Major airports servicing domestic flights typically require pets to be at the airport 90–120 minutes before departure. Your Dogtainers consultant will confirm the specific time required for each booking, along with the airport address, to ensure your pet meets the airline’s requirements.

If your pet is travelling internationally, your consultant will provide all the necessary details regarding your pet’s movements before departure.

To prevent travel sickness and crate soiling, refrain from feeding your pet at least eight hours before their travel time. If the pet soils the bedding before takeoff, the airline may reject boarding, leading to a missed flight and possible additional charges.

Please do not sedate your pets for travel. Pets that are under sedation can become dehydrated and disoriented and may experience travel sickness. It also makes it more difficult to assess a pet’s health upon arrival. If the airlines believe your pet has been sedated, they will reject boarding.

For dogs and cats that are particularly anxious, Dogtainers can recommend alternative methods to ensure your pet is as relaxed as possible before travel. For example, you may consider purchasing an Adaptil Collar for Dogs, or adding deluxe vet bedding for your pet’s domestic trip.

Pets typically travel in the cargo compartment located at the rear of the plane. This compartment is maintained at a temperature of approximately 18 degrees Celsius, regulated by the captain of the flight. Similar to the passenger cabin, the pet compartment is pressurized and dimly lit. With the gentle hum of the aircraft, pets often spend the journey dozing before reaching their destination.

For pets travelling domestically or entering or exiting Australia, they must travel in the cargo hold. It’s important to note that only registered service animals may be allowed to travel in the cabin.

Whether your pet travels on the same flight as you depends on the airline’s policies and the specific arrangements you make. When using a pet transport service like Dogtainers, pets are scheduled on a flight that is designed to ensure their safety and well-being. It’s important to note that there are not as many spaces for pets as there are for people, and some commercial airlines may not carry animals.

For a seamless experience, it is best to speak to Dogtainers prior to purchasing passenger tickets for your own flight if you would like to travel with your pet. We can provide you with detailed information on your pet’s flight details, including departure and arrival times, and guide you through the process to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for your pet.

Before the Flight:
Once lodged at the airline terminal, your pet is placed in a special waiting area by airline staff. To minimise exposure to the elements on the tarmac, pets are the last to be loaded into the cargo hold. Dogtainers provides guidance on necessary documentation, required travel crates, and health requirements.

During the Flight:
On the flight, pets are securely positioned in the temperature-controlled, pressurised area of the aircraft. This compartment is maintained at a temperature of approximately 18 degrees Celsius, regulated by the captain of the flight. Similar to the passenger cabin, the pet compartment is pressurised and dimly lit. With the gentle hum of the aircraft, pets often spend the journey dozing before reaching their destination. It’s important to note that due to the aircraft configuration, airline staff members cannot check on the pets during transit to ensure their safety and comfort.

After the Flight:
Upon arrival, pets are prioritised and the first to be offloaded from the plane, then taken to the cargo terminal. If your pet is transiting through a particular airport en route to their final destination, Dogtainers staff will provide a comfort stop if time allows, ensuring your pet is comfortable and ready for the next leg of their journey. In all other cases, airline staff will transfer your pet to their connecting flight. Whenever possible, Dogtainers will provide updates to ensure a smooth and monitored experience for your pet throughout the entire process.

A suitable travel crate is critical to your pet’s well-being when travelling. This means a crate that is not too small but also means a crate that is not too big. A crate that is too big for your pet can mean if the flight has some turbulence, your pet can become unsettled. Dogtainers are experts in being able to select the correct size for your pet. All crates used by Dogtainers comply with IATA specifications and are therefore approved by the airlines. Dogtainers has extensive information on travel crates on our crate hire page.

We sure can! It’s essential to communicate your specific requirements and timeline. Dogtainers has a network of privately owned and approved agent boarding facilities in many destinations. We can work with you to make arrangements for your pet’s transportation that align with your schedule and the setup of your new home. Whether you need a delayed arrival or specific coordination, Dogtainers can provide guidance on the best approach to ensure a smooth transition for your pet once you are ready to welcome them to your new home. Please contact your Dogtainers consultant to discuss the requirements for entry, local pricing, and availability, particularly in peak seasons. Dogtainers can also offer many other services whilst boarding such as exercise plans, hydro bathing and grooming services.

