crate weighs more than 65kg, don’t worry. We can transport your pet on the road in one of our specialty pet transportation vans.
Can Brachycephalic Dog Breeds Fly in Australia?
Brachycephalic breeds, also known as “brachy” breeds, “snub-nosed” breeds, or “flat-faced” breeds, can fly in Australia, but only under certain conditions.
Brachycephalic breeds have a significantly higher risk of health complications due to their short snouts and compromised respiratory systems. Breathing difficulties worsen in warmer conditions, when pets are anxious, or when unacclimated to their transport crate. Because of this, they have more conditions for flying than non-brachy breeds.
Brachy breeds can only fly under the guidance of a pet transport specialist, like Dogtainers. We will manage your booking and advise you of all the relevant conditions and documentation so your pet can fly.
Pet Air Travel Tips
We recommend acclimatising your pet to their travel crate before their travel day arrives. This can make them feel more comfortable while flying. Activities like feeding or having toys and a blanket around the travel crate can help create a positive association with the crate. We can bring you your pet travel crate early to help assist in this process.
We don’t recommend sedating your pet before their flight. Many airlines do not accept sedated pets, as sedated pets can become disorientated, dehydrated, and have travel sickness.
If you are concerned that your pet may be an anxious traveller there are a couple of simple recommendations. On the day of travel, do not feed your pet within 6 hours of their flight. This will help your pet avoid being travel sick. Before your pet is collected, make sure they’ve had adequate exercise. Dogtainers provide a walk when and where possible but nothing beats a run around before we come.
Start Your Pet Transport Journey
Australia: 1300 13 52 52 | New Zealand: 0800 13 52 52