Travelling with Pets

Book your pet before confirming your own reservation to ensure you are travelling on the same flight.

Note that the number of pet containers allowed on an aircraft is limited. There are many flights, particularly on the weekends or early in the morning, when the service is not available. Avoid disappointment by checking availability for your pet on the flight before confirming your reservation.

If you already have a booking, advise your local Qantas office immediately to confirm your pet's travel arrangements.

Only small and medium sized pet packs qualify as part of your free baggage allowance when travelling domestically. All other pet packs must be lodged directly with a freight company at the freight terminal and will incur a fee.

Qantas recommends Australian air Express for domestic flights and Qantas Freight for international flights.

All cages must meet the specifications outlined in the IATA Live Animal Regulations. Ensure that the container meets these requirements prior to the day of travel.

Small (equivalent to one unit of baggage)

• Made of plastic material with absorbent mat and suitable for cats and small dogs up to small terrier size.
• Size: 56cm in length / 30cm wide / 38cm in height.
• Maximum weight (including pet): 15 kg.

Medium (equivalent to two units of baggage)

• Made of polypropylene material with absorbent mat and suitable for dogs up to cocker spaniel size.
• Size: 66cm in length / 40cm wide / 52cm in height.
• Maximum weight (including pet): 20 kg.

Large

For larger pets you must supply an approved crate, which meets the following criteria:

• Wire mesh - minimum of 8 standard wire gauge.
• Escape proof hinges and latches.
• Bottom covered with a leak proof galvanised tray with corners and edges soldered and rolled up to 9cm.
• Tray bottom to be covered with absorbent material to avoid leakage.
• Show crates must be adequately locked. It is the customer's responsibility to provide adequate locks for the crate.
• Must not exceed 84cm in height.

Alternatively portable kennels or a small container may be accepted provided the construction and ventilation is considered adequate and it meets all size restrictions and general criteria.

Acceptance of Animals and Pet Packs

An animal and/or container will not be accepted when:

• The container is not sufficiently sturdy or is in disrepair and the animal is likely to escape.
• The container or animal is unclean.
• The animal appears diseased.
• The animal is unduly savage.
• The container could cause injury or suffering to the animal.
• The container fails to meet the IATA regulations stipulating that the animal must be able to:
  - Stand up straight;
  - Lie down without being cramped; and
  - Turn around within the crate/kennel.

Make sure your pet⁺ is contained in a pet pack before arriving at the passenger terminal. Unfortunately, we can't accept pets on a lead.

Providing your pet or airport doesn't fall into the exceptions category, a pet pack may be considered part of your baggage allowance if you lodge your baggage at the passenger terminal at least sixty (60) minutes prior to departure; and your pet pack meets carriage requirements.

You will be required to pay excess baggage charges if your baggage, including your pet pack, exceeds the free baggage allowance. There is a limit of two (2) pet packs (no larger than the medium pet pack) per passenger, subject to normal baggage allowances. Additional pet packs will be sent as airfreight and you will be required to pay the applicable freight charges.

Quarantine regulations apply for international destinations and for Western Australia, Tasmania, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, and Thursday Island. Qantas Contact Centres and other freight offices will provide general information on the carriage of birds, cats and dogs. For specific information, contact the applicable state or country quarantine office.

The above information is intended as a guide only. Please check details with our Contact Centre or for travel from the USA, please contact Freight before departure.