If you’re unsure about the style of service you may need for your pet, just ask! Our professional team can assist you based on your specific requirements and your pet’s needs. Whether you’re considering airport-to-airport transport, door-to-door services, or additional amenities like boarding and grooming, Dogtainers can provide personalized advice for the most suitable and stress-free travel experience for your pet.

Dogtainers can adapt our services to meet your needs. This includes a complete door-to-door service, where your pet is picked up from your residence in one of our climate-controlled vans. Depending on the flight schedule, your pet may be taken to boarding or directly to the airport. We ensure their smooth journey, from collection to delivery at the destination. For international travel, our comprehensive service covers customs clearance and other necessary requirements in the destination country.

The first rule to follow is to stay relaxed. Pets can sense stress in humans, and it makes them uneasy, especially during changes like a domestic or overseas move. When you send your pets with Dogtainers, trust that they will receive the highest standard of care. All decisions made for your pet, including routing, day and time of travel, crate size, and other relevant factors, are based on ensuring the highest level of welfare for your pet. For tips on preparing a pet for travel, you can refer to our guide on pet travel preparation.

If your pet is travelling a long distance, it’s natural for them to relieve themselves during the journey. However, with no bathroom facilities available during flights or road transports, taking precautions is crucial.

To minimise the likelihood of soiling during a domestic flight, it’s highly recommended to stop feeding your pet at least 8 hours before the trip. Additionally, take your dog on long walks and ensure your cat has access to their litter box before the journey.

If your pet soils the bedding before the flight takes off, the airline will reject boarding until the crate is cleaned. In such situations, the airline will contact Dogtainers to advise that a crate must be cleaned. There are then two possible solutions:

1. The client returns to clean the crate.

2. Our team goes to the airport to clean the crate.

Unless you have a Domestic Pet Transit Plan attached to your booking, there will be an additional charge for a Dogtainers team member to attend and clean your pet’s crate after lodgment.

If your pet soils the bedding during the flight, it’s acceptable. For domestic flights, you can purchase deluxe vet bedding that absorbs moisture and urine inside the travel crate. International flights include complimentary vet beddings to keep your pets comfortable and dry. When picking up your pet from the airport, bring a towel and wet wipes to freshen them up.

Yes, your pet will remain inside the crate for the duration of their journey to ensure their safety. Airline staff are not permitted to remove your pet from the crate. Additionally, they secure the crate doors with zip ties to ensure they stay closed during the flight and any turbulence.

If your pet is travelling on a flight with a layover, either the airline officials or our team will take care of them on the ground. During the layover, your pet will be placed in a comfort area and regularly supervised.

For short layovers, your pet may remain on the flight and be transferred to their connecting flight to continue their journey. If the layover exceeds 3 hours, your pet will enjoy a welfare stop, during which the Dogtainers team will perform a check at the airport to ensure your pet’s well-being. In cases where the layover extends beyond 5 hours or is the next day, our team will collect your pet from the airport and bring them back to our offices for a break and a quick stretch.

In the event of an overnight layover, your pet will have access to food and water to ensure their well-being during the extended break. Your pet will then be returned at the appropriate time to board the next flight.

For domestic trips within Australia, pets generally do not need to undergo health checks, as the country maintains uniform biosecurity standards across states. However, there are some exceptions:

If your pet is a snub-nosed breed, airline regulations mandate a BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) test to be performed by a Dogtainers-approved vet before travel. The cost of this test will be included in your booking.

If your pet is between 8 and 12 weeks or over 12 years old, a fit-to-fly certificate must be provided from any registered vet. This certificate must explicitly state the pet’s age and confirm that they are fit and healthy for travel.

If your dog is travelling to Tasmania, specific requirements apply. Dogs need to be treated for hydatids, and they should consume a tablet 14 days before departure.

As per the Tasmanian government regulations, dogs can be allowed into Tasmania if accompanied by one of the following:

1. A veterinary certificate (issued by a registered veterinarian) detailing effective treatment within 14 days of export to Tasmania.

2. A statutory declaration made by the dog owner indicating effective treatment within 14 days of export to Tasmania.

3. Evidence of effective treatment, such as the worming product packet.

The above documentation, with the exception of the BOAS test, must be presented to the airline upon lodgment.