Ciao, Marco here. Here's what nobody tells you about Qantas: the cabin door is closed for dogs, full stop. Mochi flies cabin-only with me on other carriers, so this one stung. If you were picturing your pup under the seat on a Qantas flight, adjust now. Dogs travel as cargo instead, and that changes everything about how you plan the trip.
Qantas's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
How Qantas handles your pet Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the cabin ✗ Not accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✗ Not acceptedQantas does not accept animals other than approved Service Dogs to travel in the aircraft cabin verified 2026-07-14 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✗ Not acceptedovided at check in. All service dogs are subject to the same requirements as regular dogs when traveling internationally. Qantas Pet Policy – Checked Baggage Qantas does not offer checked baggage services to any live… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedDomestic animals including dogs (excluding service dogs ), cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, small and medium caged birds, and live fish with no aeration requirements. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✓ Noival at our freight terminal to determine fitness to fly. Sedated pets can appear sleepy and unwell which may impact travel as sick pets cannot be accepted for uplift. As cargo holds are regulated to a temperature… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Pet travel FAQs Back to top Useful links Pet travel specialists Brachycephalic breeds Pet travel FAQs verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Minimum age 12 weeks Are there any age restrictions? All pets need to be at least 12 weeks old before they are able to fly and for pets older than 12 years will need a vet certificate stating your pet is healthy enough to fly verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking notice 24 hours Pet bookings can be updated or cancelled via Manage Booking up to 24 hours prior to departure without penalty. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ Yeseived, we will review the application. If the dog is not approved to travel in the aircraft cabin, it may be able to travel as a pet in the cargo hold with Qantas Freight . anchor-link-text Application to travel… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Cold-weather embargo 5°C Qantas Freight will not carry any animals when the temperature is expected to be higher than 35°C or below 5°C. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Heat embargo 35°C Qantas Freight will not carry any animals when the temperature is expected to be higher than 35°C or below 5°C. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoShould I sedate or cloak my pet? No, please don’t sedate your pet as we need to make a health assessment on arrival at our freight terminal to determine fitness to fly. Sedated pets can appear sleepy and unwell which… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWe cannot accept your pet for international travel if: Your puppy or kitten is less than 12 weeks old If your pet appears sedated, unwell, injured, heavily pregnant or aggressive verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Brachycephalic special booking ✓ YesBookings for brachycephalic breeds must be made with a Qantas Freight-approved pet travel specialist verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 50 kg If the combined weight of your pet and crate exceeds 50kgs, we'll need to check the compatibility of the aircraft type and your crate, so please call us verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier e are a few things to consider before the flight such as the type of breed , their experience spending extended periods of time in a travel crate and even the weather impacts travel . Booking FAQs What pets and animals… verified 2026-07-20 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesPets older than 12 years of age must have a health certificate indicating that they are healthy and fit for travel. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate validity 10 days …Certificate for Live Animals Shippers Indemnity and Acknowledgement A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (if applicable) and all forms required for your destination… verified 2026-07-20 Quarantine · Required ✓ YesPets arriving into Australia must travel on a direct flight into Melbourne (unless travelling from New Zealand or Norfolk Island) due to Australian quarantine requirements. verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesAll pets need to be at least 12 weeks old before they are able to fly and for pets older than 12 years will need a vet certificate stating your pet is healthy enough to fly. verified 2026-07-28 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ YesAcknowledgement A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (if applicable) and all forms required for your destination country. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 12 weeks Age requirements All pets must be at least 12 weeks of age to fly as air cargo on Qantas; however, the minimum age will depend on pet import requirements of the destination country. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate required · Health certificate required ✓ YesYou'll need a vet certificate stating your pet is healthy enough to fly if they are older than 12 years. verified 2026-06-19 Health certificate valid within days · Health certificate valid within days 10 days e for Live Animals Shippers Indemnity and Acknowledgement A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (if applicable) and all forms required for your destination country. verified 2026-07-20 Other rules Minimum age 12 weeks All pets need to be at least 12 weeks old before they are able to fly and for pets older than 12 years will need a vet certificate stating your pet is healthy enough to fly. verified 2026-07-20 Dangerous breeds banned ✗ Yesbreeds of dogs cannot be imported into Australia as they’re classified as ‘dangerous animals’ under Australian federal legislation, including: Pit Bull and American Pit Bull Terriers Dogo Argentino Japanese Tosa… verified 2026-07-20 Restricted breeds list American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Presa Canario The following breeds are not accepted to travel with Qantas: Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, American Pit Bull Terrier, Perro De Presa Canario, and Presa Canario. verified 2026-07-14 Breed restrictions apply ✗ Yesing? Bookings for brachycephalic breeds must be made with a Qantas Freight-approved pet travel specialist as health requirements and flight restrictions apply. This is due to the compromised respiratory systems of these… verified 2026-07-20 Assistance animals accepted ✓ Yeso discuss a suitable crate size and its availability. If you have booked through a pet travel specialist , please contact them directly for assistance. Does weather impact pet travel? Yes it does. While we do all we can… verified 2026-07-20 Service & assistance animals Fee waived ✓ YesApproved Service Dogs and Service Dogs Under Training can travel in the aircraft cabin free of charge verified 2026-07-14 Recognized ✓ Yeswelcomes Service Dogs in the aircraft cabin verified 2026-07-14 Cabin allowed ✓ Yeswelcomes Service Dogs in the aircraft cabin verified 2026-07-14 Esa recognized ✗ NoAmbassador dogs, therapy