Traveling with a beloved paw friend can truly make difference and make any fight more pleasant and easier to enjoy! While traveling with a pet can be beneficial, being accompanied by a service dog is even more important and can be life-saving! Service dogs are not just travel companions, they are trained to perform specific tasks directly related to a health condition.
If you are planning to travel with your lovely pet or trained service dog and British Airways is your carrier of choice, you need to familiarize yourself with their policy.
In today’s article we will the airline’s policy on flying with pets, Emotional Support Animals and Service dogs to help prepare for your upcoming flight!
Key Takeaways
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Does British Airways Accept Emotional Support Animals (ESA)?
British Airways does not permit emotional support dogs to travel in the cabin on any flights operated by the airline. However, emotional support dogs can fly as pets.
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Does British Airways Accept Service Dogs?
Yes, British Airways accepts service/assistance dogs in the passenger cabin as long as they meet the airline’s criteria.
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Do Service Dogs Fly for Free?
Yes, service dogs, that fulfill the airline’s requirements fly at no additional cost.
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How to Get a Service Dog?
Service dogs (known as ‘assistance dogs’ in Europe) are individually trained to perform specific tasks for the benefit of a person with a visible or non-visible disability / medical condition.
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How to Qualify for a Service Dog?
To qualify for a service dog, you must have a diagnosed disability, whether physical or mental, that limits life activities.
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How to Get Started?
If you already have a dog, you can get started by taking our simple online training assessment to see if you qualify, and enroll in theService Dog Training Course based on your needs.
Flying With Emotional Support Animals/Pets from the UK
British Airways does not accept emotional support dogs for travel in the cabin on any flights operated by the airline. However, emotional support dogs are allowed to travel as pets.
We also need to clarify that the airline’s pet policy varies depending on whether you are flying with pets/ESAs to or from the UK. You may notice this when navigating their website.
For pets flying from the UK, British Airways uses the services of a company called PetAir UK.
How Does PetAir UK Work?
The affiliated company that arranges pet travel from the UK has explained the process on their website. It includes the following steps:
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Get a Quote
The company advises customers to contact their team to discuss their specific needs and available travel options. For the most accurate cost estimate, it’s recommended that pet owners measure their dogs before reaching out, as travel fees are based on the size and weight of the pet. However, measuring is not required for cats.
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Book the Flight
PetAir UK offers flight booking options, allowing passengers to arrange for their pets to travel on the same flight or at a different time.
- Arrange Documentation
For customers traveling internationally, the company takes care of all necessary paperwork, including export documents, import permits, customs clearance, veterinary tests, and owner declarations.
Pets, including dogs, cats and ferrets must be microchipped. Once they reach at least 3 months of age, they must receive a rabies vaccine. Before administering the vaccine, the vet must verify the microchip and document this on the vaccination card or in the clinical notes.
The Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is provided by the vet within 10 days before travel. It remains valid for leaving the UK for 10 days after issuance but allows re-entry into the UK for up to 4 months.
Dogs returning to the UK from a listed country or the EU need a vet check and tapeworm treatment within 1-5 days before re-entry, while cats can return without additional requirements.
A full list of countries is available on the government's website.
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Custom Crates
The company customizes crates to meet the specific needs of each pet. All crates are treated with species-specific appeasing pheromones and equipped with bedding to keep pets dry and comfortable throughout the journey.
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A Safe Journey
To accommodate various customer needs, the company offers the option to pick up pets directly from their home or meet at the airport for check-in.
You can view the process step by step on the company’s website and contact them either via their contact form on the website or phone: +44 (0)2039 266 622.
What Species Can Fly Through PetAir UK?
PetAir UK specializes in flying cats, dogs, and rabbits. Passengers flying with more exotic species are advised to contact the company directly and they would guide them in the right direction.
Can Pets Share A Carrier?
Yes, pets can travel together if each pet weighs under 14kg, if they are similar in size, and are accustomed to living together. PetAir UK creates a carrier with a mesh divider, allowing the pets to be in the same primary container while keeping them separated.
