Flying with a Dog

As you begin exploring both international and domestic dog flights in Australia, you will naturally need to find an airline that can accommodate your pet.

Fortunately, when you are looking to book upcoming pet flights in Australia, you will find several pet-friendly airlines that support flying with a dog. 

For most commercial airlines accepting pet passengers, travelling with dogs on planes in Australia means they will travel in the cargo hold for not only their safety but also the safety of other passengers on the flight. You will usually need to provide your own pet carrier for airlines to transport your dog. 

There are, however, some airlines that allow pets in the cabin in Australia for certain reasons (for example, to allow service dogs to provide support for individuals living with disabilities). 
With so much to consider, it is important to thoroughly research the different options for flying with dogs on planes in Australia and the rules surrounding it. The airline websites are a good place to start for further information.
 

Many dog owners may wonder, ‘How much does it cost to fly a dog internationally?’ ‘How much does it cost to fly a dog interstate?’ ‘What about locally?’

The cost of flying a dog will vary depending on where you are travelling, the airline you are flying with, and the size of your pet.

When exploring how much it will cost to take a dog on a plane, be aware that there may be additional costs associated with meeting the import requirements of the country they are entering (e.g., quarantine, additional vaccinations, or blood tests). 

While you research flying with a dog, consider all the additional costs to fly that may arise to ensure that you are not presented with any surprise, last-minute expenses.
 

Pet transport by air has become commonplace and owners will often rely on a service that can handle puppy transport or dog transport interstate or internationally.

There are a variety of dog courier services to choose from that assist with this process, many holding their own specialities and providing an affordable dog transport service cost. Experienced companies that have a long history of transporting dogs, will be familiar with all of the requirements of flying with a dog and can help you prepare, as well as offer an extra level of confidence in the travel process. Research the costs and benefits involved before selecting any specific dog shippers or couriers to ensure your dog has the best travel experience possible.
 

When you are looking for dog transport interstate or internationally, choosing the right pet crate for flying is going to be a core component of flying with a dog. 

Firstly, you must ensure you have an airline-approved pet carrier to avoid any problems when presenting for your flight. To enable dogs to travel in the cargo hold,  some airlines have specific dog crate requirements which include being of an appropriate size so that your dog can stand and turn around freely within the crate, having adequate ventilation and being in good repair and condition to ensure your dog can't escape. Failing to meet these requirements could result in delays or an added dog transport service cost with a dog courier.

It is also important to prepare your dog for flying in a crate before you embark on any dog transportation. Crate training should be started well in advance of the planned travel.  

To accommodate longer puppy transport journeys, you could place a puppy pad in the crate to anticipate any toileting needs your dog may have when it flies.

If you are unsure of the specific requirements for transporting dogs with your airline, it is always best to ask.
 

Before flying with a dog, there are several key steps to ensure their comfort and safety:

•    Implement crate training strategies well in advance of the flight.
•    Make the crate a comfortable and positive space for your dog.
•    Use treats, toys, and regular routines to help your dog get used to the crate.
•    Gradually increase the amount of time your dog spends in the crate.
•    It can be helpful to work with a qualified trainer to implement an effective crate training plan catered to your dog’s individual needs.
 

•    Schedule a vet visit to ensure your dog is healthy and fit to travel.
•    Ensure your dog is up to date with vaccinations and parasite control (fleas, ticks, mites, worms).
•    Obtain a pet health certificate from your vet, as required by airlines or pet couriers.
 

•    Familiarise yourself with the specific rules for flying with a dog on planes or puppy shipping.
•    A quick visit to the vet ensures you have a healthy dog fit enough to travel, including being up to date with relevant vaccinations and parasite control (fleas, ticks, mites and worms).
 

While flying with a dog can be tricky, travelling with a puppy presents further challenges that you will need to consider as it can be a distressing experience, especially for a young puppy who has likely just left their mother and siblings for the first time.

If you have gone to collect a new furry friend and are planning on bringing a puppy on a plane, think again. As with adult dogs, flying with a puppy in the cabin is not usually permitted.

If there is a need for puppy transport interstate, avoid flying where possible. Puppy flights can become events that lead to potential trauma or fear, which may not be possible to erase, having long-lasting effects on the brain and central nervous system.
 

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