Are you planning to travel with your pet this year? We’re here to make jetsetting with your furry friends as smooth as possible — from the legal and logistical stuff to some handy insider tips, you can take off with total peace of mind.
Are pets allowed in the cabin — yes or no?
Pet parents jumped for joy in 2021 when a major regulation changed for flying with pets in Australia. The body that regulates aviation safety in Australia — Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) — overturned the no-dogs-allowed rule forbidding pets from travelling in airline cabins. While this sounds like a green light to bring your pet on board with you, the decision ultimately falls with each individual airline. Unfortunately, as of 2024 no airlines allow pets in the cabin (with the exception of service dogs for Qantas). However, Virgin Australia did announce plans to launch their pet friendly service in possibly 2025 – as long as pet carriers for small dogs and cats can fit under the seat in front of passengers.
What do I need to do to fly with my pet?
Every airline and country has their own rules when it comes to travelling with a pet, so the first thing you’ll need to do is check the pet policies of the airline you’re travelling with (we have listed the domestic rules below).
Pre-Covid, pet parents had the option to handle bookings themselves through each compliant airline’s own channels. Boarding passes, consent forms and freight costs could all be managed by the individual if they chose, but times have changed.
If you’re feeling completely lost (or organisational skills aren’t your strong suit), engaging a commercial pet transport company is the way to go. When we say they take care of everything, we mean everything – from pick up and drop off to all of the necessary documentation and booking minutiae.
Who will let me fly with a pet in Australia?
Here is a short explainer of the major airlines’ policies on flying with your pet.
Virgin Australia
Virgin currently allows cats and dogs under 65 kilograms (including the weight of their travel containers) to travel on their planes. All pets must travel in the cargo hold of the aircraft in addition to a few other conditions that must be met. However, you may look forward to having your pets in the cabin (possibly by March 2025), pending regulatory approval.
Read more about Virgin’s pet policy
Qantas
Qantas allows cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, domestic fish with no aeration requirements and domestic birds on their planes, but pets must travel in the cargo hold of the aircraft. At the moment most bookings for animals must be made through pet travel specialists. Only some exceptions of pet breeds and types can be completed through their booking portal for domestic flights. (Currently, only service dogs are allowed in their cabins).
Read more about Qantas’ pet policy
Does Jetstar allow you to travel with a pet?
According to its website, Jetstar is not equipped to transport your pets. The page points you to Qantas Freight for further action.
Read more about Jetstar’s pet policy
Crate expectations
Selecting the right crate for your furry companion is vital – for them, it can feel like the difference between being squished in a budget seat or relaxing in business class. As well as your pet’s comfort, you also have to account for the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) rules and regulations.
What crate do I need for flying with my pet?
Both Qantas and Virgin have loads of information about the specific sizes and materials that your pet’s crate must adhere to, but here is a basic run-down so you can get the general idea:
- Your pet must be able to stand with their head up unrestricted by the container (no crouching)
- Your pet must be able to rotate freely within the container
Read more about Qantas and Virgin pet crate requirements.
Must-haves for your pet’s container include:
- Good ventilation
- A water bowl or receptacle able to be affixed to the container
- Escape-proof hinges and latches that are locked prior to travel
- A strong and sturdy build with no intense wear-and-tear (we don’t want any Houdini moments)
- Wood or polypropylene construction
- An absorbent lining so no water (or excrement) can escape
Familiarise your pet with their crate
If your pet isn’t used to smaller spaces or wasn’t crate trained when they were young, it’s important to make sure they are familiar with their new travel digs. Encourage them to spend time in their crate, including sleeping. A handy training tip is to pop their food bowl into their crate at mealtimes – then they will associate the carrier with something positive.
Are there any pets that I cannot fly with?
While most pets can be transported on planes, there are some rules and regulations around certain breeds you should be aware of.
Banned dog breeds
There is a short list of dog breeds that are flat-out forbidden from air travel in Australia. Whether you were planning on importing one from overseas or you already have one of these breeds as your companion, you’ll find that major airlines won’t accept them.