Can Pets (Dogs and Cats) Travel In The Passenger Cabin?
According to the information on the PetAir UK website, carriers do not allow pets in passenger cabins on flights from the UK. However, it still may depend on the airline.
Where On The Plane Do Pets Fly?
Pets typically fly in a specialized hold area of the plane, which is heated and pressurized to ensure their comfort. The area is softly lit, helping dogs and cats stay calm and settled throughout the flight.
How Are Pets Collected After The Flight?
Pets are usually collected from the airport's cargo area. Passengers receive tracking information and the contacts of the handling agents at the destination airport. The cargo areas are where passengers can get their pets.
Depending on the destination, you may need to clear customs with your pet, which involves visiting the customs office to complete additional paperwork before returning to the cargo area to collect them.
Do You Need a Passport For Your Dog or Cat?
If you travel within the EU, a pet passport is required. For travel from the UK to the EU, an Animal Health Certificate is necessary instead. However, a passport is not needed for travel outside the EU.
To learn the specific requirements for your destination, PetAir UK advises its customers to contact them directly at +44 (0)1725 551124 or send an email.
How Much Does A Pet Passport Cost?
The cost of issuing a pet passport typically ranges from £20 to £50, with a rabies vaccination costing a similar amount. However, prices may vary depending on the vet.
Flying With Pets To The UK
British Airways is working with their sister company, IAG Cargo, to facilitate pet transportation to the UK. Below, we will review some important aspects of the preparation process.
When Should Your Pet Travel?
Pet owners should coordinate the timing of their pets’ travel. If the pet will be shipped as air freight, confirmation with the airline is needed to ensure that their air freight facility will be open for the pet to be claimed by the consignee. It is recommended that passengers ship their pets on weekdays, as all staff members are available, and the communication is more effective.
It is also advisable to contact the airline in advance so that they can confirm the acceptance of your pet on your desired flight. Airlines often have restrictions on the number of animals per flight, so the earlier you make arrangements, the better.
The IAG Cargo recommends avoiding transportation of short-muzzled breeds such as Bulldogs, Boxers, and Pugs, during hot seasons. This is due to issues to maintain a stable body temperature in warm weather.
Destination of Your Pet
This is an essential part of the preparation process as international flights require reviewing and complying with the entry requirements of each country included in the trip.
Passengers are advised to familiarize themselves with local regulations. You can review destination specific requirements on the IAG website.
Since in today’s article we are exploring flying with pets and service dogs on British Airways, let’s take a closer look at the entry requirements in the UK.
Confirm Your Travel Route Is Approved
Ensure your route is approved for pet travel. If you're traveling within the UK or from Ireland, you do not need to use an approved route. However, there are additional approved routes for travelers with guide or assistance dogs.
Microchip Your
Pet
Your
pet must be microchipped before receiving their rabies vaccination.
This is a required step to ensure proper identification during
travel.
Rabies Vaccination
Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. After the primary vaccination (or the last in the primary course), you must wait at least 21 days before traveling with your pet to Great Britain.
Obtain Pet Travel
Documentation
Visit
your vet to get the appropriate pet travel document. The type of
the required document
will depend on the country from which you are traveling.
Tapeworm Treatment for Dogs
If you are traveling with a dog, you may need to have them treated for tapeworms. The treatment must be administered by a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days before your arrival in Great Britain.
Complete
a Declaration
If
you do not intend to sell or transfer the ownership of your pet, you
must complete a declaration confirming this.
Check
Guidance for International Travel
If
you plan to take your pet abroad and return to Great Britain, you
need to ensure
you follow the guidance for traveling with pets to and from other
countries.
Pet’s Size and Weight
Only small dogs and cats are allowed to travel in the cabin. If your pet is larger, they may be transported as special baggage in a heated and ventilated cargo area.
