Perth Airport: Can You Bring Your Dog?

Perth Airport in Western Australia has a range of facilities and services for pets, including dogs. However, the specific rules and regulations regarding dogs' presence at the airport depend on several factors, such as the dog's purpose, breed, and size. Assistance dogs are generally allowed at the airport and can go through security screening and use dedicated toilet and watering facilities. For other dogs, it is essential to check with the relevant authorities and airlines, as regulations may vary. Additionally, when it comes to flying with dogs, there are specific requirements and restrictions to consider, including weight limits, travel crates, and temperature controls.

Dogs are allowed at Perth Airport, but they must be in a travel crate

If you're planning to travel with your dog to or from Perth Airport, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, dogs are allowed at Perth Airport, but they must meet specific requirements for air travel.

When travelling with your dog, it's essential to book their flight in advance, especially during peak travel times. You will need to contact the airline directly or a pet transport company to make the necessary arrangements. Keep in mind that not all aircraft within Western Australia are suitable for pet travel, as some planes have non-air-conditioned cargo holds, which are unsafe for animals. Therefore, it's recommended to confirm that the aircraft assigned to your flight is air-conditioned before booking your tickets.

Perth Airport accommodates assistance dogs, but specific security requirements must be met. Assistance dogs are subject to security screening and clearance, which may include a pat-down search and/or a search using a handheld magnetic wand. Additionally, there are special toilet and watering facilities for assistance animals in both the International and Domestic Terminals.

To ensure your dog's comfort and safety during the flight, it is crucial to familiarise them with their travel crate beforehand. The crate should be large enough for them to stand, sit, and turn around comfortably. It is also recommended to update your dog's microchip information with your new address before travelling.

When preparing your dog's crate for the flight, include a water dish that can be filled from the outside, as this is a requirement for air travel. You may also want to add something absorbent, such as a puppy pee-pad, and your dog's favourite blanket. On the top of the crate, attach a sheet of paper with key details, including your dog's name, your name, and contact information.

It is worth noting that the weather can impact your dog's travel plans. Airlines have the right to cancel pet bookings if the forecast temperature exceeds 35 degrees Celsius, not just on the time of your dog's flight but for the maximum temperature of the day. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid flying your dog during the hottest months (December to February) and always have a backup plan in case of cancellations due to extreme heat.

Airlines have the right to cancel pet bookings if the temperature exceeds 35°C

Airlines have the right to refuse to fly your pet if the temperature is too hot or too cold. This is to protect your pet from extreme weather conditions. When the ground temperature at the origin or destination is higher than 29-35°C, airlines will not allow your pet to board the aircraft. This is because the cargo hold can heat up or cool down quickly, and many airlines do not have air-conditioned holding areas for pets. Brachycephalic or snub-nosed breeds are especially vulnerable during hot weather, and airlines may refuse to board these breeds when the temperature is above 20-29°C.

If you are planning to travel with your pet, it is important to factor in airline embargoes and choose a pet-friendly airline. They will ensure your pet is boarded and disembarked on priority and will limit the time your pet spends exposed to extreme temperatures. It is also important to book early morning or late evening flights in the summer and midday flights in winter. Before booking your pet’s flight, compare weather forecasts for the days before your trip to understand the best time to schedule the flight. Schedule the shortest flight possible, with the least number of stops and layovers. If you are flying to a destination with no direct flights, make sure the airport that your pet is transiting through has temperature-controlled pet transit areas.

You can also get an acclimation certificate endorsed by a licensed veterinarian, which states that your pet is capable of withstanding lower temperatures. However, if the temperature is below -6°C, pets will not be allowed to board even with the Acclimatisation Certificate.

It is also important to choose the right crate for your pet and to crate-train your pet before the flight. Your pet must be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably in the crate, and it should be well-ventilated to allow for proper airflow and heat dissipation.

Finally, consider using a pet transport company or an accredited pet relocation agency, which can help you schedule your pet’s flight and choose the best travel routes and airlines.

