To check whether your animal is fit to fly, please review the information listed on this page, which includes important information on booking options, restricted breeds, brachycephalic travel restrictions, container requirements and lodgement processes
Bookings
Pet and animal travel can be arranged via the listed Commercial Pet Transport Company below. Many of the providers offer varying levels of service which can include:
- Animal container hire (also known as crate hire).
- Door-to-door collection and drop-off.
- Kennelling services.
- Assistance with animal comfort stops.
Bookings for pet and animal travel must meet the following conditions:
- The domesticated animal must be presented in a container compliant with Virgin Australia and IATA requirements.
- After lodgement, the shipper (or owner) is contactable and available to attend the respective cargo facility for the animal’s welfare (on request).
- The animal is not a brachycephalic breed (refer to the relevant section below).
- Compliance with Virgin Australia Cargo’s Conditions of Carriage, as well as the information contained on this page.
Pets in cabin
Virgin Australia plans to introduce pet-friendly flights, pending regulatory approval, expected to launch within 12 months.
Small cats and dogs will be allowed on certain domestic routes, confined to designated rows and carriers under the seat.
Contact the Guest Contact Centre for more information at 13 67 89.
Restrictions
Our booking policies, designed to cater to specific pet breeds, allows for a seamless journey for all passengers. Your beloved furry companion's well-being is our top priority, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience for all our passengers. For details on these restrictions, please read below.
Important information
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Brachycephalic breeds
While we love welcoming our brachycephalic breeds, there are specific welfare factors that need to be considered when travelling. Brachycephalic anatomy can make it difficult for some of these animals to adequately thermo-regulate and oxygenate, making them highly susceptible to heat-stress. To ensure your animal’s welfare is protected, Virgin Australia Cargo has special policies and requirements to ensure they are well looked after during transport (this includes cross breeds with the below animals).
The list of brachycephalic breeds includes, but are not limited to:
Dog breeds
- Affenpinscher
- American Bully
- American Bulldog
- Australian Bulldog
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer
- Brussels Griffon / Griffon Bruxellois
- British / English Bulldog
- Chow Chow
- Dogue De Bordeaux
- English Toy Spaniel / King Charles Spaniel
- French Mastiff
- French Bulldog
- Japanese Chin / Japanese Spaniel
- Lhasa Apso
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Pekingese
- Pug (Chinese Pug, Dutch Pug, Japanese Pug)
- Shih-Zhu (Tsu) (Tzu)
- Tibetan Spaniel
- Valley Bulldog
Cat breeds
- Exotic Shorthair Cat
- Himalayan Cat
- Persian Cat
Our list of approved Commercial Pet Transport Company above are permitted to transport brachycephalic breeds on our aircraft (unfortunately direct bookings cannot be accepted with Virgin Australia Cargo). These providers are knowledgeable of the special transport requirements which relate to these vulnerable breeds and will be happy to assist with your travel arrangements.
Please note that brachycephalic breeds are not permitted on connecting flights on the same day, and will not be accepted for travel on flights departing between 09:00 and 18:00 (local port time). Brachycephalic breeds will only be permitted for uplift between the following city pairs:
- Adelaide (ADL)
- Brisbane (BNE)
- Canberra (CBR)
- Gold Coast (OOL)
- Hobart (HBA)
- Launceston (LST)
- Melbourne (MEL)
- Newcastle (NTL)
- Perth (PER)
- Sydney (SYD)
Approved brachycephalic Commercial Pet Transport Company are noted in the list above.
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Prohibited breeds
Please note that the following dog breeds (including crossbreeds) are prohibited from travel in compliance with the Australian “Customs Regulations 1956” and the “Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999”:
- Czechoslovakian Wolfdog (Czechoslovakian Vlcak)
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- Kunming Wolfdog (Kunming Dog)
- Lupo Italiano (Italian Wolfdog)
- Perro de Presa Canario (Presa Canario)
- Pit Bulls (including all sub breeds)
- Saarloos Wolfdog (Saarloos Wolfhound)
Domestic/non-domestic (cats) hybrids cannot be imported to Australia in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Hybrid cats include, but are not limited to:
- Savannah cat, domestic cat (Felis catus) crossed with serval cat (Felis serval)
- Safari cat, domestic cat crossed with Geoffroy cat (Oncifelis geoffroyi)
- Chausie, domestic cat crossed with Jungle cat (Felis chaus)
- Bengal cat, domestic cat crossed with Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis).
