Melbourne, VIC, Australia
6
Pet Types
3
Airports
9
Services
IPATA Since
Departure Pets is a Melbourne-based pet relocation specialist established in 2019, operating across Australia and New Zealand with offices in major cities. The company distinguishes itself through personalized one-to-one service and 24/7 availability during pet travel, with staff qualified in animal handling and behavior. They offer comprehensive domestic and international pet transport services for various species including birds, exotics, fish, and livestock.
MELPrimary
Melbourne, VIC, Australia
BNE
Brisbane, QLD, Australia
SYD
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Departure Pets offers 9 in-house services: Boarding, Accepts Major Credit Cards, Grooming, Import Customs Clearance, Import/Export Services, and 4 more. They also provide door-to-door pet transport.
Departure Pets is an IPATA member since 2023, in business for 7 years, rated 4.7/5 on Google (439 reviews), certified in IPATA Proficiency, BOAS Pet Shipper, LAR (Live Animals Regulations). To verify any pet shipper, check their IPATA membership at ipata.org, look for a physical business address, and read independent reviews.
Yes. Departure Pets has serves 3 airports (BNE, MEL, SYD).
Departure Pets transports Birds, Dogs & Cats, Exotics, Fish, Livestock (small), and Other. This includes exotic animals requiring CITES permits.
Yes, Departure Pets offers door-to-door pet transport — from home pickup through flight coordination to final delivery.
Departure Pets is based in Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Departure Pets is IPATA member, IPATA Proficiency, BOAS Pet Shipper, LAR (Live Animals Regulations).
Departure Pets serves 3 airports: BNE, MEL, SYD. Primary: MEL.
Phone
+61 38 080-9219
After Hours
+61 38 080-9219
exports@departurepets.com.au
Website
departurepets.com.au/
Location
Melbourne, VIC, Australia
439 reviews
When I decided I was moving overseas, my biggest worry was moving my two cats. I was very concerned about their wellbeing, especially because one is quite anxious, and the other is 15 years old. We found Departure Pets with a little research and were sold on the positive reviews and initial responses from the company. We were very happy to have the same employee (Melissa) the whole time who knew about our case and helped reassure us and educate us about the process. Departure Pets handled everything technical from their end including paperwork, flights, etc. We only had to make sure the cats’ vaccines were up to date and that my elder cat was given a ‘fit-to-fly’ certification within 2 weeks of flying. The cats had to be driven to Departure Pets in Keilor the day before the flight to receive a final veterinary approval from their company vet. We were so pleased to receive photos from Melissa during their stay there before they were put on their flight from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to LAX. To retrieve the cats, we needed to go to QANTAS freight outside of LAX (thank goodness we didn’t have to fight LAX traffic). We were a little confused about the process at this point, but the America-based transit company (Island Pet Movers) completed all customs processes remotely, and we were reunited with our babies within 2 hours of them landing. There were no masses of documents to sign or hidden fees to pay. We couldn’t believe how happy and healthy our pets seemed to be after a MASSIVE couple of days. They were absolutely fine and are loving their new home. Thank you Departure Pets for making sure our pets arrived safely to our new home :)
Thank you Departure Pets for a smooth and reliable service. Very easy to book with them and they have fast response. I was getting a new kitten that was under 12 weeks old and they were able to transport him provided hes fit to fly with a certificate. They also allow hiring the crates instead of having to buy them. The first company I got a quote from quoted me higher and they couldnt transport on the weekend, wouldnt transport pets below 12 weeks old, and would have to buy the crate from them. Departure Pets ticked everything I needed and would definitely use them again if I needed pet transport.
I recently used Departure Pets to fly my cat Sky overseas from Sydney and couldn’t be happier with the service. Sky settled in really well after her journey, and we could tell she was well cared for along the way. We collected her in Brussels and everything was very well organised. The staff were caring and even took Sky out for a cuddle right after arrival, which was very reassuring. The clearance process took around 45 minutes and required going to two different buildings, which was a little unclear at first, but otherwise smooth. A big thank you to Shane for all the effort—especially with the last-minute change from Amsterdam to Brussels due to a sudden stop for pets flying into Amsterdam airport. He worked all hours to have Sky on the same flight that was planned. Everything worked out wonderfully in the end, and I am so grateful for how well Sky was looked after. Sky walked around in her new home like she just came in from a walk outside. The 24 hour flight was not a bother to her at all. Highly recommend Departure Pets for their professionalism and genuine care for the animals.
Departure Pets helped us out of a terrible bind. My parents, who are in their late 80s, needed to move out of their house for a month whilst repairs were made. Their lovely Lakeland Terrier would be unable to move with them, and so we needed to get the dog from Perth to other family in Melbourne. Departure Pets online quote and booking system is marvellous. They follow up with emails and calls in a timely fashion, and their staff are polite and very helpful. The shining star of this service though were the people responsible for collecting and delivering our dog in either city. The lady who delivered the dog stayed to ensure that the dog looked comfortable and would be well cared for. On the reverse trip Cindie took great care of our dog and ensured she was comfortable and settled for her flight. It's obvious that Departure Pets truly care about the welfare of the pets they are responsible for moving. As a pet owner, this is our highest priority too. A huge thank you to all Departure Pets staff.
We recently used Departure Pets to transport our two beloved dogs from Australia to our new home in India, and I can’t recommend them highly enough! The entire process was seamless, professional, and filled with genuine care from start to finish. From the very first inquiry, the team (especially our agent Melissa ) guided us step-by-step through the complex requirements for pet travel to India — everything from vaccinations, health certificates, export permits, AQIS appointments, flight bookings with trusted airlines like Qatar Airways to handling customs and final delivery. They took care of absolutely everything, so we didn’t have to stress about a single detail. Our dogs arrived safe, healthy, happy, and without any issues — no delays, no mishaps, just a smooth reunion that brought tears of joy to our eyes! They were clearly well-cared for during the journey, with updates, photos, and reassurance along the way that gave us complete peace of mind. Departure Pets truly treats every pet like their own family member. Their communication was excellent (24/7 availability when needed), the pricing was fair and transparent, and their expertise in Australia-to-India relocations made what could have been a nightmare into an incredibly positive experience. If you’re considering relocating your pets (especially to India), look no further — Departure Pets is the gold standard. Thank you to the entire team for safely bringing our babies home to us. We are forever grateful! 🐶❤️ Highly recommended to anyone moving with their pet babies.