Melbourne Airport: Can You Bring Your Dog?

Melbourne Airport is located approximately 25km northwest of the city's CBD and can be accessed by car via the Tullamarine Freeway in under 25 minutes. The airport offers a range of facilities and services to cater to the needs of its passengers, including those travelling with pets. While the rules and regulations regarding pet travel vary across different airlines, Melbourne Airport provides specific facilities for animal relief and pet relief areas throughout the airport.

Animal relief locations at Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport has several animal relief locations across its terminals.

In Terminal 1, after security, there is an animal relief area on the departures level, opposite Hungry Jack's. In Terminal 4, after security, there are toilets next to the Lego store, which are also accessible from Terminal 3.

Rules for flying with pets in Australia

Australia is a pet-friendly country, and it's possible to fly with your dog or cat within the country or internationally. However, there are specific rules and regulations to follow, and these can vary by airline. Here are the key things you need to know about flying with pets in Australia:

Airline Policies

Each airline has its own rules and restrictions regarding transporting pets. While the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) allows dogs to fly in the cabin with you, no regular airline currently permits this. This means that most pets need to travel in the cargo hold or as checked baggage.

Pet Carriers

Your pet must travel in an approved pet carrier or crate that complies with the airline's guidelines and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. The carrier should be well-ventilated, secure, and appropriately sized for your pet. The crate must also not exceed specific weight and size limits, which vary by airline.

Pet Health and Age

Your pet must be healthy and fit to fly, with some airlines requiring a veterinary certificate confirming this. Additionally, there are often minimum age requirements, such as eight weeks for puppies and kittens. Older pets may also need a health certificate, and pregnant or aggressive animals may not be allowed.

Microchipping and Documentation

Most airlines and Australian authorities require that your pet is microchipped, with the chip number listed on their health certificate. You will also need to provide documentation, including health certificates and vaccination records, to ensure your pet's safety and well-being.

Booking Your Pet's Flight

It is recommended to book your pet's flight before making your own flight reservations. The number of pets allowed on flights is usually limited, and there may be restrictions on certain planes, airports, and times of day. Cancellation and change policies for pet bookings are generally flexible, and costs are typically based on the size or weight of the pet and carrier.

Drop-off and Pick-up

The drop-off and pick-up process can vary, but pets flying in cargo or as checked baggage generally need to be dropped off between 90 and 120 minutes before the flight departure. You will need to complete the necessary paperwork and provide photo ID. Pick-up locations are usually at a distance from the passenger terminal, and it can take 30 to 45 minutes or more for your pet to be ready after the flight arrives.

Pet Transport Companies

Some airlines, like Virgin Australia, currently require bookings to be made through a commercial pet transport company, especially for snub-nosed or brachycephalic breeds. These companies can also assist with crate rental and provide additional services such as pick-up and delivery.

Banned Breeds

Certain dangerous dog breeds are prohibited from being imported into or flying within Australia. These include the American Pit Bull Terrier, Perro de Presa Canario, and Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, among others.

Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport has animal relief locations in Terminal 1 (after security) and Terminal 4 (after security). Only assistance animals are allowed into the terminal, and prior arrangements must be made with your airline for other pets.

When flying with pets in Australia, it is essential to be well-informed about the specific regulations and guidelines of the airline and your particular situation. Proper preparation will ensure your furry friend's safety and comfort throughout their journey.

Airlines that allow pets on flights in Australia

As of June 2023, no Australian airline allows pets to travel in the cabin on regular commercial flights. However, Virgin Australia has announced plans to become the first in-cabin pet carrier in Australia, facilitating the transportation of small cats and dogs in under-seat arrangements onboard specific domestic routes from 2025.

Qantas

Qantas Freight, the cargo division of Qantas, allows pets on most flights within Australia. Qantas Freight accepts bookings directly from customers. Qantas does not permit pets on some flights, particularly those that arrive or depart outside of freight terminal hours or to/from regional airports that do not have the necessary facilities. Qantas Freight also does not accommodate larger crates on smaller planes, which may be an issue for larger dogs. Qantas Freight's online booking portal allows bookings up to three months in advance.

Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia flies pets within Australia through their cargo division. Since 2020, Virgin Australia has required all pet bookings to be made through a commercial pet transport company. As of June 2023, direct bookings are not accepted. Virgin Australia enforces a maximum weight limit of 65kg, including the dog's crate. Depending on the aircraft, larger crates may not be accepted on some flights. Virgin Australia does not permit pets on some flights, particularly those that do not have the necessary temperature control for flying pets.

Regional Express (REX)

Regional Express, or REX, is a smaller airline that operates flights from capitals and major cities to regional airports. REX does not have a freight division, so pets are accepted as "checked baggage" on some flights or must be booked through Qantas Freight or a pet transport company. REX's website lists the specific flights where bookings must be made through a pet transport company or Qantas Freight. REX recommends arriving earlier than usual for flights with pets.

