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About Us

Tail Travel is a family-owned and operated pet transport business based in Alice Springs, in the Northern Territory of Australia. Tail Travel has successfully coordinated air freight transport requirements for 1000s of animals Australia wide. We have agents in the capital city of all Australian states and Territories as well as agents located close to many major regional airports. Although we specialise in reptiles, dogs and cats, Tail Travel can organise air freight from the smallest insect to the largest animal for you. We freight with Qantas and Virgin airlines and their affiliates. Tail Travel understand how precious your animals are and treat them as if they were our own!

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    Pet Transport Melbourne - Safe Interstate Pet Travel

    Professional interstate pet transport services from Melbourne Airport to major cities across Australia including Adelaide, Sydney, Perth, Darwin and Brisbane.

    Get a Quote
    0456665971
    • Australia wide pet transport
    • Experienced handlers
    • Airline approved travel crates
    • Fully insured transport
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    //Route Overview//

    Pet Transport Services from Melbourne Airport

    Melbourne Airport is one of Australia’s key hubs for domestic pet transport, with pets frequently travelling via airline cargo services to cities including Adelaide, Sydney, Darwin, Perth and Brisbane. Tail Travel coordinates safe and comfortable journeys through experienced pet handlers and strict airline-approved transport procedures.

    • Multiple Daily Flights
    • Airline Cargo Services
    • Same-Day Transport
    • Door-to-Door Available

    Airline Pet Freight Drop-Off
    Locations at Melbourne Airport

    When dropping off your pet at Melbourne Airport, you will attend one of the two airline freight terminals below. Tail Travel will confirm the correct terminal when you book.

    Qantas Freight Melbourne

    Live animal accepted at cargo terminal

    Address

    11 Apac Drive, Melbourne Airport, Tullamarine, VIC 3043

    Drop-Off Hours

    Mon–Fri: 5:00am – 8:30pm | Weekends: 5:00am – 8:30pm

    About

    Qantas Freight accepts live animal bookings for all domestic Qantas routes. Animals must be presented between 2 hours and an hour and a half before departure with all required documentation.

    View on Google Maps

    Virgin Australia Cargo Melbourne

    Live animal freight at cargo facility

    Address

    Menzies Aviation - 1 Apac Drive, Melbourne Airport, Tullamarine, VIC 3043

    Drop-Off Hours

    Mon–Sun: 04:30am – 00:30am

    About

    Virgin Australia Cargo handles live animal freight from Melbourne on domestic routes. Pets must travel in IATA-compliant crates and be checked in 2 to 1.5 hours before the scheduled departure.

    View on Google Maps

    Melbourne Airport Pet Freight Locations

    Melbourne map below to locate the Qantas and Virgin cargo terminals at Melbourne Airport. Plan your route in advance to ensure a smooth drop-off on the day of travel.

    Parking & Access

    • Both Virgin and Qantas Freight have parking at their locations.
    • Short-term parking is available directly outside both freight buildings

    Drop-Off Timing

    • Arrive 2 hours before scheduled departure (Qantas)
    • Arrive at least 2 hours before departure (Virgin Australia)

    How Pet Transport from Melbourne Works

    Tail Travel makes interstate pet transport from Melbourne simple and stress-free. Here’s what happens when you book pet transport through Melbourne Airport with our team.

    1. Request a Quote

    Tell us your pet’s breed, size, travel route, and preferred departure from Melbourne. Our team will provide a detailed quote and explain the transport process for your pet.

    2. We Arrange Travel

    We organise airline bookings, crate requirements, and all freight logistics through approved airline cargo services operating from Melbourne Airport.

    3. Pet Drop-Off or Collection

    You can either drop your pet at the Melbourne airline freight terminal or arrange for our team to collect your pet from your home or a nearby suburb.

    4. Safe Arrival

    Your pet travels safely to the destination airport where they can be collected or delivered to your home depending on your transport arrangement.

    Popular Pet Transport Routes from Melbourne

    Tail Travel coordinates regular pet transport from Melbourne to all major Australian cities. Click a route to learn more or get a tailored quote.

    Melbourne

    Adelaide

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    Melbourne

    Sydney

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    Melbourne

    Brisbane

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    Melbourne

    Darwin

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    Melbourne

    Perth

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    Direct Flight Routes From Melbourne

    Melbourne is a major hub for flights to most major cities and to Victoria’s regional airports. Below is a list of all the airports Melbourne flies to directly.

