Jetpets featured in documentary – Secrets of the Long Haul Flight

Secrets of the Long Haul Flight reveals some of the commercial aviation industry’s best kept secrets in this one hour documentary. The made for television documentary lifts the lid on such mysteries as where the cabin crew sleep, areas off limits to passengers and of course animal travel. Jetpets were asked to give some details about how animal transport works and our clients “Alfie and Mitzi” were among the travellers making the 17,000 kilometre trip from London to Sydney in the documentary.

Qantas | Documentary | Jetpets | Pet Transport Australia

Alfie and Mitzi are just two of the 65,000 animals transported by Qantas and the documentary gave Jetpets an opportunity to provide some information regarding the logistics of moving live animals in the air. Alfie and Mitzi were return travellers travelling from London, England to Sydney, Australia and as such had to undergo strict regulations requiring vaccinations and treatments to comply with Australia’s entry requirements.

Once Alfie and Mitzi touched down in Australia they were taken by a Jetpets Pet Handler to mandatory quarantine for a 10 day stay which ensures that no unwanted diseases or medical conditions are brought in to our country.

“The quarantine process is something that quite often our customers are concerned about. There is a common misconception that animals are locked in cages until their quarantine period is up but this is not the case at all. Animals are given walks, playtime and enjoy nutritious and carefully prepared meals and most importantly are checked regularly by veterinarians” said Jetpets spokesperson Montana Sheridan.

Upon collection from quarantine they are picked up by a Jetpets Pet Handler, given a comfort stop and cuddle before they board their flight to Sydney and join their family in their new home in Sydney.

The documentary is available to view on SBS on Demand until the 25th of August or can be viewed on Youtube.

 

Travelling Internationally with your pet – Frequently Asked Questions

It’s an exciting time in your household as the whole family is getting ready for a big overseas trip!

In need of a few handy hints to get prepared? We get the low-down from one of Jetpets Resident Vets Katherine.

Frequently Asked Questions | Jetpets | International Pet Transport | Pet Carrier

Q: What top tips would you give to pet owners preparing their pets for a long haul flight?

A: We always recommend pet owners start the process of familiarising their pets with the travel crate early (you can find some handy hints on how to do this here.) Other things you can do to help include taking them on lots of car journeys in the travel crate so they get used to the crate and the movement, remain calm around them on the day of departure (we know it’s hard!) and add a recently worn old T shirt to the travel crate so they have the owners scent to calm them on the flight.

Q: Will my pet be fed before they fly?

A: We do not recommend feeding your pet within 8 hours of their flight as it may cause travel sickness. They will receive plenty of water throughout their journey.

Q: Will my pet get a chance to stretch their legs before they fly?

A: Yes, if you have a dog, our team ensure your pet is taken for a good walk before they fly. They will also relax in the Jetpets Transit Lounge before their flight, where they can walk around.

Cats will have the opportunity to stretch their legs in the Jetpets Transit Lounge before their flight.

Q: Why do pets have to be at the airport 3 hours before departure?

Like humans, pets are required to check in early for their flight too. The airlines require pets to be checked in 3 hours before international departure.

Q: Who loads them onto the plane?

After we check your pet in for their flight, the friendly airline staff will load them onto the plane.

Q: Where will my pet sit on the plane?

Your pet will travel in the pet’s cabin. The pets cabin is air pressured, climate controlled and dimly lit. Your pets will experience the same sounds and feelings as us, except they have a lot more leg room!

Q: Do pets get jet lag Katherine?

A: Just like humans, it’s possible that pets may also experience jet lag to a lesser extent. I’ve had the odd person tell me they think their pet had jet lag for a few days after their flight. Older pets in particular might take a bit longer to get used to their new time zone after a long flight.

Q: Do pets having any issues with a sudden change in climate?

If your pets are travelling from a hot to a very cold climate I would make sure they are kept inside or at least make sure they have a good warm coat to put on when they do go outside. If they are travelling from a cold to a hot climate, only walk them early in the morning or late in the evening and make sure they always have plenty of water and shade available (or keep them in the air-con).

Frequently Asked Questions | Jetpets | International Pet Transport | Pet Carrier

Our Resident Vets are experts in pet travel, and are the best people to speak to if you have any health concerns about your pet. They can provide pet travel advice to customers worldwide, so if you’re planning a global move in the near future, get in contact with our team today.