Okay, adventure crew, big news: Virgin Australia lets dogs ride in the cabin, and that changes everything about where the trails can take you. Nala already knows the drill and gives me the side-eye every time the duffel comes out. So before you and your pup chase your next mountain sunrise down under, here is exactly what you need to lock in. Let's go.
Virgin Australia'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 Virgin Australia handles your pet Pets in Cabin trial available on Melbourne-Gold Coast and Melbourne-Sunshine Coast routes. Restricted dog breeds per Australian Customs Regulations 1956 and Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999: Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, Kunming Wolfdog, Lupo Italiano, Perro de Presa Canario, Pit Bulls (all sub breeds), Saarloos Wolfdog. Restricted cat breeds: Savannah cat, Safari cat, Chausie, Bengal cat. Brachycephalic breeds require vet fit-to-fly assessment form. Sedation not recommended; if vet recommends, valid vet certificate required. Carrier must be escape-proof and leak-proof. Pet must remain in carrier entire flight except during security screening or animal relief areas. Assistance animals have separate policy and priority.
Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedto welcome small pets (dogs and cats only) into the cabin verified 2026-07-14 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yesnceston (LST) Melbourne (MEL) Newcastle (NTL) Perth (PER) Sydney (SYD) Approved brachycephalic Commercial Pet Transport Company are noted in the list above. Prohibited breeds Dog breeds Please note that the following… verified 2026-07-14 Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Lhasa Apso Neapolitan Mastiff Pekingese Pug (Chinese Pug, Dutch Pug, Japanese Pug) Shih-Zhu (Tsu) (Tzu) Tibetan Spaniel Valley Bulldog Cat breeds Exotic Shorthair Cat Himalayan Cat Persian Cat Download Brachycephalic… verified 2026-07-14 One-way fee 149 USD We have an introductory fee of $149* per flight for your pet to join you in the cabin Only one pet per guest *Virgin Australia may vary its published Pets in Cabin fees at any time verified 2026-07-14 Minimum age 8 weeks Your pet must: Be a small cat or dog, with a combined weight (pet + carrier) of no more than 8kg Be at least 8 weeks old Be up to date with vaccinations Have a valid veterinary certificate (if required)… verified 2026-07-14 Advance booking notice 72 hours You’ll need to book more than 72 hours before travel verified 2026-07-14 Advance booking required ✓ Yesf pets spaces on each flight. Important things to remember: You’ll need to book more than 72 hours before travel You must check in in person with one of our Guest Services verified 2026-07-14 Max pets per passenger 1 We have an introductory fee of $149* per flight for your pet to join you in the cabin Only one pet per guest *Virgin Australia may vary its published Pets in Cabin fees at any time. verified 2026-07-28 Booking method Contact Centre 6 Pets in Cabin bookings can be changed in accordance with your fare rules by contacting the Guest Contact Centre verified 2026-07-14 Banned destinations ✗ Yes* Cats are not permitted on flights to/from the Gold Coast Airport. verified 2026-07-14 Nursing allowed ✗ Noety of the aircraft, our other customers and our staff, you cannot travel with a pet, and cannot purchase pets in cabin if you are: T verified 2026-07-14 Sedation allowed ✗ NoSedation is not recommended verified 2026-07-14 Under seat required ✓ YesFit comfortably in an approved pet carrier under the seat in front of you verified 2026-07-14 Advance notice hours 72 hours You’ll need to book more than 72 hours before travel verified 2026-07-14 Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesSedation is not recommended, however, if your vet does recommend sedation, you must travel with a valid veterinary certificate. verified 2026-07-14 Carrier size 44 × 26 × 28 cm er requirements Your carrier must: Be an approved pet carrier (max dimensions 44cm L x 26cm W x 28cm H ) Allow your pet to stand up, sit, turn around and lay down comfortably when the carrier is closed. verified 2026-07-14 Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg Be a small cat or dog, with a combined weight (pet + carrier) of no more than 8kg verified 2026-07-14 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, Soft sided required, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier er requirements Your carrier must: Be an approved pet carrier (max dimensions 44cm L x 26cm W x 28cm H ) Allow your pet to stand up, sit, turn around and lay down comfortably when the carrier is closed. verified 2026-07-14 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedIf your pet is diabetic or has another illness requiring the injection of medication, you will only be able to administer this at the airport animal relief area (if located prior to check-in). Pack syringes and epi-pens… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesThe list of brachycephalic breeds includes, but are not limited to: Dog breeds Affenpinscher American Bully American Bulldog Australian Bulldog Boston Terrier Boxer Brussels Griffon / Griffon Bruxellois British /… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Lhasa Apso Neapolitan Mastiff Pekingese Pug (Chinese Pug, Dutch Pug, Japanese Pug) Shih-Zhu (Tsu) (Tzu) Tibetan Spaniel Valley Bulldog Cat breeds Exotic Shorthair Cat Himalayan Cat Persian Cat Download Brachycephalic… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Minimum age 8 weeks …certain areas. 2. Pet Criteria 2.1 A Pet is defined as a small domesticated dog or cat*, which is at least 8 weeks old, not weaned within 5 days of travel, and is not one of the prohibited breed verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Advance booking notice 72 hours …in its sole discretion . You can add a Pet to your booking by contacting the Guest Contact Centre at least 72 hours before departure. 