Choosing an Appropriate Pet Container
Selecting the correct container for your pet is essential when traveling by air. Airlines require containers that provide enough space for your pet to stand, sit, and lie naturally, while also allowing them to turn around comfortably.
We strongly advise you to review the guidelines on pet containers on the IAG website to determine the best size for your pet.
You can also review the following file regarding information on the specific container requirements for pets.
Number of Pets That Will Be Traveling
Puppies and kittens that are weaned may travel together in the same container, provided they are from the same litter, no older than 6 months, and weigh no more than 14 kg each. The total number of animals in one container must not exceed 3.
According to the regulations in some countries, cats and dogs may need to be crated individually unless they are traveling with their mother and are older than 8 weeks.
For adult animals, a maximum of two animals, each up to 14 kg and compatible in size, may share a container. Animals over 14 kg must be crated individually.
Pet owners need to keep in mind that animals traveling by air can experience stress and aggression, particularly if they are not familiar with each other. It is generally advised to avoid crating unfamiliar animals together.
Airline Procedures
Each airline has its own guidelines for accepting, handling, and delivering pets. Passengers traveling with pets need to review the airline's procedures in advance.
Animal Shipper
Passengers can choose to work with an animal shipper that will handle all aspects of the pet's travel, including making reservations, collecting the pet, boarding them if necessary, transporting them to the airport, and ensuring they are met at the destination for delivery.
Alternatively, pet owners may decide to manage the process themselves. It’s important to confirm with the airline any specific requirements they may have for shipping pets.
Health Certificate
A health certificate is generally required by most airlines for animals traveling, whether in the cabin or as cargo. This certificate, is issued by a veterinarian, and it confirms that the pet is healthy and fit for travel.
Flight Confirmation
Before booking, it is important to contact the airline to confirm that they can accommodate your pet on the desired flight. Keep in mind that airlines often limit the number of pets per flight, so it’s best to give as much notice as possible.
It is recommended that you reconfirm the details no later than 48 hours before departure to ensure everything is in order.
Check-In Process
Pet owners need to review the airline's requirements regarding pets’ check-in.
Pets allowed in the cabin, should be checked in as close to departure time as possible.
Pets traveling in the cargo area need to be checked in early so that they can be placed in a quiet and slightly lit area where they can relax prior to departure.
Accustomization to New Surroundings
When preparing an animal for travel, it is essential to give them time to adjust to their new surroundings. Ideally, this process should begin weeks or even months before departure.
To ensure a smooth transition, it is recommended that the pet becomes familiar with the crate or kennel that will be used during transportation. Acquiring the crate ahead of time and allowing the pet to acclimate to it is crucial, as traveling outside of the usual environment can be stressful.
Helpful Tips for Preparation
It is advised to reduce the amount of food given the day before travel but ensure the pet has access to water.
Take your dog for a walk before heading to the airport, as well as again before check-in.
Offering a light meal about two hours before placing the animal in the carrier can help them remain calm. Additionally, this is a legal requirement in the US.
Proper Identification
It is recommended that pets are appropriately identified, such as with a microchip. Also, pet owners may consider attaching 2 forms of identification to their pet’s collar: a permanent ID with their name, home address, and phone number, as well as a temporary travel ID with their or their contact person’s information.
Sedation on Pets
The use of sedatives and tranquilizers for pets during transportation has been discouraged by IATA and its member carriers due to the potential risks associated with their use. Veterinary organizations, such as the American Veterinary Medical Association, also support this perspective.
Pet Travel Scheme
For entry into the UK, dogs must comply with the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme, managed by the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This scheme permits cats and dogs to travel between approved countries and UK airports without the need for quarantine.
If you are traveling to a different country, it is important to consult the relevant embassy or consulate for any specific regulations.
Flying with Service/Assistance Dogs on British Airways
Assistance Dogs- Definition
Assistance dogs are trained to support individuals with hidden or visible disabilities or medical conditions. These dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin on British Airways flights.
