Qantas does not carry standard pets in the cabin on any flight, domestic or international. Only certified service dogs are permitted in-cabin on Qantas-operated flights. Every other animal, including cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, domestic birds, and fish, travels as cargo through Qantas Freight.
This is the single most important fact to understand before planning pet travel on Qantas. The sections below cover exactly how each pathway works, what it costs, and what documentation you need.
Last verified: 2026. Qantas pet policies change without notice. Always confirm current requirements at qantas.com/au/en/book-a-booking/optional-extras/pets.html or by calling Qantas Freight at 1300 359 697 before booking.
Quick Reference
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cabin pet option | Certified service dogs only. No regular cats or dogs permitted in cabin on any route. |
| Service dog weight limit | 45 kg (99 lbs) maximum |
| Cargo weight limit (domestic) | Pet plus crate must not exceed 65 kg (143 lbs) |
| Cargo crate standard | IATA-approved; pet must be able to sit, lie down, and turn around comfortably. No fixed linear dimensions published by Qantas. |
| Minimum pet age | 12 weeks |
| Domestic cargo booking method | Qantas Freight online portal or Qantas-approved pet travel specialist |
| International cargo booking method | Qantas-approved pet travel specialist only. Cannot book direct. |
| Service dog booking method | Email specialhandling@qantas.com.au or call Qantas Contact Centres. Minimum 14 days before departure. |
| Cargo fee | Not published. Contact Qantas Freight at 1300 359 697 or use the online portal for a quote. |
| Service dog fee | Free |
| Banned breeds | Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Brazilian Fila and Mastiff, Presa Canario |
| Temperature embargo | Ground temperature above 35°C (95°F) triggers rebooking or cancellation |
Warning: If you are traveling with a standard pet and have already purchased your passenger ticket, you may have booked the wrong flight. Qantas recommends confirming pet eligibility and securing a cargo booking before purchasing your own ticket.
In-Cabin Pet Policy
Qantas does not offer an in-cabin pet option for regular animals on any domestic or international route. This applies to all cabin classes including Economy, Business, and First.
The only animals permitted in the cabin are certified service dogs that have received advance approval from Qantas. There are no exceptions for small pets, no “pet in cabin” fare class, and no workaround via premium cabin booking.
Key facts for service dogs traveling in-cabin:
- Weight limit: 45 kg (99 lbs) maximum, including harness and equipment
- Maximum per passenger: One service dog
- Carrier: Not required. Service dogs sit on a moisture-absorbent mat on the aircraft floor adjacent to your seat, secured by a leash to the seat leg, seat track ring, or another Qantas-approved tether point.
- Exit rows: Service dogs are not permitted in exit rows
- Fee: Free for all approved service dogs on all Qantas-operated flights
- Cabin class: Service dogs may be accommodated in any cabin class if space allows; confirm with Qantas at time of booking
Warning: Emotional support animals, comfort dogs, therapy dogs, and facility dogs are not recognized as service dogs by Qantas. They cannot travel in the cabin under any circumstances and must be booked as standard cargo pets.
Cargo and Hold Travel (Standard Pets)
All non-service-dog pets travel through Qantas Freight, the airline’s cargo division. This is a separate booking system from the passenger ticketing platform. Qantas Freight handles accompanied domestic shipments and, for international travel, works through Qantas-approved pet travel specialists.
Eligible species: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, domestic birds, domestic fish
Weight limit (domestic accompanied travel): Pet plus crate must not exceed 65 kg (143 lbs). Contact Qantas Freight at 1300 359 697 for weight limits on international cargo shipments, as these are not published on official pages.
Crate requirements:
- Hard-sided or soft-sided crates meeting IATA standards
- Pet must be able to sit, lie down, and comfortably turn around inside the crate
- Mesh ventilation required on multiple sides
- Leak-proof bottom required
- Qantas does not publish fixed linear dimensions. Crate size is determined by your pet’s measurements. Measure your pet’s length (nose to tail base), height (floor to top of head or ears, whichever is taller), and width, then consult the Qantas Freight portal or an approved specialist for the correct IATA crate size.
- Brachycephalic breeds must travel in a crate one size larger than the standard IATA size for their measurements
Temperature embargo: If the forecast ground temperature at any point on the route exceeds 35°C (95°F), Qantas will rebook the pet to the next available flight or cancel the booking. This applies to ground temperature, not in-flight temperature.
