Dog Transport
Whether you’re relocating, travelling or welcoming a new canine companion, we provide trusted dog transport solutions focused on your pet’s comfort, wellbeing and safe arrival.
Dogtainers Pet Transport is rated 4.7 stars - from 1079 on Product Review
We move tens of thousands of dogs every year
At Dogtainers, we’re dog transport experts. We relocate tens of thousands of dogs domestically and internationally every year. Whether your dog is an energetic puppy, calm senior citizen, or anything in between, we can move them anywhere in Australia or abroad.
Dogtainers Can Take Care Of:
Overall management of your pet’s relocation
Advice and schedules for pre-import blood tests and vaccinations
Endorsements and vet checks with overseas animal health authorities
Scheduling flights
Crate hire or purchase
Airport drop off
Airport collection
Customs clearance, if required
Quarantine reservations, if required
Quarantine management
Interstate Dog Transport
We transport dogs everywhere in Australia
We provide both air transport for dogs and road transport for dogs to every state and territory — with offices across Australia & New Zealand. Wherever your dog needs to go, we’ll get them there safely.
A few of our most popular destinations
SYDNEY
Dog Transport Sydney
BRISBANE
Dog Transport Brisbane
MELBOURNE
Dog Transport Melbourne
Don’t see your destination? We cover the whole country — get a quote for your exact route.
Relocate your dog anywhere in the world
We can relocate dogs to anywhere in the world. We work with dog-friendly airlines and hundreds of local agents in almost every country on Earth to ensure we can get your pet where they need to go.
Some of our most popular international destinations include:
New Zealand
Our closest neighbour — a smooth, well-travelled route
United States
State-by-state expertise across all entry points
Canada
Trusted routes with full documentation support
New Zealand
Our closest neighbour — a smooth, well-travelled route
United States
State-by-state expertise across all entry points
Canada
Trusted routes with full documentation support
United Kingdom
Expert handling for the UK’s strict import rules
Europe
Cross-EU pet passports and seamless onward travel
Singapore
Specialists in Asia-Pacific pet relocations
Philippines
Navigating complex import rules with ease
Hong Kong
Smooth arrivals into a busy international hub
United Arab Emirates
Experienced in Middle East breed restrictions
United Kingdom
Expert handling for the UK’s strict import rules
Europe
Cross-EU pet passports and seamless onward travel
Singapore
Specialists in Asia-Pacific pet relocations
Hong Kong
Smooth arrivals into a busy international hub
Philippines
Navigating complex import rules with ease
United Arab Emirates
Experienced in Middle East breed restrictions
Travelling somewhere else? We have over 300 pet transport network partners worldwide — get a quote for your destination.
Dog Transport Process
From first quote to final delivery, here’s exactly how we move your dog — with you supported at every step.
Get a Quote
The process of transporting your dog can be confusing at times, but we’re here to make it simple. The first step with any pet transport is to get a quote, as this will be the basis of your pet transport plan. At Dogtainers, our quotes are free and no-obligation.
Road or Air Travel
We’ll also need to know whether you’d prefer road transport or air transport for your pet. Not sure which would be better? We can help advise you on what’s most appropriate for your situation, taking into account distance, availability, and urgency of travel.
Get a Crate
For your transit plan, we’ll need to know your crate arrangements. You have the option of supplying your own travel-appropriate crate or buying/hiring one of Dogtainers’ IPATA-approved travel crates.
Vet Checks and Paperwork
After this, you’ll need to ensure their vet checks, vaccines, and import documents are all in order. Not sure what’s required? Dogtainers will help guide you along each step of the way to ensure there are no last minute surprises.
Pick-up and Drop-Off
When your dog’s transport date has arrived, we have a variety of options for their pick-up and drop-off. Our most basic option is our airport-to-airport service, where our team of dog movers will arrange your pet’s transport from one airport to another, and you collect your pet from there.
Door-to-Door Service
We also offer a full door-to-door service, where our dog couriers will collect your pet from your residence in one of our climate controlled vans, and take them to boarding or directly to the airport depending on the flight schedule. After their flight, they will be collected once again and delivered to their destination. You don’t need to lift a finger.
Specialist Breed Advice
Transporting ‘Brachy’ or Snub-nosed Dog Breeds
Air Transport
Most airlines choose not to fly brachy breeds because they are more likely to experience issues when flying. However, some airlines, such as Qantas, are brachy-breed friendly.