Requirements For Dogs To Qualify As Assistance Dogs
To qualify for cabin travel, assistance dogs must meet the following criteria:
Training Standards
The dog must be trained to assist with a disability or medical condition by performing specific tasks. Training must be provided by:
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An accredited member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF);
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An organization accredited by the Assistance Dog Assessment Association;
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A trainer who meets or exceeds the standards of these organizations, with documented proof of their training (for example, dogs trained in countries with regulated assistance dog training standards or by authorized government agencies).
Behavioral Training
Dogs must have received behavioral training, ensuring they will behave appropriately in public and on board the aircraft.
Control
The dog must remain under your control at all times during the flight.
Dogs who do not meet these criteria or are classified as emotional support animals, will be accommodated as pets.
Booking Travel With an Assistance Dog
To simplify traveling with an assistance dog, British Airways is collaborating with the non-profit disability advocacy group, Open Doors Organization.
Registration Process
Assistance dog handlers need to register their dogs online through the Open Doors Organization portal using the appropriate form based on their travel route. It is advisable to register your dog as soon as you book your trip.
The approval process varies based on the specific itinerary, so it is essential to use the correct portal to provide accurate details and documentation.
Forms Based On The Travel Route
For trips involving flights arriving in or departing from the US, service dog handlers need to use the following link:
Assistance Dog Form: Travel to/from the US
We advise you to read our article in the blog section How to Fill Up DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form To Fly With Your Service Dog for more detailed information on how to fill out the form correctly.
For all other routes, the following link must be used:
Assistance Dog Form: Travel Worldwide
After submitting the completed form, passengers will receive an Assistance Dog ID. For future travel, the same ID can be used to inform the airline.
When To Book An Assistance Dog?
Service dog handlers are advised to register their assistance dogs immediately after booking their flight through the portal. For adding an assistance dog to an existing booking, the relevant Open Doors Organization form has to be completed at the earliest convenience.
Assistance dogs need to be booked no later than 48 hours before the travel date.
Further Assistance With The Booking Process
Passengers who cannot access the online portal, can reach Open Doors Organization directly through the following channels:
Email: svan@opendoorsnfp.org
Phone (US): +1 800 865 9173 (local rate)
Monday-Friday: 08:00-19:00
Saturday-Sunday: 09:00-17:00
Phone (UK): 0808 273 4930 (toll-free)
Monday-Friday: 14:00-01:00
Saturday-Sunday: 15:00-23:00
Traveling With An Assistance Dog to the US
Effective August 1st, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) implemented new regulations regarding dogs entering the US. These regulations apply to all dogs, including pets and assistance animals. For more detailed information on the new rules for traveling with dogs to the US, please visit the CDC website.
Steps for Compliance
Dog owners need to complete the CDC Dog Import Form online. A receipt via email will be sent, and this must be presented before boarding. This can be shown either in printed form or on a smart device.
High-Risk Rabies Countries
Dogs who have been in a high-risk rabies country within the last six months, are required to receive additional vaccination documentation.
Without a valid vaccination certificate issued in the US or a USDA-approved export health certificate, your dog will only be allowed entry through one of six designated airports with a CDC Animal Care Facility: Atlanta, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., New York, Miami, or Philadelphia. You must schedule an appointment directly with the facility before traveling.
Traveling With An Assistance Dog to the UK
The UK has specific entry regulations that require prior approval.
Steps for Compliance
Service/assistance dog handlers need to contact the UK Animal Reception Centre and obtain pre-approval at least 72 hours before their flight. The pre-approval letter must be presented at the time of boarding the flight to the UK.
If pre-approval is not obtained, passengers and their dogs will not be allowed boarding for travel to the UK.
Meet Pet Travel Scheme Requirements
All dogs entering the UK must comply with the Pet Travel Scheme established by the UK Government.
Upon arrival, an Animal Reception Centre officer will meet service/assistance dog teams to conduct clearance checks. After clearance, a tag reading "Pet Travel Scheme Entry Check Passed" will be attached to the dog’s harness as proof of successful entry.
