Travelling with Pets to Sydney Airport — What You Need to Know

Travelling to Sydney Airport with a pet adds an extra layer of planning — but with the right transfer arranged in advance, the journey from your door to the terminal can be calm and comfortable for both you and your animal. This guide covers everything you need to know about pet-friendly airport transfers in Sydney.

Ram's Pet-Friendly Transfer Policy

Ram's accepts pets in our airport transfer vehicles subject to the following conditions:

• Pre-declaration is mandatory: You must declare your pet at the time of booking. Undeclared animals will not be accepted as not every vehicle or driver is configured for pet travel.
• Pets must be contained: All pets must be in an appropriate hard or soft-sided carrier, or secured with a vehicle-rated pet seatbelt harness. Unrestrained animals in moving vehicles are unsafe and not permitted.
• Pet-friendly vehicles: Our SUV and people mover is the recommended choice for pet travel. Our Mini Bus can also accommodate pets. SUVs may be accommodated for small pets in soft carriers — enquire when booking.

Carrier Requirements

Your pet's carrier or restraint must meet these practical standards:

• Large enough for the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably
• Fully enclosed — no open-top baskets or unsecured carriers
• Secure fastenings that will not open during transit
• Waterproof base or lining in case of accidents

For small dogs and cats, a soft-sided carrier on the seat or in the footwell works well for short airport trips. For medium to large dogs, a hard crate in the boot area of an SUV is the safest option. A vehicle-rated harness that clips into the seatbelt receiver is a good alternative for calm, well-trained dogs.

Tips for Keeping Pets Calm During the Journey

The car journey to the airport is often the first stress point for animals. Here is how to make it easier:

• Feed your pet several hours before the journey, not immediately before — travel on a full stomach can cause nausea
• Place a familiar blanket or clothing item in the carrier so your pet has a comforting scent
• Keep the vehicle at a cool, comfortable temperature — hot cars cause significant anxiety in animals
• Avoid loud music or sudden noises during the journey
• For particularly anxious pets, consult your vet about travel-safe calming supplements in advance — do not administer sedatives without veterinary guidance
• If your pet is accustomed to car travel, the journey to the airport should be relatively stress-free. If they are not, do a couple of short practice drives in the weeks before.

What to Bring for Your Pet at the Airport

Before your transfer arrives, make sure you have the following for your pet:

• Carrier, crate, or harness ready and secured
• Health certificate from your vet (required by most airlines and essential for international travel)
• Any medications or supplements your pet requires
• Water and a small bowl for longer waits
• A recent photo of your pet (useful if separated)

Airline Pet Policies at Sydney Airport — An Overview

Ram's handles the ground transfer — from the moment you land or leave until you reach the terminal door. What happens after that is governed by your airline's pet policy. Here is a general overview for the major carriers operating at Sydney Airport:

Qantas (Terminal 3)

Qantas generally does not allow pets in the passenger cabin on domestic flights. Pets travel as checked excess baggage in a pressurised, climate-controlled hold section. Qantas has specific requirements for crate dimensions, labelling, and health documentation. Assistance dogs are an exception and are permitted in the cabin. Check the Qantas website for current requirements as policies can change.

Virgin Australia (Terminal 2)

Virgin Australia also typically transports pets as checked baggage in the hold. Cabin pet travel is not available on Virgin domestic routes. Recognised assistance dogs travel in cabin. Check Virgin's current policy directly for crate specifications and fee structures.

International Airlines (Terminal 1)

International pet travel is significantly more complex, particularly due to Australia's strict biosecurity and quarantine requirements. Importing an animal into Australia requires extensive documentation, mandatory quarantine periods, and advance approval from the Australian Government's Department of Agriculture. If you are travelling internationally with a pet, begin the process months in advance and consult both your airline and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.

Exporting Pets from Australia

If you are taking an Australian pet overseas, the destination country's import requirements apply. Many countries have their own vaccination, microchipping, and health certificate requirements. Your airline will also have specific conditions. Always verify with your destination country's embassy or agriculture authority well in advance.

Returning to Sydney with Your Pet

If you are picking up a pet that has been travelling (for example, collecting a pet from the international cargo terminal), you will need to arrange this separately through the airport's cargo facilities — your Ram's driver can take you to the relevant terminal or cargo area. Mention this specific requirement at booking.