It’s natural to wonder what your pet is up to when you’re not around. Contrary to popular belief, air travel for pets is one of the safest methods of pet transportation and has improved greatly in recent years.
In Australia, Virgin Australia and Qantas Airlines are the airlines used for pet transportation by air. These airlines have strict policies and procedures in place to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being.
How long after the flight lands can I see my pet?
Pets are priority disembarked from the aircraft and are the first to be taken off and are typically ready for release approximately 30 minutes after flight arrival. However, airlines are not equipped to keep your pet for an extended period after the flight lands. They can only hold pets for a maximum of 1 hour. Therefore, it is necessary to collect your pet within this timeframe.
Where do I go to collect 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 pick up locations differ based on the specific port and airline.
- Virgin Australia Cargo Locations
- Qantas Airways Cargo Locations
Can I take the crate my pet travelled in home with me?
If you have used your own crate or purchased a crate from Departure Pets for your pets journey, that crate is yours to keep and take home.
If you have hired a crate for your pets journey, the crate will need to stay on the airport premises.
To ensure your pet’s safety, we suggest bringing a collar and leash with you to transport them from the freight shed to your vehicle. For small dogs and cats, it is best to bring your own crate to the freight shed for collection, allowing you to transfer your pet from their travel crate to your own crate 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 and their potty time cannot be anticipated, they can soil even if our feeding fast advice was adhered to.
We recommend bringing some pet wipes and a clean towel for clean up of any messy accidents during the journey.
Your pet will likely be hungry! Make sure to have some food and water ready at home so they can fill their belly/s. After all we recommend to food fast your pet 6-8 hours prior to their flight to avoid soiling the crate.
Will my pet be anxious after their flight?
It’s common for pets to feel a little anxious after a flight due to possible turbulence on the plane and being away from you. However, once your pet is out of their travel crate and back home with you, they should begin to relax quite quickly, in fact, most pets are excited upon collection because they get to be reunited with their owners. The amount of time it takes for them to fully adjust can vary depending on their breed and personality, but it could take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.