Flying your pet to Australia

By the time your pet flies, the hard work is done: tests passed, permit issued, health certificate endorsed. The flight itself has its own rules, and breaking them can mean your pet is refused entry.

The basic rules

DAFF’s Group 3 dog guide sets out these travel conditions:

• Your pet must arrive directly at Melbourne International Airport.
• Domestic transfers are not permitted, for example landing in Sydney and flying on to Melbourne.
• Your pet travels as manifested cargo, not in the cabin.
• It must travel in an IATA-approved crate.
• Any airline can carry your pet, at the airline’s discretion.
• The import permit must be valid on the day your pet arrives.

Transit and transhipment

These terms matter:

• Transit means the plane lands somewhere on the way but your pet stays on board, on the international side. DAFF allows this in all countries.
• Transhipment means your pet is unloaded and moved to another plane. DAFF only allows this in approved countries, with your pet kept airside under the supervision of the competent authority and away from other animals.

It is your responsibility to check with the transhipment country whether it allows animals to tranship, whether it has a facility, how long animals can be held and whether extra conditions apply.

Choosing the crate

The crate must meet IATA’s Live Animals Regulations. In general, your pet must be able to stand, turn around and lie down naturally, with good ventilation and a secure door. Your agent or airline can advise on size. Get your pet used to the crate weeks before the flight, with short sessions, treats and meals inside.

The day of travel

• Place your pet in the crate. Don’t add toys, medication or valuables, which DAFF destroys as biosecurity waste.
• Ask your agent how to attach water containers.
• Check in at the freight terminal, not the passenger terminal, in most cases. Confirm with your airline.
• The original health certificate and documents travel with your pet. Keep copies.

Sedation

Many airlines and vets advise against sedating pets for flights, because sedation can affect breathing and balance at altitude. Talk to your vet and your airline.

Snub-nosed breeds

Brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats, such as pugs, bulldogs and Persians, can have more trouble breathing in heat and stress. Some airlines restrict them or require larger crates. Check your airline’s policy early.

Chartered and private flights

DAFF publishes separate advice for cats and dogs arriving by chartered or private aircraft. Read it before booking.

After landing

DAFF collects your pet from the aircraft and takes it to Mickleham. Expect an email within 24 hours. See Mickleham.

Getting your pet used to the crate

Start crate training weeks before the flight. Leave the crate open at home with familiar bedding inside, feed meals in it, and build up to short periods with the door closed. A pet that sees the crate as a safe den is far calmer at check-in. Make sure the crate meets the IATA Live Animals Regulations: your pet must be able to stand, turn around and lie down naturally, with ventilation on several sides and a secure, bolted frame.

Sedation is generally not advised

IATA and veterinary bodies advise against sedating pets for air travel. Sedatives can affect breathing, balance and the body's ability to regulate temperature at altitude. Talk to your vet if your pet is anxious, but do not give any medication that has not been approved by your vet and, for imports, that is not allowed under your permit conditions.

Snub-nosed breeds and hot weather

Brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats such as pugs, bulldogs, boxers and Persians are at greater risk of breathing problems when stressed or hot. Many airlines restrict or refuse these breeds, or require a larger crate. Some airlines also apply seasonal heat embargoes on animal cargo at certain airports. Check your airline's current policy before you book anything else.

Food and water on the day

Follow your vet's and airline's advice on feeding. Many recommend a light meal a few hours before check-in rather than a full stomach. Attach a water container that can be refilled from outside the crate without opening the door. For imports to Australia, check your permit conditions on any food sent with your pet, because biosecurity rules apply.

On arrival

Imported pets are collected at Melbourne Airport by DAFF and taken to Mickleham. You will not meet your pet at the airport. Your agent or DAFF will confirm when your pet has arrived at the facility.