Just like passenger flights, the airlines have a strict ‘check-in’ time and procedure for pets travelling as cargo.
If you plan to transport your pet domestically, here is all the information you need to prepare for the check-in process.
When do I need to check in my pet?
- ‘Check-in’ or ‘lodgement’ will always be strictly 2 hours prior to the flight departure.
- Pets cannot be dropped off any earlier than this time.
- Lodgement closes strictly 90 minutes prior to the flight departure. This means that the check-in window for your pets flight is a mere 30 minutes.
- To ensure that your pet doesn’t miss their flight, we suggest that you take the time to familiarize yourself with your responsibilities and the drop-off time/location well in advance of your pet’s travel date. This will help you feel more confident on the day of travel and make for a smooth and stress-free check-in experience, as you will know exactly where to go.
- It is advisable for the sender to remain within close proximity of the airport until the flight successfully departs, as there is a chance of offloading, delay, or cancellation. Though it is not expected to happen, it is always better to be prepared for such situations
Where do I go to drop off my pet?
- With your pet travelling as cargo, the airlines require you to go to the respective cargo/freight department as opposed to the checked baggage area.
- The drop off locations differ based on the specific port and airline.
- Virgin Australia Cargo Locations
- Qantas Airways Cargo Locations
I purchased/hired a crate. How and when do I get this?
- If a crate is being provided for you, whether purchased or hired, this will be waiting for you at the freight department you will go to for lodgement.
- This is prepared in advance of your travel date and will be given to you at the time of lodgement.
What can I put in the crate?
- Most items are prohibited to travel in the crate with your pet. The airlines do not permit any loose items to travel on pets or inside the crate for many reasons, including potential choking hazards.
- You are encouraged to put an old blanket or towel in the bottom of the crate to provide some additional comfort, and absorbency in the case of soiling during transit.
- If you wish to send your pet’s collar/lead or paperwork with them, it will need to be attached to the exterior of the crate at your own risk. We cannot guarantee that any items attached to the exterior of the crate will arrive with your pet.
- Please do not put anything of value or something you wish to keep upon arrival into the crate. If soiled during the flight, this item will be discarded upon arrival.
- If you wish to send your pets bedding/paperwork/toys/food to their destination, please coordinate this separately to your pets travel.
Who will be there at the time of lodgement?
- The respective airline freight staff will be there to assist with lodgement. They will be responsible for verifying your pets AWB, completing required paperwork, weighing your pet + crate and checking them in for their flight.
- If your pet is flying with Qantas and you have booked through a Pet Travel Company such as Departure Pets, you will be meeting with a company representative at the time of lodgement. This person is typically referred to as an ‘agent’.
What happens to my pet after check in and before flight departure?
- After your pet has been successfully checked-in for their flight, your pet will be in the care of the freight staff until flight departure.
- During this time, your pet will be attentively monitored. Your pets water bowl will be filled with clean water, and your pet will stay in an undercover area in the freight shed, away from the elements until aircraft boarding.
- Once ready for boarding, your pet will be transported to the aircraft.
- Animals are the last of all AVI to be loaded on to the aircraft to minimise the duration they will be on the plane.
What do I need to bring with me?
- Fit to Fly:
If your pet is younger than 12 weeks, older than 12 years, unwell or on medication, your pet will require a Fit to Fly Certificate. This is a letter from your vet dated within 14 days of your pets travel. This needs to be presented to the airline staff as a physical copy at the time of lodgement - Virgin ‘VAGP’ Form:
If your pet is travelling with Virgin Australia, your ‘VAGP’ Form (Domesticated Animal Acceptance Declaration), needs to be completed and presented to the airline staff as a physical copy at the time of lodgement. If you are unable to print and complete this, the airline staff will have spare copies for you to complete. - BOAS Checklist:
If your pet is considered a Brachycephalic Breed, an assessment and form needs to be completed within 30 days of your pets travel. This needs to be presented to the airline staff as a physical copy at the time of lodgement - Biosecurity Tasmania Dog Import Declaration:
If you are transporting a dog to Tasmania, the biosecurity declaration will need to be completed by the Owner and accompany your pet during their travels. - Proof of Praziquantel Treatment:
If you are transporting a dog older than 12 weeks to Tasmania, its owner/sender must have evidence that it has been treated with praziquantel at a dose rate of 5 mg/kg body weight within 14 days before entry to Tasmania. Praziquantel is an active ingredient found in most worming treatments such as Nexgard, Bravecto, Milbemax etcThe evidence can be:
– An official statement/certificate by a vet.
– A statutory declaration by the owner
– Purchase receipt (dated within 14 days of flight departure) and the Empty Pill Packet. This can be carried by whoever accompanies the dog into Tasmania, or attached to the outside of the crate