SKYEPETS is set to expand its international in-cabin pet charter service beyond Australia, with routes to the United States and other destinations planned.
The company, which is based in Perth, is currently the only operator in Australia approved to offer in-cabin pet entry under strict conditions and recently secured foreign charter status from the U.S. Department of Transportation, enabling direct operations to the United States.
Joanna Maddison, Founder of SKYEPETS, described the latest development as “a pivotal step” in expanding the brand’s offering.
“It means we can offer pet owners in North America the same peace of mind Australians have been experiencing for years,” she says.
SKYEPETS was founded in 2021 after Maddison encountered challenges relocating her three large huskies abroad without using traditional cargo holds. Detailing the origins of the company, Maddison explained, “We looked at every option, from ocean cruises to overland journeys through Asia and Europe, but nothing felt safe or feasible. That’s where the idea for Skye Pets came alive.”
Currently, SKYEPETS operates connections linking major cities such as Melbourne, Auckland, London, Singapore, Dubai, and Honolulu. The company has outlined plans to begin direct services between Los Angeles and both Melbourne and Auckland in March 2026, and expects to introduce transatlantic flights between London and New York later the same year.
Maddison characterised this expansion as significant for the company’s core mission. “A major leap in our mission to connect pets and their people across the globe,” she said.
Flights offered by SKYEPETS are private charters operated by licensed carriers. Unique to their services, there are no breed or size restrictions, and pets travel in the aircraft cabin alongside their owners. Flights depart from private terminals, bypassing public queues and crowds, and do not require layovers.
On the travel experience, Maddison said, “We’ve created a service where the journey is as stress-free as the destination. For many of our passengers, both human and animal, it’s the first time they’ve ever been able to travel together like this.”
Demand for in-cabin pet travel has grown year on year since the company’s launch. Maddison attributes this to rising awareness of alternatives to cargo travel. “We’re seeing year-on-year growth because more people now know they don’t have to put their lives on hold or leave their pets behind,” says Maddison.
In its first four years, SKYEPETS has facilitated the relocation of hundreds of families with pets, and the company reports consistent demand, with many flights booking out six months in advance. This growth is supported by online engagement, with the brand attracting more than 22,000 followers on Instagram and receiving significant exposure from high-profile aviation industry commentators.
Maddison believes the service represents more than just a transportation solution. “This isn’t just transport,” she says. “It’s about ensuring families start their new lives together, without fear or compromise. We’re raising the bar for what pet relocation can look like.”
