Is my puppy too young to fly in Australia?

Possibly. Qantas Freight states pets must be at least 12 weeks old for travel. Other carriers and pet transport companies can apply different age and health checks.

What vaccinations does Qantas Pet require?

Qantas Freight focuses on age, health, documents and IATA crate rules. PetGuides.au adds industry-standard C5 dog and F3/F4 cat vaccination checks because boarding and transport providers commonly ask for proof.

How long is a vaccination certificate valid?

Many facilities expect certificates to show current vaccination within the last 12 months. Some boarding facilities require boosters to be completed 7-14 days before arrival.

Can my cat fly in cabin?

Most Australian domestic pet travel is arranged through freight or pet transport, not in the cabin. Check the booked airline because Virgin in-cabin pet rules are route, size and eligibility specific.

What happens if my pet's vax is expired the day before boarding?

Call the boarding facility and your vet immediately. The facility may refuse entry if its intake rules require current vaccination or a waiting period after a booster.

Tool - Pet travel paperwork

Pet travel + boarding vaccination checker (AU 2026)

PetGuides.au builds an AU pet travel and boarding checklist from your species, trip type, carrier and date. Your answers stay in this browser, and your data never leaves your browser.

Small dog peeking curiously out of soft fabric pet travel carrier bag

Qantas Freight checklist; vaccination items are industry-standard defaults

Checklist preview

Qantas Pet for a dog, starting 4 July 2026.

Required vaccinations

Current C5 dog vaccination10+ weeks; current within 365 days

Kennel cough cover10+ weeks; current within 365 days

Required documents

Qantas Freight booking detailsRequired

Completed shipper statement and indemnity formRequired

Photo ID at drop-off and collectionRequired

Vet certificate if the dog is older than 12 years or health risk appliesRequired

Carrier or facility requirements

IATA-approved travel crate with water bowl and external funnel; no straw, kitty litter or newspaper.

Required appointments

6 June 2026Check C5 and kennel cough status with your vet.

20 June 2026Book a pre-travel vet check and ask whether a fit-to-fly certificate is needed.

2 July 2026Confirm crate size, water bowl, shipper statement and drop-off window.

This checklist is general - your vet has the final say. Always book a pre-travel check 7-14 days before travel for paperwork.