Choose the correct container

It is very important that the container you choose meets certain standards that have been adopted by airlines throughout Australia and internationally. These standards ensure that the animal will be kept as safe and as comfortable as possible throughout the journey, and reduce any risk of injury or escape.

Qantas will only accept pet containers that comply with IATA regulations. Some examples of pet containers that comply with IATA regulations are:

• Pui Chin/Sky Kennel/Varikennel/Kemalex K11 and K29/Prestige Pet Products.
• PP20 and PP40 Pet packs can be purchased from AaE. AaE does not offer a hire service.

If your container does not meet the following minimum standards you will be required to purchase a pet pack from AaE at the time of lodgement.  If you have a larger animal, an animal transport service provider can be engaged to supply a larger container.

All Containers

• The container must be strong enough to protect the pet at all times.
• Animals lodged in containers too small for the animal’s size will not be accepted by AaE. The container must be big enough to allow your pet to stand without touching the top of the container, turn around and lie down comfortably.
  • If the container does not meet this requirement the animal may be subject to unnecessary pain and suffering. Where, in the reasonable opinion of AaE, the container is considered to be inappropriately small, AaE may refuse to carry your pet.
• Please ensure that none of your pet’s body parts can protrude through any ventilation openings.
• See how to calculate the correct dimensions for the container on the IATA website.
• Visit the IATA website www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/live_animals/Pages/pets.aspx.
• All containers must have protective handles that prevent the dog or cat touching the person handling the container.
• The container must have sufficient ventilation.
• The container must have a water holder that remains in an upright position at all times and is accessible from the outside.
• To ensure containment of any spills the container must have a spill tray installed. The base needs to be lined with an absorbent material (not straw or kitty litter).
• The container must not be lodged with wheels attached.

Plastic Containers

• Plastic cages manufactured in 2 parts (i.e. upper and lower) must be joined using metal screws and bolts. Plastic joiners or clips can fail during handling and loading and as such do not meet our requirements.
• Door hinges and locking pins must extend beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door opening by at least 1.6cm.

Wire Containers

• Wire Mesh – minimum of 12 standard gauge.
• Wire cage style containers are suitable for large dogs and must have a leak proof galvanised tray with corners and edges soldered and rolled up to 9cm.
• Collapsible wire cages will not be accepted by AaE.

Wooden Containers

• Outer frame must be made of 25mm X 75mm timber, screwed or bolted together and lined with solid wood or exterior grade plywood with a minimum thickness of 12mm.
• Welded mesh for ventilation must be 25mm X 25mm or smaller to ensure they are nose or paw proof.
• Doors must have at least 2 means of securing the door closed.
• The total ventilated area of the container must be at least 16% of the total surface of the four sides (including the door).

Secure door lock

• The locking mechanism on the door of the container, and any hinges must be secure and strong enough to prevent any possibility of escape.

Loose objects in the container

• There should not be any additional solid objects placed in the container. These can become dangerous if there is any turbulence experienced during the flight.

Appropriate Labelling

• Please label your container with the name of your pet and a 24 hour emergency contact number so you or your agent can be contacted for advice in the event of disruption or any incident impacting your animal.

Familiarise your pet with its container

• We recommend that your pet spends some time becoming familiar to being confined in the container prior to travel, for example sleeping in it for one or two nights in the days leading up to the flight date.

Where do I get my Pet container from?

Small and medium Petpaks, which are approved for airline travel, may be purchased from some Australian air Express airport terminals. You may use your own crate however acceptance is at the discretion of AaE staff and must satisfy the conditions outlined above. For nearest locations please call 131213.

For larger dogs, containers may be hired from a pet transport company.

PetPack Details