FAQs

Another pet travel question on your mind? Our Pet Travel Specialists are here to help.

TRAVEL

How old does my pet need to be to travel?

Pets must be eight weeks old to travel domestically and 12 to 15 weeks old to travel internationally. Though different airlines have different minimum age rules, it is generally accepted that you cannot fly a pup that is younger than eight weeks. Many countries such as the UK and other countries in the EU do not permit unvaccinated puppies younger than the age of 12 weeks to enter the country. Learn more

How much does it cost to relocate my pet?

The cost of relocation is different for different pets; the cost changes depending on the origin and destination, the weight and breed of the pet, airline fares and other factors.

If you are planning to relocate with your pet to a different country, follow this link to request a quote.

Can my pet travel during hot weather?

Pets can travel in the summer season provided they are well hydrated during the 48 hours before flying. Our pet handlers always assess the health of your pet when they are collected for travel and again prior to departure, and our team will re-schedule flights where weather conditions are deemed unsafe. Petraveller suggests clipping long-haired pets and getting a well-ventilated crate when travelling between warm and cool destinations. Learn more

Can my snub-nosed cat or dog travel during hot weather?

Snub-nosed dogs and cats or brachycephalic breeds are often at higher risk during air travel than other breeds and need special precautions while flying. The risk of dehydration is increased during hot weather for purebred brachycephalic dogs and cats, including Boston Terriers, British Bull Dogs, English Bull Dogs, French Bull Dogs, Japanese Chins, Pekingese and Pugs. Our team will help you with the travel arrangements and re-schedule flights if weather conditions are deemed unsafe. Learn more

My pet needs medicines and special food. Will he be able to get it on his journey?

If your pet dog or cat needs medication or special food during the journey, hand it over to our team with dosage instructions. Petraveller will ensure that the medicine and food are attached to the crate with clear dosage instructions. The airline staff will administer the medicine during the comfort stop or after disembarking as per schedule. Learn more

Can I relocate my giant breed dog to a different country?

Yes, it is possible to relocate giant dog breeds internationally as long as the breed is not restricted in the country you will be relocating to. Our team will assist you with a customised crate for your large dog and help you with other travel arrangements. Learn more

What is the upper limit on age for a pet to relocate internationally?

There is no particular age limit for a pet to fly long haul; it depends on the breed and how healthy the pet is. Every pet is different and it is best to check with your vet whether your pet is fit to travel before making plans.

Learn more about relocating with older dogs and cats.  

Can I take my service animal in the cabin with me?

Service animals are allowed to fly in the cabin with you as long as you have the supporting paperwork. Service animals are allowed to sit on the floor in front of the passenger’s seat and will not be allowed on the seat. For the comfort of other passengers, it is important to make sure your service animal is well-trained and does not disturb other passengers.

Though most airlines relax rules for flying service animals, your dog will still have to fulfil the country’s import requirements in terms of vaccinations, documentation, quarantine, etc.

Which airlines are the most pet-friendly?

There are several pet-friendly airlines such as Qantas, Virgin, Emirates, Air France, Air Canada, Lufthansa, American Airlines, British Airways, etc. If you are planning to relocate with your pet to a different country and are unsure of which airlines to fly with, contact Petraveller for a travel plan best suited for your pet. Learn more

Can my pet sit on my lap on the plane?

Dogs and cats are not allowed in the cabin of international flights; they fly in a dedicated area in the cargo hold. So, your pet cannot sit on your lap during the flight. Learn more

Can my pet fly alone?

Your pet can fly alone during an international relocation. Make sure you take the assistance of a reputed pet relocation company to help you with the relocation. Your pet will travel in a special dedicated area in the cargo hold of the aeroplane. Get in touch with our team to know more about Petraveller’s door-to-door service. Learn more

Who looks after my pet during and between flights?

During the flight, your pet will fly in the travel crate that is secured in a dedicated area in the cargo hold of the aeroplane. The cargo hold is temperature-controlled with low lights to make it comfortable for your pet. No one has access to the cargo hold once the flight takes off.

