Airlines and pilot-in-command (PIC) are responsible for the safety of the flight when passengers bring animals onto an aircraft.
Under the rules, a PIC or airline can allow or refuse passengers carrying animals on to an aircraft.
However, the PIC and airline must also comply with the relevant provisions of-the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 when deciding to let on assistance animals.
The responsibility for the safety of an aircraft, crew, passengers, and property on the ground lies with the airline and PIC.
The PIC has the authority to remove a person, animal or object from the aircraft if they believe there is a safety concern.
Travelling overseas with assistance animals
If you're travelling on an overseas airline, contact the airline to find out what their regulations and procedures are.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry can help you find information on quarantine regulations.
Read AC 91-03 – Carriage of assistance animals for the details on carrying assistance animals in the aircraft cabin.
4 Dec 2023