Pet Travel Policy: Virgin Australia

Flying with your pet domestically in Australia? Virgin Australia is one of the most trusted airlines offering air travel services for pets. Virgin currently requires all guests wishing to book travel with their pet to make a reservation with a commercial pet transportation company, such as Dogtainers.  The Dogtainers  team arranged Virgin flights for approximately 11,900 pets over the last year, so your pets are in good hands. Get a Virgin pet travel quote today.

Virgin Australia will require that you accompany your pet with a good health certificate and that your pet’s dog or cat be placed in an approved dog or cat cargo crate. Pets are not allowed in the cabin of a Virgin Australia flight. If your pet is travelling as unaccompanied air cargo (manifest cargo), contact your cargo department before ordering to confirm whether an agent is required to handle the transport of your pet as manifest cargo.

You will need to provide a copy of the veterinary certificate and other documentation required by your country of destination. Your veterinarian will certify that your pet has good health and is free from diseases that could affect humans.

Virgin Australia allows passengers to travel with small animals such as cats and dogs within the cabin or as checked baggage on most Virgin Australia operated routes within Australia. This in-depth guide will cover key details regarding fees, carrier regulations, reservations, check-in procedures, restrictions by route, and additional requirements when traveling with pets on Virgin Australia. 

Larger pets over the 8kg cabin size limit are allowed as checked baggage on most routes, excluding flights to/from Port Headland. Fees apply for transporting pets in either the cabin or cargo and depend on the animal, carrier size and route. Significant health and documentation rules govern animals in the hold. 

Small cats and dogs are permitted within the cabin on most Virgin Australia flights. Only one pet per passenger is allowed and the animal must remain fully within a regulated carrier stowed under the seat in front for the entire flight. Maximum combined weight for pet plus carrier is 8kg. Animals in cabin are subject to fees.

All in-cabin pets and carriers require pre-approval during reservations. Carriers must be constructed of leak-proof, ventilated, washable materials and designed in a secure way allowing pets to stand-up and turnaround freely inside. An absorbent liner is highly recommended. Sturdy zippers and shoulder strap handles enable easy passage during boarding. Carrier dimensions must comply with under seat stowage space.

• AUD $30 reservation charge per one way flight applies for all in-cabin pets plus $125 from Melbourne and $160 from other airports.

• Checked pets travel for $125 - $280 AUD per one way flight depending on route.

• Registered guide, hearing and assistance dogs travel free on Virgin Australia flights when supporting a passenger with appropriate ID.