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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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?

Yes, there is dogs and cats that are not as easy to transport as normal breeds and then there are some that are not allowed to be transported at all. All Brachycephalic dogs and cats require extra precautions when being transported. Please see our section on Brachycephalic Breeds and how to transport them. Brachycephalic Breeds – Tail Travel Some dog species are classified as “dangerous” and therefore these dog breeds need to be transported differently to other breeds. The most common of these breeds in Australia is the American Staffordshire breed. These breeds are renowned for becoming destructive when under ...

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

Do you offer international pet transport?

Unfortunately we only offer freight within Australia. Between Qantas Freight and Virgin Cargo we are able to reach over 85 airports Australia wide.

What’s the best way to prepare my pet for air travel?

To ensure a stress-free pet flight, follow these steps: Get your pet used to its IATA-approved travel crate at least two weeks before departure. This will allow you to crate train your pet reducing it stress at time of flight. Avoid feeding your pet 8–12 hours before the flight to prevent motion sickness or your pet soiling the crate. Attach a water bowl inside the crate and provide absorbent bedding. Use calming aids like pheromone sprays or natural anxiety medication. On the day of flight make sure you take your animal for a walk or play before placing them into ...

How much does it cost to fly a pet within Australia?

The cost of pet transport in Australia depends on factors like the pet’s size, Pet weight, destination, specific requirements and airline policies. On average, domestic flights for pets range from $110 to $600, with additional fees for larger animals or special handling. By Using a professional pet transport service may cost more but ensures compliance with airline and biosecurity regulations. Some factors influencing pet travel costs include: Crate size and weight (bigger or heavier pets cost more to transport). Flight distance (longer trips or more regional flights incur higher fees). If you supply your own carrier, or if you have ...

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

All of these animals can be transported via plane transport but like all animals each specific type of animal has it’s own specific crate/enclosure type that it must travel in. Please refer to our Freight Info – Tail Travel page which gives a break down to the enclosure requirements of some of the animals we send. Please be aware that if you wish to send an animal that isn’t on the list please get in touch to find out which method is the best housing method for your animal.  

Are there breed restrictions for flying with pets in Australia?

Yes, some dog or cat breeds have specific restrictions for flying due to safety concerns. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, such as: Dogs: Affenpinscher, American Bully, American Bulldog, Australian Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon / Griffon Bruxellois, British/English Bulldog, Chow Chow, Dogue De Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel/King Charles Spaniel, French Mastiff, French Bulldog, Lhasa Apso, Neapolitan Mastiff, Japanese Chin/Japanese Spaniel, Pekingese, Pug, Shih-Zhu, Tibetan Spaniel Cats: Persian cats, Himalayan Cats or Exotic Shorthair Cats These breeds are prone to breathing difficulties and a change in temperature or atmospheric conditions can increase the risk on the animal. Due to these increased risk ...

What airlines allow pets to travel within Australia?

Several Australian airlines allow pet travel, but most require pets to fly in the cargo hold rather than the cabin. Qantas Freight offers a specialized pet transport service for cats, dogs, and small animals. Virgin Australia is set to introduce in-cabin pet travel for small pets in 2025. This is still in early development. Regional Express (REX) allows small domestic pets to travel as cargo on specific routes. Most airlines require an IATA-approved travel crate, and some may only accept bookings via a licensed pet transport company. Jetstar do not allow animals to fly as they use planes without the ...

What transport options do you provide?

We primarly are a booking agent for Qantas and Virgin but we also have members in most major cities who can pick up or drop off from the airports to surrounding suburbs. We do also offer regular road transport in busy areas such as between Sydney – Newcastle and Nowra and a between Brisbane and Toowoomba. If you need animals picked un from these location please get in contact. W

Can I take my pet on a plane within Australia?

Yes, you can take your pet on a plane in Australia, but most airlines require pets to travel as cargo rather than in the cabin. Airlines such as Qantas and Virgin Australia allow pet transport through their specialised pet travel services. Virgin Australia is also set to introduce in-cabin pet travel for small dogs and cats by 2025 (pending approval). Tail Travel can assist with guiding you though the airline-specific rules of each airline, as pet travel policies vary. You’ll need an IATA-approved travel crate, and some states may require permits or quarantine measures. To ensure a stress-free journey, use ...

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Alice Springs

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