Emma Pritchard

Virgin Australia have recently unveiled plans to become the first airline in the country to allow pets to travel with their owners on domestic flights.

While subject to regulatory approval, the proposed changes which are expected to be introduced within the next 12 months will permit small cats and dogs to fly onboard in a limited number of designated rows.

With the exclusion of authorised service and assistance dogs, pets will be required to be transported in a Virgin Australia approved pet carrier and be placed under the seat in front of their owner for the duration of the flight, and not be allowed to roam freely or sit on laps.

Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said the airline was thrilled to make the announcement last week.

“Our love for animals has always been in the Virgin Australia DNA, and we are excited at the prospect of taking off with Australia’s first ever pets in cabin flights,” she said.

“Overwhelmingly, our guests tell us they want to travel with their pets, and we are now on a journey to make that a reality.

“It’s something that commonly happens overseas and is proven to work well.”

Ms Hrdlicka revealed close to 70 percent of Australian households have a pet, describing the news as “really significant for a large proportion of the country.”

“It’s also a great thing for pet-friendly accommodation providers who will benefit greatly from increased connectivity and the ease for travellers to fly with their pets,” she added.

“It really will be a whole new economy for pet travel in Australia.”

While Ms Hrdlicka said Virgin Australia was working with the service regulator to determine the price of the new service, she confirmed designated rows will also allow passengers who don’t want to be near cats or dogs to book a seat in another section.

In a recent media release, Virgin Australia revealed a Facebook survey conducted in 2021 showed 85 percent of respondents voted in favour of the airline allowing pets to travel with their owners in the cabin.

To be able to travel, pets must be in good health, over eight weeks of age, not exceed 65kg (including the pet carrier), be of sound nature, and be treated for hydatid tapeworms prior to arrival if they are travelling to Tasmania.

A Veterinary Certificate dated within two weeks of the flight to confirm pets are fit for air travel must be presented if the cat or dog is pregnant or has given birth within 48 hours of the planned departure time, is over 12 years old or between eight and 12 weeks old, is sick, injured, or recovering from surgery, or has been sedated.