Booking window: Domestic cargo bookings can be made up to 100 days in advance via the Qantas Freight online portal. Changes or cancellations can be made online without penalty up to 24 hours before departure.
Qantas Freight domestic booking portal: freight.qantas.com/au-en/pets/pets-domestic-travel.html
Tip: Book your pet’s cargo space before purchasing your own passenger ticket. Some routes and dates have limited pet capacity, and a sold-out cargo slot cannot be resolved by changing your cabin seat.
Fees Breakdown
Qantas does not publish fixed pet cargo fees on any official page. Fees are generated at the time of booking based on route, pet size, crate weight, and sector count. The table below reflects what is confirmed by official sources.
| Travel Type | Route | Fee (AUD) | Fee (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service dog (in-cabin) | All Qantas-operated flights | $0 | $0 | Free after advance approval. No charge for any route. |
| Standard pet (domestic cargo) | Within Australia | Contact Qantas Freight at 1300 359 697 or use online portal for quote | Contact Qantas Freight for quote | Fees are per flight sector, not per journey. A return trip is charged as two sectors. |
| Standard pet (international cargo) | Any overseas destination | Contact Qantas-approved pet travel specialist for quote | Contact specialist for quote | Must book through specialist. Specialist fees are separate from airline cargo fees. |
| Brachycephalic pet (domestic cargo) | Limited Australian cities only | Contact Qantas-approved pet travel specialist for quote | Contact specialist for quote | Specialist booking mandatory. Subject to temperature embargo and flight duration limits. |
Warning: The fee ranges of “$150-$300 per sector” that appear on some third-party websites are not confirmed by Qantas official sources and have been removed from this article. Do not rely on third-party fee estimates. Call 1300 359 697 or use the Qantas Freight portal for an accurate quote before committing to travel dates.
Breed Restrictions
Banned Breeds (Cannot Travel on Any Qantas Flight)
The following breeds cannot travel on Qantas under any circumstances, in any class, on any route:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Dogo Argentino
- Japanese Tosa
- Brazilian Fila and Mastiff
- Presa Canario
If you’re planning international travel with a restricted breed, you may want to research which countries ban pit bulls to understand global restrictions beyond airline policies.
Restricted Breeds Requiring Special Handling
American Staffordshire Terrier (full breed or crossbreed): Must travel in a CR-82 reinforced cage or an airline-approved guard dog cage. Contact Qantas Freight at 1300 359 697 for booking requirements.
Greyhounds and working dogs (military or correctional officer dogs): Must travel in a guard-dog-approved cage. Contact Qantas Freight for specific requirements.
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds, including:
- French Bulldog
- British Bulldog
- English Bulldog
- Pug
- Pekingese
- Boston Terrier
- Japanese Chin
These breeds face the following restrictions:
- Domestic routes only. Brachycephalic dogs cannot travel on any international Qantas flight.
- Maximum flight duration of 5 hours per sector
- Maximum of 2 sectors per journey
- Permitted only to and from these specific Australian cities: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Cairns, Coolangatta, Darwin, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Townsville
- Must travel in a crate one size larger than the standard IATA size
- Booking must be made through a Qantas Freight-approved pet travel specialist
For more detailed information about french bulldogs flying on planes, including safety considerations and alternative travel options, consult our comprehensive guide.
Brachycephalic cat breeds: Qantas does not publish a specific list of restricted brachycephalic cat breeds. Contact Qantas Freight at 1300 359 697 to confirm whether your cat’s breed is subject to restrictions before booking.
Warning: Do not assume a breed is permitted because it is not on the banned list. Brachycephalic restrictions are applied at booking. If you attempt to book a restricted breed without going through an approved specialist, the booking will be cancelled.
Booking Process: Step by Step
Domestic Standard Pet (Cargo)
- Confirm eligibility. Verify your pet is not a banned breed, is at least 12 weeks old, and that the combined weight of pet plus crate does not exceed 65 kg (143 lbs). If your pet is a brachycephalic breed, skip to the specialist booking process below.