    Melbourne Services Major Airports Such As:

    Adeliade

    Sydney

    Perth

    Brisbane

    Canberra

    Hobart

    Gold coast

    Newcastle

    Melbourne Services Regional Airports Such As:

    Mildura

    Bendigo

    Cairns

    Launceston

    Merimbula

    Sunshine Coast

    Wagga Wagga

    Davenport

    Benefits of Choosing Tail Travel

    At Tail Travel, every pet transport booking is handled with professional care from start to finish. Our experienced team understands the unique requirements involved in dog transport, cat transport, and interstate pet travel across Australia. From airline-approved travel crates to careful flight planning, we coordinate each step to ensure your pet’s journey is safe, comfortable, and professionally managed.

    We believe every pet deserves individual attention. Tail Travel provides a personalised pet transport service, working directly with pet owners to plan the most suitable travel option for their dog, cat, or other animal. Whether arranging airport-to-airport travel or coordinating door-to-door pet transport, we take the time to understand your pet’s needs so their journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

    Safety is the foundation of every pet transport we coordinate. Tail Travel follows strict airline freight procedures, approved travel crate standards, and professional handling protocols to protect pets throughout their journey. From departure check-in to arrival collection, we prioritise the safety, comfort, and security of every animal travelling with us.

    When it comes to finding an affordable animal transport company, it’s important not to skip on safety. Tail Travel provides a safe, efficient, cost-effective means of transporting your animals all over Australia.Tail Travel works hard to make professional pet transport across Australia accessible and affordable for pet owners. By coordinating efficient flight routes and working closely with airline cargo services, we help keep costs reasonable while maintaining the highest standards of care and safety for your pet’s journey.

    Pet travel doesn’t always happen during standard business hours. That’s why Tail Travel provides 24-hour support for pet transport enquiries and travel updates. Our team remains available throughout your pet’s journey, giving owners peace of mind knowing there is always someone ready to assist if needed.

    Your Pet's Safety Is Our Priority

    Every pet transport arranged through Melbourne Airport is coordinated with your pet’s safety and comfort in mind. Here’s how Tail Travel ensures pets travel safely and stress-free.

    IATA-Approved Travel Crates

    All pets travelling from Melbourne Airport are transported in airline-approved crates that meet International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards for animal welfare and airline cargo compliance.

    Temperature-Controlled Transport

    Flights are scheduled to avoid extreme weather conditions. Airline cargo holds are climate-controlled to ensure pets remain safe and comfortable throughout the journey.

    Experienced Pet Handlers

    Our experienced team and nationwide partners carefully manage every stage of the journey — from drop-off at Melbourne Airport to safe arrival at the destination airport.

    Special Care & Handling Support

    If your pet requires special handling, medication guidance, or additional support during travel, our team will ensure the correct procedures are followed for a safe journey.

    Areas We Service Around Melbourne

    Tail Travel’s Melbourne network covers the greater Melbourne metropolitan area and surrounding regions. Whether you’re in the city, coastal suburbs, the hills or outer regional areas, our team can arrange collection from your home or advise on the closest drop-off point.

    We service all suburbs within the Melbourne metro region and can coordinate transport from regional SA with prior arrangement. Contact us to confirm availability in your area.

    📍 Not sure if we cover your area? Call us on 0456 665 971 — we service most of greater Melbourne and surrounding regions.
    Werribee
    Sunbury
    Melton
    Craigiburn
    Healesville
    Yarra Junction
    Gembrook
    Morning Peninsular
    Melbourne CBD
    Warragul
    Geelong
    Other Melbourne Areas

    Animals We Transport from Melbourne

    From family pets to exotic species, Tail Travel has the expertise and airline partnerships to safely transport a wide range of animals across Australia.
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    Dogs

    All breeds including brachycephalic. IATA-approved crates.
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    Cats

    Domestic cats and kittens. Calm, experienced handling.
    lizard

    Reptiles

    Our specialty. Snakes, lizards, turtles — all species welcome.
    bird

    Birds

    Parrots, cockatiels, budgies and more. Compliant carriers.
    lizard (2)

    Lizards

    Domestic and exotic lizards transported safely. Secure temperature-controlled containers.
    snake

    Snakes

    Professional snake transport available. Secure containers and experienced handling.
    pet

    Brachycephalic Breeds

    Special care for short-nosed breeds. Airline guidelines strictly followed.
    frog

    Frogs & other amphibians

    Safe transport for frogs and amphibians. Suitable containers used.
    goat

    Goat & Sheep

    Livestock freight transport available. Arranged on request.
    fish

    Fish

    Live fish transport with correct oxygen and container setup.
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    Clients Feedback