1.13 Standard cabin and checked baggage limits apply to pet restraint devices such… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesPlease note that if you are sending non-domesticated animals, zoo animals, sea animals, endangered species or animals requiring a licence or permit, you or your Commercial Pet Transport Company will need to submit an… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Nursing allowed ✗ NoAir Cargo : Unacco Related: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold verified 2026-07-05 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoNote sedation is not recommended. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✓ YesThese breeds must be booked with a pet transport company, who will guide you through the special requirements and vet assessment On this page Bookings Eligibility & restrictions Pre-departure Day of travel Forms & FAQs… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier YES NO N/A If yes to either question, a veterinary certificate must be provided stating the animal's wellness and stating the animal(s) is/are fit for transportation, ensuring the veterinary certificate was issued… verified 2026-07-28 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedAt Virgin Australia Cargo, we love welcoming our furry friends verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yesbe happy to help with your travel arrangements (unfortunately direct bookings cannot be accepted with Virgin Australia Cargo). The list of brachycephalic breeds includes, but are not limited to: Dog breeds Affenpinscher… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Lhasa Apso Neapolitan Mastiff Pekingese Pug (Chinese Pug, Dutch Pug, Japanese Pug) Shih-Zhu (Tsu) (Tzu) Tibetan Spaniel Valley Bulldog Cat breeds Exotic Shorthair Cat Himalayan Cat Persian Cat Download Brachycephalic… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Minimum age 8 weeks Be older than 8 weeks verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Advance booking notice 72 hours You can add a Pet to your booking by contacting the Guest Contact Centre at least 72 hours before departure. 1.13 Standard cabin and checked baggage limits apply to pet restraint devices such… verified 2026-07-30 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesYou can add a Pet to your booking by contacting the Guest Contact Centre at least 72 hours before departure verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Nursing allowed ✗ NoPet Criteria 2.1 A Pet is defined as a small domesticated dog or cat, which is at least 8 weeks old, not weaned within 5 days of travel, and is not one of the prohibited breeds (including crossbreeds) listed on Virgin… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoSedation is not recommended, however, if your vet does recommend sedation, your animal must travel with a valid veterinary certificate and travels at the owner's risk. verified 2026-07-23 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ Noolder than 8 weeks Have a valid veterinary certificate (when required) Not be a prohibited breed (Refer to ‘prohibited breeds’ list below) Adhere to specified container limits (Refer to ‘pre-departure’ section below). verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesSedation is not recommended, however, if your vet does recommend sedation, your animal must travel with a valid veterinary certificate and travels at the owner's risk. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 65 kg Your pet or animal must: Have a combined weight with their container that does not exceed 65KG. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier The crate must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, weld metal mesh, solid wood or plywood. verified 2026-07-20 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesBe older than 8 weeks Have a valid veterinary certificate (when required) Not be a prohibited breed (Refer to ‘prohibited breeds’ list below) Adhere to specified container limits (Refer to ‘pre-departure’ section below) verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate validity 7 days …a valid veterinary certificate (if required) Not be a prohibited breed Not have given birth within the last 7 days Fit comfortably in an approved pet carrier under the seat in front of you Remain in their closed… verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate validity 14 days …stating the animal(s) is/are fit for transportation, ensuring the veterinary certificate was issued within 14 days of travel. •Container allows the animal to move within the IATA LAR's stock and density guidelines;… verified 2026-07-28 Quarantine · Type Government Quarantine mply with all applicable laws, including the IATA Live Animals Regulations, and Government Quarantine Regulations which govern the importation and exportation of animals; and I wil verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate validity 10 days A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country if the flight is international. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesYES NO N/A If yes to either question, a veterinary certificate must be provided stating the animal's wellness and stating the animal(s) is/are fit for transportation, ensuring the veterinary certificate was issued… verified 2026-07-28 Health certificate · Validity days 14 days It must be issued within 14 days of your flight . verified 2026-07-14 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ YesA health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country if the flight is international. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 8 weeks …issued certificate dated no more than two weeks before departure is required when the Pet: is between 8 weeks and 12 weeks of age; is over 12 years of age; is sick or with chronic medical c Pets in cabin terms… verified 2026-06-30 Health certificate valid within days · Health certificate valid within days 10 days A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country if the flight is international. verified 2026-07-20 Other rules Minimum age 8 weeks Age requirements All pets flying with Virgin Australia must be at least 8 weeks of age. verified 2026-07-20 Assistance animals accepted ✓ YesService dog pet policy All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. They must be trained by a person or organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a… verified 2026-07-20 Service & assistance animals Fee waived ✓ YesService dog pet policy All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge verified 2026-07-20 Recognized ✓ YesService dog pet policy All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. They must be trained by a person or organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a… verified 2026-07-20 Cabin allowed ✓ YesService dog pet policy All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. They must be trained by a person or organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a… verified 2026-07-20 Forms required ✓ Yesars travelling alone, including unaccompanied minor(s) Travelling alone with an assistance animal Guests with specific service requirements who wish to travel with a pet must first submit a Specific Service Request Form… verified 2026-07-14 Advance notice hours 72 hours You can add a Pet to your booking by contacting the Guest Contact Centre at least 72 hours before departure. verified 2026-07-20 Documentation required ✓ YesYour pet carrier must be placed, and remain for the duration of the flight, under the seat in front of your allocated window seat. verified 2026-07-20 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedto welcome small pets (dogs and cats only) into the cabin verified 2026-07-14 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesDue to this, you must book Brachycephalic animals on one of our Brachycephalic approved commercial pet or animal transport companies – they're experts in the special transport requirements for these vulnerable breeds… verified 2026-07-14 Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair The list of brachycephalic breeds includes, but are not limited to: Dog breeds Affenpinscher American Bully American Bulldog Australian Bulldog Boston Terrier Boxer Brussels Griffon / Griffon Bruxellois British /… verified 2026-07-28 One-way fee 149 USD We have an introductory fee of $149* per flight for your pet to join you in the cabin Only one pet per guest *Virgin Australia may vary its published Pets in Cabin fees at any time verified 2026-07-14 Minimum age 8 weeks Your pet must: Be a small cat or dog, with a combined weight (pet + carrier) of no more than 8kg Be at least 8 weeks old Be up to date with vaccinations Have a valid veterinary certificate (if required)… verified 2026-07-14 Advance booking notice 72 hours You’ll need to book more than 72 hours before travel verified 2026-07-14 Advance booking required ✓ YesYou’ll need to book more than 72 hours before travel verified 2026-07-14 Max pets per passenger 1 We have an introductory fee of $149* per flight for your pet to join you in the cabin Only one pet per guest *Virgin Australia may vary its published Pets in Cabin fees at any time. verified 2026-07-28 Booking method website …on BringFido! Post a Review Post a Review Questions & Answers Be the first to ask a question about this website. verified 2026-07-20 Sedation allowed ✗ NoSedation is not recommended verified 2026-07-14 Under seat required ✓ YesFit comfortably in an approved pet carrier under the seat in front of you verified 2026-07-14 Advance notice hours 72 hours You’ll need to book more than 72 hours before travel verified 2026-07-14 Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesSedation is not recommended, however, if your vet does recommend sedation, you must travel with a valid veterinary certificate. verified 2026-07-14 Carrier size 44 × 26 × 28 cm er requirements Your carrier must: Be an approved pet carrier (max dimensions 44cm L x 26cm W x 28cm H ) Allow your pet to stand up, sit, turn around and lay down comfortably when the carrier is closed. verified 2026-07-14 Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg Be a small cat or dog, with a combined weight (pet + carrier) of no more than 8kg verified 2026-07-14 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, Soft sided required, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier er requirements Your carrier must: Be an approved pet carrier (max dimensions 44cm L x 26cm W x 28cm H ) Allow your pet to stand up, sit, turn around and lay down comfortably when the carrier is closed. verified 2026-07-14 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedIf your pet is diabetic or has another illness requiring the injection of medication, you will only be able to administer this at the airport animal relief area (if located prior to check-in). Pack syringes and epi-pens… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yes2.6 Items required for the treatment of animal medical conditions, such as needles and syringes, are not permitted to be carried through screening points or onboard Virgin Australia aircraft. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair The list of brachycephalic breeds includes, but are not limited to: Dog breeds Affenpinscher American Bully American Bulldog Australian Bulldog Boston Terrier Boxer Brussels Griffon / Griffon Bruxellois British /… verified 2026-07-28 Hold: Minimum age 8 weeks …certain areas. 2. Pet Criteria 2.1 A Pet is defined as a small domesticated dog or cat*, which is at least 8 weeks old, not weaned within 5 days of travel, and is not one of the prohibited breed verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Advance booking notice 72 hours You can add a Pet to your booking by contacting the Guest Contact Centre at least 72 hours before departure. