Book your pet direct with Qantas Freight. We understand that each pet and animal is unique and can react very differently to the environment around them, especially when travelling. To prepare for their trip, here are a few things to consider:
Your pet needs to be fit and healthy so they're ready to fly. Everything you need to know to prepare for travel can be found in our pet travel checklist.
Step 1: Make a booking
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Age
Pets and animals must be at least 12 weeks old to travel, and pets older than 12 years must be vet certified as fit to travel.
Breed
Certain brachycephalic breeds can only be booked through a pet travel specialist, and some breeds are banned in Australia. Check breed restrictions before you book.
Travel crate
Your pet must travel in an IATA-approved travel crate, which can be purchased from us if you don't already have one.
Size and weight
Crate size and total weight (crate+pet) are required to make a booking. If the combined weight exceeds 50kgs, contact us. Larger crates are limited to wide-body aircraft.
Multiple pets
If pets are the same species, similar in size and weight (14kg or less each) and are used to co-habitation, then two pets can travel in the same pet crate.
Travel requests
If you want to travel with your pet, we'll do all we can to accommodate your request. Please book your pet first before booking your flight on qantas.com.
Multi-sector bookings
If travel includes a transfer, there are minimum connecting times which you’ll need to factor into your planning. Details can be found in pet travel FAQs.
Flight selection
Select flights based on the expected temperature on the day of travel — early or late departures to avoid extreme weather.
Aircraft
We fly pets on selected services and have a limit on the number of pets we can carry on each aircraft. We recommend having alternatives if possible.
Step 2: Preparing to fly
It’s important your pet is fit and healthy so they're ready to travel.
Pet comfort
Your pet must travel in an IATA-approved travel crate, which is large enough so your pet is safe, happy and comfortable. View our recommended pet crate sizing guide. Ensure you have an appropriate vehicle to accommodate the pet crate.
Weather
Check conditions at departure, transfer and arrival ports for the day of travel as extreme weather conditions can affect travel plans.
Drop-off
If you’ve booked direct, check terminal locations for information on where to drop off your pet and what security steps you’ll need to adhere to when you arrive.
Step 3: On the day of travel
It’s travel day, so make sure both you and your pet are prepared and ready to enjoy the flight. Remember to check terminal locations before you leave.
Your pet should be well and hydrated, has eaten a light snack, and has had some gentle exercise with a toilet stop prior to arrival at the terminal. Please do not sedate your pet and remember that you’ll need to keep your pet in their travel crate at all times within our terminal precinct including car parks.
Documents
Take your pet booking details, your completed shipper statement and indemnity form, and some ID with you.
Safety
At our terminals, practice a heightened level of awareness and care. Children 17 years old or younger must remain accompanied in the vehicle at all times. Plan your trip to the terminal accordingly
Pet comfort
Some absorbent material or puppy training pad can be placed in the bottom of the crate — no straw, kitty litter or newspaper. Make sure they've had enough time to get accustomed with their crate before travelling.
Favourite friend
A small, soft toy can be added to the crate, leaving plenty of room inside to allow your pet to sit, stand and move freely.
Food and water
A water bowl with a funnel on the outside is mandatory, but please don’t place food in the crate.
Labelling
Your pet’s name and contact details of the shipper and the receiver need to be clearly visible on the crate.
Check conditions
Extreme weather at departure, transfer and arrival ports can impact travel, so remember to check conditions. Pets are not permitted to fly if weather is extreme. Contact us to rebook.
Check in
Check your terminal location details and lodge your pet between 90–120 mins (regional ports 65–90 mins) prior to flight departure.
Collection
Pets are usually ready around 60 mins after arrival in all domestic ports except Brisbane where more than 60 mins may be needed (regional ports 10-30 mins after arriving flight has departed). Remember to bring ID. Pets must remain inside the crate until you have departed the premises.
Want additional peace of mind?
Get travel insurance for your pet through an insurance company to consider the conditions, premium, exclusions and options available. Qantas Freight does not provide insurance for your pet's travel.
For information on international pet movements, please contact a pet travel specialist or email us.