Flying to Australia With a Flat-Faced Pet

For a flat-faced dog or cat moving to Australia, consider the flight, the long preparation timeline and any quarantine stay as one journey. The right plan starts with the animal’s individual health and the applicable import pathway.

Start with your pet’s breathing history

Tell the veterinarian about noisy breathing, sleep disturbance, exercise tolerance, previous airway surgery and any episode of collapse. Share every flight sector, ground transfer and planned stop. A breed name or an in-cabin booking cannot replace the assessment of the individual animal. Our BOAS guide explains what a canine respiratory grade does and does not tell you.

Build the arrival plan

If Mickleham quarantine applies, discuss prescribed medication and care arrangements before departure. Being close to your pet in the aircraft does not mean you will remain together through quarantine. Plan your own Melbourne stay and the later collection separately.

Fit the government preparation to that plan

For Group 3 origins, the early identity and rabies-test sequence can determine the earliest travel date and quarantine eligibility. A route through London can also require a handover between official vets in two approved countries. Arrange that handover before moving the pet to Britain. See our Australia preparation guide for the applicable official sources.

Agree the equipment and care before booking

Confirm the operating airline’s acceptance, approved carrier or restraint, permitted access to the pet and arrangements during delays. Introduce the agreed equipment at home. Discuss food, water and medication with the vet; avoid adding an untested calming product on departure day.

Choose the date around suitability

If the vet recommends further investigation, treatment or a different travel period, allow the plan to change. Send SKYE PETS your pet’s details and proposed journey so we can discuss a suitable in-cabin option alongside those needs.