Free flights for rescue pets
Distance need not be a barrier to happiness, thanks to our free flight offer with Jetpets!
As a part of PetRescue’s Pet Transport Program, Jetpets' free flight offer provides rescue organisation members with the opportunity to access free flights for pets in their care.
Perhaps you have a long-termer whose only suitable adoption interest has come from interstate. Maybe it’s a pet at risk who needs access to specialist treatment in a different city. Or perhaps you’re exploring opportunities with like-minded groups in other states to move pets from places of low demand to areas of higher demand.
How does it work?
There are 20 flights available per year (maximum of two flights available per month). We require ten business days' notice before the requested flight for booking and confirmation.
It's unusual for us to turn down any application. However, please keep in mind that limited flights are available, and the need for this program has increased!
Flights are available to and from these major cities:
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Perth
- Adelaide
- Canberra
- Hobart
To be able to travel, the pet must:
- Be over twelve weeks old (this is due to possible dehydration while travelling);
- Be in good health;
- Not exceed 40kgs;
- Not have displayed or have a known history of aggression;
- Be transported in a container that complies with the Virgin Australia guidelines for pet containers and is the correct size for the pet and
- Be travelling between major cities (excluding Darwin);
- Be treated for the Hydatids Tapeworm prior to departure if travelling to Tasmania.
If we receive more flight requests than available flights, they will be prioritised by urgency, need and expense, i.e.:
Higher priority
- Urgency: e.g., A pound pet on a deadline, removing a pet from a dangerous situation, BSL, etc.
- Expense: e.g., A large dog who is struggling to find a home locally. Pets flying across the country (long distance) or when the flight cost would prohibit the adoption.
- Need: Flying to a specialist rescue or home.
Lower Priority
- Pets that are small and flying a short distance to a new home
- Pets flying to a new home where an adopter can or perhaps is willing to pay
- Pets that have not been listed for adoption (the option of a local rehoming hasn’t been explored)
- Pets that are super popular and adopters will be willing to pay
Please note:
Jetpets are unable to assist with flights for Brachycephalic pets or snub-nosed dogs. The following breeds are considered as brachycephalic.
Brachycephalic Dogs: Affenpinscher, American Bully, American Bulldog, Australian Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon/Griffon Bruxellois, Chow Chow, Dogue De Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel/King Charles Spaniel, French Mastiff, French Bulldog, Japanese Chin/Japanese Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pekingese, Pug, Chinese Pug, Dutch Pug, Japanese Pug, Shih-Tzu, Tibetan Spaniel, Valley Bulldog
Brachycephalic Cats: Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian
If you’re a PetRescue member, you can request a free flight for a pet in your care by completing this form.
Please read Jetpets standard terms and conditions before applying for a free flight.