- Fila Brasilerio
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- American Pit Bull and other Pit Bull Breeds
- Perro de Presa Canario
Other strong dog breeds may require special non-plastic crates for travel. For example, Qantas singles out the American Staffordshire Terrier as a risky breed, so you would need to ensure you had a sturdy crate to keep them safe – the CR-82 crate or an airline approved guard dog cage will do the trick.
Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds
Pugs, Frenchies, Persians, Himalayans – we do seem to love our little flat-faced mates! Due to their unique features, these particular breeds are held to a different standard during air travel. Snub-nosed cats and dogs are more prone to breathing difficulties and heat stress, so extra precautions must be taken.
Some overseas airlines outright forbid brachycephalic breeds from flying in the hold, but both Virgin Australia and Qantas will allow it (with special conditions in place). On both of these major airlines, your flat-faced friend can only be booked to fly through an approved pet transport company. These organisations know the rules and regulations inside-out, so it reduces the potential for slip-ups when it comes to things like early morning and evening flight restrictions or larger crate requirements.
Are there any restrictions travelling with old or young pets?
For health and safety reasons, there are age cut-offs for travelling with cats and dogs. Qantas will not fly puppies or kittens under the age of 12 weeks, mostly due to the risk of dehydration. Virgin Australia’s age cut-off is 8 weeks, with puppies and kittens between 8 and 12 weeks requiring a vet certificate. Got a senior animal you want to fly somewhere? A green light in the form of a vet health certificate is usually required for pets over 12 years old.
What can I do to make the flight comfortable for my pet?
Flying can be stressful for anyone, let alone an animal with whom you can’t properly communicate. Here are some tips to make sure your pet will be prepped and comfy on their voyage.
Hydration station: On the day prior to and the day of your pet’s flight, keep their hydration levels top of mind. Dehydration is the number-one risk for animals travelling on planes, and they will generally feel more comfortable and relaxed if they are adequately hydrated.
Feeding time: Feed your pet no later than six hours before the flight, making sure to keep the meal on the lighter side. Pets can get queasy when travelling on a full tummy.
Walkies: If travelling with a dog or active animal, take them for a long walk and make sure they’ve had some decent exercise before leaving for the airport. If they’re all tuckered out, it will also help them to relax on the plane.
Let it out: The pre-journey toilet stop isn’t just for humans! Make sure your pet has had a chance to relieve themselves before dropping them off at check-in.
Contact details: Keep your pet’s documents on hand and most importantly, have the Air Way Bill number ready to go when dropping off and collecting your pet. Clearly label the crate with your pet’s name, your contact details and your destination. It’s also wise to attach copies of your pet’s documents to the crate for easy identification.
Can I travel on airlines in Australia with lizards or birds?
Of the major airlines, Qantas is the only carrier that has systems in place for transporting less conventional animals. The airline states that animals not classed as pets includes (but is not limited to) reptiles, crocodiles, race horses, zoo creatures, racing pigeons, mice, day-old chicks, live coral/rocks, live fish and racing greyhounds. Qantas has a Q-GO Pets and Animals service specifically for these more out-of-the-box animals. This service has stricter temperature control and different on-staff handling procedures to make sure things run smoothly.
The Qantas website also notes that any animal or bird requiring a permit to travel (whether a pet or not), will be classified and transported under Q-GO Animals conditions of carriage for domestic or international travel.
Always check the latest rules and restrictions around pet travel before booking your flight
It’s only natural to want to take your pets with you when you travel – after all, they are part of the family. As you now know, it’s entirely possible to travel via air with your pets, but a lot of preparation and planning is required. With rules and regulations changing as often as a cat’s mood, it’s vital that you check specific rules with your intended airline of choice before you even entertain the idea of hopping on a plane with your pet.
While central regulating bodies like CASA make the blanket regulations, each company enforces them in their own way. Do your research on breed restrictions, weight restrictions, crate requirements and any additional bits that pop up.
Planning that trip with your pet now? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
