The 5 Best Pet Relocation Services in Melbourne For Safe and Comfortable Travel
Ever tried moving a cat that’s convinced the carrier is a villain? Or a dog that suddenly thinks your car is a roller coaster from hell?
That’s often what relocating pets feels like. Even when they’ve been groomed, and you expect them to be relaxed, the process usually comes with a fair share of chaos.
That’s why our team looked for the best pet relocation services in Melbourne. We took note of the safety, comfort, and all the little extras that make a stressful move feel a lot more manageable.
How much does pet relocation cost in Melbourne?
Pet relocation in Melbourne can cost around $300–$1,500 for interstate transport within Australia. International moves are much pricier, often reaching $8,000–$15,000+ per pet once air freight, quarantine, and paperwork are included.
1. Moorholme Pet Transport
Address: 45 Mcnabs Rd, Keilor
Phone: +61 3 9338 0823
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
For pet owners needing international transport, it’s your special day! Moorhole Pet Transport focuses heavily on air transport, and they do it really well.
They can handle every detail of the process, which we really appreciate since coordinating multiple travel requirements can get really stressful.
They usually coordinate flights with major Australian carriers like Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Regional Express Airlines. Since they work with multiple airlines, trips can be more flexible as there are more scheduling options available.
We loved that their company has a large pet-care complex near Melbourne Airport. It has kennels and a cattery, which means pets can stay on site before or after flights if necessary. Clients reported regular communication with photo updates too.
Now, transport can be stressful for pets, but they seem to take good care of them. In one case, a puppy became sick in its crate during transport.
The staff quickly cleaned the crate, wiped down the puppy, and provided blankets to help it settle and stay comfortable.
However, we noticed that their prices are higher than those of some other transport companies we’ve looked into.
Service was excellent
“Recently had a puppy flying from Perth to Townsville via an overnight stay in Brisbane using Moorholme Pet services. Service was excellent. Moorholme went out of their way to answer any questions and allay any fears. Puppy received a look after care agent with the overnight stay who remained in contact throughout the pups stay Truly pleased and highly recommended.”
Erin Ryan, Google review
The whole process was really effortless for us
“We had to bring our cats from the PEQ in Melbourne to their furever home in Sydney. From the first moment Leigh was really amazing. Questions have been answered really quickly, the whole process was really effortless for us. Door-to-door delivery was great. If our boys will need pet transportation services again, I definitely know who I will call…. Thanks guys…”
Marc Mottl, Google review
2. Petraveller
Address: 1 Mareno Rd, Tullamarine
Phone: +61 1300 644 115
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Every pet owner wants a well-regulated process, and that’s exactly what Petraveller offers. They operate as a licensed international pet transport provider. They adhere to International Air Transport Association (IATA) crate and airline standards.
During our research, we noticed that they really put safety and compliance above everything else.
Whenever possible, they process direct routes to reduce stress for the pets. They also make sure that the cargo travel is temperature-controlled.
According to clients, they’re very hands-on. The company walked them through every step—from paperwork to final arrival—so they never feel lost in the maze of import permits and health certificates.
To maintain constant communication, sometimes different staff members stayed involved with them at each stage.
There was an advisor answering questions, a team member caring for the pet before the flight, and another coordinator updating them while their pets were in transit.
We’ve even heard how they can accommodate medical or dietary needs of pets, which we certainly most appreciate. They’re a great option for those wanting a full end-to-end relocation manager.
However, their international moves are on the premium side. Considering that everything’s handled well, we think it’s worth the price.
Instructions were clear and we felt we knew exactly what was to happen when
“We were extremely impressed with Petraveller. From the time we submitted the initial enquiry to our gorgeous labrador Bondi landing home in Scotland, the communication was excellent. There was a very obvious sense of care and attention to detail. Instructions were clear and we felt we knew exactly what was to happen when. Leaving her to fly home from Australia was an anxious time but the email updates and photos/videos made us smile. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Petraveller to fellow pet owners on the move. Thank you so much.”
Jackie Daly, Google review
Their team was reassuring and kept me informed
“Petraveller made the complex process of moving my 2-year-old BSH from Sydney to Hong Kong incredibly smooth. Their professionalism started from the very beginning, with all my pre-onboarding questions answered clearly and promptly, as well as vaccination cards/ export permits handled without delay. Throughout the entire process, their team was reassuring and kept me informed, which allowed me to focus on my own flight without constant worry. I also really appreciated their transparency with costs—everything was clear and upfront and it was a one off payment…”
Carmen, Google review
3. Dogtainers Melbourne
Address: 11/189B S Centre Rd, Tullamarine
Phone: +61 1300 135 252
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM – 12 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Not every pet owner is comfortable flying their pets, especially for short distances. That’s exactly where Dogtainers comes in.
They offer several transport options depending on the situation. Domestic moves can be done by road transport.