Road Transport
Road transport is a safe alternative for snub-nosed breeds, and we can transport your dog to anywhere in Australia.
Any Animal, Anywhere, Anytime
Transporting Large Dog Breeds
Some extra-large dogs are simply too big to fly. Limits vary between airlines, but most cap air travel at around 42kg. That’s where our motto comes in: Any Animal, Anywhere, Anytime. We’ve safely moved everything from cassowaries to the biggest of breeds — so whatever your dog’s size, we’ll find a way to get them there, and we can build a custom crate to fit them perfectly.
42kg
Typical airline upper limit
Custom
Crates built to fit any dog
Welfare First
Travelling with Puppies
Young puppies generally don’t handle long periods of travel well. They can have difficulty eating, sleeping, and will cry and whine for their mothers. For this reason, we recommend waiting until your puppy is independent before taking them on a trip. However, we understand that sometimes this isn’t possible. Airlines have their own rules about minimum puppy ages for air travel, but it’s generally 8 weeks of age for domestic travel and 12 or 15 weeks for international travel.
Older than 8 weeks
Fill out our free, no-obligation quote to get specific travel information tailored to you.
Younger than 8 weeks
Contact us on 1300 13 52 52 and we can organise a pet transit plan for when they’re old enough to travel.
Customer Stories
We Reunited Pets & Their People
“As a registered breeder I move litters interstate regularly. Dogtainers handles every detail — paperwork, crates, the lot — and my puppies always arrive calm and happy. My dedicated consultant knows my program inside out.”
Rebecca T.
Labrador Breeder · Sydney → Perth
“The breeder loyalty rates and priority scheduling have been a game changer for my cattery. Seamless from the first quote through to delivery — I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my breeding cats.”
Daniel K.
Ragdoll Breeder · Melbourne → New Zealand
“They understood the special needs of my brachycephalic breed and managed the temperature and documentation perfectly. Genuine animal people who clearly care about every pet in their charge.”
Amira S.
French Bulldog Breeder · Brisbane → Singapore
What Dog Transport Is Like
Calm, controlled and carefully monitored
Whether your dog travels by air or road, they’re kept comfortable, hydrated and checked on the whole way.
Air Travel
Pets travel in a temperature controlled environment set to approximately 18 degrees. The compartment is pressurised like the passenger cabin and is dimly lit. With the gentle hum of the aircraft, pets often spend the time dozing before reaching their destination. All crates are secured with zip ties to ensure their safety. Their crates are also fitted with water so the dogs can remain hydrated during travel. For longer flights, pets are checked on during layovers to ensure they’re safe and comfortable.
Road Travel
All Dogtainer vehicles are temperature-controlled and designed to safely stow travel crates. To ensure all dogs are doing well, we check on them every two hours to make sure they’re healthy, hydrated, and their spirits are high. We recommend you pack a small, soft toy or your pet’s favourite blanket with them for the trip, as the familiar scent can give them a sense of security.
Keeping Your Dog Comfortable in the Crate
The right crate makes all the difference
Your pet’s crate is one of the single most important elements of ensuring they will travel safely and comfortably. A crate that is too small for them will result in your pet being uncomfortable throughout the journey. A crate that is too big for them can cause problems, particularly if there is turbulence in the air or on the road. Sizing your pet accurately and getting them an appropriately sized crate can help make your pet feel more secure.
Too Small
Uncomfortable for the whole journey
Just Right
Safe, secure and comfortable
Too Big
Risky if there is turbulence
Too Small
Uncomfortable for the whole journey
Just Right
Safe, secure and comfortable
Too Big
Risky if there is turbulence
Optional extras
Unique Dogtainers Add-ons
Rest assured, we will provide nothing but the best service for your pet’s safe and comfortable travel. For added peace of mind, you can tailor your domestic pet transport plan with any of our optional extras.
My Pet Tag
At Dogtainers, we understand how important your pet’s safety is, so we have created this revolutionary web-based Pet Registration program. With My Pet Tag’s unique ID, your pet will always be safe, even after arriving at their new home.
