A guide to pet travel in Australia

For many travellers, a holiday is not complete without their pet. Taking them with you can make the holiday feel even more special.

Pet travel in Australia can differ from other parts of the world, so there may be additional steps or details you need to consider. These include factors such as airline regulations and your pets in-flight comfort.

We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make sure you and your pet have a smoother journey. 

Australia's four main domestic airlines have different rules for travelling with pets. Virgin Australia is the only airline that currently allows pets in the cabin and it is trialling this policy on just two routes: Melbourne to Gold Coast and Melbourne to Sunshine Coast. Other airlines either do not accept pets or require them to travel in containers in the cargo hold.

What to know about pet travel in Australia

If the airline does accept pets, there are rules that apply, including:

• Animals that are considered 'pets' include dogs, cats, guinea pigs, small caged birds and live fish.
• Any dogs or cats that are a 'brachycephalic breed' need to first be checked by a vet to confirm they're safe to fly. These are breeds with short flat faces such as pugs, French bulldogs and boxers.
• There are age restrictions for pets, so they need to be either eight or 12 weeks old to fly (depending on the airline).
• Some dog breeds that are considered dangerous by the Australian government, such as Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa and American Pit Bull, aren't allowed to fly.
• Pets must stay in the crate for the entire journey, including in the airport terminals and car parking areas.
• The cost of pet travel in the cargo hold is based on the weight of the animal and the crate.
• Not all types of aircraft are able to offer pet travel, so you need to check the route in advance.

Here are the specific policies of Australia's three domestic airlines:

• Virgin Australia
• Qantas
• Rex

Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia is Australia’s first airline to welcome small dogs and cats in the cabin, allowing you to travel with your pet on eligible flights.There are a few other rules for pets in the cabin that you can read on the Virgin Australia website.

You can also put pets in the cargo hold on Virgin Australia. The combined weight of the animal and container can't exceed 65 kilograms. 

Please note that the following dog breeds, including crossbreeds, are prohibited from travelling under the Australian Customs Regulations 1956 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999:

Dog breeds

• Czechoslovakian Wolfdog (Czechoslovakian Vlcak)
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa
• Kunming Wolfdog (Kunming Dog)
• Lupo Italiano (Italian Wolfdog)
• Perro de Presa Canario (Presa Canario)
• Pit bull, including all sub-breeds
• Saarloos Wolfdog (Saarloos Wolfhound)

Cat breeds

• Savannah cat, a domestic cat crossed with a serval cat (Felis serval)
• Safari cat, a domestic cat crossed with a Geoffroy's cat (Oncifelis geoffroyi)
• Chausie, a domestic cat crossed with a jungle cat (Felis chaus)
• Bengal cat, a domestic cat crossed with an Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)

Qantas

While Qantas does not allow pets in the cabin, they are transported in a dedicated area of the cargo hold. This space is designed to maintain similar noise and temperature levels to those experienced in the main cabin. 

It is important to note that pets in the cargo hold are classed as ‘freight’. Qantas will do its best to make sure your pet is on the same flight as you, but it’s not guaranteed.

You'll need to provide a crate for your pet and if the combined weight is over 50 kilograms.

There are some other rules and restrictions for putting pets on Qantas flights and you can see more details for domestic pet travel on the airline's website.

Rex

Regional airline Rex accepts pets as checked baggage on flights operated by a Saab 240 aircraft in New South Wales and Victoria.

Your pet must remain in their crate throughout the journey. Their airline-approved kennel can’t be bigger than 85 centimetres high, 77 centimetres wide and 131 centimetres long.

Because of restrictions on animals in terminal buildings at Cairns, Townsville, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, you'll need to organise for your pets to travel with Qantas Freight on any of those routes.

Rex does not accept any dogs or cats that are a 'brachycephalic breed', even with approval from a vet.

For more details, see the special requirements page on the Rex website.

As the flight approaches, there are some things you should do to prepare your pet for the trip.

Health and vet checks

Many airlines do not require a vet check for every pet.  But if you have any concerns or it's the first time your pet is going on a plane, it might be best to  speak to the vet anyway.

If the airline does accept brachycephalic breeds, it will normally require approval from a vet before it can fly.

Airlines may also need vet approval for older pets. (Qantas requires it for animals older than 12 years, for instance.)

Choosing the right travel crate

You should have your pet in a travel crate approved by the IATA (International Air Transport Association). These crates are approved for both safety and comfort, which is why most airlines insist you use one.

It must be an appropriate size so that your pet can stand up, turn around and lie down without any discomfort.

It should also have standard features like ventilation on three sides, secure metal bolts and attached food and water bowls that can easily be accessed from the outside. If your crate has wheels, IATA standards require that these are removed to prevent the crate from rolling during the flight.

Requirements can vary, so check the specific rules of your airline.

Preparing your pet for the flight

Before the flight: 

• Start crate training: ideally this should be done weeks before the flight, so your dog can acclimatise. Try letting them sleep and eat in the crate to build up a positive association.

• Don’t forget their favourite items: help your pet feel more at ease from take-off to landing by bringing their favourite blanket or a soft toy. Always check with your airline to find out exactly what is allowed in your pet’s crate ahead of time.

• Add bedding: put some absorbent material or puppy training pads at the bottom of the crate, but don't use cat litter or newspaper.

• Provide water: keep your pet hydrated by attaching a spill-proof water bowl to the crate. Freeze the water ahead of your flight, so it will melt slowly and prevent spills. 

• Feed your pet: try to give your pet a light meal around 4–6 hours before your flight. Always check your airline's specific policy around food, as some require you to bring additional food in case of delays. 

• Pre-flight exercise: give your pet some exercise  and a toilet break as close to departure as possible to help them settle during the flight.

• Label your crate: add a clear label which states ‘LIVE ANIMAL’, your contact details, travel itinerary, feeding instructions and dog's name. 

When it comes time to book your pet travel in Australia, there may still be a few decisions to make. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you choosing the best flight for you and your pet:

1. Choose the right airline for you

When travelling with your pet, comfort and safety are a priority – after all, you want to know they are being well looked after no matter where they are on the plane.

Compare the costs and weight limits below to find the best pet-friendly option for your needs.

* The information above is sourced from the airlines’ official websites in January 2026.

Special requirements

Certain types of pets may have special requirements and you may need to book their travel in a different way.

For instance, tickets for brachycephalic breeds generally can't be booked directly through airlines and may need to be arranged through  a pet travel specialist.

If you need to have approval from a vet because of factors like a pet's age, you may need to do that before you're able to book.

Pet travel insurance

Before travelling with your pet, check whether your current policy covers pet travel and related costs. If you are considering separate cover, review the policy conditions, premium and exclusions before buying.

Even with all the official rules and regulations, there are a few extra steps you can take  

• Arrive early: most airlines require you to check in your pet at least 2–3 hours before departure.
• Avoid the heat: in summer, try to book early or late evening flights as cargo holds can heat up while the plane is on the tarmac.
• Collect in good time: pets will generally arrive at the freight area within one hour. For  the safety of the animals, airlines won't hold the animals on site for too long, so try to arrive in good time.
• After collecting your pet, let them stretch their legs and explore their new environment. 

Travelling domestically with pets in Australia is generally easier than travelling internationally, but it still requires careful planning. For many pet owners, the additional cost and effort are worthwhile for the opportunity to share memorable travel experiences with their pets.