In 2025, Airports Around the World Will Go "Pet-First": A Roundup of the Latest Trends from Milan Airport and Virgin Australia

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Last Updated: August 1, 2026

Overseas, the development of pet-friendly travel environments for families traveling with pets is rapidly accelerating from 2024 to 2025.

Recently on PetAirJPN,"What's the situation with pet lounges in Europe?" "Can pets accompany passengers onboard?"We have been receiving an increasing number of inquiries such as these.

So this time, we'll look at the most recently announced"Milan Linate Airport's Pet-Friendly Area"andVirgin Australia's In-Flight Companion ServiceWe've picked two big news stories. Based on the latest official information, we'll explain the global "pet-first" movement.

1. Milan Linate Airport to Open “Pet Area” (Announced November 2025)

A groundbreaking space has opened at Linate Airport (LIN), the gateway to Milan, Italy.
Italy's premier luxury furniture brand Poltrona Frau However, at the Leonardo Lounge VIP lounge inside the airportPet-Only AreaWe have newly established it.

💡 Here's the key point
In Europe, the concept that "pets are also valued members of the customer base" has become firmly established. The trend of creating such dedicated, full-scale spaces within airport lounges is expected to expand further in the future.

2. Virgin Australia "Pets in Cabin" Limited-Time Trial

Australia's major airline Virgin Australia Starting October 2025, on some domestic routes,Small Dogs and Cats in the Cabin (Pets in Cabin) We have begun a trial introduction.

Australia has long been a strict country regarding pet transport due to quarantine and ecosystem protection concerns, but major carriers have finally begun to take action.

*The information above is based on announcements made as of November 2025. Since then, an extension of the trial period and the addition of new eligible routes have been announced. As the eligible routes, fares, and travel periods have changed, please be sure to check the Virgin Australia official website for the latest information.

💡 Here's the key point
It’s big news that a major airline has launched a large-scale pilot program allowing “passengers to bring their dogs on board.” If this pilot program is successful, it will serve as an important model that could spread to other countries and airlines.

3. The Future of Pet Travel Seen Through Global Trends

Looking at developments over the past two years, three distinct trends have become clear worldwide:

Trend 1: Standardization of "Pet-Friendly" Airport Facilities

Pet Areas (dedicated rest areas), pet toilets, and dedicated counters are becoming standard features.

Trend 2: Airlines Formalizing Their Rules

Rather than tacit approval, systems are now being established to clearly define weight limits and carrier regulations for acceptance.

Trend 3: Expansion of "Luxury" Targeting the Affluent

The shift in values from "just getting around" to "traveling comfortably." Integrated experiences where people and pets can share the same space are gaining importance.

4. From the Perspective of PetAirJPN

We at PetAirJPN, specializing in international shipping, are also keenly aware of this trend in our field.
The measures that began in Europe and AustraliaOften affecting Asia and Japan after a time lag of 2 to 5 yearsIt is customary. In the near future, it is almost certain that "pet-friendly lounges" will appear at Japanese airports.

Unique support from PetAirJPN

Taking your pet overseas requires a lot of procedures and preparation, but
PetAirJPN will provide smooth support.

PetAirJPN's full support services

✈️ Pre-departure Counseling

Provide a roadmap of what to do and when, based on the destination country's animal quarantine and airline company rules.

📄 Document Preparation Support & Review

We provide support in reviewing areas where mistakes are commonly made, such as embassy-specified formats and English-language documents. If an application to a government agency is required, we will coordinate with a certified administrative scrivener (who will handle the application process).

🏥 Animal Quarantine Station Response

We assist with the pre-submission of necessary documents and schedule coordination, and make arrangements to ensure that the day-of procedures proceed without delay.

📦 Air Freight & Local Agent Coordination

Optimizes transportation routes so that pets can travel with peace of mind, even on long flights or via connecting flights. Support is also provided for receiving and health checks upon arrival.

PetAirJPN staff possess extensive experience in international shipping and are thoroughly familiar with the latest import and export regulations, which are constantly updated. If you feel uncertain about handling the procedures yourself or are too busy to prepare, please consult our experts.

Miley.

We at PetAirJPN provide detailed support so that pets and their owners can live overseas with peace of mind. Our staff, who are well versed in the latest regulations and airline requirements of each country, will propose a plan tailored to each and every pet!

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