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Animal limits per container
Generally, only one animal may travel per container. However, there are a limited number of exceptions below:
- Dogs / cats – up to three animals can travel in the same container if they are all from the same litter, under 6 months old and under 14KG each.
- Four-legged domesticated animals – up to two adult animals of comparable size, who are compatible to travel and under 14KG each may be shipped in the same container.
- Birds – Limits are in accordance with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations (LARs).
Refer to the ‘animal containers’ section below for further requirements.
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Prohibited ages
Unfortunately, we do not accept dogs and cats under the age of 8 weeks old for air cargo transport.
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Weight limits
The total weight of the animal and the container must not exceed 65KG.
Pet transport companies
Our Partnered Transport Companies
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View full list of pet transport companies
Company
Phone number
Email address
Aeropets
(Brachycephalic approved transporter)1800 237 673 info@aeropets.com.au All Care Pet Transport
(Brachycephalic approved transporter)(08) 9454 5736 info@allcarepettransport.net.au Animal Travel
(Brachycephalic approved transporter)0499 229 287 animal-travel@bigpond.com Aussie Pet & Animal Travel
(Brachycephalic approved transporter)(07) 3200 1732 askus@apat.net.au Aussie Pet Connections
(Brachycephalic approved transporter)0400 966 738 carmel@aussiepetconnections.com.au Azzabern Animal Transport
(Brachycephalic approved transporter)0476 546 015 azzabern@gmail.com Bay City Pet Travel 1300 151 520 baycpt@gmail.com Departure Pets
(Brachycephalic approved transporter)1300 900 400 admin@departurepets.com.au Dogtainers
(Brachycephalic approved transporter)1300 135 252 enquiry@dogtainers.com.au Feathers and Scales
(Brachycephalic approved transporter)0405 738 968 linda@feathersandscalesfreight.com.au Hanrob Animal Transport
(Brachycephalic approved transporter)1300 738 468 Opt1 transport@hanrob.com.au Hunter Pet Transport
(Brachycephalic approved Transporter)02 4938 3710 transport@hunterpetmotel.com.au Jetpets
(Brachycephalic approved transporter)1300 668 309 info@jetpets.com.au Moorholme Pet transport
(Brachycephalic approved transporter)(03) 9338 0823 info@boardingkennels.com.au PDF Logistics (07) 3519 6397 info@pdflogistics.com.au Pet Express Transport Services
(Brachycephalic approved transporter)1300 073 839 info@petex.com.au Petflyers
(Brachycephalic approved transporter)1800 738 359 enquiries@petflyers.com.au Tail Travel
(Brachycephalic approved transporter)0456 665 971 sales@tailtravel.com.au World Class Hounds
(Brachycephalic approved transporter)1300 976 037 info@wchounds.com.au Your animal’s welfare is important to us. If you are booking via a Commercial Pet Transport Company, we recommend you ask them to book your animal through Virgin Australia Cargo for a great pet travelling experience.
Please note that if you are sending non-domesticated animals, zoo animals, sea animals, endangered species or animals requiring a licence or permit, you or your Commercial Pet Transport Company will need to submit an Exotic and Special Animal Request form (prior to booking) to cargocontrolcentre@virginaustralia.com.
Pre departure process
Prior to lodging your animal at one of our cargo facilities please ensure you have completed our pre-flight checklist:
- For domesticated animals (i.e. dogs, cats, domesticated birds, etc), a copy of the Domesticated Animal Acceptance Declaration must be completed and presented at the time of lodgement (if your animal is being delivered by an animal transport specialist, they may complete this form on your behalf).
- For non-domesticated animals (account customers only), a copy of the Exotic Animal Movement Request form must be submitted and accepted by the Cargo Control Centre prior to travel. Requests must be submitted to cargocontrolcentre@virginaustralia.com. A copy of the IATA Live Animal Acceptance Checklist will also need to be completed and presented at the time of lodgement.
