Flying a dog to Australia is very expensive, typically costing from $8,000 to over $30,000 AUD, covering vet visits, permits, airline cargo fees (as pets usually can't be cabin passengers), and mandatory quarantine, with total costs varying significantly by origin country, dog size, and specific requirements. Factors like breed, required treatments, import permits, airline freight charges, and the 10-30 day quarantine significantly drive up costs, making professional pet transport companies almost essential for navigating the complex process.
Domestic flights within Australia for a small dog can cost between $80-$200, while larger dogs can cost between $300-$500.
Due to the requirement of blood tests, import permits, and quarantine costs, Australia is one of the more expensive destinations to fly to, with prices starting from around £3,000 (including quarantine). For a full quote and price breakdown, please complete a quote form and one of our team will be in touch shortly.
Pets include dogs (excluding service dogs), cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, domestic fish with no aeration requirements, and domestic birds that don't need a travel permit. Brachycephalic breeds (snub-nosed or flat-faced) must be booked through a pet travel specialist.
All pets travelling to Australia must be accompanied by a valid import permit and a veterinary health certificate signed by an official government veterinarian. The vet must complete, sign and stamp all pages of the health certificate and give you a seal for the pet crate.
Operated by Virgin Australia, the flights allow pet owners to bring their furry friends inside the airplane cabin for the duration of the flight. Here's what you need to know about the new service.
You may book an extra seat for your pet. However, the pet must be placed in their carrier in the floor space of the extra seat. Pets are not allowed to sit on the seat. During taxi, takeoff, and landing, your pet must remain inside the carrier under the seat in front of you.
Are there any restricted dog breeds?
Jetstar Pet Travel : Guide
Unfortunately, Jetstar cannot accept pet bookings on any of their planes. Because Jetstar does not have pressurized cargo facilities, animals cannot be transported in the aircraft hold.
Air travel can be very stressful for dogs, especially older ones. Planes and airports are filled with all sorts of unfamiliar people, smells, sounds, and often other animals. All of this can create stress for dogs when flying; understandably, they may become frightened or overwhelmed in an airport environment.
While ground transport is often ideal, air pet transport is sometimes the only feasible option, especially for international relocations or very long-distance cross country pet transport.
On average, the total cost of bringing a dog into Australia can be around 4,000 to 5,000 USD (6200 to 7800 AUD), which includes veterinary fees, flight costs, quarantine fees, and permit fees.
Upfront cost
How much you pay for a dog will depend on where you buy it, the breed, and many other factors. On average, however, a new dog will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000, while some can cost as little as $500 and others can cost upwards of $7,000.
Be aware of the dangers of flying your pet in a cargo hold
While most animals flown in the cargo area of airplanes are fine, you should be aware that some animals are killed, injured or lost on commercial flights each year. Excessively hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation and improper handling are often to blame.
The "heartbreak breed" refers primarily to the Great Dane, nicknamed this due to their affectionate nature combined with a relatively short lifespan (around 7-10 years) and susceptibility to serious heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), making losing them particularly difficult for their devoted owners. Other giant breeds like Irish Wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards also face significant health challenges, including cancer and heart disease, often earning them similar sentiments from owners.
Currently, Virgin Australia is the only Australian airline offering in-cabin pet travel (small dogs & cats) on specific domestic routes as a trial (started Oct 2025), with plans for wider rollout, while other airlines like Qantas and Jetstar generally only allow pets in cargo or as service animals, but this is changing rapidly, so check directly with the airline for current rules and routes.
Veterinary guidance on the needs of animals should be sought by caregivers for any proposed air travel. Dogs and cats should not be sedated for air transport.
Alaska Airlines and American Airlines are often considered one of the most pet-friendly major carriers, allowing a variety of pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds. For larger dogs, JSX and La Compagnie offer more accommodating policies.
Your pet must always remain inside the carrier while on board. Carriers must be placed below the seat in front of you during taxi, take-off and landing. You may hold your pet in their carrier on your lap during the flight.
Most airlines allow small pets to travel in the cabin with their owners, provided they can fit in a carrier under the seat. However, large dogs are usually required to travel in the cargo hold, placed in a pressurized and temperature-controlled environment.
Use a dog muzzle: If your dog is prone to barking excessively on planes or in public places, you may want to consider using a dog muzzle as a temporary measure. A dog muzzle can help prevent your dog from disturbing other passengers or causing trouble on the plane.
Bark Air, a new airline designed exclusively for canine passengers, flies dogs in the main cabin of chartered Gulfstreams.
Yes, dogs under 20 pounds can fly in carriers in the cabin. Are there other restrictions on dogs in the cabin? The combined weight of the dog and carrier must be no more than 20 pounds.