Travelling with an Assistance Dog

Information for Guests Travelling with a Guide Dog in the Cabin

Virgin Australia accepts all certified/registered Guide Dogs accompanying a guest who is visually or hearing impaired.  Virgin Australia also accepts Assistance Dogs from one or more of the below registered organisations. Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs are carried free of charge.

Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs

• Guide Dogs must be trained and accredited by their applicable Guide Dog Association under the banner of Guide Dogs Australia or America.
• Guide Dogs are permitted in the cabins of all our aircraft when they are travelling with their owner and the owner is entirely dependent on the Guide Dog for mobility.
• The Guide Dog must have a medallion on their collar with their guide dog registration number.
• Virgin Australia accepts Assistance Dogs from the following organisations only:
• • Animal Assisted Therapy Australia Inc
  • Assistance Dogs Australia
  • Association of Australian Assistance Dogs (NQ) Inc
  • Australia Support Dogs Incorporated
  • Canine Partners as a Member of Assistance Dogs International
  • Registered Service Dogs, Washington State Business License #600 236 600.
• Guests who are accompanied by an Assistance Dog must carry documentary evidence of the Assistance Dog’s accreditation with one of the above organisations.

Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs in Training

Virgin Australia also permits Guide/Assistance Dogs in training on board when accompanied by an accredited trainer who may not be visually or hearing impaired

Virgin Australia accepts all registered Guide Dogs in training and accepts Assistance Dogs from one or more of the above five registered organisations.

Again, Guests who are accompanied by an Assistance Dog must carry documentary evidence of the Assistance Dog’s accreditation with one of the above registered organisations.

Important Information for the Carriage of Guide and Assistance Dogs in the Cabin

• The dog must be fully trained or if in training, it must be harnessed and accompanied by a trainer 
• You will need to supply a suitable restraint for the dog in-flight
• The dog must be seated on an absorbent mat for the duration of the flight which is to be supplied by you.
• Please prepare the dog for the journey by exercising and limiting its fluid intake for several hours before boarding the aircraft.  Please note, Virgin Australia flights can be up to 14 hours duration.
• If you are travelling with a group and there are 10 or more Guide/Assistance Dogs travelling with you, please contact Virgin Australia at least 10 days before departure so that we can ensure your needs are met onboard.

Please note, these guidelines are only applicable on flights operated by Virgin Australia.  If you are travelling on a Codeshare flight with a partner carrier, you and your dog must meet that carrier’s requirements.