Adaptil Collar for Dogs
For the comfort of your beloved dog’s travel, we can provide an ADAPTIL Calm On-The-Go Collar. It helps your dog stay comforted and reassured in situations like loud noises, boarding and fears — clinically proven, veterinary used and recommended. Talk to our team to arrange this for your pet’s journey.
Deluxe Vet Bedding
An optional add-on to make your pet’s trip more pleasant. Our team places soft, rubber-backed bedding inside your pet’s travel crate for their journey. Vet beds are quick-drying — if moisture is produced inside the crate it seeps through the pile and backing, leaving the bedding dry to the touch. Notify our team if you’d like this added to your transport plan.
My Pet Tag
At Dogtainers, we understand how important your pet’s safety is, so we have created this revolutionary web-based Pet Registration program. With My Pet Tag’s unique ID, your pet will always be safe, even after arriving at their new home.
Adaptil Collar for Dogs
For the comfort of your beloved dog’s travel, we can provide an ADAPTIL Calm On-The-Go Collar. It helps your dog stay comforted and reassured in situations like loud noises, boarding and fears — clinically proven, veterinary used and recommended. Talk to our team to arrange this for your pet’s journey.
Deluxe Vet Bedding
An optional add-on to make your pet’s trip more pleasant. Our team places soft, rubber-backed bedding inside your pet’s travel crate for their journey. Vet beds are quick-drying — if moisture is produced inside the crate it seeps through the pile and backing, leaving the bedding dry to the touch. Notify our team if you’d like this added to your transport plan.
Importing Dogs to Australia
When To Start Preparing Your Pet For Their Trip To Australia
How early you start preparing your dog for transport depends on which country you’ll be sending them from. Countries fit into one of three categories, with one having the least stringent rules and three having the most.
The Australian government recommends starting preparations at least 7 months ahead of export for category 3 and non-approved countries.
For category 2 countries, which do not require rabies preparations, they recommend starting at least two to three months before the intended date of export.
Dog Quarantine in Melbourne
All dogs coming into Australia must arrive directly into Melbourne International Airport where they will be transferred to the post entry quarantine facility. They cannot land in another Australian airport and travel to Melbourne on an Australian domestic flight.
For category 2 countries, which do not require rabies preparations, they recommend starting at least two to three months before the intended date of export.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs about Dog Transport
How Much Does It Cost To Fly A Dog?
The cost of flying a dog varies depending on several factors, including the route, the dog’s size and breed, and the airline. It is best to contact us for a personalised quote based on your pet’s requirements and travel plans.
What Is The Best Way To Transport A Dog?
The best way to transport a dog is determined by where you are going to and from. Air travel is the quickest and most efficient mode of pet transportation. When travelling locally, however, road transportation is usually the best option.
If you are planning to transport your pet internationally or interstate by air, we can provide the necessary crates, handling, and documentation for air travel. It is important to ensure that our pet is comfortable and safe while being transported and that all requirements are met.
How Do I Prepare My Dog For A Flight?
Best to ensure your pets are as calm as possible in their upcoming transport. Given animals require to be created, it helps if they have prior crate training experience. If pets experience high levels of stress, it’s best to try Adaptil collars or Feliway spray to assist with stress before, during, and after transport. The night before transport it is best to have your pets secured within the house so there are no issues on the day (such as cats disappearing). On the day of transport ensure they’ve had plenty of time to go to the bathroom and have fasted for at least 8 hours prior to travel.
What Are The Requirements For Transporting A Dog On A Plane?
Requirements for transporting a dog on a plane will depend on its breed and location of transport. Majority of the time they are only required to be fit and healthy. Some locations may require permits, certificates, or veterinary requirements for entry.
What Kind Of Paperwork Do I Need To Bring When Travelling With My Dog?
Generally, you will only require your photo ID and Airway Bill number, but depending on your destination you may be required to show permits, certificates or veterinary paperwork at the airport.
Are There Any Recommended Crate Sizes For Transporting A Dog By Car Or Plane?
There are very strict IPATA requirements around the size of transport carriers. Pets need to fit comfortably within the crates, allowing 5 cm from the top of their head to the top of the crate, be able to lay down comfortably without their paws being squished against the crate and be able to turn around comfortably without restrictions.
How old must a puppy be to travel?
Airlines have their own rules about minimum puppy ages for air travel, but it’s generally 8 weeks of age for domestic travel and 12 or 15 weeks for international travel.