    Jenny G

    Relocated from Rural WA to Melbourne

    Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional) Tail Travel made the daunting task of relocating my three kittens much more manageable for me. Not only were their prices better than competitors, their communication and responsiveness far exceeded anyone else as well. Thank you so much for getting my babies to me safely”

    Lisa C

    Alice Springs resident

    Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional) Absolutely fantastic service! Would never use anyone else again. Both puppies bought on separate occasions were extremely well looked after. In particular my little daschound had to do a few flights and stay overnight, I received lovely photos showing him settling in overnight putting my mind at rest. The next day my flight was delayed so I couldn’t pick my little man up on time, and with no stress at all they accommodated me by picking him up and looking after him until I could get to them. I really cannot thank ...

    John A

    Reptile Breeder

    Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional) “Very Highly recommended, never had an issue getting any of my new reptiles to us, always reasonably priced too, very helpful and friendly”

    Vivienne M

    New pet from Adelaide to Darwin

    Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional) Great service all around! I really enjoyed how well Ben, and the team had explained all of the costs beforehand and was kind and considerate enough to explain upcoming weather changes so my pet cockatiel would have the most comfortable flight over to Alice Springs. They really make it really easy for you and help out with any kind of anxiety you may have with your pet flying for the first time. 10/10 would recommend!

    Brodie A

    New puppy transported from Darwin to Alice Springs

    Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional) Easy to deal with, excellent communication, well priced and unbelievably accommodating; little miss needed an over night and my pupsitter fell through, the staff took care of her better than I could have hoped (i even got photos of her taking over the house and couch to prove it!) and then if that wasn’t the only drama, my pup was too gangly to fit in the crate that she should have so last minute they arranged another one to be sent up to get her to her new home happy and safe. ...

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Find answers to common questions about interstate pet transport, travel requirements, and how we ensure every journey is safe and comfortable.

    Can I hire a crate for my dog or cat for their trip?

    Is there any types of dogs or cats that aren’t allowed to fly?

    Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional) Yes, there is dogs and cats that are not as easy to transport as normal breeds and then there are some ...

    How do I ensure my dog or cat is sized correctly for it’s crate?

    Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional)

    Do you offer international pet transport?

    Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional) Unfortunately we only offer freight within Australia. Between Qantas Freight and Virgin Cargo we are able to reach over 85 airports ...

    Can I send my reptile, bird, rabbit or fish on the plane?

    Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional) All of these animals can be transported via plane transport but like all animals each specific type of animal has it’s ...

    Are there breed restrictions for flying with pets in Australia?

    Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional) Yes, some dog or cat breeds have specific restrictions for flying due to safety concerns. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, such as: Dogs: ...

    What airlines allow pets to travel within Australia?

    Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional) Several Australian airlines allow pet travel, but most require pets to fly in the cargo hold rather than the cabin. Qantas ...

    What transport options do you provide?

    Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional) We primarly are a booking agent for Qantas and Virgin but we also have members in most major cities who can ...

    Preparing Your Pet for Interstate Travel

    Before travelling through Melbourne Airport, there are a few simple steps that can help make your pet’s journey more comfortable and stress-free.

    01

    Feeding Schedule

    Avoid feeding your pet within 8–12 hours before departure from Melbourne Airport to help reduce travel sickness and ensure a comfortable journey. Water can usually be offered up until travel time.

    02

    Exercise Before Travel

    A short walk or light exercise before heading to the airport can help your pet relax and remain calm during the journey.

    03

    Crate Training

    Help your pet become familiar with their travel crate in the days leading up to departure. This helps reduce anxiety and makes transport much easier.

    04

    Familiar Comfort Items

    A small blanket or familiar item with your scent can help comfort your pet during the flight.

    05

    Sedation Advice

    Sedation is generally not recommended for pets travelling by air unless advised by a veterinarian. Our team can provide guidance if needed.

    06

    Identification

    Ensure your pet’s identification and microchip details are up to date. Attach identification to both the collar and the travel crate before transport.

    Get a Fast Quote for Pet Transport from Melbourne

    Planning pet transport from Melbourne Airport? Our experienced team can organise safe and reliable interstate transport for your pet. Request a quote today and we’ll help coordinate the journey.

    Get My Free Quote
    0456665971

    Explore Our Other Pet Transport Services

    Discover our range of professional pet transport services designed to ensure safe, comfortable, and reliable travel across Australia.

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    📦 Freight Information
    ❓ Frequently Asked Questions