What happens to my pet after their domestic flight? Departure Pets

Written by Shaun, Managing Director and co-founder of Departure Pets – with lifelong experience in animal care and formal qualifications in animal handling and behaviour.

What should you expect when collecting your pet at the airport?

Key Takeaways

Pets are priority disembarked and are typically ready for collection around 30 minutes after the flight lands
You must collect your pet within 1 hour of arrival – airlines are not equipped to hold pets beyond this
Collection is from the airline’s cargo or freight department, not the standard baggage area
If you hired a travel crate, it stays at the airport – bring a collar, leash, or your own crate to transport your pet home safely
Your pet may be a little messy, hungry, or anxious after the flight – a bit of preparation goes a long way

Wondering what happens to your pet after a domestic flight? It’s completely natural to think about what your pet is up to when you’re not around. The good news is that air travel for pets is one of the safest methods of pet transportation available, and the experience has improved significantly in recent years.

In Australia, Virgin Australia and Qantas Airlines are the two carriers used for domestic pet transportation by air. Both airlines have strict policies and procedures in place to ensure your pet’s safety and wellbeing throughout the entire journey – from check-in through to arrival.

How long after the flight lands can I see my pet?

Pets are priority disembarked from the aircraft – they are the first to be taken off once the flight lands. From there, they are typically ready for release approximately 30 minutes after flight arrival.

It’s important to note that airlines are not equipped to hold pets for an extended period after the flight. They can only keep your pet for a maximum of 1 hour after landing, so it’s essential that you arrive at the cargo department promptly and collect your pet within this timeframe.

Learn more in our guide: is it safe for cats and dogs to fly in cargo?

Where do I go to collect my pet?

With your pet travelling as cargo, collection works a little differently to standard baggage. You will need to head to the airline’s cargo or freight department rather than the usual checked baggage area. The exact pick-up location will depend on your arrival port and which airline your pet travelled with.

If you are unsure where to go, we recommend confirming the collection location with our team before travel day so there are no surprises when you arrive.

Domestic pet transport – Australian ports

Departure Pets provides safe, caring domestic pet transport with teams on the ground at major airports across Australia. Whether your pet is arriving into Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart or Darwin, our local teams are familiar with each port’s cargo facilities and collection procedures.

If you have any questions about where to collect your pet or what to expect on arrival day, don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’re here to make the whole experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Learn more about how cold weather affects pet air travel in Australia.

Can I take the crate my pet travelled in home with me?

That depends on whether the crate was purchased or hired. If you used your own travel crate or purchased a crate through Departure Pets for the journey, that crate is yours to keep and take home with you.

If you hired a crate for your pet’s journey, the crate will need to remain on the airport premises and cannot leave with you.

To make collection as smooth as possible, we recommend bringing a collar and leash with you to transport your pet safely from the freight shed to your vehicle. For small dogs and cats, it’s a good idea to bring your own crate to the freight shed, so you can transfer your pet from their travel crate into your own for the journey home.

How should I expect my pet to be upon arrival?

During the flight there is a chance your pet may have relieved themselves – they are live animals after all, and their potty schedule can’t always be predicted, even if our feeding fast advice was followed.

We recommend packing some pet wipes and a clean towel in your bag so you are prepared for any mess when you collect them. It’s a small thing that can make the whole experience a lot easier.

Your pet will also likely be hungry on arrival. We recommend food fasting your pet 6-8 hours prior to their flight to reduce the chance of crate soiling, so by the time they land, they will be ready for a good meal and a big drink of water. Make sure you have both waiting at home for them.

Will my pet be anxious after their flight?

It’s common for pets to feel a little unsettled after a flight – possible turbulence and being away from their owner can be a lot for them. That said, most pets bounce back quickly once they are out of the crate and reunited with you. In fact, many pets are visibly excited at the point of collection.

The time it takes for a pet to fully settle back into their routine can vary depending on their breed and personality, but for most it’s anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Plenty of reassurance, familiar surroundings, food, and rest will go a long way.

Learn more about our Domestic Pet Travel services and the Australian ports that we fly cats and dogs to and from. If you’re looking for International Pet Travel, we can help with that too.

Ready to Book Domestic Pet Travel within Australia?

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 domestic pet transport.

Further Reading:

FAQs

How long after a domestic flight can I collect my pet in Australia?
Pets are priority disembarked and are usually ready for collection around 30 minutes after the flight lands. Airlines can only hold pets for a maximum of 1 hour after arrival, so it’s important to head to the cargo department promptly once you know the flight has landed.

Where do I collect my pet after a domestic flight in Australia?
You need to go to the airline’s cargo or freight department – not the checked baggage area. The exact location varies depending on the airport and airline. You can find terminal details through the Virgin Australia or Qantas cargo location pages, or contact the Departure Pets team in advance to confirm where to go.

Can I take a hired travel crate home after my pet’s flight?
No – if you hired a crate through Departure Pets, it needs to stay at the airport. If you purchased a crate or used your own, you are welcome to take it home. We recommend bringing a collar and leash, or your own carrier, to transport your pet from the freight shed to your car.

Will my pet be stressed or anxious after flying?
Some pets are unsettled after a flight, particularly due to turbulence or the unfamiliar environment. Most settle down quite quickly once they are reunited with their owner, and many are actually excited at the point of collection. It can take a few hours to a couple of days for them to fully return to normal, depending on their breed and temperament.

Should I bring anything with me when collecting my pet from the airport?
Yes – it’s a good idea to bring pet wipes and a clean towel in case your pet had an accident during the flight. You should also bring a collar and leash, or a travel crate of your own if your pet is small, to get them safely to your vehicle. Make sure food and water are ready at home – your pet will have been fasted before the flight and will be hungry on arrival.

Last Updated: 6th July 2026

Airline policies, government regulations and industry requirements can change over time. This article reflects information current as of the date above. For the latest requirements specific to your pet’s journey, please contact your Departure Pets consultant.