- Choose your booking channel. Non-brachycephalic domestic pets can be booked directly through the Qantas Freight online portal at freight.qantas.com/au-en/pets/pets-domestic-travel.html. Brachycephalic breeds must use a Qantas-approved pet travel specialist such as Jetpets (1300 668 309) or Hanrob Pet Transport (1300 738 468, option 1).
- Book in advance. Online bookings can be made up to 100 days before departure. Instant confirmation is provided for standard online bookings.
- Enter pet details. Provide pet name, species, breed, age, and weight. A veterinary health certificate is required for pets older than 12 years.
- Obtain a quote. The portal generates a fee based on your specific route and pet details after flight information is entered. Alternatively, call 1300 359 697 for a phone quote.
- Arrange an IATA-approved crate. You are responsible for providing the crate. Approved pet travel specialists including Jetpets can supply or hire suitable crates if needed. For guidance on selecting the right carrier, check our best dog crates for travel guide.
- Confirm drop-off logistics. Pets must be dropped off at the Qantas Freight terminal, not the passenger terminal. Contact Qantas Freight at 1300 359 697 to confirm terminal location and drop-off timing for your departure city.
- Modify or cancel if needed. Changes and cancellations can be made online without penalty up to 24 hours before departure.
- Collect tracking information. After booking is confirmed, you will receive a tracking number and flight confirmation from Qantas Freight.
International Standard Pet (Cargo)
- Confirm breed eligibility. Brachycephalic breeds cannot travel on international Qantas flights. Banned breeds cannot travel at all. Confirm your destination country’s import rules before proceeding.
- Engage a Qantas-approved pet travel specialist. International pet transport on Qantas requires booking through an approved specialist. Specialists handle import and export documentation, quarantine coordination, and customs requirements. Jetpets (1300 668 309) is one approved option.
- Provide complete pet information. Supply breed, age, weight, vaccination history, and destination import requirements to the specialist.
- Obtain required documentation. Requirements vary by destination and are not fully published by Qantas. Your specialist will advise on health certificates, rabies titer tests, microchip documentation, vaccination records, and destination-specific import permits. Verify interstate and international requirements with the Australian Department of Agriculture at agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/import.
- Arrange an IATA-approved crate. Your specialist can advise on or supply the correct crate for your pet’s measurements and the destination country’s requirements.
- Book the flight through your specialist. The specialist books directly with Qantas Freight on your behalf.
- Complete all import documentation before the departure date. Incomplete paperwork at the freight terminal will result in the pet being denied boarding.
- Arrange freight terminal drop-off and destination collection. Your specialist will coordinate logistics at both ends of the journey.
Service Dog (In-Cabin)
- Verify accreditation. Your service dog must be trained and certified by a full member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI), an organization approved under the Queensland Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009, or the South Australian Dog and Cat Management Board. A current Public Access Test (PAT) certificate is required.
- Confirm size eligibility. The dog must not exceed 45 kg (99 lbs). Qantas determines on a case-by-case basis whether the dog fits within the aircraft cabin length limitations for your specific flight.
- Download the Application Form for Service Dog from qantas.com/us/en/travel-info/specific-needs/travelling-with-specific-needs/service-dogs.html. If your dog is not ADI-accredited but you believe it meets exemption criteria, download the Application for Consideration of Exemption form from the same page.
- Gather all required documents:
- Completed Application Form for Service Dog
- Current Public Access Test (PAT) certificate
- Proof of accreditation from an ADI member organization, Queensland Act-approved organization, or South Australian Dog and Cat Management Board
- Identity documents issued by the training organization
- International Declaration Form (required for international flights only, available at the same URL above)
- Accessibility, Medical and Inclusion Request Form (submitted via the Qantas website)
- Submit your application at least 14 days before departure. Email all documents to specialhandling@qantas.com.au. Late submissions will be rejected.
- Await written approval from Qantas. Once approved, the approval is valid for future travel and does not need to be resubmitted unless your dog’s circumstances change.
- Book your passenger ticket online at qantas.com or by phone through Qantas Contact Centres. After booking, contact Qantas to confirm the service dog approval is linked to your reservation.
- Prepare for travel. Your dog should wear a harness, vest, coat, or medallion identifying it as a service dog. Carry all identity documents in your carry-on bag.
