Vet weighs in on heated debate to bring pets on board Virgin Australia flights

The peak body for vets has weighed in on the lively debate with plans to allow passengers to bring cats and dogs on board Virgin Australia flights. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

• Pets on planes: Your questions answered

The veterinarian peak body has thrown support behind Virgin Australia’s radical new plans for

passengers to travel with their furry friends, but not everyone is so sure.

In an Australian first, the airline wants to allow passengers to travel alongside their pets on domestic flights from next year, following regulatory approval.

Virgin Australia announcement. Virgin Australia signals intent to launch nation's first-ever pets in cabin flights. Picture: Alex Coppel

Currently, pets are required to be checked into the cargo area of a plane, unless they are authorised assistance or service dogs. But Virgin Australia wants to change that.

The Australian Veterinary Association’s national president Dr Diana Barker said pet ownership went from 61 to 69 per cent of the population during the pandemic.

Dr Barker is in “support” of the move from Virgin Australia to bring pets inside the cabin.

“It has been happening for a long time in the US and common practice there and there are no issues there that I am aware of,” she said.

“Often when pets travel in the cargo hold their owners don’t know what the pets are doing and they do suffer anxiety and stress.”

Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka after announcing plans to be the first Australian airline to offer pets onboard flights.. Picture: Alex Coppel

Dr Barker said flying is stressful for pets and for people and hopes the change will benefit both while flying.

“For people worried about their pet being anxious to talk to their vet and see what medicines they would recommend,” she said.

Dr Barker said for breeds such as pugs, Persian cats and other animals with a squishy face “they have an increased risk for them in cargo hold.”

“When they are on the plane with the owner and can access how they are breathing during the flight,” she said.

As for pets needing to take a toilet break on a flight, Dr Barker said “most pets are trained and don’t go in their crate.”

“We don’t have the details around how it will work and we look forward to seeing that.”

Australians have raised concerns about pets travelling inside the cabin on domestic flights. Photo: Richard Atrero de Guzman

Despite vets supporting the move, many Australians have raised concerns about allergies and health and welfare of pets flying alongside other passengers in the cabin.

“Suffering anxiety and flipping out. Aggression. A cabin full of poop smell,” one reader said.

“Seriously though. I love my dog, I’ve travelled with dogs. I think more can be done in how they currently transport them.

“Instead of opening up the cabin to pets, we’re already like sardines in a tin with the lack of space in planes.”

Many were concerned about the pets’ toilet training.

“When the animal does a poo on the plane you get to breathe it in throughout that long journey,” one reader said.

While another commenter prefers the company of a four-legged friend then other passengers.

“Sitting next to a dog or cat would be preferable to sitting next to most people these days,” they said.