Before the flight and in between flights, trained airline staff will care for your pet. Petraveller will ensure your pet is checked in safely and notify the captain when your pet boards the aircraft. On arrival, your pet will be disembarked on priority and can be collected directly from the airport or delivered to your door. Learn more

Is going on an aeroplane stressful for pets?

Air travel can be stressful for dogs and cats because of all the new sights and sounds your pet is exposed to. However, the stress can be alleviated by simple measures that will keep your pet comfortable. Prepare your pet for travel by crate-training him or her and make sure your pet travels in an IATA approved crate.

Your pets will travel in a special section in the cargo hold, which is climate-controlled and has low lights for comfort. Your pet will be the last to board the aircraft and the first to deplane. Learn more

Will my pet be delivered home after he arrives at the destination?

Petraveller has a door-to-door service where your pet will be picked up and delivered to your new address. Contact our team for more details. 

Can my pet travel with me in the plane cabin?

Pets must travel to and from Australia in an International Air Transport Association (IATA) approved pet travel crate in a dedicated area in the cargo hold. Pet crates are secured to the floor and the climate, pressure and lighting are controlled to ensure your pet is safe and comfortable. 

What type of crate should my pet travel in?

Petraveller does not recommend the use of wire crates which are uncomfortable and can be dangerous for pets. Our team will arrange for an IATA airline approved Petraveller Sky Crate tailored to the size of your pet where your pet can lay down, stand up and turn around comfortably. The Sky Crate has a water container and funnel fixed to the door and is lined with an ultra-absorbent Petraveller Sky Mat. Petraveller recommends familiarising your pet with their Sky Crate and ensuring they know how to drink from the water funnel before they travel.

Learn more about crates and crate training

Can my pets travel together in the same crate?

Two pets can travel in the same crate provided they are from the same litter, less than six months old and weigh less than 14 kilograms combined. Learn more

Can my pet drink and eat before they travel?

Petraveller recommends ensuring your pet drinks plenty of water during the 48 hours prior to travelling and feeding your pet a light meal eight hours before flying. A heavy meal or eating less than eight hours before flying can cause an upset stomach. Pets staying at a Pet Hotel before they travel will be provided with plenty of water and served a light meal scheduled eight hours before their flight. Learn more

Can my pet wear a collar or coat when they travel?

Pets must not wear any accessories during travel. Collars and coats can be attached to your pet’s crate for when they land.

HEALTH

Can my pet travel to Australia if they have a medical condition?

Pets must be certified as fit to travel by an AQIS accredited Veterinary Specialist in the departing country before travelling. Please advise our team if your pet has been diagnosed with a medical condition or if their health changes prior to travelling.

Can my cat or dog travel while they are pregnant?

Cats and dogs can travel until they are 41 days pregnant.

What is canine influenza?

Canine influenza or dog flu is a contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs. It is caused by specific Type A influenza viruses and is not known to spread to humans. Many countries like Australia, New Zealand etc. will not allow an infected pet dog into the country.

The symptoms of canine influenza include runny nose, cough, fever, eye discharge and lethargy. It is not a severe disease, and most dogs recover in two or three weeks. There are vaccines to prevent canine influenza and are recommended before your pet travels to an international destination.

What is canine parvovirus?

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that affects the gastrointestinal tracts of dogs. It is spread from dog to dog through contact and contaminated faeces. It is highly contagious and young unvaccinated puppies are most vulnerable to canine parvovirus.

Symptoms of canine parvovirus include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, diarrhoea, vomiting and severe dehydration. Canine parvovirus can be fatal in puppies and deaths usually occur within 48 to 72 hours after the onset of symptoms.

Canine parvovirus can be prevented by vaccinations, which is usually administered to puppies at 14 to 16 weeks. It is important that you do not expose your unvaccinated pup to the virus in public places and dog parks till all vaccinations are complete.

Most countries will not allow entry of dogs that have not received the parvovirus vaccination; remember to always ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date before travelling.

