Dropping Our Dog Off at QANTAS Freight for Export to Australia

Today was the bittersweet day we said goodbye to our beloved beagle, Sniffy, as he embarked on his journey back to Australia. Dropping him off at QANTAS Freight for his flight, QF94, was emotional and nerve-wracking, knowing he’d be in his crate for over 20 hours. Here’s how the process unfolded.

Preparing Our Dog for His Flight

We arrived at the QANTAS Freight facility at 4:00 PM, ensuring we were well ahead of the 5:00 PM check-in deadline. Sniffy’s PP60 crate was carefully prepared for the journey. We assembled it with 14 screws, cable-tied each corner for extra security, and attached his water bowls to the inside of the crate. On top of the crate, we taped a small A5 folio containing all of his paperwork, including vaccination records, health certificates, and export documentation.

To make Sniffy’s crate more personal and recognizable, we added a “I am Sniffy” label and a Kango Anywhere sticker.

Before heading to the gate, Sniffy had a few minutes to stretch his legs and do his final wees outside. I gave him a quick brush to ensure he was comfortable and relaxed for the journey.

Check-In at QANTAS Freight

At check-in, the QANTAS staff carefully reviewed Sniffy’s paperwork and crate. Having everything neatly organized and accessible in the folio made the process smooth. Once everything was approved, we took Sniffy and his crate to the side gate, where he joined two other dogs waiting in their crates for the same flight.

At 5:00 PM, it was time for Sniffy to enter his crate. As soon as we placed him inside, he started barking—his way of expressing his confusion and unease. We filled his water bowls, securely closed the crate door, and cable-tied it shut for added safety.

We said our goodbyes, feeling a pang of sadness as the roller door closed behind him. Even as we walked away, we could still hear Sniffy barking, which tugged at our hearts.

The Long Journey Ahead

Sniffy’s flight, QF94, departs at 8:45 PM on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, bound for Melbourne. With the crate sealed at 5:00 PM, this means Sniffy will spend over 20 hours inside his crate, including the pre-flight and transport times. While we know he’s safe in the cargo hold, it’s hard not to worry about how he’ll handle the flight and the transition to quarantine.

Unfortunately, there won’t be any updates from the Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) facility in Melbourne until day three of his stay. Until then, we’ll rely on tracking his status online, hoping to see that he has arrived safely.

Coping with the Separation

Our toddler has been particularly affected, frequently asking, “Where’s Sniffy?” We’ve explained that he’s on a “special doggy plane,” which seems to provide some comfort. Knowing how much Sniffy loves sleeping in our bed, it’s heartbreaking to think of him feeling scared and hungry during this time.

As for us, we’ll be flying out tomorrow on DL41 to Sydney and will reunite with Sniffy in Melbourne in 10 days after his quarantine period. Until then, we’ll be counting down the days, eager to welcome him back into our lives and shower him with love and treats.

Dropping Sniffy off at QANTAS Freight for his flight to Australia was an emotional experience, filled with both hope and worry. We trust that he’s in good hands and look forward to seeing him safe and sound after his quarantine. For anyone exporting a dog, it’s a journey that requires careful preparation, emotional resilience, and plenty of love for your furry companion.

Safe travels, Sniffy—we can’t wait to have you back home!