Domestic pet travel throughout Australia is safe. Some people worry about their pets travelling in the cargo hold.
We completely understand the concern. But the cargo area is safe for most pets.
Here, we’ll outline safety measures in place and what you can do to help your pets stay safe.
Flying and Pet Safety
Safety Measures in Place
Airlines follow strict regulations and safety protocols to ensure pets are well cared for during flights. These include a final welfare check before boarding and specific crate requirements.
The Australian government has set guidelines that airlines must follow. These prioritise the safety and wellbeing of animals in transit.
Some pet transport companies like Dogtainers are also IPATA members. This means we are dedicated to safely transporting pets by following strict protocols.
Cargo Hold
For domestic pet travel in Australia, pets fly in the cargo hold. Your pet is loaded into an area away from baggage for safe transportation.
- 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
Airlines have procedures for loading and unloading pets to reduce the risk of injury or stress. Staff put pets on the plane last and unload them first – they don’t spend unnecessary time on the plane.
Assessing the outside temperature is another safeguard. For instance, airlines generally won’t fly pets when the temperature is expected to get lower than 5 degrees or higher than 35.
This is due to the temperature on the tarmac on the way to the aircraft, which can be significantly hotter than the air temperature.
Common Concerns for Pet Owners
Many pet owners like you worry about:
- Turbulence
- Temperature fluctuations
- How your pets will cope during the flight
Fortunately, airlines closely monitor conditions in the cargo hold.
Flying can be stressful for some pets. But strict protocols are in place to make the experience as smooth and safe as possible.
The Pet Flight Process
Pet Boarding
The pet boarding process starts with check-in, where your pet is verified and prepared for travel. After check-in, airline freight staff are responsible for your pet.
Staff will:
- Monitor your pet before departure
- Make sure they have water in their crate
- Store them in the freight shed – undercover and shaded
- Transport your pet to the aircraft when it’s time for boarding
Airline staff carefully transfer your pet to the cargo area in their airline-approved crates. Your pet is safely loaded into the cargo hold, away from baggage, to avoid unnecessary stress or injury.
Temperature and Pressure Control
The cargo hold where pets are kept is regulated to ensure it has the same temperature and air pressure as the main cabin. This helps to keep pets comfortable and safe throughout the flight, preventing any issues related to altitude changes or extreme temperatures.
Monitoring Pets in Flight
Pets in the cargo hold aren’t directly visible to airline staff during the flight. But airlines have protocols to ensure their wellbeing, with staff monitoring the environment.
Upon arrival, pets have priority for safety reasons. Freight staff unload them from the plane first.
Risks When Flying Some Pets
Brachycephalic Breeds
Snub-nosed breeds are more prone to breathing difficulties during flights. This is due to their shorter airways.
Some common snub-nosed breeds are:
- Pugs
- Bulldogs
- Persian Cats
Changes in cabin pressure or temperature can make the problem worse. Many airlines have special rules for these breeds, and some don’t fly them at all.
A health check from an approved Dogtainers vet is mandatory when flying snub-nosed breeds with us. You need a fit-to-fly certificate when checking them in for the flight.
Please note that if the wording does not clearly state that the animal is fit to fly by air travel, they will not be accepted onto the aircraft.
Stress and Anxiety
Flying can be a stressful experience for some pets. The unfamiliar environment, loud noises and being separated from you can all increase anxiety.
Crate training your pet in advance can help reduce anxiety. Including familiar items like their favourite blanket or an old T-shirt with your scent can also help.
Some owners choose to buy pet calming products like Adaptil Collars. Other options can help calm both dogs and cats.
- Lavender oil
- Chamomile
- Valerian
We recommend using these under the instructions of your vet or an experienced practitioner.
Physical Health Risks
Physical risks like dehydration, motion sickness, or minor injuries during transit can occur when pets fly. Ensuring your pet is well-hydrated before the flight and avoiding feeding them within 8 hours before departure helps prevent issues.
The airline-approved crate with proper bedding also reduces the risk of injury. These are sturdy and secured in the cargo area to protect your pet.
And airlines prohibit items like toys in the crate. This helps prevent minor injuries and potential choking.
How to Help Your Pet Stay Safe
Pet transport companies like Dogtainers follow strict protocols to keep your pet safe. But there are some steps you can take as well.
1. Visiting the Vet
Generally, you don’t have to visit the vet before flying your pet domestically. But a vet visit is mandatory for:
- Pets aged 8-12 weeks
- Pets over 12 years old
- Snub-nosed breeds like Pugs
We recommend visiting the vet even if your pet doesn’t fall into these categories.
Getting an overall health assessment helps keep your pet safe. And for an added bonus, it gives you peace of mind (win-win).
2. Crate Training
When flying, your pet must travel in an IATA-approved crate. Your pet’s size and breed determine the best crate to choose.
The crate should have enough space for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably during the trip. But don’t worry about picking the best crate for your pet.
We help customers like you choose the perfect option.
We recommend starting crate training as early as possible. This helps your pet acclimatise to the crate.
Your pet gets to explore the carrier and become familiar with it. They start viewing it as safe and secure.
- Introduce your pet to the travel crate gradually.
- Keep the interactions with the crate calm and positive.
- Allow your pet time to explore at their own pace.
You want to encourage your pet and create positive associations with the crate. Putting treats and toys inside is the best way to do this.
The crate should become a safe space for your pet.
3. Pet Socialisation
Shy and anxious pets may find flying intimidating and overwhelming. Socialising your pet can help keep them calm.
Before flying, gradually introduce your pet to more unfamiliar settings. This often helps increase their confidence and reduces their anxiety.
You can take them on short car rides once they’re familiar with the travel crate. Your pet can experience some sounds and sensations of travelling.
4. No Sedation
Please do NOT sedate pets for their flight. When pets get sedated, they can become:
- Dehydrated
- Disorentiated
- Travel sick easily
Authorities assess your pet before loading them onto the plane. Sedation makes it harder to gauge how your pet is doing.
Airline personnel will reject your pet for travel if they appear sedated. We don’t recommend sedation, even for the most anxious pets.
5. Comfort Items
Many pet owners want to include a favourite toy in the travel crate. And you may have considered adding one to comfort your pet.
Most airlines have a strict no-toys policy, though.
These items could harm your pet during turbulence and pose a choking risk. So authorities prohibit including them inside the pet carrier.
So, how can you help comfort your pet?
We recommend placing a comfort item like a familiar blanket or an old T-shirt inside the crate (if the airline allows it).
Your pet will feel safer and more secure having an item with your scent on it. This can work wonders for very anxious pets.
6. Staying Calm
Please don’t take this personally. We know the stress about flying your pet comes from a place of love.
But owners cause a lot of the stress in the pets we transport. That’s why we recommend staying as calm as possible on travel day.
Our pets are amazing at tuning into our emotions. They’re like little feelings detectors.
This is great when we’re feeling relaxed and happy. But it’s not so good when we’re anxious and stressed.
Pets dial into our anxiety, which affects them.
On travel day, try to be calm and positive. Staying relaxed helps ease stress for your pet.
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.
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