Qantas Pet Policy for Dogs in 2026
What dog owners need to know about Qantas Freight bookings, crate rules, breed restrictions, and domestic vs international pet travel.
Qantas Pet Policy Overview
Qantas does not carry pet dogs in the passenger cabin except approved service dogs. Pet dogs generally travel through Qantas Freight, with domestic online booking available on selected flights and international movements typically handled through a pet travel specialist.
For domestic travel, Qantas recommends booking your dog first before booking your own flight. Brachycephalic breeds require specialist handling and larger crates. Qantas crate options sold at major domestic ports range from PP-20 to PP-70 in the published table, and larger crate compatibility depends on aircraft type and route. International pet travel has additional country-entry rules, embargoes, and specialist handling requirements.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
How to Book Your Dog on Qantas
Check whether your route is eligible. Qantas pet bookings are generally available only on selected Qantas domestic flights, and Jetstar flights are not accepted for pet bookings. If your dog is travelling internationally from Australia, start with a Qantas-approved pet travel specialist instead of a standard self-service booking.
Confirm your dog is fit to travel. Qantas will not accept pets that appear sedated, unwell, injured, heavily pregnant, or aggressive. If your dog is older than 12 years for international travel, Qantas says you will need a vet certificate stating the pet is healthy enough to fly.
Review breed restrictions before you book. If your dog is brachycephalic (snub-nosed/flat-faced), you must book through an approved pet travel specialist. Qantas also notes that active racing greyhounds are not uplifted, while retired racing greyhounds may be accepted on selected routes under strict conditions. Some dangerous breeds are banned from import into Australia.
Measure your dog for the right crate. Qantas requires an airline- and IATA-approved crate with enough room for your dog to stand, sit, and turn around. For domestic travel, Qantas publishes crate sizes such as PP-20 through PP-70, with internal dimensions ranging from 49 x 32 x 33 cm up to 110 x 60 x 79 cm in the published table. If you already have a crate, you can use it if it meets Qantas requirements.
Gather booking details. For domestic travel, Qantas says crate size and total weight (crate plus pet) are required to make a booking. If the combined weight exceeds 50 kg, contact Qantas Freight. For international travel, your specialist will also help with destination rules, quarantine requirements, and any import permits.
Book the dog before booking yourself. Qantas specifically advises customers who want to travel with their pet to book the pet first before booking their own passenger itinerary on qantas.com.
Prepare for drop-off. For domestic travel, collect or purchase the crate in advance if needed and let your dog get used to it before departure. Keep your dog inside the crate at the freight terminal, and follow any terminal-specific collection and safety rules.
Allow enough time on travel day. For international movements, Qantas lists acceptance up to three hours before departure and collection from four hours after arrival as an estimate. Domestic timing can vary by terminal and route, so confirm with Qantas Freight or your pet travel specialist before the day of travel.
Qantas vs Other Airlines
| Feature | Qantas | Virgin Australia | Air New Zealand |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Cabin Fee | Not available for pet dogs; service dogs only. | From AU$149 per pet, per sector for eligible pets in cabin. | Not available for standard pet dogs in cabin on domestic NZ pet page. |
| Cargo Fee | Varies by route, size, and weight; domestic Q-GO Pets/Animals basic service fee listed as AU$45 per AWB, plus other charges may apply. | Varies by route and cargo booking; no simple flat public fee on cargo page. | NZD $120 flat pet carriage fee on eligible domestic flights, payable at the airport. |
| Weight Limit | Booking requires total crate+pet weight; contact Qantas if combined weight exceeds 50kg for domestic booking. | 8kg combined for pets in cabin; cargo limits depend on container/aircraft. | 60kg combined pet + carrier maximum on the domestic pet page. |
| Carrier Size | No in-cabin carrier for pet dogs. Published Qantas domestic crate examples range from PP-20 49 x 32 x 33 cm internal to PP-70 110 x 60 x 79 cm internal. | Pets in cabin: max 44 x 26 x 28 cm soft-sided carrier. Cargo aircraft/container limits vary by aircraft. | On smaller ATR/Q300 aircraft, carrier must not exceed 85 x 66 x 115 cm; larger pets may need cargo on jet aircraft. |
| Breeds Restricted | Brachycephalic breeds require approved pet travel specialist; active racing greyhounds not accepted; dangerous breeds restricted/banned for import into Australia. | Prohibited breeds list applies for pets in cabin; brachycephalic travel may require extra veterinary approval. | Greyhounds being re-homed require adoption contract; general carriage subject to carrier and route rules. |
| Booking Method | Domestic: book with Qantas Freight; international from Australia: use pet travel specialist. | Book pets in cabin through Virgin Australia process; cargo through Virgin Australia Cargo/animal transport arrangements. | Add pet to an existing domestic booking using Air New Zealand’s request process; some regional/cargo cases require approved pet transporter. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog fly in the cabin on Qantas?
No. Qantas does not accept standard pet dogs in the passenger cabin. The main exception is an approved service dog that meets Qantas requirements.
Does Qantas let dogs travel as checked baggage?
Qantas directs pet animal bookings through Qantas Freight rather than standard passenger checked baggage handling. In practice, pet dogs usually travel as freight/cargo.
How much does it cost to fly a dog on Qantas?
Qantas does not publish one simple all-route dog fare. Cost depends on route, crate size, and shipment weight. Qantas also publishes a domestic Q-GO Pets and Animals basic service fee of AU$45 per air waybill, with other freight charges and surcharges potentially applying.
Do I need to book through a pet transport company?
Sometimes. Domestic pet travel may be booked with Qantas Freight directly on eligible flights, but brachycephalic breeds must be booked through an approved pet travel specialist. International pet travel from Australia must be booked through a pet travel specialist.
What crate does Qantas require for dogs?
Your dog must travel in an airline- and IATA-approved crate with enough room to stand, sit, and turn around comfortably. Qantas publishes domestic crate sizes from PP-20 to PP-70 on its crate guide page, and route or aircraft limits can affect which sizes are accepted.
Are snub-nosed dogs allowed on Qantas?
Some brachycephalic dogs may travel, but they must be booked through an approved pet travel specialist and may need a larger crate than standard due to respiratory risk.
Can I book my own flight first and add my dog later?
Qantas recommends the opposite: book your pet first before booking your own passenger flight, because only selected flights can accept pets and space may be limited.
Does Qantas carry dogs on Jetstar flights?
No. Qantas Freight’s FAQ says it does not accept pet bookings on Jetstar services.