dogs, emotional support dogs, comfort dogs and facility dogs that are not appropriately trained to perform tasks to alleviate the effects of a person’s disability are not considered to be… verified 2026-07-14 Forms required ✓ Yesthat the dog has been trained to perform: Task 1: Task 2:V2 Apr 2026 Page 6 of 15 Task 3: 5.7 Training Identification Attach the following forms of current identification for you/the dog: • Public Access Test (PAT); •… verified 2026-06-26 Breed restrictions Service dogs must not be listed as an aggressive or other restricted breed Service dogs must not be listed as an aggressive or other restricted breed and be suitably marked, harnessed and leashed verified 2026-07-20 Advance notice hours 48 hours …to travel with a Service Dog and you are opting for a Classic Upgrade Reward, you should contact us at least 48 hours in advance of travel to make your request. verified 2026-07-14 Documentation required ✓ Yesed and accredited by Assistance Dog Assessment Association (ADAA) (UK) complete this form and return it with any supporting information and documentation to Qantas Customer Specific Needs via the Accessibility, Medical… verified 2026-06-11 Recognized organizations Assistance Dogs International International Guide Dog Federation A dog is permitted to travel in the aircraft cabin on a Qantas flight if it: is a Service Dog (Guide, Hearing or Assistance Dog) that has been trained to assist a person with a disability, to alleviate the effects of… verified 2026-06-24 In the cabin ✗ Not accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✗ Not acceptedQantas does not accept animals other than approved Service Dogs to travel in the aircraft cabin verified 2026-07-14 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✗ Not acceptedovided at check in. All service dogs are subject to the same requirements as regular dogs when traveling internationally. Qantas Pet Policy – Checked Baggage Qantas does not offer checked baggage services to any live… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedDomestic animals including dogs (excluding service dogs ), cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, small and medium caged birds, and live fish with no aeration requirements. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✓ Noival at our freight terminal to determine fitness to fly. Sedated pets can appear sleepy and unwell which may impact travel as sick pets cannot be accepted for uplift. As cargo holds are regulated to a temperature… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Pet travel FAQs Back to top Useful links Pet travel specialists Brachycephalic breeds Pet travel FAQs verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Minimum age 12 weeks Are there any age restrictions? All pets need to be at least 12 weeks old before they are able to fly and for pets older than 12 years will need a vet certificate stating your pet is healthy enough to fly verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking notice 24 hours Pet bookings can be updated or cancelled via Manage Booking up to 24 hours prior to departure without penalty we will review the application. verified 2026-07-25 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesCan I change my flight if I have booked myself and my pet for travel on the same day? Any changes or cancellation for your flight will be governed by the applicable fare conditions and booking channel. For direct… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Cold-weather embargo 5°C Qantas Freight will not carry any animals when the temperature is expected to be higher than 35°C or below 5°C verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Heat embargo 35°C Qantas Freight will not carry any animals when the temperature is expected to be higher than 35°C or below 5°C. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoShould I sedate or cloak my pet? No, please don’t sedate your pet as we need to make a health assessment on arrival at our freight terminal to determine fitness to fly. Sedated pets can appear sleepy and unwell which… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWe cannot accept your pet for international travel if: Your puppy or kitten is less than 12 weeks old If your pet appears sedated, unwell, injured, heavily pregnant or aggressive verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Carrier size 129 × 60 cm …Guidelines For pets traveling as cargo, maximum carrier external carrier size is 45" x 23" x 31" (115cm x 60cm x 80cm) and the maximum pet weight is up to 92 lbs (42 kg) Carrier Guidelines For pets traveling as cargo,… verified 2026-06-14 Cargo: Crate must have/be water bowl, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier …Guidelines For pets traveling as cargo, maximum carrier external carrier size is 45" x 23" x 31" (115cm x 60cm x 80cm) and the maximum pet weight is up to 92 lbs (42 kg) Carrier Guidelines For pets traveling as cargo,… verified 2026-06-14 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesPets older than 12 years of age must have a health certificate indicating that they are healthy and fit for travel. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate validity 10 days …Certificate for Live Animals Shippers Indemnity and Acknowledgement A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (if applicable) and all forms required for your destination… verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate · Validity days 10 days Shipper’s Certificate for Live Animals Shippers Indemnity and Acknowledgement A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (if applicable) and all forms required f ictions. verified 2026-07-20 Other rules Minimum age 12 weeks All pets need to be at least 12 weeks old before they are able to fly and for pets older than 12 years will need a vet certificate stating your pet is healthy enough to fly. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo pet bookings on Qantas can be updated or cancelled through Manage Booking up to 24 hours prior to departure without penalty. Confirm the exact departure time first. Then make any changes to the pet booking before that 24-hour mark to avoid a penalty. Waiting past the cutoff removes the free-change window entirely, so act early and lock the details down.
Qantas cargo does not require a brachycephalic ban, so flat-faced breeds are not automatically refused. Pets are assessed at the freight terminal to determine fitness to fly. Do not sedate the animal; sedated pets can appear sleepy and unwell, and sick pets are not accepted for uplift. Present the dog calm, alert, and healthy at the terminal.
Frequently asked
What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity? If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays. What happens if I forget a document? At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
So there it is: no cabin seat for the little one on Qantas, cargo or nothing. Rules shift by route, breed, and destination customs faster than you'd think. Don't guess and gamble at the check-in counter like I once did. Build a personalized plan with Pawgo for your exact trip, and let it flag the paperwork and cargo details before you and your dog ever leave home.
Glossary
ISO chip ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard. FAVN Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations. Brachycephalic Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk. AVIH Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
