Domestic Pet Transport
Safe, stress-free pet transport across Australia — door-to-door in every state and territory.
⬤ Quality air and road pet transport from all major cities across Australia
⬤ Airline partnerships including Qantas, Virgin Australia & Rex Airlines
⬤ IATA-approved crates sized to your pet’s exact measurements
⬤ Door-to-door, airport-to-airport, or a tailor-made solution for you
⬤ A dedicated consultant in your city, every step of the way
Dogtainers Pet Transport is rated 4.7 stars - from 1079 on Product Review
50+
100,000+
Pets transported
All states
Every state & territory
IPATA
Accredited member
RSPCA
Official partner
Since 1971
Australia’s most experienced
50+
Years of experience
100,000+
Pets transported
All states
Every state & territory
IPATA
Accredited member
RSPCA
Official partner
Since 1971
Australia’s most experienced
WHY USE A SPECIALIST
Why should I hire a pet transport company?
Air & Road
Both transport options covered
All states
Every state &
territory
50+ years
Australia’s most experienced
Dogtainers provides quality and flexible domestic pet transport services — both air and road — from all major cities across Australia. Whether you’re moving homes or you’ve adopted a new friend, we can create a tailor-made Aussie pet transport solution for you, from door-to-door service to airport-to-airport.
Domestic pet travel involves more complexity than most owners expect — airline breed restrictions, IATA crate sizing regulations, state-based biosecurity requirements, and tightly-scheduled flight connections that leave no room for error. Our specialists manage every detail in-house so the experience is completely effortless for you and your pet.
We proudly partner with Australia’s leading domestic airlines including Qantas, Virgin Australia and Rex Airlines.
Any animal. Anywhere in Australia. Anytime.
What we handle for you
⬤ IATA-approved crate sizing & preparation
⬤ Airline booking & direct route optimisation
⬤ Road transport in temperature-controlled pet travel vans
⬤ State biosecurity & health check coordination
⬤ Premium holding facilities & real-time updates
WHY USE A SPECIALIST
Why should I hire a pet transport company?
Dogtainers provides quality and flexible domestic pet transport services — both air and road — from all major cities across Australia. Whether you’re moving homes or you’ve adopted a new friend, we can create a tailor-made Aussie pet transport solution for you, from door-to-door service to airport-to-airport.
Domestic pet travel involves more complexity than most owners expect — airline breed restrictions, IATA crate sizing regulations, state-based biosecurity requirements, and tightly-scheduled flight connections that leave no room for error. Our specialists manage every detail in-house so the experience is completely effortless for you and your pet.
We proudly partner with Australia’s leading domestic airlines including Qantas, Virgin Australia and Rex Airlines.
Any animal. Anywhere in Australia. Anytime.
Air & Road
Both transport options covered
All states
Every state & territory
50+ years
Australia’s most experienced
What we handle for you
⬤ IATA-approved crate sizing & preparation
⬤ Airline booking & direct route optimisation
⬤ Road transport in temperature-controlled pet travel vans
⬤ State biosecurity & health check coordination
⬤ Premium holding facilities & real-time updates
The Process
How domestic pet transport works
STEP 01
Getting used to the crate
To keep your pet comfortable throughout their journey, crates are selected based on their individual measurements so they can easily stand, sit, and lie down. We organise this well in advance so your pet feels at home before the big day. You can also buy or hire an airline-approved travel crate from our IATA specified stock.
Crate preparation included
Your consultant organises sizing & setup at your home.
STEP 02
Pick up for departure
Your pet will be collected in a climate-controlled, pet-friendly vehicle by a pet handling specialist and transported to our premium holding facilities before travelling. We treat every animal as if it were our own — no depot drop-offs, no stress.
Door-to-door service
We come to you — no depot or airport drop-off needed.
STEP 03
Waiting to board the plane
Our holding facilities host specialty food, freshwater, and walks for your pet to relieve themselves, tailored around their flight plan. Your animal is never left alone — a Dogtainers specialist is always close by until boarding.
