Flying with pets is one of the most common concerns for dog and cat owners planning an international move. A big question we get asked is, where pets go why flying in a plane. In short, pets might travel in the aircraft cabin, the temperature controlled hold, or as manifested cargo, all separate from where your luggage goes. Where your pet goes depends on airline policies, destination regulations, and your pet’s size and health. Understanding these options helps you make the safest and least stressful choice for your pet.
Below, we explain exactly where pets go on a plane, how airlines make these decisions, and what it means for your pet’s welfare.
Know what you want to find out? Skip to the section you want, using thelinks below:
- Do Pets Travel in the Cargo Hold?
- Is It Safe for Dogs and Cats to Fly in the Hold
- Can Dogs and Cats Travel in the Cabin on a Plane
- When Your Pet Can Fly in the Cabin With You
- What Is Cargo Only Pet Travel?
- How Airlines Decide Where Your Pet Travels
- Veterinary Tips for Flying Pets Safely
- Why Choose a Vet Led Pet Travel Company?
Do Pets Travel in the Cargo Hold?
Yes. The vast majority of dogs and cats flying internationally from the UK travel in a dedicated live animal section of the aircraft hold.
This area is very different from standard luggage storage. Live animal holds are:
- Fully pressurized
- Temperature controlled
- Ventilated
- Designed to mirror conditions in the passenger cabin
Airlines follow the International Air Transport Association Live Animals Regulations, which set strict welfare standards covering temperature limits, airflow, noise exposure, crate positioning, and handling procedures on the ground.
When flights are planned correctly and welfare protocols are followed, this method of travel is widely accepted by veterinary authorities.
Is It Safe for Dogs and Cats to Fly in the Hold?
This is one of the most common worries we hear from pet owners. When pets are healthy, properly prepared, and flown with approved airlines, air travel in the hold is considered safe. In fact, it is often seen as safer than road travel – learn more about road v.s. air travel for pets here.
UK veterinary bodies, including the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and Defra, support air travel for animals when it is carried out in line with welfare legislation and airline regulations.
Key safety measures include:
- Pre travel veterinary health assessments
- Airline approved, bespoke pet travel crates
- Avoiding sedation unless medically indicated
- Careful airline and route selection
- Avoiding extreme weather periods
At PetAir UK, our veterinary team assesses each pet individually to ensure they are fit to fly and that the chosen travel method is appropriate for their health, breed, and destination.
Can Dogs and Cats Travel in the Cabin on a Plane?
For UK departures, pets travelling in the passenger cabin is rare. Most UK airlines do not allow dogs or cats in the cabin, regardless of size, with the exception of registered assistance dogs. If you want your pet to travel in-cabin with you – check out our Superior package.
While some international airlines permit small pets in the cabin on short haul European or domestic US routes, this option is rarely available for long haul or international flights departing from the UK.
Important points for pet owners to know:
- UK airlines generally require pets to travel in the hold or as cargo.
- Emotional support animals are no longer recognised by most airlines, they will have to fly in cargo too.
- Assistance dogs must meet strict training and documentation requirements to be able to fly with you in the passenger cabin.
- Cabin travel is not usually an option for international pet relocation, however for select routes, PetAir can provide in-cabin pet flights with the Superior plan (you can learn more about this in the following section).
This means that for most owners relocating abroad, the aircraft hold is the standard and approved travel method.
When Your Pet Can Fly in the Cabin With You
Most commercial airlines departing from the UK do not allow dogs and cats to travel in the passenger cabin. This is due to airline policies, aircraft configuration, and international regulations. However, there are situations where in-cabin pet travel is possible.
PetAir’s Superior Package, delivered by K9 Jets, allows dogs and cats to fly in the cabin with their owners on private or semi private charter flights. Some reasons why in-cabin travel is perfect for your pet:
- It removes many of the restrictions applied by commercial airlines, such as size or weight limits, and breed restrictions.
- Pets remain safely by their owner’s side throughout the journey. They do not travel in the cargo hold.
- An ideal options for anxious pets, brachycephalic breeds, older animals, or families relocating with multiple pets.
As with all PetAir services, the Superior Package is fully managed by our veterinary led team. We oversee health checks, documentation, and destination import requirements, while prioritising animal welfare at every stage of the journey.
What Is Cargo Only Pet Travel?
Some destinations legally require pets to travel as manifested cargo rather than excess baggage. This includes countries such as Australia and New Zealand, where biosecurity rules are among the strictest in the world.
Cargo travel uses the same aircraft but offers:
- Dedicated animal handling teams
- Priority loading and unloading
- Enhanced tracking and monitoring
- Additional regulatory oversight
For long haul journeys or complex international relocations, cargo travel is often the safest and most controlled option for dogs and cats.
How Airlines Decide Where Your Pet Travels
Airlines assess several factors before approving pet travel and determining whether your dog or cat will fly in the hold or as cargo.
These factors include:
- Your pet’s size and combined weight with the travel crate
- Breed, particularly brachycephalic or flat faced breeds
- Age and underlying health conditions
- Flight duration and stopovers
- Destination import regulations and quarantine rules
- Seasonal temperatures at departure and arrival
This is why pet air travel should never be a one size fits all process. Veterinary oversight and expert flight planning are essential to reduce risk and ensure compliance.
Book a quote today and get expert advice on travel requirements and itinerary, specifically for your pet.
Veterinary Tips for Flying Pets Safely
To support your pet’s physical and emotional wellbeing during air travel, our vets recommend the following:
- Introduce the travel crate well in advance so it feels familiar – we provide 24/7 vet access, where you can speak to a pet behaviourist prior to the flight, gaining useful crate training advice.
- Maintain normal feeding routines before travel, but avoid heavy meals immediately before departure.
- Ensure vaccinations and parasite prevention are fully up to date – at PetAir, we will advice you on all documentation needed prior to the flight.
- Choose flight times that avoid extreme heat or cold – PetAir will plan your journey best suitable for your pet.
- Never sedate your pet unless specifically advised by a vet
Good preparation plays a major role in how calmly pets cope with flying.
Why Choose a Vet Led Pet Travel Company?
PetAir UK is owned and run by veterinary professionals, which means we understand both airline regulations and animal welfare at a clinical level. We manage documentation, flight logistics, crate compliance, and veterinary checks to ensure every journey prioritises your pet’s safety and comfort.
With experience relocating over 33,000 pets to over 300 destinations worldwide, our team is trusted by families across the UK to deliver safe, compliant and compassionate pet travel solutions.
Reasons to choose PetAir UK include:
- Custom-made pet travel crates
- 100% paperwork compliance
- DEFRA-approved, air-conditioned transport
- Expert support for complex cases
- CareTag for each pet to track their journey and prove a digital cloud-based wallet
- 24/7 online vet access
Speak to Our Vet-led Team
If you are planning to relocate with your dog or cat and want expert, honest advice, our veterinary led team is here to help.
Give us a call or request a personalised travel quote today.
Your pet’s journey matters just as much as yours.
