Qantas Pet Policy

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When transporting a pet by a commercial airline, it is extremely important to understand their pet policy. These policies vary between airlines. Some allow small pets to fly in the cabin and others don’t. It is important to know the answers to all your questions before making your decision to fly your pet on any commercial airline. Can my pet fly in the cabin on Qantas? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on Qantas? What documents will I need? What are the carrier or crate requirements for Qantas? All your answers related to Qantas pet policy are answered below.

Note: It is important to mention that the pet policy of the airline that operates your pet’s route will preside over the policy of the airline that owns the route. This is important to note because if the operating airline changes during your trip, then you will likely need to claim and recheck your pet on the next airline. This will cause you to clear customs and enter the layover country. You will need time and extra documentation to accommodate this process during the layover unless flying domestically.

Classes of service offered to pets by commercial airlines

In-Cabin: Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant
carrier stowed under the seat.
Checked Baggage: Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin due to size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
Air Cargo: Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.

Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? No (Service dogs only)
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? No
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? Yes

Where is Qantas based?

Qantas [IATA:QF] is based out of Sydney, Australia. It is the only airline in the world with destinations in all seven continents.

What countries does Qantas fly to?

Qantas offers service to pets to the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, United Kingdom and United States.

*Regulations for dogs flying to the United States have changed. Find new regulations to import a dog to the United States here.

Qantas Pet Policy – In Cabin

Qantas does not offer in-cabin services to any live animals except trained service dogs.

Service dog pet policy

All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. They must be a full member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI); or
is approved under the Queensland Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 or other organization that is approved by Qantas. The results of a Public Access Test (PAT) must be available. They must be clean, mannerly and not show any signs of aggression toward other passengers or the flight crew. Notice must be provided to the airline at least 14 days prior to departure by completing the Application for the Carriage of a Service Dog and submitting the form to specialhandling@qantas.com.au.

Passengers flying internationally with a service dog must complete an International Travel Declaration Form. Service dogs will not be flown into or out of Thailand. Service dogs in training will not be flown in the cabin on international flights.

Service dogs must not be listed as an aggressive or other restricted breed and be suitably marked, harnessed and leashed. They must fit in the space provided at their passenger’s feet without intruding on cabin operations or other passengers. Service dogs will not be seated in exit rows. The maximum weight limit of all service dogs is 45 kg. If your dog weighs more than 45 kg, passengers can purchase another seat or fly on another aircraft.

If flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation forms must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure. All required documentation required for the destination country must be provided at check in.

All service dogs are subject to the same requirements as regular dogs when traveling internationally.

Qantas Pet Policy – Checked Baggage

Qantas does not offer checked baggage services to any live animals.

Qantas Pet Policy – Air Cargo

All live animals flying as air cargo travel under an airline manifest or air waybill and are tracked throughout the entire flight. The airlines are responsible for caring for your pet during layovers as well. Unlike checked baggage, pets are checked in and claimed at the airline’s cargo facility. This facility is located on airport grounds; however, not the terminal.

Pets flown by Qantas as air cargo

Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, domestic fish and birds that do not require a permit may fly on domestic routes within Australia. Qantas will also fly reptiles (less than 5 kg), racehorses, mini pigs, racing pigeons, rats and mice.

If pets are pregnant, they must be accompanied by a letter issued by a licensed veterinarian stating that the pet is fit to travel and will not deliver during the flight. Pets cannot be flown within 48 hours of delivery.

Sedated pets must have a label attached to the crate stating the pet size and weight, dose of medication, when, how and time administered and acknowledgment of liability.

Reservations

Pets can be booked to fly as air cargo on Qantas by a licensed agent up to 100 days in advance. Reservations can be altered or cancelled more than 24 hours without penalty online at Manage Booking.

Age requirements

All pets must be at least 12 weeks of age to fly as air cargo on Qantas; however, the minimum age will depend on pet import requirements of the destination country. For example, dogs entering the United States must be at least 6 months of age. Pets older than 12 years of age must have a health certificate indicating that they are healthy and fit for travel.

Pet crate requirements

All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.

Restrictions

Pets must not be protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). No wild birds will be transported internationally.

Forms Required

The following forms are required for domestic transports:

The following forms are required for international transports:

A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (if applicable) and all forms required for your destination country.

The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.

Check in

Your pet will be checked in at the Qantas cargo facility which is located on airport grounds; however, with few exceptions, not at the airport terminal. Licensed agents must be assigned to drop off and pick up your pet in the destination airport.

Pet fee

The cost to fly your pet as air cargo on Qantas will depend on how much your pet weighs as well as the size of the crate.

Qantas Pet Crate Requirements

All pet crates must conform to regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The container must be large enough for your pet(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down. The crate must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, weld metal mesh, solid wood or plywood.The crate door must have a secure, spring-loaded, all-around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door. The floor must be waterproof. The crate must not have wheels attached when checking your pet. Metal hardware should be used to fasten the top and bottom halves of your pet crate together. AIRLINE NAME requires either metal or plastic nuts and bolts threaded with metal inserts to secure both halves of the crate.

All crates must be labeled with LIVE ANIMAL stickers and a Shipping Declaration that includes feeding and watering instructions.

All pets should be acclimated to their crates prior to travel. This may take weeks or even months to accomplish; however it is the best thing you can do for your pet before flying.

Temperature Restrictions – Air Cargo

When temperatures rise above or drop under certain levels, commercial airlines will prohibit the transport of live animals in the cargo hold. These restrictions are implemented for the safety of your pet. It is important to note that the risk from high or low temperatures is not when your pet is airborne. The risks come during preflight holding, loading on the tarmac and taxiing to the take-off runway.

Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport on the itinerary. Pets may be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate, however, no pet will be transported at temperatures lower than 20°F (-6.6°C).

Note that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are lower for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets.

Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these restrictions.

Breeds Restricted by Qantas

Snub-nosed animals will need to fly in crates one size larger than normally required. All breeds known to be snub-nosed must be at least 12 weeks of age and their passage must be booked through a licensed pet transporter. Flights should be direct, if possible. A maximum of one layover is permitted.

The following breeds have been classified by Qantas as brachycephalic (note that mixes of these breeds are not subject to the above requirement):

DOGS: Affenpinscher, British/English Bulldog, Griffon Bruxellois, Pug, American Bully, Chow Chow, Japanese Chin, Chinese Pug, American Bulldog, Dogue De Bordeaux, Japanese Spaniel, Dutch Pug, Australian Bulldog, English Mastiff, King Charles Spaniel, Japanese Pug, Boston Terrier, English Toy Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Shih-Zhu (Tsu) (Tzu), Boxer, French Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tibetan Spaniel, Brussels Griffon, French Bulldog, Pekingese and Valley Bulldog.

CATS: Exotic Shorthair, Persian and Himalayan.

The following dog breeds are banned for import to Australia and, as such, are not permitted on Qantas flights:

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

Staffordshire terriers and their mixes can be flown in IATA Container Requirement 82 crates.

Private Jet Charter

Another option for pet owners who do not want their pet to fly in the cargo hold is a pet-friendly private jet charter. Your pet can fly in your lap, at your feet or beside you comfortably without being confined. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to anywhere you need to go on your time schedule, without the crowds or commotion of a commercial airport.

Other Information

The information published here is a guideline for Qantas pet policy. For more pet friendly airline pet policies, click the banner below.