Qantas Airways Pet Policy

Based in Australia, Qantas Airways is the largest airline in the country. Offering a plethora of routes, they also offer pet-friendly travel via Qantas Freight. Here are the regulations you need to comply with to do so.

Domestic Pet Travel with Qantas Airways

Pets need to be healthy and fit to fly safely. Here are a few things to consider as you prepare to fly, according to the Qantas Airways pet policy.

• Your pet must travel in an IATA-approved travel crate which is designed to be spacious, safe, and ventilated so your pet is happy and comfortable while travelling.
  
• Extreme weather conditions can affect your travel. Be sure to check the prevailing weather conditions for your day of travel; bookings can be amended without charge if temperatures are above 35°C or below 5°C.
  
• Be sure to check your itinerary for information on Qantas terminal locations, where to drop off your pet, and what security steps you’ll need to adhere to when you arrive. 

Things to Prepare for Before Making a Booking:

• Age: Pets and animals must be at least 12 weeks old to travel with Qantas and pets older than 12 years must be certified by a vet as fit to travel
  
• Breed: Certain brachycephalic or snub-nosed/flat faced breeds can only be booked through a pet travel specialist. 
  
• Crate: Your pet must travel in an IATA-approved travel crate. Crate size and total weight (crate + pet) are required to make a booking. If the combined weight exceeds 50kgs, you will need to contact Qantas to make a booking. 
  
• If pets are the same species, similar in size and weight (14kg or less each) and are used to co-habitation, then two pets can travel in the same crate.
  
• Temperature: Choose flights based on the expected temperature on the day of travel — early or late departures to avoid the heat in summer or middle of the day in the winter months.

On The Day of Travel

Before embarking on your journey, make sure to check your terminal locations. Your pet should be in good health and hydrated and should have a toilet break before arriving at the terminal. Pets must always remain inside their travel crates.

• Documents: Carry your pet booking details, your completed shipper statement, indemnity form, and identification with you. 
  
• Safety: Children who are 17 years old or under must be accompanied at all times. 
  
• Crate Comfort: Some absorbent material or puppy training pad can be placed in the bottom of the crate— no straw, kitty litter or newspaper. Make sure they've had enough time to be crate-trained before travelling. 
  
• Toys: A small, soft toy can be added to the crate, leaving plenty of room inside to allow your pet to sit, stand and move freely
  
• Food/Water: Food and water bowls with a funnel on the outside are mandatory. Do not place any food inside the crate. 
  
• Labels: Your pet’s name and contact details of the shipper & receiver should be visible clearly on the crate. 
  
• Weather: Extreme weather conditions can have an impact on your pet’s travel, so remember to check the prevailing weather conditions before flying. 
  
• Check-In: Make sure to check terminal details and lodge your pet 90-120 minutes (or 65-90 minutes for regional ports) before departure. 
  
• Pets are usually ready around 60 mins after arrival in all domestic ports except Brisbane where more than 60 mins may be needed (regional ports 10-30 mins after arriving flights have departed). Remember to carry identification. 

International Pet Travel with Qantas Airways

According to the Qantas Airways pet policy, pets travelling to or from Australia must be booked through a pet travel specialist or a pet relocation service. They will ensure that your move complies with the requirements for origin, transit point, destination quarantine requirements, veterinarian checks and certificates, and permits.

Pets arriving in Australia must travel on a direct flight into Melbourne (unless travelling from New Zealand or Norfolk Island) due to Australian quarantine requirements.

Eligibility to Fly

Your pet needs to be fit, healthy and able to cope with being confined for an extended duration. For this reason, it is recommended you talk to your vet and have an assessment carried out before booking any travel arrangements. You'll need a vet certificate stating your pet is healthy enough to fly if they are older than 12 years.

Qantas cannot accept your pet for international travel if:

• Your puppy or kitten is less than 12 weeks old
  
• If your pet appears sedated, unwell, injured, heavily pregnant or aggressive

Breed-Specific Restrictions

Certain breeds of dogs cannot be imported into Australia as they’re classified as ‘dangerous animals’ under federal legislation, including:

• Pit Bull and American Pit Bull Terriers
  
• Dogo Argentino
  
• Japanese Tosa
  
• Brazilian Fila and Mastiff
  
• Presa Canario