Preparing Your Pet for a Defence Relocation
Receiving a Defence posting often brings a mix of emotions including excitement about what’s ahead and a long list of things to organise before moving day arrives. Between packing up your home, arranging travel, managing paperwork and preparing your family for a new chapter, it can quickly feel overwhelming.
For many Defence families, one of the biggest concerns is their pet as they’re a much-loved member of the family. Naturally, you want to know they’ll be safe, comfortable and well cared for throughout their posting journey too!
At Jetpets, we’ve been helping ADF families relocate their pets for more than 30 years. We understand that Defence relocations are unlike any other move, and our experienced team is here to guide you through every step, making the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Every Defence Move Is Different
Unlike a standard relocation, Defence postings often come with fixed timelines, changing schedules and plenty of moving parts.
You might be coordinating removalists, temporary accommodation, flights, schools and work commitments, all while trying to keep life as normal as possible for your family.
That’s why we encourage Defence families to contact us as soon as they know a move is on the horizon.
Even if your travel dates aren’t confirmed, starting the conversation early gives us time to discuss your options, answer your questions and begin planning a journey that suits both your family and your pet.
Your Pet’s Journey Starts Long Before Take-Off
Every pet is different, which means every travel plan is too.
When you contact Jetpets, one of our experienced Defence Pet Travel Consultants will take the time to understand your pet’s individual needs. We’ll discuss everything from their breed and age to their destination, travel timeline, special requirements they may have and any additional pets you may have.
From there, we’ll guide you through the entire process, including:
- Travel crate sizing and preparation.
- Flight bookings.
- Veterinary requirements.
- Health documentation where required.
- Collection and delivery options.
- Boarding arrangements if needed.
Our goal is to take as much of the planning off your shoulders as possible, so you can focus on everything else that comes with a Defence relocation.
Why Experience Matters
When your pet is travelling hundreds or even thousands of kilometres, choosing the right pet transport provider is incredibly important.
Jetpets is proudly the only Australian pet transport company with IATA CEIV Live Animals Certification, an internationally recognised accreditation that reflects the highest standards of animal welfare, care and transport.
For our customers, this means your pet’s wellbeing remains the priority throughout every stage of their journey.
Our highly trained team of Pet Handlers, Resident Vets and Pet Travel Consultants carefully monitor every aspect of your pet’s travel, working closely with airline partners to ensure pets are transported safely, comfortably and with the care they deserve.
For Defence families already managing so many moving parts, knowing your pet is in experienced hands provides valuable peace of mind.
Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference
One of the best things you can do is begin preparing your pet well before moving day.
Introducing them to their travel crate a few weeks before departure allows them to become familiar with it. Leaving the crate open around the house with their favourite blanket or toys inside can help them see it as a safe and comfortable space rather than something unfamiliar on travel day.
Keeping your pet’s daily routine as consistent as possible can also help reduce stress in the lead-up to travel.
If your pet requires vaccinations, veterinary appointments or you need to update microchip identification details, allowing plenty of time before departure means everything can be completed without last-minute pressure.
Our team is always available to let you know exactly what your pet will need based on their defence posting destination.
What Happens When Travel Dates Change?
ADF relocations are often during the peak travel season and therefore during this time schedules can change. Sometimes you’ll need to arrive before your pet and other times you may be on the same flight! That’s completely normal.
If needed, we can organise boarding before or after your pet’s flight, ensuring they’re looked after in a safe, comfortable environment until it’s time to continue their journey or be reunited with you and your family.
Knowing your pet is receiving professional care while you manage the final stages of your move can make an already busy time feel much more manageable.
What Happens at a Jetpets Transit Lounge?
For many pets, part of their journey includes spending time at one of our purpose-built Transit Lounges in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
Rather than waiting in unfamiliar surroundings, pets are cared for by experienced Jetpets Animal Handlers in a calm, comfortable environment before or after their flight.
During their stay they’ll have access to fresh water, opportunities for toilet breaks and exercise where appropriate, along with plenty of attention from our caring team.
We know leaving your pet can be emotional, especially during a Defence relocation when there’s already so much happening. That’s why we treat every pet as if they were our own, providing the same level of care we’d want for our own furry family members.
Supporting You From Start to Finish
Relocating with the Defence Force is about more than getting from one place to another. It’s about helping your whole family settle into the next chapter, pets included.
Whether you’re moving across Australia or preparing for an international posting, our team is here to answer your questions, coordinate the logistics and make sure your pet’s journey is carefully planned from beginning to end.
From your first phone call through to the moment your pet arrives safely at their new home, we’re with you every step of the way. When your pet travels safely and comfortably, it’s one less thing for you to worry about, and that’s exactly how it should be.