Will my pet be sedated for travel?

Petraveller will not sedate or tranquillize your pet during travel upon the recommendation of IATA, as drugs can increase the risk of dehydration and travel sickness and lower blood pressure at flying altitude. Vets recommend that pets are not sedated during air travel for health reasons. Learn more

Does my pet need to have a microchip before they travel?

Pets travelling internationally must be microchipped with an International Standards Organisation (ISO) compatible microchip before travelling. The microchip number must be 15 digits long. Learn more

Does my pet need to be vaccinated before they travel? 

General vaccinations must be current before a pet travels domestically or internationally. General vaccinations are mandatory for dogs and cats travelling abroad, and an updated vaccination record is one of the primary requirements for international pet travel. Learn more

Do I need to provide copies of my pet’s records before they travel?

Original copies of microchip and vaccination records must be provided to Petraveller before your pet travels. Learn more

What is a Hydatids Tapeworm vaccination?

Dogs travelling to Tasmania must be treated for the Hydatids Tapeworm disease with a tablet before travelling. A veterinary certificate must be provided to Petraveller to confirm that the tablet has been administered.

What is a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre test?

A Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre (RNAT) blood test measures a pet’s immune system response to the rabies vaccine and must be completed prior to a pet arriving in Australia from certain countries, including India, China, some parts of Europe and African countries. Petraveller recommends waiting four weeks between the first rabies vaccination and RNAT test to ensure the accuracy of results. Learn more

DESTINATION

What types of pets can travel to Australia?

AQIS permits most dog and cat breeds, birds, horses and rabbits to travel to Australia. Chinchillas, fish, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamster, lizards, mice, snakes, spiders and turtles are prohibited to travel to Australia. Learn more

What dog breeds are banned in Australia?

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection prohibits the following dog cross and pure breeds (both neutered and entire) to travel to Australia: American Pit Bull, Argentinan Dogo, Brazilian Fila, Canario, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa, Pit Bull Terrier and Presa Canario. Learn more

What cat breeds are banned in Australia?

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 prohibits cats from a cross breed with a non-domestic species to travel to Australia. Cross breed Bengal cats that don’t have any Asian Leopard Cat ancestor within five generations can travel to Australia. Learn more

What are rabies country classifications? How does it affect my pet’s relocation?

Pet import rules change depending on the country of origin and the destination country. Some countries like Australia, New Zealand, Singapore etc. are rabies-free countries and have more complex import regulations.

When you relocate with your pet, it is important to know the rabies country classification of both countries before going forward with travel plans. Our team will help you with the rabies classifications and all the documentation necessary for relocation. Learn more

QUARANTINE

Does my pet need to be quarantined when travelling to a European country from Australia?

If your pet is travelling from Australia to a European country, your pet will not have to spend time in quarantine as long as all veterinary requirements and pet import requirements are met. Petraveller can assist with the vet and health checks, and the documentation necessary for your pet to travel to Europe.

What happens when my pet is in quarantine?

Your dog or cat will be housed in a quarantine facility, isolated from other flora and fauna of the new country. It is a preventive measure to ensure your pet does not inadvertently introduce exotic diseases in the new country. A quarantine facility is similar to a boarding kennel where every pet has a separate enclosure or pen. Your pet will be fed and exercised regularly by the staff. In some countries, you can visit your pet at the quarantine facility and exercise him or her. Learn more

Does my pet need to be quarantined when travelling to Australia?

Pets arriving in Australia from any country except New Zealand, Cocos Islands and Norfolk Islands must stay in an Australian Government post-entry quarantine facility for ten days. Learn more

Does my pet that was born in Australia need to be quarantined when travelling back to Australia?

Pets can be exposed to conditions and diseases when travelling overseas and must stay in an Australian Government post-entry quarantine facility for ten days following arrival in Australia. Pets arriving from New Zealand, Cocos Islands and Norfolk Islands are not subject to the post-entry quarantine period. Learn more