For over 20 years, PetFlyers has helped Australians understand their pet transport quotes. One question we hear daily: ‘Why do pet transport quotes vary between providers?’ The answer isn’t about hidden fees, it’s about the specific variables that airlines and transport providers use to calculate costs.
In this guide, we’ll explain the key factors that influence and how the influence a pet transport quote across Australia, with insider insights from our team of logistics experts.
Distance and Route: It’s Not Just About Kilometers
Domestic pet transport quotes are primarily determined by fixed airline freight rates per route, not distance alone.
Key considerations:
- Major routes (e.g., Sydney-Melbourne) typically have stable pricing due to frequent flights
- Less common routes (e.g., Darwin to regional WA) may have limited availability but not necessarily higher prices
- Example: Transporting a cat from Brisbane to Adelaide may cost differently than Brisbane to Perth, even if distances are similar
- Pricing isn’t always symmetrical: Perth to Melbourne may cost differently than Melbourne to Perth on the same airline
PetFlyers Tip: “Early booking locks in your preferred pet transport quote before spaces fill.”
Airline Weight Calculations: Virgin vs Qantas
Your final pet transport quote depends heavily on which airline your pet flies with, as Virgin Australia and Qantas calculate costs differently:
Virgin Australia:
- You pay for your pet’s actual weight plus their travel crate
- A large-breed dog in their properly sized PP60 crate. You’re paying mainly for the dog’s weight
- Best for: Large pets where the animal’s weight is the primary factor
Qantas:
- You pay based on how much space the crate takes up, not just weight
- A small dog in a PP40 crate. You’re paying for the crate dimensions
- Best for: Pets where the crate size is proportionate to their body
PetFlyers Insight: “We select the most cost-effective airline based on your pet’s size and our professional assessment of PP-series crates from Puichinco.”
Need a Travel Crate?
At PetFlyers, we provide:
✅ PP-Series crate hire (PP20 to PP80) for all pet sizes
✅ Crate purchases using airline-approved Puichinco kennels
✅ Expert fitting service to ensure proper sizing
“All pets travel in our IATA-approved PP-Series crates. View specifications at Puichinco Kennels.”
Real-life scenarios:
- Large breeds (e.g. German Shepherds) typically benefit from Virgin’s weight-based pricing
- Medium pets in properly sized PP40-60 crates often have comparable quotes
- Small pets requiring minimal crate space may do better with Qantas
Service Type: What Your Quote Includes
Four factors determine your pet transport quote for each service level:
| Service | Included | What Affects Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Collection | Airport-to-airport only | Crate size, crate hire or purchase |
| Door-to-Airport | Home collection included | After-hours fees, pickup distance from airport + all the above |
| Airport-to-Door | Delivery included | Delivery distance from airport + All the above |
| Door-to-Door | Complete service | All the above |
While we primarily operate on weekdays, we understand some situations require weekend transport. In these cases, we apply after-hours fees for all weekend bookings along with a logistics coordination fee. These charges ensure we maintain full staff availability and 24/7 support coverage throughout your pet’s journey, providing the same level of care and responsiveness we’re known for during weekdays.
PetFlyers Tip: “Our online quote calculator lets you compare service levels instantly.”
The Truth About Seasonal Availability
Contrary to popular belief:
✅ Prices don’t fluctuate with seasons
❌ But availability does shrink during peak periods
Critical booking windows:
- School holidays: Book at least 3 weeks ahead
- Summer months (Dec-Feb): 3-5 week lead time recommended
- Long weekends: Minimum 1 week notice
How to Get Your Most Accurate Quote
Follow this checklist for precise pricing:
- Pet Details:
- Accurate weight (the airline will weigh at check-in)
- Breed-specific requirements
- Container Specifications:
- IATA-approved crate dimensions
- Any special modifications
- Service Selection:
- Collection/delivery addresses (with postcodes)
- Preferred time windows
- Travel Dates:
- Primary and alternate date options
The more precise your information, the more accurate your quote will be – it’s that simple,” says our operations manager.
Trust PetFlyers for Transparent Pet Transport
At PetFlyers, we believe in honest pricing without last-minute surprises. Our quotes reflect real-time airline rates and exact service requirements.
Need Your Exact Quote?
Call us anytime at 1300 XXX XXX. If we’re temporarily unavailable, simply leave a message and we’ll return your call promptly.
