Key Takeaways
- Travelling in the cargo hold is considered one of the safest ways to transport your pet domestically within Australia.
- For relocation domestically, Departure Pets flies with two airlines Qantas and Virgin Airlines both of which have strict animal welfare policies in place.
- Your pet should not eat for 6-8 hours before their flight, but will have access to water throughout the journey.
- All pets travel in IATA-approved crates that are temperature-controlled, pressurised and secured during the flight.
- For connecting flights with layovers over 3 hours, a mandatory comfort stop is provided by a Departure Pets agent.
Many worried pet owners fear that air travel is not a safe option when transporting their pets around Australia. Despite some misconceptions, transporting pets in the cargo hold is considered one of the safest transportation methods for pets travelling within Australia.
Whether you’re relocating, reuniting with family or moving interstate, understanding exactly what happens during pet transport can give you real peace of mind. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Cargo Hold and Is It Safe for My Pet?
In Australia, pets are not permitted to travel in the cabin with their owners – with the exception of approved assistance dogs. All pets must travel in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The cargo hold is located in the belly of the aircraft and under the main cabin or at the front or rear of some aircraft.
The conditions of the cargo hold are reflective of what is felt by humans in the cabin. The cargo hold is kept at a comfortable 18°-22° Celsius. Consistent with the cabin’s conditions – it is also pressurised to ensure the pressure within is at a comfortable level to accommodate for the dynamic altitudes experienced during transit.
Due to the only cargo entry point being located on the exterior of the aircraft, no Airline personnel can access the cargo hold during transit. Pets will not be monitored during the flight, however, our team will ensure your pet is well prepared and looked after before their flight. We will give your pet the utmost love and care until the airline checks in your pet for their flight.
Curious about exactly what happens once you hand your pet over? Read our guide on The Pet Check-In Process for Domestic Pet Travel within Australia to walk through every step.
Which Airlines Does Departure Pets Use for Pet Transport?
At Departure Pets, we travel domestically with Qantas, and Virgin Airlines, these both have multiple policies and procedures in place to ensure your pet has the most comfortable and safe journey. Not all pets can travel on every airline, and in some cases additional documentation may be required to transport your pet.
We partner with these carriers because of their established animal welfare standards and their experience handling pet transport safely across Australia.
Learn more about our interstate pet transport services and the Australian ports that we fly cats and dogs to and from. If you’re looking for international pet transport, we can help with that too.
What Policies and Procedures Are in Place to Keep My Pet Safe?
Depending on the age of your pet, breed and medical history – veterinary documentation may need to be provided for both Departure Pets and the Airlines to determine how best we can safely transport your fur baby.
Virgin and Qantas have procedures in place to avoid any harm or injury to your animal. These include but are not limited to, hot weather embargoes, brachycephalic breed restrictions and IATA crate standards.
To minimise your pets’ time spent in the aircraft, all pets travelling will be the last to board and the first to disembark.
For connecting flights, layover periods that exceed 3 hours will have a mandatory comfort stop. This comfort stop is serviced by one of our agents and is when we will provide a safety and welfare check. Depending on the lodgement time for the connecting flight/s, they may even take your pet to our respective HQ, where your pet will be given the opportunity to stretch their legs, go for a walk, have a play and be given access to fresh drinking water.
Your pets’ welfare is our top priority and we take every measure imaginable to ensure your pet arrives home happy and safe.
For more helpful guidance on preparing for your pet’s journey, have a read of The Do’s and Don’ts of Pet Travel.
What Should My Pet Eat and Drink Before Their Flight?
It is normal to worry about your pets being hungry during flight, however, flying your pets on a full stomach increases the discomfort your pet may experience during flight, promoting nausea and potential vomiting.
Feeding your pets before their flight also encourages the need for them to relieve themselves in their crate during transit, making for a rather uncomfortable journey. To avoid this and create a safe and comfortable environment, Departure Pets recommends feeding your pet their last meal 6-8 hours prior to their flight.
Hydration is key! Departure Pets will secure your pets’ water bowl to the inside of the crate door, which will be filled right before boarding. Your pet will have access to their water throughout the entire flight.
If your pet tends to get anxious around travel, it’s worth reading our article on Pet Travel Anxiety for practical tips on keeping them calm before and during their journey.
What Kind of Crate Will My Pet Travel In?
All pets will travel in their IATA-approved travel crates. “The right crate is like Business Class for pets.”
A correctly sized, airline-approved crate is one of the most important parts of a safe and comfortable pet transport experience. Here’s what to look for:
- Made of a hard plastic material
- Metal bolts on the perimeter to join both the top and bottom together securely
- Single entry/exit door (front loading only)
- Affixed water bowl to the door of the crate
- Adequate ventilation
- A door that can be cable tied closed for safety during travel (to prevent the door from opening)
If Departure Pets is supplying the crate for your pets’ travel, our travel consultants will discuss which crate will be the most suited in accordance with your pets’ height, length and weight.
Upon lodgement, the airlines will secure your pets’ crate shut for the safety and security of your pet. Once loaded into the cargo hold, their crate will be secured and strapped down by airline staff to prevent movement during the flight.
Not sure what size crate your pet needs? Learn how to measure your pet to get a suitable quote and correctly sized pet travel crate.
How Long Will My Pet Be in Transit?
The duration of your pets’ transport varies based on multiple factors. This includes the origin and destination port, flight length and flight specifics such as direct or connecting flights.
For domestic travel within Australia, lodgement will always be strictly 2 hours prior to the flight’s departure.
From the moment your pet is in the care of the respective airline staff, your pet will be in their crate. They will remain in their crate until they are collected upon arrival. (This will not be the case for all circumstances, such as where a comfort stop is being provided). Pets need to be collected within the hour of their flight’s touchdown.
In summary, for an airport-to-airport service, your pet will be in their crate for a maximum of 2 hours before their flight, and for 1 hour after they arrive.
Wondering what happens once your pet lands? Our guide on What happens to my pet after their domestic flight? covers exactly what to expect at collection.
Ready to Book Your Pet’s Journey?
Your pet’s welfare is our top priority, and we take every measure to ensure they arrive home safely and happily. Get in touch with our team today to arrange safe and stress-free pet transport.
Is Pet Travel Safe FAQs:
Is it safe for my dog or cat to travel in the cargo hold?
Yes – travelling in the cargo hold is considered one of the safest methods of pet transport in Australia. The cargo hold is temperature-controlled (maintained at 18°-22° Celsius) and pressurised to the same standard as the passenger cabin. Departure Pets only works with Qantas and Virgin Airlines, both of which have strict animal welfare policies in place.
Can my pet travel with me in the cabin on a domestic flight in Australia?
No. In Australia, pets are not permitted to travel in the passenger cabin. All pets must travel in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Departure Pets manages the full process to make this as smooth and stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.
How long before the flight does my pet need to be checked in?
For domestic travel within Australia, pets must be lodged strictly 2 hours before the flight’s departure. Once in the care of airline staff, your pet will remain in their IATA-approved crate until they are collected at the destination – ideally within one hour of the flight landing.
Should I feed my pet before their flight?
Departure Pets recommends feeding your pet their last meal 6-8 hours before their flight. Travelling on a full stomach can cause nausea and discomfort, and may also prompt your pet to relieve themselves in their crate. Your pet will have access to fresh water throughout the entire flight.
What happens if my pet has a connecting flight with a long layover?
For connecting flights where the layover exceeds 3 hours, Departure Pets provides a mandatory comfort stop serviced by one of our agents. Depending on timing, your pet may even be taken to our local HQ where they can stretch their legs, have a walk, enjoy a play and access fresh water before their next flight.