Since October 2025, it’s been possible to fly to or from Melbourne Airport with your pet in the cabin on selected Virgin flights. But what’s it like flying into or out of Melbourne Airport with a pet? From the details on animal relief areas to transport connections and hotels, I share everything you need to know before a flight with your pet.
Where Are Dogs Allowed Inside Melbourne Airport?
While pet dogs (and cats) are allowed to fly to and from Melbourne Airport on selected flights with Virgin Australia, they aren’t given free rein at the airport. For starters, pets need to be in a carrier bag before you enter the terminal, and only let out when in the enclosed animal relief area or when being carried through security.
Inside the terminal, pets are not allowed inside any food or beverage outlet, to be compliant with food safety regulations. (A special exemption applies on the flights!) And forget about relaxing in the lounge, with pets not allowed in the Virgin Australia lounges.
Animal Relief Areas at Melbourne Airport
Melbourne Airport is home to multiple indoor animal relief areas, that are available to service dogs and now approved pets flying in the cabin. They’re handy for when your dog needs to do their business after passing through security or when arriving on a flight.
The first indoor animal relief area is located in Terminal 1 after security, where Qantas fly from. But you’ll probably be more interested in the animal relief area in Terminal 4, which is also accessible from Terminal 3, where Virgin fly from.
The animal relief area is located next to the toilets near the Lego store, at the side of Terminal 4 that you enter from Terminal 3. Inside is a small area of fake grass with a fake grass and a hose, a poo bag dispenser and a water fountain for animals, as well as a sink and hand dryer for humans.
The area is lockable and designed to only be used by one animal at a time. Note that priority should be given to service animals, as noted on the door.
There is also an animal relief area located outside the terminals. It’s located in between Terminal 3 and the multi-story car park, near the Melbourne sign. It’s a decent sized patch of grass and the ideal stopping point before entering or leaving the terminal.
Taking Public Transport to and from Melbourne Airport
The good news about public transport in Melbourne is that it’s the most pet-friendly in Australia, with dogs of all sizes allowed on metropolitan trains. The bad news is that there still isn’t a train to Melbourne Airport, or even definite plans for an airport train.
The main way of travelling to and from Melbourne Airport by public transport is the privately-run SkyBus. There are frequent express departures to and from the city, with the city terminal at Southern Cross Station. However, naturally pets are not allowed on SkyBus.
With a small dog, it’s possible to catch a regular public transport bus from Melbourne Airport. There are multiple buses, including the 901 bus to Frankston, that arrives at Broadmeadows train station after about 20 minutes. Small pets in a carrier bag (which of course you’ll have from the flight) are allowed on regular buses Melbourne.
If you’d prefer a taxi, I recommend booking a Uber through Uber Pet. For a higher rate, you’re allowed to bring a pet along in the vehicle. Choose Uber Pet when making a booking. I recommend keeping your pet in their carrier for the trip.
Pet-Friendly Rental Cars at Melbourne Airport
It’s difficult to rent a pet-friendly hire car in Australia. While many companies have blanket bans on pets, other companies require you to call individual locations to find out their pet policy.
Luckily, one of the more pet-friendly rental car companies is Sixt. They clearly list a number of rental locations as allowing pets, including Melbourne Airport. Just make sure you bring along a seat belt attachment or something else to restrain your pet when driving, plus a bed or blanket to cover the seat.
Pet-Friendly Hotels near Melbourne Airport
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you make a purchase using the links. See my full disclaimer.
Airport hotels are a convenient option, especially if you’re flying out early in the morning or arriving late at night before a considerable drive to your final destination. Luckily, one of the airport near Melbourne Airport is pet-friendly, Quest Melbourne Airport.
Located an easy 10 minute drive from the airport terminals, closer to the city, Quest Melbourne Airport offers a variety of apartment-style rooms. Pet-friendly options range in size from one-bedroom to three-bedroom apartments, each with their own kitchen and laundry. (Note that the studios are not pet-friendly.)
An additional pet fee of $50 per pet per night applies. Enquire directly for the full pet rules, plus whether pets are allowed on the complimentary airport shuffle.
You May Also Like
- Flying with a Dog in the Cabin on Virgin Australia
- Are Pets Allowed on Public Transport in Melbourne?
- Pet-Friendly Hotels in Melbourne
About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.