- Reviewed and complied with the booking and pre-departure requirements.
- Crosschecked the location of the departure cargo facility, as well as the latest animal (AVI) acceptance time (this is generally 90 minutes prior to departure at most locations).
- Have a copy of your Air Waybill number and photo ID ready to present on arrival at the departure cargo facility. The Air Waybill number will be provided to you by your Commercial Pet Transport Company or Virgin Australia Cargo at the time of booking.
Pre departure requirements
Please note that you will be required to present a veterinary certificate to Virgin Australia Cargo when dropping off your animal at the cargo shed, if one of the following conditions apply (certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel):
- Animal is pregnant
- Animal is sick or injured
- Between 8 and 12 weeks of age (applicable to dogs and cats only)
- Older than 12 years of age (applicable to dogs and cats only)
While we do not require veterinary certificates for animal sedations, Virgin Australia does not recommend sedating your animal for travel. If you wish to sedate your animal for travel, you should contact your vet for expert advice. Virgin Australia does not take responsibility for any consequences as a result of sedation.
If your animal is jetting off interstate to Tasmania or Western Australia, you will need to comply with the respective biosecurity and worming regulations linked below. This includes animals transiting on connecting flights via airports located in these states. Please ensure you securely attach any required paperwork or evidence to the top of the animal container, prior to lodging your animal (clear tape is recommended).
Western Australia: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/importing-animals/importing-pets-western-australia-including-cats-dog-reptiles-frogs-insects
The size of your animal’s container is very important for their welfare. It is your responsibility to provide a container for your animal’s travel which complies with the standard required by Virgin Australia and the IATA LARs. If your animal does not have a travel container which meets our requirements or is not the right size, we may refuse to accept your animal for transport.
If you have booked directly with Virgin Australia Cargo and require assistance, please contact a Commercial Pet Transport Company.
If you are securing your own container, we recommend sizing up your animal in accordance with the instructions on the IATA regulations website.
- Your pet must be able to stand with their head up unrestricted by the container
- Your pet must be able to turn around freely within the container
- Your pet must not exceed the maximum rated animal weight for the container (if supplied).
Additionally for four legged animals, the container must:
- Have adequate ventilation
- Have a water bowl or receptacle affixed to the container
- Have escape proof hinges and latches and be adequately locked
- Be in good repair and strong enough to withstand damage and ensure the pet cannot escape
- Be made of wood or a polypropylene material^ (wire containers are no accepted)
- Be lined with absorbent material and designed so that no water or excreta can escape
- Not have any wheels attached
- Not be designed to collapse
- Two-part rigid plastic containers must have the top and bottom (or side) parts secured by screws or nuts and bolts (not plastic clips)
- Be compliant with the fleet compatibility section below
^Note: Powerful and strong animals which can break through plastic are required to travel in a metal or wooden container as set out in the IATA regulations (i.e. CR-82 crate).
For the transportation of birds, the container must meet the IATA LAR regulations for the specific species and comply with the following:
- Front of the container must be covered in welded wire mesh and sloped to provide extra ventilation (must comprise 75% of frontal area)
- Interior of the container has no sharp edges
- Wooden perches provided for all perching species
- For small birds, a float, sponge or similar material is in the water tray (if filled with water)
- Not have any wheels attached
- Not be designed to collapse.
Fleet compatibility
Whilst most Virgin Australia services are operated by our Boeing 737 fleet, it’s important to check your animal container is compatible with the booked aircraft type. Please note that the measurements below are provided as a guide only (exact dimensions may vary).
Airbus A320 |
The uplift of animals is not supported on this aircraft type. |
Boeing 737 |
Maximum container dimensions: 85 cm (H) x 80 cm (W) x 131 cm (L) Maximum Pets Pantry size: PP90 |
Embraer 190 |
Maximum container dimensions: 80 cm (H) x 70 cm (W) x 110 cm (L) Maximum Pets Pantry size: PP70 |
Fokker 100 (flights to/from Perth) |
Maximum container dimensions: 65 cm (H) x 70 cm (W) x 110 cm (L) Maximum Pets Pantry size: PP50 |
Fokker 70 / Fokker 100 (flights to/from Brisbane) |
Maximum container dimensions: 65 cm (H) x 56 cm (W) x 82 cm (L) Maximum Pets Pantry size: PP50 |
Saab 340
|
The uplift of animals is not supported on this aircraft type. |
Finally at the time of lodgement, please ensure you comply with the following requirements.
