16/10/2025
Update from Melbourne Airport ✈️
In July, Melbourne Airport opened a new Assistance Animal Relief Area in Terminal 2 (International). It is located after security and border controls between Gates 8 and 15.
With this addition, all four terminals at Melbourne Airport now have relief areas for Assistance Animals.
o Terminal 1 (Qantas domestic): The relief area is located after security on the way to Gates 1-12 (opposite to Hungry Jacks).
o Terminals 3 & 4 (other domestic airlines): The relief area is located after security in the food court shared by both terminals. It is next to the Sunglass Hut store.
Each of the three relief areas contains synthetic grass, an animal water fountain, a handwashing basin, and an emergency call point.
A big thank you to the Melbourne Airport team for their continued efforts to make travel more accessible and comfortable for Handlers and their Assistance Animals 🐕🦺❤️
An important note for Handlers accessing the relief area in Terminal 3 & 4:
On October 16, Virgin Australia’s Pets in Cabins initiative will commence, allowing approved pets in secure carriers to travel on domestic flights. While Melbourne Airport has instructed Virgin Australia to ensure pet owners toilet their animals before entering the terminals, they may also use the designated relief areas. Signage has been installed to clearly state that Assistance Animals have priority. For your safety, please be aware of potential interactions with pets in these spaces. If you notice that the policy around prioritising Assistance Animals is not being followed, or if you experience an issue, please contact Melbourne Airport to report your concern. It is our hope that Virgin Australia will work with pet owners to ensure these spaces remain safe, respectful and accessible for those who rely on them the most.
Alt Text: Split image with top portion containing the caption 'Melbourne Airport Update: New Assistance Animal Relief Area in Terminal 2 (International). The bottom portion shows the inside of the new relief area, which comprises a patch of synthetic grass with a fake rock on it. Attached to the wall is a hose and a waste bag dispenser. The other half of the room has tiled floor with an animal water fountain attached to the wall.
