Virgin Australia does not allow pets in the cabin or as checked baggage on any of its flights. Only certified assistance animals (dogs or cats) travel in the cabin, free of charge, with prior approval. If you need to move a pet that is not a certified assistance animal, you must use Virgin Australia’s dedicated freight service, Virgin Australia Cargo, which ships pets as air freight in a temperature-controlled hold.
Background: Why Virgin Australia Stopped Taking Pets in the Cabin
Until 2014, Virgin Australia allowed small pets in the cabin on certain domestic routes. That policy ended when the airline aligned its pet rules with its codeshare partners and focused on simplifying operations. Since then, the only animals allowed in the passenger cabin are assistance animals trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. This includes guide dogs, hearing dogs, and psychiatric assistance dogs. Emotional support animals are not recognised as assistance animals by Virgin Australia and cannot travel in the cabin.
The change surprised many travellers who had flown with pets before. However, the airline’s current position is clear: no pets in the cabin, no pets as checked luggage, and no pets in the cargo hold of passenger flights. The only option is the separate freight network.
How Virgin Australia Cargo Pet Shipping Works
Virgin Australia Cargo operates independently of passenger check-in. You do not drop your pet at the normal baggage counter. Instead, you book a freight consignment and deliver your pet to the cargo terminal at the airport. The steps are:
- Book at least 7 days before travel (more during peak seasons like Christmas or school holidays).
- Get a health certificate from a vet within 10 days of travel, plus proof of vaccinations (especially rabies).
- Use an IATA-compliant crate that is large enough for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down flat.
- Deliver the pet to the Virgin Australia Cargo counter at the origin airport, usually 2–3 hours before the flight.
- Collect the pet at the destination cargo terminal, not the baggage carousel.
Each pet travels in a separate crate, and the crate is loaded into a pressurised, temperature-controlled compartment. The cargo hold is the same one used for other freight, not the passenger baggage hold.
Costs and Weight Limits
Pricing for Virgin Australia Cargo pet transport is not published on a standard rate sheet because it depends on the total weight of the crate plus the pet, the route, and the season. As a guide, a small dog (under 10 kg with crate) on a short domestic hop like Sydney–Melbourne might cost around AUD 400–500. A larger dog (20–30 kg with crate) on a transcontinental route like Perth–Brisbane can cost AUD 800–1,200. These are estimates based on typical freight quotes, not official tariffs.
There is no maximum weight for a pet, but the crate must fit through the cargo door of the aircraft. Virgin Australia operates Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s on domestic routes, and the cargo doors on these aircraft are about 70 cm wide and 120 cm tall. Very large crates may not fit, so the airline may require a different aircraft or a road transport alternative.
How to Choose Between Virgin Australia Cargo and Other Options
If you are moving a pet domestically, you have three main choices: Virgin Australia Cargo, another airline’s pet freight service, or a professional pet transport company. Here is how to decide:
- Direct flight: Always choose a non-stop flight. Layovers increase stress and risk of mishandling. Virgin Australia Cargo only operates on its own domestic network, so if you need a connection, you must book separate consignments.
- Temperature and season: Most airlines, including Virgin, restrict pet travel during extreme heat (above 30°C) or cold (below 10°C) at the ground airports. If you are travelling in summer, book early morning or late evening flights.
- Brachycephalic breeds: Snub-nosed dogs (pugs, bulldogs, boxers) and cats (Persians, Himalayans) are at higher risk of respiratory distress in cargo. Virgin Australia Cargo may accept them, but many vets recommend against flying these breeds in freight. Some airlines ban them outright.
- Professional transport companies: These companies handle the crate, booking, and airport transfers for you. They often use Virgin Australia Cargo but also have road options. If you are not comfortable managing the process yourself, this is a safer choice.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
The most frequent issues with Virgin Australia Cargo pet travel are:
- Wrong crate size: The crate must be exactly right – not too big (pet can slide around) and not too small (pet cannot stand). The airline checks this at the counter and can refuse the animal.
- Missing paperwork: Without a valid health certificate and vaccination record, the pet will not fly. Some states in Australia also require an import permit for animals crossing borders (e.g., Tasmania, Western Australia).
- Flight changes: Cargo bookings are tied to a specific flight. If your flight is cancelled, the pet may be delayed for hours or a day. Always have a backup plan.
- Stress and dehydration: Pets can go 12–24 hours without food, but water must be available. Use a crate-mounted water bottle, and freeze a small bowl of water so it melts slowly.
Safety and Welfare Considerations
Flying a pet in cargo is never completely risk-free. The cargo hold is pressurised and temperature-controlled, but it is still a dark, noisy environment. Before booking, consider your pet’s age, health, and temperament. Very young (under 8 weeks), very old, or pregnant animals are usually not accepted. Sedation is strongly discouraged – sedatives can affect breathing and balance at altitude. Instead, ask your vet about non-sedative calming aids like pheromone sprays.
On the day of travel, give your pet a light meal 4–6 hours before departure and a walk right before crate time. Do not put any toys or loose bedding inside the crate – they can shift and block airflow. Use absorbent padding at the bottom.
Alternatives to Flying Your Pet
If flying is too risky or expensive, consider road transport. Professional pet couriers drive pets across Australia in air-conditioned vans, with stops for exercise and water. This is often slower (2–5 days) but less stressful for the animal. For short distances (under 8 hours), driving yourself is the best option. For longer moves, a combination of road and rail (where available) can work, but note that Australia’s rail network does not carry pets in passenger cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my dog in the cabin on Virgin Australia?
No. Only certified assistance dogs or cats are allowed in the cabin. All other pets must go through Virgin Australia Cargo.
How much does it cost to fly a pet with Virgin Australia Cargo?
Quotes vary by weight and route. A small pet on a short flight might be around AUD 400–500, while a large pet on a transcontinental route can exceed AUD 1,000. Get a written quote before booking.
Can my pet travel in the cargo hold of a passenger flight?
No. Virgin Australia does not carry pets in the cargo hold of passenger aircraft. The freight service uses dedicated cargo aircraft or the cargo compartments of passenger planes, but it is booked as freight, not as a passenger add-on.
What documents do I need for interstate pet travel?
You need a health certificate from a vet issued within 10 days of travel, proof of current vaccinations, and any state-specific import permits. For example, Tasmania requires a permit and quarantine check, and Western Australia has strict entry rules for dogs and cats.
Are there any breeds that Virgin Australia Cargo will not accept?
The airline does not publish a banned breed list, but brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds are at high risk and may be refused at the counter if the vet certificate notes breathing issues. Always check with the cargo team before booking.
Pet Travel Record Template
Pet Travel Checklist
| Item | Details | Done |
|---|---|---|
| Vet health certificate | Date issued: ______ | ☐ |
| Vaccination record | Rabies booster date: ______ | ☐ |
| State import permit | Permit number: ______ | ☐ |
| Crate (IATA compliant) | Dimensions: ______ x ______ x ______ cm | ☐ |
| Crate water bottle | Filled and frozen: ______ | ☐ |
| Absorbent padding | Type: ______ | ☐ |
| Flight booked | Date: ______ Flight number: ______ | ☐ |
| Cargo counter drop-off time | ______ (usually 2–3 hours before departure) | ☐ |
Sample (fictional): For a 12 kg beagle flying Sydney–Melbourne on 15 March, the completed checklist would show: health certificate issued 10 March, rabies booster 2 January, no import permit needed (NSW to VIC), crate 76x51x55 cm, water bottle filled and frozen the night before, padding is a washable pee pad, flight VA 821 at 09:00, drop-off at 06:30 at the cargo terminal.