How to Fly Interstate With a Dog: Domestic Dog Flight Guide Australia

With an estimated 4.8 million dogs in Australia and lots of keen holiday makers, taking a dog on a flight in Australia is on the rise. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to fly domestically with your dog in Australia including the most commonly asked questions about interstate travel with dogs.

To fly interstate with dogs in Australia you need to consider quarantine regulations, assess the suitability of your dog to fly, choose an airline to travel with, and organise yourself and your dog well in advance. Find out more details below.

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Where in Australia Can I Fly With My Dog?

You can fly interstate with your dog all around Australia as long as there aren’t any quarantine restrictions imposed. Locations that require quarantine regulations for dogs include: Tasmania, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island and Thursday Island. Check updated quarantine information here before going on holidays with your dog.

What Dog Breeds Can Travel On Planes?

The majority of dog breeds can travel domestically throughout Australia. All airlines have a list of dog breeds that they do and don’t accept which you can find on their websites. Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are the main cause of concern for airlines. Snub nosed breeds face challenges such as respiratory problems and heat stress during flight.

Which Airlines/Services Fly Dogs?

You can either organise to fly interstate in Australia with your dog by yourself through an airline or get the help of pet transport services.  A dog must be sent with a pet freight service if it is going to be unaccompanied. Some airlines and dog freight services include: 

• Qantas
• Virgin Australia
• Jetpets 
• DogTainers
• PetFlyers
• AeroPets

How Much Does it Cost to Fly a Dog Interstate in Australia?

The price depends on many factors. This includes the departure and arrival ports, the length of the flight, the airline, the transport service and the breed, size & weight of your dog. Some airlines let dogs to travel free as a part of checked baggage allowance while other airlines charge fees per container which varies depending on the size and weight. This can cost anywhere from $50 to over $150.

Before the Flight

Visit Your Vet

Before booking a flight make sure your dog is capable of travelling. It is very important to take your dog to the vet to make sure he is fit and healthy for flying. Make sure your dog’s vaccinations as well as flea and worming treatments are up to date. Some aeroplane companies will need a health certificate from your veterinarian. 

Organise a Container

Crates are used to transport dogs on planes. All airlines have different requirements for containers which you can find published on their respective websites. The typical container is a hard plastic crate with holes for ventilation with enough room for your dog to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. The container also must have water in it. It’s a great idea to write your dog’s name and some emergency contact information (your mobile phone number and home address) on the crate.

Introduce Your Dog To The Container

Over the week before the flight you should slowly introduce your dog to his crate. Seven days before the flight you should leave it open in your house for him to sniff and explore. Let him freely walk in and out of it. The next day you should start to encourage him to get into the crate on command. Train him by placing treats inside to associate it with a positive experience. Practise staying inside the crate for extended periods of time. Let him sleep inside the crate for a few nights before the flight.

Another way you can introduce your dog to it’s crate is to go on short drives in it. This will allow your dog to get used to a somewhat similar motion as planes while in the crate.

Lastly, introduce your dog to various loud noises while in the crate. Your pet might be exposed to high levels of airport operation noise whilst waiting to be loaded onto the plane. It’s best to get him used to noise so the process of flying is easier.

Booking the Flight

Most airlines will accept one or two dogs per person. It’s important to book your dog’s tickets early as cargo space can quickly be taken up. Don’t purchase your ticket until you have confirmed with the airline that there is space for your dog on the flight. Try to book a direct flight and on a weekday so the airport isn’t too busy. Also for your dog’s safety and comfort, book a flight early in the morning, late in the afternoon or at night. This is especially the case for hot Australian summers. On the day of travel, if the predicted temperatures in the departure and/or arrival destination is expected to exceed 20 degrees celsius, it might be a good idea to change your flight to another time. 

Flight Day Checklist

• Check the weather reports for arrival and destination ports. Make a decision about the safeness to travel under these conditions.
• Fill up your travel bowl with fresh water
• Place a puppy pad on the bottom of the container for accidents
• Put a blanket and/or a toy in the container for comfort
• Make sure your dog has had lots of exercise before leaving
• Make sure your dog has relieved itself. In the instance where your pet soils the container prior to departure, you may be required to return to the pet drop-off area to clean the container
• Give your dog plenty of water. If your dog appears unwell or dehydrated upon drop-off, the plane company might refuse your dog
• Don’t feed your dog 4 hours before travelling. A full stomach can be uncomfortable for dogs to travel on. Continue to give your dog water up until departure. 
• Bring a current photograph of your dog with you on the flight. If your dog gets lost during the trip it is easier for employees/authorities to search for him with a photo.

During the Flight

What happens after drop off?

After drop-off, your dog is kept undercover in a shaded, well-ventilated area for as long as possible before being taken to board the flight. Check your airplane requirements for drop-off times, there are usually rules surrounding how early you can drop your dog off so he isn’t stuck in his travel container for too long.

Where does my dog stay?

Dogs travel in the aircraft hold. The hold is a chamber underneath the cabin section. Just like the cabin section, it is air pressurised and climate controlled. Lights are shone on a dim setting to make your dog comfortable and it easier for him to sleep. 

Are dogs checked during the flight?

Dogs are not checked during the flight. Your dog will be kept in his container from the time of drop off to the time he is picked up by you at your destination. Dogs are not released from their containers for safety reasons so your dog must be healthy and able to cope with being contained for long periods of time. 

After the Flight

Pick-Up

Majority of pet flying services require you to collect your pet within 90 minutes of arrival. It’s best to check with the airline for how much time you have to collect your dog. This is to ensure your pet is not contained for too long. If you fail to collect your pet within the time restrictions it may result in the company contacting a pet car company to collect your pet at your expense. 

Arrival Checklist

• Give your dog a good meal on arrival 
• Encourage your dog to drink water
• Let your dog go to the bathroom 
• Give your pooch lots of love, hugs, attention and treats