Are you considering domestic pet travel within Australia? Some people we speak with aren’t sure about flying with pets.
Because they don’t know if it’s safe (it is) or how the process works.
We’ll outline how flying with pets works for domestic pet travel – read on to find out.
Steps for Domestic Pet Travel With Dogtainers
Selecting the Crate
We help you select the perfect travel crate based on your pet’s individual measurements. This ensures the carrier is the right size for them to sit, stand and lie down comfortably.
Pick Up for Departure
With our door-to-door service, an expert handler collects your pet from home. We transport your pet safely and securely in a pet-friendly, climate-controlled travel vehicle and take them directly to the airport.
Waiting to Board
Our domestic pet travel service includes food, water and walks for your pet to relieve themselves. We plan this around their flight times.
Relaxing Experience
- For the owner – We coordinate all the necessary paperwork, permits if needed and vet checks to have your pet ready to travel as soon as possible.
- For the pet – We deliver a personalised service, catered specifically to your pet and their needs from pick-up to touch-down, to give your pet the most relaxing experience possible.
The Pet Check-In Process for Flying
Check-In Times
- Check-in for domestic pet travel opens 120 minutes before departure.
- The freight team won’t check in your pet any earlier than this – i.e. 130 minutes before.
- Never arrive earlier than 120 minutes before departure and expect your pet to get checked in.
- Pet check-in closes strictly 90 minutes before departure.
- You have a check-in window of 30 minutes.
Drop-Off Location
The drop-off location for domestic pet flights with Dogtainers differs depending on whether you fly with Virgin or Qantas.
- Virgin – Generally, you need to drop off your pet at the cargo or freight terminal area.
- Qantas – Drop off your pet at a corresponding Dogtainers office 2.5 hours before departure for Melbourne and Sydney departures. For all other Qantas departure locations, a Dogtainers representative will meet you at the freight terminal.
We have an in-depth guide on the pet check-in process for flying. This also covers:
- Who’s present for check-in
- What you need to bring for check-in
- Where your pet goes after the check-in
Read Domestic Pet Travel: The Pet Check-In Process for Flying to find out more.
Collecting Your Pet on Arrival
Collection Times
Airline staff unload pets from the plane quite quickly. Because pets get removed first for safety reasons.
- You can collect your pet around 30 to 90 minutes after their flight arrives.
- Generally, they’re ready for release around 30 minutes after arrival.
- Airline staff won’t hold your pet for more than 90 minutes.
Pick-Up Location
Pick-up locations can vary depending on the airport. But the cargo or freight terminal is usually the pick-up location.
Collection differs when using Dogtainers, depending on the airline flying your pet.
- Virgin – Generally, you collect pets at the cargo or freight terminal area, not the normal checked baggage claim.
- Qantas – Collect pets at our corresponding office when flying into Melbourne or Sydney. For all other destinations, collect your pet directly from the airport – although a Dogtainers representative must be present for handover of BOAS pets like Pugs or Persian Cats.
We have an in-depth guide on the pet collection process for flying. This also covers:
- Transporting your pet home in the crate
- How your pet will feel after their flight
- Signs of anxiety and dealing with it
Read Domestic Pet Travel: Collecting Pets on Arrival to find out more.
Do’s and Don’ts When Flying With Pets
We recommend certain “do’s” and “don’ts” when flying with pets. Here’s our list of do’s followed by the don’ts.
Do’s When Flying Pets
- Visit the vet
- Crate training
- Socialise pets
- Feed 8 hours before flying
- Let them empty the tank
- Hire professionals
- Stay calm
Don’ts When Flying Pets
- Sedate pets
- Put toys in the crate
- Feed close to departure
We have an in-depth guide on the do’s and don’ts when flying with pets. This covers each of the points in more detail.
Read Domestic Pet Travel (Do’s and Don’ts When Flying With Pets) to find out more.
Is Flying Safe for Pets?
Safety around flying pets is the biggest concern we come across. We view our pets as part of the family as well, so we completely understand your worries.
In Australia, domestic pet travel on planes is safe. Although your pets travel in the cargo hold, authorities have measures in place to keep pets safe.
Safety Measures
- Airlines and pet transport companies like Dogtainers follow strict IATA live animal transport procedures.
- These include flying pets in IATA-approved pet carriers, which we help you choose to suit your pet.
- We are IPATA members, meaning we’re dedicated to following strict protocols to safely transport pets.
- Airline staff board pets last and unload them first, so they don’t spend unnecessary time on the plane.
- Assessing the outside temperature safeguards pets – they don’t fly when the temperature is expected to get lower than 5 degrees or higher than 35.
The Cargo Hold
- This area is pressurised – just like the one you fly in.
- The captain sets the temperature at a comfortable 18ºC.
- The hold is dimly lit as well – so your pet will be comfortable.
- Your pet has a separate area in the compartment, away from bags.
- Pets have access to water in their crate, ensuring they stay hydrated.
We have an in-depth guide on the safety of flying pets. This also covers:
- Safety throughout the process
- Risks for flying some pets
- How you can help
Read Domestic Pet Travel (Is Flying Safe for Pets?) to find out more.
Domestic Pet Travel With Dogtainers
We help you plan and prepare for a smooth and stress-free domestic pet travel experience. Some of our popular domestic destinations are:
Spots might get snapped up quickly because space for pets is limited on planes.
Generally, we can secure flights three months in advance. But we’re limited to 14 days before departure with Qantas.
Flying with pets in Australia can be a smooth process with the right approach.
We’ve been perfecting stress-free pet transport for 50+ years.
Get your quote today for domestic pet travel.
Share this article