Flight & Road Transport information and FAQs
There are a few things you need to think about when looking at the cost of transport such as whether a flight is required or road only, pick up and drop off locations, the size of the crate/freight box required and any special requirements you may have. Brachycephalic (Flat-faced) breeds for example have certain requirements to fly. If you would like a comprehensive quote click here. We are happy to provide everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Yes, of course. Just let us know when you are looking at flying and we can coordinate so that you and your pet arrive together. There will be some instances where the availability does not match up, so the sooner you book in, the better chance we have of securing a spot for you pet. It is no different for pets than it is for us. Once seats/spots fill up, The next available flight is the best we can do.
We will give you a call and discuss options. The first thing we need to do is ensure your pet is comfortable while waiting for the next available flight. Then we get to work on securing that next flight. Any extra cost will depend on length of delay and provisions needed. For more information contact us with your query
We ask that you only feed your pet a small meal of dry food early on the morning of travel and some water. You never know how they may react to the trip. We don’t want them with an upset tummy.
For birds, (especially the likes of budgies with a very active metabolism) we recommend plenty of seed, fruit, veggie or millet (Their normal diet). This is especially important in case of any delays at layovers as the airlines will not feed them. If there is plenty of their usual dietary intake, you can rest assured they will not go hungry or worse while in transit.
There are some rules in regards to quarantine in certain states such as Perth or Tasmania for example where you cannot send seed unless a quarantine inspection is booked prior to flight. If unsure, refer to local state quarantine rules and regulations.
Your pet needs to be fit, healthy and able to cope with being confined for an extended period of time.
If your pet is unwell it will not be accepted for travel.
All pets 12 weeks and under or older than 12 years will need a certificate stating your pet is healthy enough to fly (FIT TO FLY CERTIFICATE from your vet). This certificate must contain the words “FIT TO FLY” not just fit to travel.
Virgin will accept pets at 8 weeks old with a fit to fly certificate from the vet. But Qantas will only fly over 12 weeks old.
Australia’s climate can vary a great deal from place to place. For your pet’s safety, it’s important to consider the expected weather conditions at the departure, arrival and transfer ports, especially during the hot summer months.
Consider avoiding booking pet travel during the hottest parts of the day. We strongly recommend that when forecast temperatures are expected to be above average, customers review their plans and if possible, change flights to either early morning or late afternoon/evening departure.
Each pet is unique and can react very differently to the environment around them, especially when traveling. Some breeds can experience heightened anxiety levels both prior to and during the flight. Owners are best placed to determine their pets’ suitability to travel and should consider all factors when determining the best time to travel.
We’ve included some flight tips below to help ensure you and your pet are adequately prepared for the flight.
If you feel the weather conditions will be detrimental to your pet, you are welcome to call and we will happily change your booking to a time better suited for the health and safety of your pet at no extra cost.
Much like any passenger, your pet should be fit to travel. To prepare for the trip, we recommend your pet:
- Visit the vet for a health check-up prior to air travel to ensure they are fit and healthy and ready for travel
- Spend time in their pet crate prior to travel so they are comfortable and familiar with being in a confined pet carrier for extended periods.
Just like their owners, pets can become dehydrated, so, a water container needs to be fitted to the pet crate. Funnell to the outside of the door is preferred so staff can top up when needed.
Qantas and Virgin have their own rules on Pet Travel, so you need to be familiar with conditions of the carrier of your choice.
The airlines do not provide insurance for your pet’s travel. Please contact an insurance company offering such cover to consider the conditions, premium, exclusions and options available if required.
We are a booking agent only and our insurance does not extend to the time your pet is with the airlines.
Our cover extends to the time your pet is with us only.
BELOW PORTS REQUIRE AGENTS TO LODGE ON YOUR BEHALF WHEN WE HAVE BOOKED YOUR FLIGHT
- BRISBANE
- MELBOURNE
- PERTH
- SYDNEY
Hand agent all documentation and they will lodge for you.
All other ports do not require an agent and you will hand your pet/s directly to Qantas staff members along with all relevant documents.
What to bring
LABEL PROVIDED BY AUSSIE PET CONNECTIONS MUST BE STUCK TO TOP OF CRATE OR FREIGHT BOX.
