Virgin Australia has announced new details about its pet-friendly policy which is set to launch by the end of this year, making it the first airline in the country to allow pets to travel in the cabin beside their owners.

The carrier proposes to offer two pet-friendly rows for animals and their owners, with pets required to be in soft-sided carrier cases.

The pet and its carrier must have a combined weight of no more than 8kg and must remain under the seat in front throughout the flight. 

Carriers are not expected to be allowed in exit rows or in business class.  

Virgin Australia first announced the service in March last year, however the approval process took longer than what was anticipated.

‘We have been working hard alongside regulators, industry partners and stakeholder groups to ensure we can offer a compliant, safe and comfortable experience for guests travelling with or without a pet,’ a spokesperson said.

‘Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Virgin Australia and we look forward to updating travellers on a launch date for our highly anticipated pets in cabin services soon.’

Virgin Australia has been consulting with doctors and vets over the issue of dog and cat hair allergies for fellow passengers, with the aim to create a comfortable environment for everyone on board, The Australian reports.

Virgin Australia has announced new details about its pet-friendly policy, making it the first airline in the country to allow pets to travel in the cabin beside their owners (stock)

The carrier proposes to offer two pet-friendly rows for animals and their owners, with pets required to be in soft-sided carrier cases (stock)

The airline requires approval from Food Standards Australia New Zealand because of regulations concerning food preparation and animals in confined areas. 

It comes after Melbourne and Sydney airports upgraded their pet toilets to accommodate the new policy. 

Virgin Australia plans to trial ‘pet-friendly’ flights on some of its most popular routes, such as Melbourne to Sydney.

Although it would be a first for Australian skies, most major airlines in North America offer a pet service, including United Airlines and Air Canada. 

Qantas and Jetstar currently only allow accredited service dogs in the cabin and other approved animals in the service hold.