Airline Requirements for Pet Carriers

✈️ Airline Compatibility Guide: Choosing the Right Flight Carrier for Your Pet with Vebo Pet Supplies

Travelling with pets within Australia is more common than ever, but not every airline accepts pets—and not every pet carrier is suitable for cargo travel. Choosing the right airline-compliant carrier is essential for a safe, stress-free journey for both you and your pet.

At Vebo Pet Supplies, we stock airline-compliant pet carriers that meet the requirements of major Australian domestic airlines, including Qantas & Virgin Australia.
 

Why Airline Compatibility Matters

  • Safety First – Airlines enforce crate standards to keep pets secure in the cargo hold.
  • Smooth Travel – A compliant crate helps avoid delays or denied boarding at check-in.
  • Peace of Mind – Knowing your carrier meets domestic airline requirements means less stress on the day of travel.

Which Airlines Accept Pets in Australia?

  • Qantas – Accepts cats and dogs in the cargo hold via Qantas Freight. No in-cabin travel except assistance dogs.
  • Virgin Australia – Pets currently travel in the cargo hold. Virgin has approval to launch in-cabin pet travel (under 8 kg in soft-sided carriers), expected late 2025.
  • Rex Airlines – Accepts pets in the cargo hold on some routes and aircraft. Limited availability.
  • Jetstar & Bonza – Do not accept pets, either in cabin or cargo.

Domestic Cargo Carrier Requirements (IATA Guidelines)

Qantas Freight and Virgin Cargo both apply IATA Container Requirement 1 standards for cats and dogs.

✅ Size & Space

  • Pet must be able to stand, lie down, and turn around naturally.
  • Minimum internal dimensions:
    • Length = nose to tail base + ½ leg length (elbow to ground)
    • Width = shoulder width × 2
    • Height = floor to head/ear tip + bedding
  • Snub-nosed breeds require crates at least 10% larger.

✅ Construction

  • Materials: Rigid plastic, fiberglass, metal, solid wood/plywood
  • Not accepted: Collapsible, wire-only, or soft-sided carriers in cargo
  • Wheels must be removed or disabled

✅ Ventilation

  • At least 16% of surface area ventilated
  • Openings on all four sides
  • Nose- and paw-proof mesh (≤25 mm dogs, ≤19 mm cats)

✅ Doors & Fasteners

  • Door must form one end of the crate
  • Hinges and locks must be metal
  • Plastic clips alone not allowed — must be secured with bolts
  • Airlines may request additional cable ties

✅ Floor & Bedding

  • Leak-proof base
  • Absorbent bedding required (e.g. vet bed, newspaper)
  • No hay, straw, or sawdust

✅ Food & Water

  • Water container fixed inside, refillable from outside (must be sourced elsewhere)
  • Food container required for longer flights
  • Bottles alone are not acceptable

✅ Other Features

  • Spacer bars to prevent ventilation blockages
  • Handles for lifting
  • “Live Animals” + “This Way Up” stickers on at least 2 sides

Vebo Pet Supplies Airline-Compliant Carriers

Our crates meet the domestic airline requirements for Qantas, Virgin, and Rex cargo travel.

  • Vebo Pet Supplies Airline Carrier – XSmall (PP20)
    • 60 x 38 x 40cm (external)
    • Metal door, side ventilation, bolted fastenings
    • Suited for Cats, Toy Poodle, Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian
  • Vebo Pet Supplies Airline Carrier – Small (PP30)
    • 67 x 50 x 47cm (external)
    • Metal door, side ventilation, bolted fastenings
    • Suited for Jack Russell, Bichon, Fox Terrier
  • Vebo Pet Supplies Airline Carrier – Medium (PP40)
    • 79 x 55 x 65cm (external)
    • Reinforced construction with full ventilation
    • Suitable for Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Scottish Terrier, Corgi
  • Vebo Pet Supplies Airline Carrier – Large (PP50)
    • 101 x 65 x 83cm (external)
    • Heavy-duty plastic body with metal door
    • Suitable for English Staffy, Kelpie, Beagle, Whippet, Small Border Collie

⚠️ Important: While Vebo Pet Supplies carriers are compliant with Australian domestic airline requirements we do recommend double checking with the airline in case there have been new changes.

Preparing Your Pet for a Domestic Flight

  • Book your pet’s flight space before your own ticket
  • Train your pet to get comfortable in the crate ahead of travel
  • Add familiar bedding or toys for reassurance
  • Attach ID details and contact info on the crate
  • Provide food/water dishes as required by the airline

Conclusion

Domestic pet travel in Australia requires planning and the correct carrier. Vebo Pet Supplies crates are airline-compliant for Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Rex cargo requirements, giving you peace of mind that your pet can fly safely and comfortably.