- A copy of your pet booking confirmation (printed or on your smartphone)
- Current photo ID
- A completed Live Animal shipper’s statement and acknowledgment form
- A crate with a water bowl attached firmly on the inside in the upright position that complies with IATA and Qantas requirements
- Proof of travel if you’re flying with your pet (itinerary, e-ticket or boarding pass)
Check-in procedure
- Drop your pet off at the Qantas Freight terminal 90 to 120 minutes before flight departure
- We’ll check the breed, age and health of your pet, and secure the crate for travel
- We’ll verify that the weight and dimensions of the crate match your booking to finalize the cost
- If you’re traveling on the same flight you can proceed to the passenger terminal
Arrival and collection
- You can track your pet’s journey using the air waybill number
- Pets should be collected from the domestic Qantas Freight terminal
- Pets are usually ready for collection around 45 to 90 minutes after flight arrival
- For regional ports, please collect your pet 10 – 30 minutes after the inbound flight has departed
- Remember to bring your photo ID
The right crate is like Business Class for pets
Airlines use measurements relating to the pet’s size to make sure there is enough room inside the crate for the pet to travel comfortably, with enough room to stand, sit and turn around.
The dimensions shown below should be used for the internal measurements and should be used as the minimum required.
A + ½ B = Length
C = Height
D x 2 = Width
Note that measurements A, B, C and D for determining the dimensions must relate to the largest animal if multiple animals are in the one crate.
How old must my pet be before it is able to fly?
All pets need to be at least 12 weeks old before they are able to fly. Pets older than 12 years will need to present a certificate from a vet stating that the pet is healthy enough to fly.
What are conditions like in the hold and at the terminal?
Temperature and noise experienced by your pet are similar to what you’d experience in the passenger cabin of the aircraft. Any lighting is switched off as this will encourage your pet to rest.
Our freight terminals are not air conditioned and can be quite noisy so please take into consideration the weather conditions and your pet’s temperament when planning their transportation.
Will I need a permit?
It’s your responsibility to be aware of any state quarantine requirements that may restrict interstate transportation of your pet.
As state laws and regulations are subject to change, we strongly recommend that each time you’re planning to travel with your pet you check the current state rules:
Domestic – find these on the Australian Interstate Quarantine site.
Does weather impact pet travel?
Yes it does. While we do all we can to provide shelter and comfort for animals travelling with us, the tarmac and areas around the aircraft aren’t covered and are exposed to weather.
For this reason, it’s wise to consider the forecast weather at your pet’s points of departure, arrival and any transit stops in between.
We do not recommend transporting pets during extreme weather, which is why we suggest:
- If your pet is travelling in summer, avoid flights during the middle of the day, and in winter avoid early or late flights
- If at any stage of the planned journey the temperature is forecast to be above 35°C or below 5°C, carefully consider the need to transport your pet by air.
Should I sedate or cloak my pet?
No. Please don’t sedate your pet as we need to make a health assessment on arrival at our freight terminal to determine if it’s sleepy or unwell (as sick pets cannot be accepted for travel).
As for placing a coat on your pet to keep warm, there’s no need. The cargo holds are regulated to a temperature between 18 and 22°C. Placing a coat on your pet may increase body heat and lead to dehydration.
There is no limitation for additional animals travelling on their own, however charges do vary.
What happens if the flight is delayed, cancelled or a connecting flight is missed?
Your pet will be kept in a comfortable area and regularly supervised. Our staff will also top up water containers as needed. If you’re travelling with your pet on the same flight and it is delayed, you can see them by attending the freight terminal in that port.
If a flight is cancelled, we’ll book your pet for the next available flight that day (subject to availability). If there aren’t any, our team will contact you to pick your pet up for re-lodgement the following day as we’re unable to care for animals in our terminals overnight.
PRINT LABEL PROVIDED BY AUSSIE PET CONNECTIONS AND STICK TO TOP OF CRATE/S OR FREIGHT BOX/ES
Prior to travel, ensure you review the pet check-in and pick up locations for your booking.
This is important because in some locations the passenger and pet check-in terminals are not within walking distance of one another.
It is important that you have your AWB (Air Way Bill) number at the time of lodgement and collection.
Depending on your departure port, check-in of your pet will generally close 90 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time of your flight unless your flight is departing at or before 0700, in which case check in of your pet opens between 60 – 120 minutes prior to your departure and closes between 50 – 90 minutes prior to departure depending on the departing port.
