Pets

PREPARING YOUR PET FOR TRAVEL

The worldwide standard for animal air travel is IATA’s Live Animal Regulation. You can read more about this here. You may also find some useful information from IATA on the Traveler’s Pet Corner page about preparing your pet for travel.

We work with specialist pet travel agents around the world to ensure the highest level of care for your pet. Just like a travel agent, they will help you make a booking and prepare your pet for travel.

FLYING YOUR PET FROM THE UK?

We have partnered with Pet Air UK to take care of all pets that are departing from the UK. The expert team at Pet Air UK can assist with quotations and export bookings.

Flying your pet from a different country (not the UK)?

For all other pets flying from countries outside the UK, simply fill out the form below and we will share your details and put you in touch with our trusted pet travel partners.

FOR PETS TRAVELLING TO THE UK

If you’re bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to the UK, you must comply with the Pet Travel Scheme. Please be aware that we will ask you to sign a Form of Indemnity to cover British Airways against any costs arising from your pet not passing the Pets checks on arrival and having to go into quarantine. We suggest you read the latest information from the UK Government, on the Pet Travel Scheme Rules, here.

USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PETS TRAVEL CONTAINER

Read the full guidelines for dog containers here.

• Minimum requirement for cats departing from the USA and Canada only, is a 200 kennel (200 series kennel = L27" x W20" x H19", L68cm x W50cm x H48cm).

• For all other countries, series 100 kennels are acceptable.

• Minimum requirement for snub-nosed dogs and cats is a 10% larger container than the minimum.

• The container must be strong enough to protect your pet during transport, be secure enough to contain it and have sufficient ventilation on all four sides, to ensure the air quality in the container will not deteriorate.

• The door must be secured in such a manner that it will not open accidentally or your pet cannot open it during handling and transport.

• Your pet's nose and paws should not be able to fit through any ventilation opening or door mesh.

• The container must have a water pot accessible from the outside.

• The water pot must be secured and in proportion to the size of the pet but not take up too much of the floor space.

• Fibreboard, wire mesh and wicker containers are not suitable for air transportation.

• These dimensions are the minimum internal dimensions, please allow extra room if you are placing a blanket or bedding into the kennel. Pets must be able to stand and sit erect without touching the top of the kennel and turn around comfortably.

FAQS

Q: How do I prepare my pet for travel?

A: Prior to your journey you should give your pet only a light meal and the opportunity to urinate and defecate before it’s placed in its container.

Q: Where on the aircraft does my pet travel?

A: During the flight your pet will be stored in the aircraft's hold, where it will be safe and secure in a temperature-controlled environment. The hold is unlit as our experience shows that pets quickly settle down and travel better in the dark.

Q: How can I be certain that my pet will be allowed back into the UK?

A: Provided that your pet complies with the pre-entry requirements, there should be no difficulties when it comes to re-entry. However, it is also advisable to have your vet check that the microchip is readable, as sometimes these migrate around the body.

Q: How will you manage Guide Dogs for the blind and Assistance Dogs for the deaf and disabled?

A: For information on travelling with guide dogs or assistance dogs check the airline policy: British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, LEVEL.

Q: Are all breeds accepted?

A: Some dangerous dog breeds and snub nosed breeds of cats and dogs may not be accepted, please fill in the enquiry form above and your pet travel agent will advise.