Qantas and Virgin Australia have non-air-conditioned cargo holds, which are unsafe for dogs

Qantas and Virgin Australia are two of the main airlines that allow dogs to fly within Australia. However, they do not permit dogs to travel in the cabin with their owners, except for recognised service dogs. Qantas does not offer checked baggage service for live animals, and neither airline allows dogs to fly in the cabin. Instead, dogs must travel in the cargo hold.

Qantas and Virgin Australia have different policies regarding the transport of dogs. Qantas allows pets to fly in the cargo section of their aircraft, which has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin. Qantas requires a current health certificate for dogs travelling in the cargo hold, and they may refuse to board dogs if temperatures are above 84°F (29°C) for safety reasons. Qantas also has specific requirements for the transport of brachycephalic (snub-nosed or flat-faced) breeds, such as larger crate requirements and a release of liability form.

On the other hand, Virgin Australia requires all pet bookings to be made through a commercial pet transport company. They have a maximum weight limit of 65 kg, including the dog's crate, and some of their aircraft do not have the necessary temperature control for transporting pets. Virgin Australia also has specific requirements for brachycephalic breeds, and they are flown at the shipper's risk.

Both airlines recommend that dogs are not sedated for travel unless specifically recommended by a veterinarian, and a vet certificate is required for sedated dogs. Additionally, both airlines prioritise the welfare of the animals and will refuse carriage if there are safety or health concerns.

In summary, while Qantas and Virgin Australia do allow dogs to travel as cargo, their cargo holds are not air-conditioned. This means that dogs travelling with these airlines may be exposed to temperature fluctuations and are at the mercy of the aircraft's temperature control systems. Therefore, it is essential for dog owners to carefully consider the potential risks and make arrangements to ensure their dogs' safety and comfort during transport.

Some airlines require dogs to be booked through a pet transport company

When flying with a dog, some airlines require dogs to be booked through a pet transport company. This is currently the case with Virgin Australia, which does not accept direct bookings for dogs. Qantas also requires short-nosed dogs to be booked through an approved pet transport company.

Using a pet transport company can be helpful if you are unable to drop off or pick up your dog yourself before or after their flight. They can also help with the arrangements and may be able to rent you a crate. However, it is a more expensive option.

If you are flying with Virgin Australia and your dog, you will likely drop off your dog at the transport company's office. They can advise on timings and what you need to bring. You will also need to book your dog's flight before making your own flight booking.

Perth Pet Transport is one such company that offers pet relocation services in Western Australia. They offer pick-up and delivery services between Perth Airport and all Perth suburbs, as well as direct flights to other Australian cities and regional Western Australian towns. They can also help with international moves, taking care of finding the right travel crate, scheduling vet checks, completing export paperwork, booking flights, and arranging customs clearance.

Pet owners should book their dog's flight before their own

When travelling with a dog, it is recommended that pet owners book their dog's flight before booking their own. This is because there is a limited number of dogs allowed on most flights, and there are occasions where dogs are not permitted at all, such as on specific planes, at certain airports, and during certain times of the day. For example, dogs are not allowed at Adelaide and Perth Airports, except for assistance dogs.

Additionally, booking a dog's flight first ensures that owners can book their own tickets on the same flight as their dog. This is especially important for those travelling with their dogs on the same plane. By booking their dog's flight first, owners can also take advantage of the more generous cancellation and change conditions that are usually offered for pet bookings. Furthermore, the cost of flying a dog is typically the same regardless of whether the booking is made in advance or at the last minute.

When booking a dog's flight, it is essential to know the size of the crate and the combined weight of the dog and the crate, as this information is used to determine the flight availability and the cost of the ticket. It is also recommended to familiarise the dog with its crate before the flight to help it feel comfortable during the journey. This can be done by encouraging the dog to spend time in the crate, including sleeping in it, and by attaching something absorbent, such as a puppy pee-pad, to the bottom of the crate.

Overall, by booking their dog's flight in advance, owners can ensure that their dog is accommodated on the same flight as them and can also take advantage of the flexible cancellation and change conditions offered for pet bookings.

Frequently asked questions