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!
Contact Info
Address
Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
Phone
Email
© Tail Travel 2021, All Rights Reserved.
Pet Transport Darwin - Safe Interstate Pet Travel
Professional interstate pet transport services from Darwin Airport to major cities across Australia including Adelaide, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane.
- Australia wide pet transport
- Experienced handlers
- Airline approved travel crates
- Fully insured transport
Airline Pet Freight Drop-Off
Locations at Darwin Airport
When dropping off your pet at Darwin Airport, you will attend one of the two airline freight terminals below. Tail Travel will confirm the correct terminal when you book.
Qantas Freight Darwin
Live animal accepted at cargo terminal
Address
Sir Norman Brearley Drive Darwin Airport NT 0810
Drop-Off Hours
Mon–Fri: 7:00am – 6:00pm | Weekends: 7:00am – 3:00pm
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.
Virgin Australia Cargo Darwin
Live animal freight at cargo facility
Address
Menzies Aviation - 34 Osgood Drive, Eaton NT 0820
Drop-Off Hours
Mon–Sun: 04:30am – 00:30am
About
Virgin Australia Cargo handles live animal freight from Darwin on domestic routes. Pets must travel in IATA-compliant crates and be checked in 2 to 1.5 hours before the scheduled departure.
Darwin Airport Pet Freight Locations
Darwin map below to locate the Qantas and Virgin cargo terminals at Darwin 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 Darwin Works
Tail Travel makes interstate pet transport from Darwin simple and stress-free. Here’s what happens when you book pet transport through Darwin Airport with our team.
1. Request a Quote
Tell us your pet’s breed, size, travel route, and preferred departure from Darwin. 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 Darwin Airport.
3. Pet Drop-Off or Collection
You can either drop your pet at the Darwin 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 Darwin
Tail Travel coordinates regular pet transport from Darwin to all major Australian cities. Click a route to learn more or get a tailored quote.
Direct Flight Routes From Darwin
Darwin is a major hub for flights to most major cities and to Victoria’s regional airports. Below is a list of all the airports Darwin flies to directly.
Darwin Services Major Airports Such As:
Adelaide
Sydney
Perth
Brisbane
Canberra
Hobart
Cairns
Darwin Services Regional Airports Such As:
Alice Springs
Kununurra
Tennant Creek
Broome
Gove/Nhulunbuy
Elcho Island
Katherine
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 Darwin 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 Darwin 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 Darwin 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 Darwin
Tail Travel’s Darwin network covers the greater Darwin 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 Darwin metro region and can coordinate transport from regional NT 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 Darwin and surrounding regions.
Animals We Transport from Darwin
From family pets to exotic species, Tail Travel has the expertise and airline partnerships to safely transport a wide range of animals across Australia.
Fish
Live fish transport with correct oxygen and container setup.
Clients Feedback
Jenny G
Relocated from Rural WA to MelbourneYour 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 residentYour 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 BreederYour 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 DarwinYour 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 SpringsYour 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?
Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional) Yes, we do hire crates but only for the medium to large dogs PP50 – PP90. We only hire these size ...
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 Darwin 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 Darwin 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 Darwin
Planning pet transport from Darwin 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.
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