PetAir UK FAQs
Common Questions About Travelling With Pets
Planning pet travel can feel overwhelming, especially with changing rules, paperwork, and airline requirements.
Our FAQs cover the most common questions we’re asked, from preparing documentation to understanding timeframes and what to expect on the day of travel. If you can’t find the answer you need, our team is always happy to help: +44 (0)1725 551 124 +44 (0)2039 266 622
Export FAQs
Flights, airports and logistics
Do you book my flight as well?
No – we arrange your pet’s travel; you’ll need to book your own passenger ticket separately.
Does my pet get a luggage allowance?
No – pets travelling as manifest cargo do not have a baggage allowance, and we cannot send personal luggage with them.
How much luggage does my pet have?
We cannot send personal luggage with your pet. We can attach a comfort item if permitted (for example, a
worn t-shirt that smells like home) to help your pet settle.
Does my pet travel with the luggage?
No – your pet travels separately from your luggage in a temperature-controlled hold, with conditions similar
to the passenger cabin. Lighting is often dimmed to help keep them calm.
What happens if the flight is delayed or cancelled?
If a flight is delayed or cancelled, your pet will be moved to the next available flight, subject to airline
availability.
Can I fly on the same day with a different airline?
Not usually. If you are travelling on a different airline, you’ll need a consignee (a friend, relative or other
trusted person) who can receive your pet at the destination.
Why can’t I pick which flight you use?
Because not all aircraft are approved or equipped to carry pets as manifest cargo, flight choice can be limited
by route, aircraft type and airline policies.
Can you collect my pet on the day of the flight?
Not usually, as your pet would be in their pet cabin for a long time before departure. In some circumstances
we can collect on the day if you are staying in a pet-friendly hotel close to the airport – please ask the team.
What time do I need to be at the airport?
Usually around 4 hours before departure.
Where do we meet the driver?
We have several possible meeting points. Our booking team will confirm the exact location and time.
How long is the whole process from start to finish?
This depends on where you are travelling to and the entry requirements for that country. We’ll advise based
on your destination and timeline.
What is the lead time for my pet to travel?
Lead times vary by destination. We’ll confirm what’s realistic for your route and any import requirements.
Can I be on the same flight as my pet?
Yes – in many cases we can align you to the same flight. Availability depends on route and airline, so please
check with our team.
Can you collect my pet on the same day of the flight?
Yes – in most locations. Some routes and airports have restrictions (for example Atlanta, Brazil and Toronto).
We’ll confirm collection options for your destination.
Pet cabin (travel crate) and equipment
Can my pet have food in the crate?
No – we don’t recommend food in the pet cabin during transit due to choking risk. If your pet needs a special
feeding plan, please speak to our team.
Will they be let out of their crate before getting on the plane?
No – once your pet is in their pet cabin and checked in, they won’t be let out again until they are collected at
the other end (by the consignee or agent).
Can I use my own crate?
We’ll need photos of the pet cabin, the external measurements, and your pet’s accurate measurements.
Airlines use these to calculate the freight charge.
Do I need to send my cat in their crate?
No – our driver will bring the pet cabin on collection. It’s built specifically for your pet and is yours to keep.
Can I put an air tag / tracker on the crate?
No – lithium batteries are not permitted in the aircraft hold with pets or pet cabins, so trackers such as
AirTags cannot travel with your pet.
Can I get the crate in advance?
Yes – we can deliver the pet cabin in advance for an additional charge.
Why do you make wooden crates?
We build wooden pet cabins because they are durable, sustainable, custom-fitted to your pet, and often the
most space-efficient option for aircraft holds.
Your pet’s comfort and welfare in transit
Can my pet be sedated?
No – airlines will not accept any pet that appears sedated, as pets are not routinely monitored in-flight.
Please discuss safe, vet-approved options with your vet and our team.
Can I visit my pet during a stopover (indirect flights only)?
No – pets can’t be visited during stopovers on indirect flights.
Can I give my pet calming medication/a sedative for the flight?
Herbal calmers – yes, in many cases. Sedation – no. Please check with your vet first, and let us know what you plan to use.
Is my pet checked during their flight?
No – pets travel in a climate-controlled hold. Airline cargo teams monitor conditions during transport of live
animals.
Can I give my dog Gabapentin / Trazodone etc?
Generally no. If your vet has prescribed gabapentin, trazodone or similar medication, it must be declared and
agreed at least two weeks before departure.
What are the conditions like onboard and how is my pet handled / is there anyone that checks on them during the flight?
Conditions are good – the hold is temperature controlled.
Paperwork, vet checks and entry requirements
Can My pet travel with a copy of a document?
No – All documents must be the originals flown with the pet.
For Australia – I have already done the rabies blood test please can you remove this cost?
Rabies blood work isn’t included. Premium services cover the follow-up checks and support from the blood
test stage through to the flight date
Australia – ID checks/ RNATT etc..the process?
For Australia, RNATT and ID checks must be issued around 180 days before dispatch, and you then submit
your PEQ request.
Quotes, pricing and payments
When do I need to make final payment?
Final payment is due one week before the flight date.
When is full payment due?
Full payment is due within 7–10 days of the flight
Is the price the total for all pets or each of them?
The cost shown is the total for all pets included on the quote.
Does the quote include my flight ticket?
No – we arrange your pet’s travel; you’ll need to book your own passenger ticket separately.
Agents, brokers and who does what
What is the difference between a broker and an agent for the USA?
A broker typically provides remote customs clearance only. An agent can provide customs clearance and on-
the-ground support, such as collection at the cargo station and delivery (where available).
Difference between broker and agent?
A broker typically provides remote customs clearance only. An agent can provide customs clearance and on-
the-ground support, such as collection at the cargo station and delivery (where available).
General
Can I travel with my pet?
Yes – you can arrange to be on the same flight as your pet, however to guarantee this you will need to wait
for the booking team to confirm the flight your pet is on, before you book the same one to match.
Does my pet have to board with you?
No – you would just need to bring your pet to us for the DEFRA / AHC / FTF completion on date specified and
then take home and meet us at airport on day of flight.
Where does the pet travel on the plane?
Pets travel in the aircraft hold as live cargo (manifest cargo) on the flight.
Import FAQs
Flights, airports and logistics
Can you book my flight?
No – we don’t book passenger tickets. Please contact an agent in the country of origin, or contact IAG to
book flights yourself.
Can I travel on the same flight as my pet?
In many cases, yes – but it depends on your route and airline. If you’re booking yourself via IAG, book your
pet’s flight first and then book your own ticket to match where possible.
Pet cabin (travel crate) and equipment
Can they travel in the cabin?
No – pets must travel as manifest cargo, unless they are flying on a private jet.
What crate do I need?
We’re unable to advise on the exact pet cabin you need. Please speak to your airline for their current
requirements and check IATA guidelines
Paperwork, vet checks and entry requirements
How do I attach the paperwork to the crate?
Please contact your airline to follow their individual procedures on paperwork preparation.