- Board at the gate. Your dog will be seated on a moisture-absorbent mat on the aircraft floor adjacent to your seat, secured by a leash to the seat leg or track ring. Qantas provides the mat.
Tip: Once your service dog application is approved, save the approval confirmation. Qantas states that approved applications remain valid for future travel without resubmission, provided your dog’s training status and accreditation have not changed.
Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals
These are two completely separate categories under Qantas policy, and they are not interchangeable.
Service Dogs
Qantas defines a service dog as “a dog that has been trained to assist a person with a disability to alleviate the effects of that disability.” Service dogs are permitted in the cabin on all Qantas-operated flights at no charge, subject to advance approval and documentation requirements described above.
Qantas service dog policy follows the Australian Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Queensland Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009. These are Australian legal frameworks, not U.S. DOT or FAA regulations. U.S. Air Carrier Access Act rules do not govern Qantas flights.
Codeshare flights operated by partner carriers are not covered by Qantas service dog policy. If any leg of your journey is operated by a codeshare partner, you must seek separate approval from that carrier.
Emotional Support Animals
Qantas does not recognize emotional support animals, comfort dogs, therapy dogs, or facility dogs as service dogs. These animals cannot travel in the cabin under any circumstances, regardless of documentation provided.
ESAs must travel as standard cargo pets via Qantas Freight, subject to all standard cargo requirements, breed restrictions, crate standards, and fees. No special status or documentation exemption applies. If you’re considering emotional support dog certification for travel purposes, understand that this won’t provide cabin access on Qantas flights.
Route-Specific Restrictions
Domestic Australia
- Standard pets: Cargo only via Qantas Freight. No in-cabin option.
- Service dogs: In-cabin permitted on all Qantas-operated domestic routes with 14-day advance approval.
- Brachycephalic breeds: Cargo only, restricted to flights between these specific cities: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Cairns, Coolangatta, Darwin, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Townsville. Maximum 5-hour sector, maximum 2 sectors per journey.
International Flights
- Standard pets: Cargo only, booked through a Qantas-approved pet travel specialist. No in-cabin option.
- Service dogs: In-cabin permitted with 14-day advance approval and International Declaration Form.
- Brachycephalic breeds: Not permitted on any international Qantas flight.
- Destination-specific quarantine rules apply. New Zealand, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Hawaii all have strict import requirements. Verify with the Australian Department of Agriculture at agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/import and your destination country’s biosecurity authority before booking.
For specific destination guidance, consult our guides for popular routes like traveling to uk with dogs or avoiding pet quarantine in hawaii.
Codeshare Flights
Qantas pet policy applies only to flights operated by Qantas and QantasLink. If any segment of your journey is operated by a codeshare partner, you must contact that carrier separately to confirm pet eligibility and requirements. Do not assume Qantas approval extends to partner-operated flights.
Tip: If your itinerary includes a codeshare segment, call the operating carrier’s pet booking line before purchasing any ticket. A pet approved for the Qantas leg may be denied on the connecting codeshare leg.
Required Documents and Health Certificates
Documentation requirements vary by pet age, route, and destination. The following reflects what Qantas has confirmed on official pages. Items marked as unverified should be confirmed directly with Qantas Freight at 1300 359 697 or via email at specialhandling@qantas.com.au.
| Document | When Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary health certificate | Required for pets older than 12 years; may be required by destination country for all ages | Issued by a licensed veterinarian confirming the pet is fit to fly |
| Vaccination records | Required for international travel; specific vaccines depend on destination | Verify with destination country’s import authority |
| Microchip documentation | Often required for international import; not explicitly stated by Qantas for domestic travel | ISO-compatible microchip recommended |
| Rabies titer test | May be required for certain international destinations | Contact Qantas Freight or your pet travel specialist to confirm |
| Destination import permits | Required for international travel; varies by country | Your pet travel specialist handles this for international bookings |
| Service dog application form | Required for all service dog in-cabin travel | Submit at least 14 days before departure to specialhandling@qantas.com.au |
| Public Access Test (PAT) certificate | Required for service dogs | Must be current and valid |
| International Declaration Form | Required for service dogs on international flights | Submit at least 14 days before departure |
For interstate domestic travel within Australia, some states have additional biosecurity import requirements. Check the Australian Department of Agriculture website at agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/import for state-specific rules before booking.