Virgin Australia Cargo is unable to accept animals more than 2 hours before the scheduled departure time of your flight. This is to ensure your pet is not confined in its cage for longer than is necessary
You will be required to collect your pet within 90 minutes of your flight arrives. Virgin Australia Cargo will not hold your pet longer than 90 minutes after your flight arrives into the destination port. This is to ensure your pet is not confined in its cage for longer than is necessary. Failure to collect your pet within 90 minutes of your flight arriving may result in Virgin Australia Cargo contacting a pet care company to collect your pet at your expense.
Preparation for Travel
Your pet will be in its container from the time of check-in through to when it is picked up at its destination. For safety reasons, at no time will Virgin Australia or its agents release your pet from its container. It is important that your pet is fit and healthy and able to cope with being confined for an extended period of time.
Before you present your pet for check-in, ensure it is well hydrated and has had some time to exercise. It is also recommended that pets travel on an empty stomach and that their food is limited prior to travel.
If your pet soils the container prior to departure, you may be required to return to the pet check-in area to clean the container otherwise we may not be able to load your pet onto the aircraft.
However, if you are unable to return to the pet check-in area, we will do our best to assist and work towards a best solution for you and your pet.
If your pet appears unwell or dehydrated on lodgement, Virgin Australia reserves the right to refuse acceptance of your pet.
If your pet is on connecting flights with VA and the time between flights is greater than 2 hours you will be required to visit your pet and provide it with a comfort stop In summary, your pet will have a happy and easy journey with Virgin Australia if:
- It has had some exercise prior to check-in;
- Its cage is IATA approved and is washed and clean;
- It is fit, well and capable of travelling;
- It has relieved itself;
- It is hydrated; and
- It has had limited feeding prior to travel.
Can I supply my own crate for my pet to travel in?
Yes, you can. But you do want to ensure you have an airline approved crate/freight box. See below for information provided by the airlines.
The size of the container is very important to the welfare of your pet. The following guidelines must be followed:
- Your pet must be able to stand with their head up unrestricted by the container; and
- Your pet must be able to turn around freely within the container.
- Virgin Australia does NOT accept wire containers.
Additionally, the container must:
- Have adequate ventilation;
- Have a water bowl/receptacle affixed to the container;
- Have escape proof hinges and latches and be adequately locked;
- Be in good repair and strong enough to withstand damage and ensure the pet cannot escape;
- Be made of wood or a polypropylene material;
- Be lined with absorbent material and designed so that no water or excreta can escape;
- Not exceed a total weight of 65kgs when pet is included inside;
- Not have any wheels attached;
- Not be designed to collapse; and
- Two-part rigid plastic containers must have the top and bottom (or side) parts secured by screws or nuts and bolts (not plastic clips).
Generally, only one pet may travel per container, however, up to three pets can travel per container if they meet all of the following criteria:
- All from the same litter;
- Under six months old; and
- Under 14 kgs each.
A maximum of two adult pets of comparable size up to 14kg each, that are compatible for travel, may be shipped in the same container. Pets over 14 kg must travel individually.
Items allowed inside pet containers
Please see details below of items that can travel with your pet.
Item | Inside the cage | Attached to the outside of the cage | Note |
Toys | X | X | |
Collars | Yes | X | |
Leads | X | Yes | Must be zip-tied to the outside |
Food | X | X | |
Document(s) | X | Yes | Must be taped to the outside |
Animal jackets | X | X | Greyhounds are allowed to wear compression |
To be able to travel, your pet must:
- Be over eight weeks old (this is due to possible dehydration while travelling);
- Be in good health;
- Not exceed 65kgs (including the container);
- Not be unduly aggressive;
- Be transported in a container which complies with the Virgin Australia Pet Travel Guidelines and is the correct size for your pet; and
- Be treated for the Hydatids Tapeworm prior to arrival if travelling to Tasmania.
If your pet has any of the below conditions, a Veterinary Certificate confirming that your pet is fit for air travel (dated within two weeks of the travel date) is required for your pet. This is a restriction that applies on all Virgin Australia flights. All pets with the below conditions are flown at the shipper’s risk.
- Pregnant or has given birth within 48 hours of the planned departure time;
- Over 12 years of age;
- Between 8 and 12 weeks old;
- Sick, injured or recovering from surgery;
- Has been sedated.
