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.
Cargo Transport
In Australia, pets are not permitted to travel in the cabin with their owners. Pets are required to 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 aircrafts.
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 cabins 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 uttermost love and care until the airline checks in your pet for their flight.
Airlines
At Departure Pets, we only travel domestically with Qantas and Virgin Airlines and have multiple policies and procedures in place to ensure your pet has the most comfortable and safe journey. Not all pets can travel on either airline; and in some cases require additional documentation in order to transport your pet.
Policies and Procedures
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.
Both 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 their 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.
Food and Water
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.
Crates
All pets will travel in their IATA-approved travel crates. “The right crate is like Business Class for pets”
Suitable Airline Approved travel crate points to note:
- 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 (as seen above)
- 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.
Transport Duration
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 flights 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 flights’ 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.
Your pet’s welfare is our top priority, and we take every measure to ensure they arrive home safely and happily.