For comprehensive preparation guidance, review our dog vaccinations for domestic flights guide to ensure your pet meets all health requirements.
Qantas Freight vs. Jetpets: Understanding the Difference
These are two distinct services that are frequently confused.
Qantas Freight is the cargo division of Qantas Airways. It operates the pet transport system for all non-service-dog animals traveling on Qantas flights. Domestic standard pet bookings can be made directly through the Qantas Freight portal at freight.qantas.com/au-en/pets.html. Qantas Freight can be reached at 1300 359 697 or specialhandling@qantas.com.au.
Jetpets is an independent pet transport company, not a Qantas division. Jetpets is one of several companies pre-approved by Qantas as a pet travel specialist. It books Qantas Freight space on behalf of customers and provides additional services including pickup, delivery, crate hire, and documentation assistance. Jetpets can be reached at 1300 668 309. Jetpets charges its own fees in addition to any Qantas Freight cargo fees.
For international pet transport, Qantas requires all bookings to go through an approved specialist such as Jetpets. For domestic standard pets, you can book directly through Qantas Freight or use a specialist. For brachycephalic breeds on domestic routes, a specialist is mandatory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my dog on a Qantas international flight in the cabin?
No. In-cabin pets are not permitted on any Qantas route, domestic or international, for standard animals. International pets must be transported as cargo through a Qantas-approved pet travel specialist via Qantas Freight. The only animals permitted in the cabin on any Qantas flight are certified service dogs with advance approval.
How much does Qantas charge for pet cargo transport?
Qantas does not publish fixed cargo fees on its official pages. Fees are calculated per flight sector based on your specific route, pet size, and crate weight. A return journey is charged as two separate sectors, not a single flat fee. For a quote, call Qantas Freight at 1300 359 697 or enter your flight details into the online portal at freight.qantas.com/au-en/pets/pets-domestic-travel.html. International fees must be obtained through a Qantas-approved pet travel specialist.
What is the weight limit for pets traveling on Qantas?
For domestic cargo travel, the combined weight of the pet and its crate must not exceed 65 kg (143 lbs). For service dogs traveling in-cabin, the maximum weight is 45 kg (99 lbs). Weight limits for international cargo shipments are not published by Qantas. Contact Qantas Freight at 1300 359 697 for international weight limit details.
Does Qantas allow brachycephalic dog breeds?
Brachycephalic breeds including French Bulldogs, British Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese, Boston Terriers, and Japanese Chins are permitted on domestic Qantas flights only, subject to strict conditions. They must travel in a crate one size larger than standard, the flight sector cannot exceed 5 hours, the journey cannot exceed 2 sectors, and travel is limited to specific Australian cities. Brachycephalic breeds cannot travel on any international Qantas flight. All brachycephalic bookings must be made through a Qantas-approved pet travel specialist.
Can I book Qantas pet cargo transport online?
Domestic standard pet cargo bookings can be made online through the Qantas Freight portal at freight.qantas.com/au-en/pets/pets-domestic-travel.html. International pet bookings cannot be made online and must go through a Qantas-approved pet travel specialist. Service dog applications cannot be submitted online and must be emailed to specialhandling@qantas.com.au at least 14 days before departure.
What documentation does my pet need for domestic Qantas flights?
For domestic cargo travel, a veterinary health certificate is required for pets older than 12 years. Some Australian states have additional biosecurity import requirements for interstate travel. Check the Australian Department of Agriculture website at agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/import for state-specific rules. Contact Qantas Freight at 1300 359 697 to confirm any additional documentation required for your specific route.
Bottom line: Qantas does not offer in-cabin pet travel for standard animals on any route. Certified service dogs travel in-cabin for free after a 14-day approval process. All other pets travel as cargo through Qantas Freight, requiring an IATA-approved crate, a confirmed cargo booking made before your passenger ticket, and for international travel, a Qantas-approved pet travel specialist. Confirm all requirements directly with Qantas Freight at 1300 359 697 before booking anything. For comparison with other carriers, check our guide to airlines that allow pets in cabin to explore alternative options.
This article is for informational purposes only. Qantas pet policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Qantas before booking. Official sources: qantas.com/au/en/book-a-booking/optional-extras/pets.html, freight.qantas.com/au-en/pets.html, agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/import.