Once the checks are complete, British Airways staff will escort the dog to a relief area and then accompany the handler through Customs and Immigration.
Airport Contact Information:
London Heathrow +44 (0) 208 745 7894/5
London Heathrow animal reception centre
London Gatwick +44 (0) 1293 555580
London Gatwick animal reception centre
London City +44 (0) 7867358938 / (0) 7867258949
Traveling With Other Airlines
Flights operated by any of the airline’s partners may have different booking procedures. Assistance dog handlers are advised to contact them directly prior to departure.
Preparing to Travel
Many organizations advise service/assistance dog owners traveling with their dogs on flights no longer than 10 hours. However, if a handler confirms their dog can manage a longer flight, they will be allowed to travel.
Dog Safety Guidelines
When traveling with a service/assistance dog, handlers are required to provide appropriate safety gear, such as a car safety harness, to secure their dog during takeoff, landing, and whenever the seat belt sign is on.
Comfort
To ensure the dog’s comfort, handlers should bring along a fleece or vet-bed for them to rest on, along with absorbent pads to be put under the fleece.
Responsibility
In their role as handlers, assistance/service dog owners are fully responsible for their dogs’ care throughout the flight, as cabin crew members are unable to assist with the dog’s needs.
Documentation
All the necessary documentation has to be obtained, including proof of vaccinations, treatments, and tests, for all the countries included in the trip. Handlers need to always carry the original documents.
Entry Requirements
Service/assistance dog handlers need to consult the appropriate embassy or consulate before traveling to confirm the entry regulations and restrictions for bringing a dog into the destination country.
Flight Connections
When transferring to a connecting flight, handlers should allow some extra time for their dogs’ clearance and relief.
A team member will accompany the handler and their dog to the designated area to wait for the departure of the next flight.
You may want to check more details about flight connections on the airline’s website.
Train Your Own Service/Assistance Dog with Service Dog Training School International
Before we discuss our training programs and the training process, it's important to clarify that, based on the current airline’s policy, our service dog certificates can be accepted only on direct flights to and from the US.
If you're looking to train your own pet dog to assist with a specific health condition and would like to benefit from programs like ours, please keep this in mind.
At Service Dog Training School International, we offer a range of flexible training courses designed to meet people’s unique needs. Our lessons are clear, easy to follow, and well-organized, breaking down complex information into manageable steps. This approach helps ensure that training remains engaging and accessible, and allows both the handler and their dog to progress at their own pace.
The training process is self-paced. This means that handlers can adjust the schedule and intensity to suit their lifestyle and goals.
Our team is here to provide support and guidance every step of the way! We provide constructive feedback, and are available to answer any questions or concerns that may arise during the training process.
Although certification and registration are not legally required in many countries, including the US and the UK, having a certificate of training can be particularly beneficial when navigating public spaces or traveling with a service/assistance dog. A certificate serves as proof of training, and verifies that a dog is a legitimate service animal.
Information about the dogs who have completed our program, can be found on our website for verification. This feature ensures that certificates can be easily validated.
FAQ
Does IAG Cargo accept all breeds?
The company points out that short-muzzled dog breeds and breeds considered dangerous may not be allowed boarding. Passengers need to fill out an inquiry form to receive guidance from a travel agent.
Are you allowed to put toys in your pet’s container when traveling on PetAir UK?
Pets are not allowed toys or chews on the plane, as they are considered choking hazard. However, they can have a small piece of bedding or a blanket for comfort. Since Petair UK provides veterinary bedding in all crates, the blanket is for comfort only. A t-shirt or towel from home, with a familiar scent, may also be included, as long as it is not too large.
Do dogs and cats need to go into quarantine?
In most destinations PetAir UK flies dogs and cats to, there is no quarantine upon arrival. Pets can be picked up from the destination airport and taken home on the same day. However, for more common destinations like Australia and New Zealand, quarantine requirements of 10 days are enforced.
