Pet Road Transport in Australia
Domestic Pet Road Transport
Dogtainers™ provides quality and flexible domestic road transport services for pets. Our road transportation is available from all major cities across Australia to help your furry friend make their journey. Whether you’re moving homes or you’ve adopted a new friend, Dogtainers can create a tailor-made Aussie road transport solution for you.
With 12 offices across Australia, a fleet of customised climate-controlled, pet-friendly vans, and a team of dedicated drivers, road transport is an excellent alternative to flying.
Our office locations include:
- Brisbane
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Perth
- Adelaide
- Darwin
- Cairns
- Canberra
- Townsville
- Hobart
- Alice Springs
- Albury
Pet Transportation: Road vs. Air
At Dogtainers, We offer both air pet transport and road pet transport to suit different pet transport needs. To help you decide if road transport is right for you, we’ve compiled a list of reasons why many people and pets prefer it.
Transporting Anxious Pets
Pets fly in a temperature-controlled compartment which is usually at the rear of the plane. It’s pressurised in the same way the passenger cabin is and is dimly lit, so many pets are able to nap on their flight. However, during the duration of the flight, pets have no human supervision. So although most pets are just fine with air travel, others are not.
If your pet is an anxious flyer, or you just like the idea of them being under the supervision of a person at all times, road transports might be what you’re looking for. Pets are transported in a temperature-controlled van, driven by one of our experienced pet-handlers. They receive frequent rest-stops to answer nature’s call, move their legs, and get some fresh air. You’ll also receive updates along the way, so you know exactly how your pet is doing.
Transporting Brachycephalic Dog Breeds (‘Brachy’ or Snub-nosed)
Some brachy breeds experience issues with flying because they are more sensitive to changes in air quality and to the temperature in the hold of the plane. This is why many airlines choose not to fly them. The good news is that road transport is a safe alternative for snub-nosed breeds.
Common Brachy Breeds include:
- French bulldog
- Boxer
- Pug
- Cavalier King Charles
- English Bulldog
- Boston Terrier
- American Bulldog
- Mastiff
- Shih Tzu
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Japanese Chin
- Brussels Griffon
- Lhasa Apso
- Pekingese
Transporting Restricted Dog Breeds
Some breeds aren’t permitted on Australian airlines because they are considered ‘dangerous’. Some commonly banned dog breeds include:
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- American Pit Bull and other Pit Bull Breeds
- Perro de Presa Canario (Presa Canario)
We know better than to judge a dog by its breed. If your four-legged friend is safe and friendly, we’re more than happy to transport them in one of our custom pet-transport vans.
Transporting Extra Large Dogs
Is your dog a boofer? They may not be able to fly. Although it depends on the airline, most have an upper limit of 42kgs for dogs. At Dogtainers, our motto is Any Animal, Anywhere, Anytime. If we can transport a cassowary, we can transport your big boy or girl.
Transporting Pets During COVID-19
Although we have always offered road transport as an alternative to flights, it was never as popular. Due to the pandemic and the constant cancelling and rescheduling of flights, many people have opted for road transport simply because it is more reliable. We’ve increased our numbers of vans, drivers, routes, and trips just to keep up with the demand.
Although flight times have become consistent as the pandemic is drawing closer to an end, if you need your pet somewhere by a particular time, and are worried about flight cancellations, road transport might be for you.
Why Air Transport is Better for Pets
There are also many reasons why air transport might be better suited for you and your pet. Two of the biggest reasons is that flying pets can actually be both quicker and cheaper. Our large network of partners allows us to scan all flights during your preferred travel dates to find the best route available, considering cost, duration, layovers, and other factors.
FAQs About Pet Road Transport In Australia
How Do I Prepare My Pets For A Long Car Trip?
For long car trips, best to ensure your pet has a positive association and experience with being inside vehicles. To minimise stress make it regular that you reward your pet for being in a car. Ensure the environment puts them in a comfortable state of mind and not stressed or anxious.
What Is The Best Method To Transport Pets By Road?
The best method would be utilising a company that invests in vans. Some pet transport companies utilise dog trailers to transport dogs, but these can be unsafe due to them being attached to the back of a vehicle. It is a much safer method to use a company that transports pets via vans as they are more structurally secure, allow for better air ventilation, and add to the safety of pets also being secured within transport carriers.
What Are The Safety Measures To Transport A Pet By Road?
The safest measures we implement during road transport are each animal is transported in their own transport carrier (except puppies and kittens), each crate is strapped securely within the back of our van and no crates are placed on top of each other. We gauge based on animal behaviours which pets are more comfortable travelling next to each other. During transport, no pets come into contact with one another. We also strongly advise that all pets are fully vaccinated for transport to ensure not only their safety but other animals.
What Types Of Crates Or Carriers Are Suitable For Transporting Pets By Road?
The crate or carrier should be well-ventilated, comfortable, and secure, and regulations regarding pet transportation should be followed.
Are There Any Temperature Restrictions For Pet Transport In A Vehicle?
It is always strongly advised when transporting animals that they have either cool airflow or are available for air conditioning.
What Documentation Do I Need For Transporting Pets Across State Borders In Australia By Road?
Some pet types and breeds will require licences and permits to travel interstate. Generally, this only applies to birds, reptiles, exotic animals, and farm animals (not limited). But best to check with state quarantine facilities on the requirements for entry to arrange these documents.
Plan your pet’s trip the right way
With the care and support they need