Real-time updates
You receive status notifications at every stage of the journey.
STEP 04
A relaxing experience — for pet and owner
Our dedicated and experienced staff deliver a personalised service catering directly to your pet and their needs from pick-up to touch-down. We confirm safe arrival and coordinate delivery straight to your door at the destination.
A Safe Arrival
Australia’s most trusted domestic pet transport since 1971.
OUR SERVICES
What’s Included
Everything your pet needs for a safe, comfortable journey across Australia — managed end-to-end by our team.
⬤ Specialist advice from a dedicated pet travel consultant in your city
⬤ Manage bookings for your pet on the most direct route to your destination, including flights
⬤ Help to select the best travel crate size for your pet
⬤ Options to buy or hire an airline-approved travel crate from our IATA specified stock
⬤ Arrange a comfort stop for your furry friend
⬤ Road transport in our temperature-controlled pet travel vans, if collection or drop-off is required
Optional extras
Unique Dogtainers Add-ons
Rest assured, we will provide nothing but the best service for your pet’s safe and comfortable travel. For added peace of mind, you can tailor your domestic pet transport plan with any of our optional extras.
My Pet Tag
At Dogtainers, we understand how important your pet’s safety is, so we have created this revolutionary web-based Pet Registration program. With My Pet Tag’s unique ID, your pet will always be safe, even after arriving at their new home.
Adaptil Collar for Dogs
For the comfort of your beloved dog’s travel, we can provide an ADAPTIL Calm On-The-Go Collar. It helps your dog stay comforted and reassured in situations like loud noises, boarding and fears — clinically proven, veterinary used and recommended. Talk to our team to arrange this for your pet’s journey.
Deluxe Vet Bedding
An optional add-on to make your pet’s trip more pleasant. Our team places soft, rubber-backed bedding inside your pet’s travel crate for their journey. Vet beds are quick-drying — if moisture is produced inside the crate it seeps through the pile and backing, leaving the bedding dry to the touch. Notify our team if you’d like this added to your transport plan.
My Pet Tag
At Dogtainers, we understand how important your pet’s safety is, so we have created this revolutionary web-based Pet Registration program. With My Pet Tag’s unique ID, your pet will always be safe, even after arriving at their new home.
Adaptil Collar for Dogs
For the comfort of your beloved dog’s travel, we can provide an ADAPTIL Calm On-The-Go Collar. It helps your dog stay comforted and reassured in situations like loud noises, boarding and fears — clinically proven, veterinary used and recommended. Talk to our team to arrange this for your pet’s journey.
Deluxe Vet Bedding
An optional add-on to make your pet’s trip more pleasant. Our team places soft, rubber-backed bedding inside your pet’s travel crate for their journey. Vet beds are quick-drying — if moisture is produced inside the crate it seeps through the pile and backing, leaving the bedding dry to the touch. Notify our team if you’d like this added to your transport plan.
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.
OUR LOCATIONS
Pet transport consultants across Australia & New Zealand
Experienced consultants in every state and territory. Visit our locations page for addresses, maps, and direct contact details for your nearest team.
AUSTRALIA
OUR LOCATIONS
Pet transport consultants across Australia & New Zealand
Experienced consultants in every state and territory. Visit our locations page for addresses, maps, and direct contact details for your nearest team.
AUSTRALIA
PET SAFETY
How do I know my pet will be safe?
Our 50 years of experience is testimony to the care we take, with a focus on your pet’s welfare. Pet transport by air is a fast and efficient way to move your pet from A to B with the least amount of hassle. Pets are transported via commercial passenger airlines, lodged to our airline freight departments and loaded onto the aircraft within the cargo hold.
Animals have specific spacing within the cargo hold so there is no mixing between bags. They are secured with straps in the cargo hold against the side and a secure net placed around the transport carriers for stability. The hold is pressurised and air-conditioned, with the temperature set at a comfortable 18°C — and lit dimly so your pet can see what is going on around them.
