Virgin Australia, one of the biggest airlines in Australia, has announced that it will now allow pets on board, becoming Australia’s first pet-friendly airline.
In a statement released on September 17, 2025, the carrier announced that its new Pets in Cabin service will begin as a trial on flights from Melbourne to the Gold Coast and from Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast. The inaugural flight is scheduled to take off from Melbourne Airport (MEL) on October 16, 2025.
Virgin Australia announced plans to launch this service in March 2024. Since then, the airline has been collaborating with airlines that provide similar services, consulting animal welfare groups, and addressing feedback from frequent travelers to develop this new service.
“Our guests have been telling us for years how much they want to travel alongside their pets and now they finally can,” said Dave Emerson, Virgin Australia Group CEO. “It’s a model that’s proven successful in the US and Europe and we’re thrilled to bring it to Australia.”
What passengers with pets need to know
The airline said that only small dogs and cats are permitted on the select flights, but initially, cats will not be allowed on flights from Melbourne to the Gold Coast. Each flight can accommodate up to four pets.
According to Virgin Australia, pets must be transported in an approved soft-sided carrier measuring no more than 44 x 26 x 28 cm. The total weight of the pet and carrier must be under eight kilograms.
Additionally, these carriers need to be placed under the seat in front of the owner, and pets cannot be taken out at any time. Furthermore, passengers with pets will be given window seats in only two specific rows.
Lastly, pets must be up to date with vaccinations before travel, and those animals with health conditions, including pregnancy, recent surgery, those under eight weeks or over 12 years, or the ones belonging to brachycephalic breeds, require a veterinary-issued certificate confirming they are fit to fly.
Measures to protect allergic passengers
Virgin Australia Group Medical Officer, Dr Kelly Bofkin, said the airline has taken a “rigorous approach” to addressing allergy and hygiene considerations.
She said that the airline’s aircraft are fitted with advanced HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration systems, which capture more than 99% of airborne particles, including pet dander. Additionally, the cabin air is refreshed 20-30 times each hour, lowering the chance of airborne allergens spreading.
She added that the creation of “buffer zones” (two rows behind and two rows in front of the allocated pet rows) will help to minimize the risk of allergen exposure for other passengers.
Pets in cabin services are already a standard airline offering across major carriers in North America and Europe, including United Airlines, Air France and Air Canada, which offer pets to travel onboard on domestic routes.