Pet Transport Companies

Pet transport companies can be used to book and facilitate pet flights within Australia, particularly if the owner is unable to drop off or pick up their pet or would prefer an experienced company to handle the arrangements. Pet transport companies may also rent out crates for pets.

Preparing your dog for their flight

Flying with your dog can be a stressful experience, but there are a few things you can do to make the process as smooth as possible. Here are some tips to help prepare your dog for their flight:

• Choose the right crate: It is important to select a crate that is the appropriate size for your dog. The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand, sit and turn around comfortably. You can refer to international guidelines or consult with your airline for specific size requirements. It is also recommended to purchase or hire the crate in advance and familiarise your dog with it before the flight.
• Encourage crate familiarity: Encourage your dog to spend time in their crate, including sleeping in it. One effective training method is to place their food bowl in the crate during mealtimes.
• Exercise and feeding: On the day of the flight, take your dog for a walk to tire them out and increase the likelihood that they will sleep during the flight. It is recommended to feed them a small meal or snack beforehand, but make sure it is well before the flight to avoid any accidents.
• Toilet break: Make sure to take your dog for a toilet break as close to the flight as possible. Most cargo terminals have nearby grass or gardens that can be used for this purpose.
• Water and absorbent material: Place a water dish that can be filled from outside in your dog's crate, and consider filling it with ice cubes instead of water to avoid spillage. Also, put something absorbent like a puppy pee-pad at the bottom of the crate to soak up any accidents.
• Contact details: Attach a sheet of paper with key details to the top of your dog's crate, including your dog's name, your name and contact phone number, and the Airway bill number.
• Collar, harness, and leash: Do not leave your dog's collar, harness, or leash attached when they are in the crate, as they could pose a risk of snagging and causing injury to your dog while they are unattended in the plane's hold.
• Sedation: It is generally not recommended to sedate your dog unless specifically advised by your vet, as it can increase the risk of breathing difficulties and other issues.
• Drop-off and pick-up: Familiarise yourself with the drop-off and pick-up procedures, including the location of the cargo terminal and any required paperwork. Allow plenty of time to complete the necessary checks and paperwork before the flight.

Dropping off and picking up your pet at the airport

Before you go to the airport:

Before dropping off your pet at the airport, it is important to do the following:

• Book your pet's flight first: It is recommended to book your pet's flight before making your own flight arrangements. This is because there is usually a limit to the number of pets allowed on most flights, and there may be occasions where pets are not permitted at all.
• Check the airline's requirements: Different airlines have different requirements for pet crates, weight limits, and other factors. Make sure you are familiar with the specific requirements of the airline you are flying with.
• Familiarise your pet with their crate: Encourage your pet to spend time in their crate, including sleeping in it. You can also try putting their food bowl in the crate at mealtimes.
• Prepare your pet for the flight: On the day of your pet's flight, take them for a walk, feed them a small meal or snack, and make sure they relieve themselves as close to the flight time as possible. Attach a sheet of paper with key details such as your pet's name, your name, and contact information to the top of their crate.

Dropping off your pet:

When dropping off your pet at the airport, follow these steps:

• Arrive early: It is recommended to arrive at the airport early, usually between 120 and 90 minutes before your flight's scheduled departure.
• Go to the cargo office: Pets flying in cargo need to be dropped off at the relevant cargo office, which may be located at a distance from the passenger terminal. Have all the required paperwork ready, including your pet's booking confirmation, photo ID, and any necessary forms.
• Weigh your pet and crate: At the cargo office, your pet and their crate will be weighed, and any necessary cable ties and stickers will be attached to the crate.
• Do not leave your pet's collar on: Remove your pet's collar, harness, or leash before leaving them in the crate to avoid any potential snagging and injury risks.

Picking up your pet:

After your flight, you will need to pick up your pet from the freight terminal. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Allow enough time: It can take at least 30-40 minutes after the flight arrives for your pet to be ready for pickup.
• Don't be late: Some airlines may only hold your pet for a certain amount of time after the flight's arrival before contacting a local pet care company, so make sure you don't delay in picking up your pet.
• Pick up your pet from the designated area: Depending on the airline and airport, you may need to go to the freight terminal or the oversized luggage area to claim your pet.
• Have the necessary paperwork: Make sure you have all the required documentation with you when picking up your pet.

Using a pet transport company:

If you are unable to drop off or pick up your pet yourself, or if you prefer to have someone experienced in pet transport handle the arrangements, you can consider using a pet transport company. These companies can also rent you a crate if needed. Keep in mind that the cost of using a pet transport company is usually higher than making a direct booking.

Frequently asked questions