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesYou can add a Pet to your booking by contacting the Guest Contact Centre at least 72 hours before departure verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoSedation is not recommended, however, if your vet does recommend sedation, your animal must travel with a valid veterinary certificate and travels at the owner's risk. verified 2026-07-25 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoAir Cargo : Unacco Related: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold verified 2026-07-07 Hold: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier ions (if required) Pet carrier (ensure it meets our standards ) Harness/Collar (pet must be wearing one while travelling) Lead Muzzle (if your pet requires one) Small amount of food and treats for your cabin baggage… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedAt Virgin Australia Cargo, we love welcoming our furry friends verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesTheir anatomy can make it harder for them to breathe and stay cool, especially when they’re stressed. Due to this, you must book Brachycephalic animals on one of our Brachycephalic approved commercial pet or animal… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Exotic Shorthair Himalayan Persian iel Valley Bulldog Cat breeds Exotic Shorthair Cat Himalayan Cat Persian Cat Connecting flights and uplifts with Brachycephalic breeds Brachycephalic breeds are not permitted on connecting flights on the same day and… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Minimum age 8 weeks Be older than 8 weeks verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Advance booking notice 72 hours You can add a Pet to your booking by contacting the Guest Contact Centre at least 72 hours before departure. 1.13 Standard cabin and checked baggage limits apply to pet restraint devices such… verified 2026-07-28 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesHave all but one opening secured with cable ties prior to arriving at the airport . Be soft-sided , well-ventilated and escape proof Have a leak proof base and be lined with an absorbent mat (no puddles please!) How it… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Heat embargo 2°C …provided above is correct and make the declarations under the 'Shipper Acknowledgement' section on Page 2 to Virgin Australia Cargo Pty Ltd (ABN 81 600 667 838) and it verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoSedation is not recommended verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesSedation is not recommended, however, if your vet does recommend sedation, your animal must travel with a valid veterinary certificate and travels at the owner's risk. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Carrier size 44 cm Carrier Guidelines For pets traveling in the cabin, carriers must be approved and have maximum dimensions of 44 cm L × 26 cm W × 28 cm H (17.3" × 10.2" × 11"). verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 65 kg Your pet or animal must: Have a combined weight with their container that does not exceed 65KG. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Carrier Guidelines For pets traveling in the cabin, carriers must be approved and have maximum dimensions of 44 cm L × 26 cm W × 28 cm H (17.3" × 10.2" × 11"). verified 2026-07-20 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesBe older than 8 weeks Have a valid veterinary certificate (when required) Not be a prohibited breed (Refer to ‘prohibited breeds’ list below) Adhere to specified container limits (Refer to ‘pre-departure’ section below). verified 2026-07-28 Health certificate validity 7 days …a valid veterinary certificate (if required) Not be a prohibited breed Not have given birth within the last 7 days Fit comfortably in an approved pet carrier under the seat in front of you Remain in their closed… verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate validity 10 days A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country if the flight is international. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate · Validity days 14 days It must be issued within 14 days of your flight . verified 2026-07-14 Other rules Minimum age 8 weeks Age requirements All pets flying with Virgin Australia must be at least 8 weeks of age. verified 2026-07-20 Cabin travel with Virgin Australia is not a walk-up option. Book the dog into the cabin more than 72 hours before the flight departs. Add the booking the moment the human ticket is confirmed. Requests made inside that 72-hour window get rejected. Build the timeline backward from departure so the pet reservation clears the cutoff with room to spare.
Virgin Australia flags snub-nosed dogs as a special category. Brachycephalic breeds must move through an approved Commercial Pet Transport Company rather than a standard booking. Confirm the breed against the airline's brachycephalic list before buying any ticket. Contact an approved transport company early to arrange handling. Prohibited breeds appear on that same list and cannot fly, so verify status first.
Frequently asked
How many pets can I bring on Virgin Australia? Virgin Australia allows 1 in the cabin, per passenger. Each pet needs its own carrier. Can snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds fly Virgin Australia? Snub-nosed breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats are not accepted in the cabin, not accepted in the hold. How much does it cost to fly a pet on Virgin Australia? On flights within Metropolitan France, Virgin Australia charges from 149 USD in the cabin, one way per pet. Longer routes cost more — price your exact itinerary. How far in advance must I book my pet on Virgin Australia? Add your pet to the booking at least 72 hours before departure — do it when you book the ticket, not at the airport. 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.
Virgin Australia charges an introductory cabin fee of 149 USD per flight for a pet joining a guest. Budget that amount for each individual flight, not the whole trip. Only one pet per guest is permitted. The published fee can change at any time, so confirm the current rate at booking rather than relying on this figure.
So there it is: cabin, cargo, and hold all on the table with Virgin Australia, which means your outdoor plans just got a lot bigger. Book early, mind the fee, and double-check the breed rules before you commit. Then let Pawgo build you a personalized plan for your exact route and pup, so the only surprise on the day is how good that first trail smells. Adventure awaits.
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.