Item | Inside the cage | Attached to the outside of the cage | Note |
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Toys | |||
Collars | |||
Leads | Must be zip-tied to the outside. |
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Food | Rabbits / Guinea-pigs: Disinfected or sterilised pellets, or extruded dry rodent food is permitted inside the cage. Birds: Food meeting the destination’s bio-security requirements is permitted. |
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Document(s) | Must be taped to the outside. |
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Animal jackets | Greyhound Dogs: Permitted to wear compression suits. |
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Absorbent materials | Minimal absorbent material permitted. |
With the right preparation, travelling with your pet can be a great experience for all concerned - but it is important to be well prepared.
Watch our video for some handy hints to get your pet ready for their flight.
Next steps
Refusal of carriage
In accordance with the Cargo Conditions of Carriage, Virgin Australia reserves the right to refuse the carriage of your animal. This can include, albeit not limited to:
- Airline operational requirements
- Animals displaying aggression and visible signs of cage chewing
- Non-compliance with VA travel requirements
- Container compliance with VA requirements and IATA regulations
- Incomplete paperwork
- Incorrect information provided at the time of booking
- Non-compliance with directions provided by Virgin Australia Cargo staff and contractors
- Safety and security reasons
Enroute tracking
If you would like to check the status of your animal’s transportation, please enter your Air Waybill (AWB) number into the tracking section on the VAC Portal.
If you are an existing VAC account holder, you can also subscribe to cargo movement messages for your specific Air Waybill though the Portal.
View the latest Virgin Australia flight status information.
On arrival
Animal collections are generally available 30 minutes after the aircraft’s arrival time at the respective Virgin Australia Cargo collection point. Please refer to our list of cargo facilities for more information. On arrival, you will require your Air Waybill (AWB) number and photo ID to collect your animal. If you are running late to collect your animal, please contact your local cargo facility in advance. Animals not collected within 90 minutes of arrival may be handed over to an animal transport specialist at the owner’s expense. When you are collecting your animal, we advise that you open animal containers with caution as pets are often extremely excited to see you. As such, it is very important to quickly clip the lead on or secure your animal as appropriate.
General FAQs
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What happens to my pet during a disruption?
Our priority is to safely and securely transport your pet from Point A to Point B.
However, due to the complex environment surrounding airport operations, there may be instances where our flight operations are subject to unforeseen disruptions such as adverse weather activity.
Your pet will be moved to a shaded, well-ventilated area and frequently monitored if disruptions do occur.
If the delay exceeds greater than 2 hours or if we are unable to accommodate your pet on another service on the same day (including, but not limited to cancellations and or missed connecting flights), our team will contact you to organise an alternative option of travel.
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What happens if my animal soils the crate?
For most pets, we recommend not feeding them for at least eight hours prior to travel (avoid an upset stomach). It is also important they have ample time to go to the toilet before travelling.
Animals will not be loaded onto an aircraft if the crate has been soiled. For safety reasons, our airline staff and contractors are not permitted to take animals out of their container. In these situations, we may require either yourself (if booked directly with Virgin Australia Cargo) or your Commercial Pet Transport Company to clean the container before re-accepting the animal for departure. In the event this arrangement cannot be made in a timely manner, we may call out an Commercial Pet Transport Company on your behalf to clean the crate and this may be charged back as an additional amount.
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What will be my pet’s experience when travelling in the cargo hold?
We will endeavour to maintain the temperature in the cargo hold to be consistent to the temperature experienced in the passenger cabin. The lighting will also be dimly lit to maximise your pet’s level of comfort.
Please note that your pet maybe exposed to high levels of airport operation noise whilst waiting to be loaded into the aircraft hold.