What will be my pet’s experience when travelling in the cargo hold?
We will endeavor to maintain the temperature in the cargo hold to be consistent to the temperature experienced in the passenger cabin, lighting will dim lit this is to maximise your pet’s level of comfort.
Your pet maybe be exposed to high levels of airport operation noise whilst waiting to be loaded into the aircraft hold, please take this into consideration when organising your pet’s journey.
What happens to my pet during a disruption?
Our priority is to safely and securely transport your pet from Point A to Point B.
However, due to the complex environment surrounding airport operations, there may be instances where our flight operation is subjected to unforeseen disruptions e.g. adverse weather activity.
Your pet will be moved to a shaded, well ventilated area and frequently monitored if disruptions do occur.
If the delay exceeds greater than 2 hours or if we are unable to accommodate your pet on another service on the same day (including but not limited to
cancellations and or connection flights missed at a transit port), our team will contact you to organise an alternative option of travel.
Should I sedate my pet?
No, Virgin Australia does not recommend sedating your pet for travel. If you wish to sedate your pet for travel, please contact your vet for expert advice. A vet certificate will be required for pets sedated for travel. Virgin Australia does not take responsibility for any consequences as a result of sedation.
What can be included in my pet’s container?
We understand that your pet may have a favourite toy/blanket/bed, however to keep free from hazards we will only accept an absorbent mat and water container to be included in the container.
Road transport information and FAQs
Yes, your pet/s travel in their own crates. Bird timber freight boxes are included in the trip price and are handed to the receiver at drop off point.
BIRD TRAVEL
- WE ONLY USE NEW TIMBER FREIGHT BOXES FOR ALL TRANSPORT. THIS HELPS PROTECT YOUR BIRDS FROM RISK OF DISEASE. SECOND HAND BOXES, EVEN WHEN CLEANED AND DISINFECTED, CAN HIDE NASTYS IN HARD TO REACH CORNERS.
- UNLESS INSTRUCTED, WE DO NOT MIX OTHER OWNERS BIRDS WITH YOURS. WE ALWAYS HAVE PLENTY OF FREIGHT BOXES ON HAND.
- REST ASSURED WE ARE NOT MIXING OTHER BIRDS WITH YOURS AT ANY STAGE OF THE JOURNEY.
ANIMAL TRAVEL
Airline approved crates are provided for the trip at no extra cost and available for purchase if required. All of our reusable crates are washed and sanitized with F10 veterinary grade disinfectant after each use.
Yes, you can. Dry food only. Or a treat to chew on to keep them occupied. Although, for a short trip, it is not necessary. We ask that you only feed your pet a small meal of dry food THE NIGHT BEFORE TRAVEL. Early on the MORNING of travel, NO FEED, JUST A DRINK. You never know how they may react to the trip. We don’t want them with an upset tummy.
For longer journeys, you can pack their favourite dry food and we will ensure they have this at meal time. For birds, (especially the likes of budgies with a very active metabolism) we recommend plenty of seed/fruit/veggie/millet.
We ask that you supply their normal diet for the trip. We keep extra on board but may not have your usual feed. So it is important to ensure we have enough for the length of the journey.
We service Local and Interstate areas.
For interstate routes click here
We are happy to accommodate extra stops along route. For additional stops, please fill out a request form with details.
Please note that our routes will vary according to demand and restrictions.
For road transport throughout Victoria depending on area, you can obtain an automatic quote. We are available during and outside business hours.
Noting outside business hours and peak hour charges will apply. So, for the best value, try to book your road transport outside these hours.
Our vehicles are air conditioned, lined and insulated with separate air conditioning which is climate controlled from the front cabin ensuring your pets are kept at a comfortable level at all times.
Long trips, We stop every 2 hours or as close as practical checking water, bedding & comfort.
Extra stops are sometimes required and we are happy to pull over when safe to do so if we feel the animals need attending to.
Dogs are taken out for a wee break and stretch the legs. Puppies have outside crates for time out at stops while we clean out travel crates. We do not let them run about in areas where other dogs may have been for a wee break.
Depending on the length of trip, food is provided or you can provide your pets usual diet(dry food only).
Of course, water is always available.
Your little ones (and big ones) are looked after in the same manner as we look after our own pets.
The safety and well being of every passenger is our priority.
We like to send photos/ videos along the way, time permitting, so you can see they are healthy and happy.