Most pets spend their travel time dozing to the gentle hum of the aircraft. Pets can sense your stress and will start to feel uneasy too — so it’s important you remain calm and carry on as normal in the lead up to their relocation. Dogtainers will handle the rest with the utmost care until you and your furry friend are reunited.
All our staff are passionate animal lovers who prioritise your pet’s welfare above everything else. We strictly follow the IATA Live Animals Regulations and only use domestic airlines whose cargo operations meet our strict internal safety standards. For more on how to prepare your pet for domestic travel, visit our pet travel preparation guide.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
What our customers say
“From the moment I called Dogtainers, I felt completely at ease. They picked up my Golden Retriever from our front door in Brisbane and he arrived in Sydney wagging his tail. Absolutely seamless.”
Sarah M.
Brisbane → Sydney
“We relocated from Melbourne to Perth and were terrified about flying our two cats such a long distance. Dogtainers handled everything — the crates, the airline, the pick-up. Both cats arrived calm and healthy.”
James & Lisa R.
Melbourne → Perth
“I’ve used Dogtainers twice — once from Adelaide to Darwin, once back. Both times the service was faultless. My Staffy travelled in comfort and I had updates the whole way. Will always use
them.”
Linda K.
Adelaide → Darwin
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs about Domestic Pet Transport
How much does it cost to transport pets domestically?
There are a lot of factors that determine the cost of pet transport domestically. With the range of services we offer and the different airlines we utilise and different routes for pet transport, being able to find a cost on how much pet transport is can be difficult. Depending on customer needs they can expect to pay anything upwards of $300, then it’s dependent on the size of the animals, amount of animals, routes, and services customers select to add to their pet transport. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your pet and journey.
How do I prepare my pet for domestic travel?
Best to ensure your pets are as calm as possible in their upcoming transport. Given animals require to be crated, it helps if they have prior crate training experience. If your pet experiences high levels of stress, it’s best to try Adaptil Collars or Feliway spray to assist with stress before, during, and after transport. The night before transport it is best to have your pets secured within the house so there are no issues on the day (such as cats disappearing). On the day of transport ensure they’ve had plenty of time to go to the bathroom and have fasted for at least 8 hours prior to travel.
How do I book transport for my pet within the country?
Best to give us a call to arrange a quote and determine service requirements prior to arranging travel. If customers have an idea of their dates and routes, and if they’re also travelling their target flights, they should call us with this information and we can seek availability for animals due to the limited spacing available for animals on flights. Call us on 1300 13 52 52 or request a free quote online.
How do I transport my pet by air within Australia?
Pets are transported via commercial passenger airlines. They are lodged to our airline freight departments to be loaded onto the aircraft within the cargo hold. Animals have specific spacing within the cargo hold so there is no mixing between bags. They have secured with straps in the cargo hold against the side and a secure net placed around the transport carriers for stability. The hold is pressurised and air-conditioned with the temperature set at 18°C.
Are there breed restrictions for domestic pet transport?
Yes — some airlines restrict snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs and Persian cats due to breathing risks at altitude. Restrictions vary by airline and season. Dogtainers will advise you on whether your breed can fly domestically and will always find the safest possible option for your pet.
Which Australian domestic airlines accept pets?
Dogtainers partners with Qantas, Virgin Australia and Rex Airlines for domestic pet transport. Each airline has specific requirements around crate sizing, breed restrictions and booking lead times. Our team handles all airline communication on your behalf and will always recommend the safest, most direct route for your pet.
How far in advance should I book transport for my pet?
It is always best to book in early to ensure spacing as there is limited room compared to passengers for animals on commercial flights. We can secure flights 3 months in advance but are limited to 14 days prior to departure with Qantas spacing. We recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance, particularly during peak moving periods (January, June–July and December).
What documentation is required for domestic pet transport?
Documentation will depend on your origin, destination, pet breed, and pet age. It is recommended that for customers’ own peace of mind, they get a health check on their pet regardless of whether it is required based on the route. Your dedicated Dogtainers consultant will advise exactly what is needed for your specific journey.