Pawmobile’s dedicated pet flights from Tasmania to Melbourne begin this week

In a Tasmanian-first, pet owners can now fly their furry friends across the Bass Strait in style, as a passenger – not cargo – thanks to a brand new business. DETAILS + HOW TO BOOK >>

Fi Millhouse's little dog ready to fly out on a Pawmobile flight

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THE owner of a company set to start a new dedicated flight service for pets across Bass Strait says she has been blown away by the positive reaction to her business idea – a Tasmanian first.

Fi Millhouse said the seeds of Pawmobile pet flights were planted during the COVID-19 shutdowns when she realised there was a massive demand for exclusive pet flights where animals are not treated like cargo in the hold of an aircraft or on the lower deck of a ship.

Instead the animals on Pawmobile’s Bass Strait service travel in the aircraft cabin, have a human companion on board to talk to them and are provided with drinks.

Fi Millhouse's little dog ready to fly out on a Pawmobile flight

Pawmobile has a number of planes including a Aeorcommander 680 which could take 100 pigeons, a dozen big dogs or a selection of puppies, cats and guinea pigs.

“This is a brand new offering and a huge business risk to take but I have been blown away by the positive response. Flights are starting to fill up already,” Ms Millhouse said.

The flights will travel from Essendon to Devonport and Essendon to Hobart with the first between Devonport and Essendon taking off on January 15.

The flights will then run weekly.

“I want to offer something completely different. We need a better way of transporting pets,” Ms Millhouse said.

The company also works with boarding kennels and catteries at both ends of Bass Strait so pets can be collected if the owners are still in transit.

Pets need to check in 30 minutes before flight but can stay with their owners until they board the aircraft.

Pawmobile also offers a seniors discount and cheaper rates for rescues travelling to their new forever home.

Ms Millhouse – also known as chief treat provider – said she expected to expand her flight services once she has gauged demand.

Fares are not listed online because they vary due to crate size, the weight of the animal, any discounts and the route being flown.

“We hope to set up an online estimator in the future but for the moment we look forward to chatting with potential clients in person.”

Further information is available at the Pawmobile website and on Facebook.