For longer distances, we loved how they organise air freight across Australia and internationally. They also offer full door-to-door service, so owners don’t need to juggle multiple logistics providers.
They prioritise the animals’ comfort during transit. They conduct welfare checks during the journey, which is very reassuring.
But what sets them apart is how they don’t choose who or what to serve.
Some companies refuse to take Brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs or Persian cats since they have higher health risks during travel, especially by air.
Dogtainers is willing to accommodate them. They have specific procedures to manage those risks.
From what we’ve heard, they can also accommodate exotic pets. Not every relocation service is equipped to handle animals outside the usual dogs and cats, so this is very impressive.
That said, some clients wished they could be more consistent in their communication, especially when delays or schedule changes happen.
The team was professional, caring, and made the whole process stress-free
“Really happy with Dogtainers! They took great care of my 3 kitties flying from Melbourne to Cambodia. The team was professional, caring, and made the whole process stress-free. They kept me updated the entire time, and my kitties have arrived safely and are doing very well! Highly recommend!”
Nuthh, Google review
Quick, easy, and completely hassle-free
“This was the easiest part of my dog’s journey from Dubai to Sydney. I came across glowing reviews of Dogtainers in our FB group, and they were absolutely right. I used Dogtainers to pick him up from PEQ in Melbourne, fly him to Sydney, and drop him off at my home – it was a breeze dealing with them. Quick, easy, and completely hassle-free. Highly recommended!”
Glaiza Raposas, Google review
4. Jetpets
Address: 64 Lambeck Dr, Tullamarine
Phone: +61 1300 452 115
Business hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
One of Jetpets’ biggest credentials is their Cargo Endorsed for International Verification (CEIV) Live Animals certification from the IATA.
It’s a serious tramp of approval in the aviation world. It means they meet strict international standards for transporting animals safely. No wonder they can also handle cases involving zoo animals and relocations for military families.
We liked that they have facilities like the Melbourne Transit, which is just near the Melbourne Airport. Here, pets can rest, stretch, and even stay overnight if there are delays or connections.
Based on clients, communication and reassurance are some of Jetpets’ stronger points.
One pet owner moving a dog to the UK said the company sent updates and photos during the trip. The best part is, his dog had walks and cuddles along the way.
Another client shared how the team handled the paperwork coordination with overseas partners. He was also kept updated through quarantine and the travel process.
Of course, moving pets across continents is a chain of logistics, and the chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
While much feedback highlights smooth experiences, our team also noticed complaints tied to overseas partners. In one case in Toronto, a delay and driver shortage reportedly extended a pet’s travel time by more than 17 hours.
I am very satisfied with the whole experience
“I chose Jetpets to assist Bowie travel from Australia to Belgium. I am very satisfied with the whole experience. Jetpets are a professional team and the communication was extraordinary. It was very easy to book and they were always happy to help along the way. Bowie is settled into his new home with his new friend Buddy. It’s like he never even was in Australia in the first place! Would definitely recommend!”
Jana Foubert, Google review
There were updates and photos throughout the flight
“We were nervous about sending our 10 year old dog Woody on a long haul flight to the UK, but everyone was so helpful and supportive it put our minds at ease. There were updates and photos throughout the flight, and he had plenty of walks and cuddles. It felt like they really cared about Woody. We were very happy with the service.”
Pamela Harries, Google review
5. Pet Caddy – Animal Transport & Pet Courier
Phone: +61 419 554 495
Business hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 7 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Pet Caddy’s service keeps things focused and practical. They don’t do international pet relocation or long-haul moves across the country. Instead, they concentrate on local and intrastate pet transport within Melbourne’s western suburbs and across Victoria.
Their setup is surprisingly amazing for shorter-distance transport. Pets travel as the sole passenger in an air-conditioned Caddy van.
Every animal is placed in an airline-approved crate inside a fully enclosed back section. Basically, pets are treated as VIPs.
Operators are very credible. They’re government-certified dog behaviourists and trainers, police-checked, and even qualified in Pet First Aid. For anxious pets or animals that require more attentive handling, this background is useful.
We’ve heard of instances where they transported a puppy during a flood in central Victoria. Given the circumstances, it wasn’t the easiest transport, but the puppy was delivered safely.
They regularly handle airport pickups and drop-offs, vet visits, breeder deliveries, and even transport to pet cremations.
He provided regular updates and photos
“Michael was fantastic every step of the way. He provided regular updates and photos on how our rescue greyhound was travelling. Michael’s van is secure and comfortable, especially for a larger dog! We are so pleased with the attention to detail he took, and the price for the 9 hour round trip was very reasonable!”
Simone K, Google review
Excellent communication throughout
“Fabulous service. Transported our new 5 month old puppy from Victoria to Perth. Excellent communication throughout. Michael went out of his way to meet our needs. Highly recommend.”
Julie Dockerty, Google review