UK Pet Travel: Legal & Regulatory Framework
Before listing airlines, it helps to understand the rules and constraints that apply to pet transport out of the the UK.
DEFRA, APHA & Approved Routes
- All pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) leaving the UK (or entering other countries) must comply with the Pet Travel Scheme or equivalent documentation requirements.
- For entry into the UK, pets must arrive via government-approved routes and airlines.
- UK law prohibits pets travelling as cabin baggage or hold/checked baggage on flights entering the UK (they must travel as cargo/manifest). However, for departures from the UK, cabin or hold carriage is not precluded by UK law – but whether an airline will accept that is a matter of their policy.
- Airlines must be approved to transport live animals via UK government’s approved routes. GOV.UK
Airline Compliance & IATA Guidelines
- Airlines must adhere to IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR). For example, containers must meet certain standards, animals over 14 kg must be crated individually, etc. IATA
- Some airlines or routes may impose seasonal or temperature embargoes (i.e., pets not allowed during extreme weather).
- Some breeds (especially brachycephalic / “flat-faced” breeds) may be restricted or require special handling.
- Reservations for pets typically must be made well in advance (some require 14 days’ notice, or even 6 weeks for certain destinations).
Owner Travel & Commercial vs Non-Commercial Rules
- If pet travel is deemed “commercial” (for example, pet shipped separately from owner, or non-owner travel), stricter documentation may apply (e.g. shorter validity of health certificates).
- Often pet owners are required to travel within 5 days of their pet’s arrival in the destination country to maintain non-commercial status.
- Always check the destination country’s import rules (rabies vaccination, microchipping, import permits, waiting periods, quarantine, etc.)
Which Airlines Accept Pets from UK Airports?
Below is an updated list and overview of airlines (commercial or charter) known to allow pet transport departing from the UK (2025). Always verify with the airline directly prior to booking – policies do change.
Commercial Airlines (with pet transport on scheduled flights)
The UK government publishes a list of commercial airlines approved for pet transport from UK airports. Some of the notable ones include:
| Airline | Notes / restrictions for pets leaving the UK* |
|---|---|
| KLM / Air France | Pets (cats/dogs) allowed in cabin and hold on many routes. For cabin travel: combined pet + carrier ≤ 8 kg; carry bag max size 46×28×24 cm. Note: there has been a UK embargo on incoming pet travel for PETC / AVIH on some KLM flights, but departures from UK are generally permitted. KLM |
| Lufthansa | Allows pets under its animal-transport rules. Lufthansa |
| Air Canada | Operates pet cargo services from Heathrow & Manchester. GOV.UK |
| Air Transat | Pets accepted on flights out of UK (e.g. Manchester, Glasgow) in cabin or hold depending on destination. Travelnuity |
| Aer Lingus | Accepts pets (via “Pets on Jets” service) from certain UK airports (including Manchester) GOV.UK |
| TAP Air Portugal | Previously accepted pets in cabin (≤ 8 kg including carrier) from certain UK airports; though current policy should be confirmed. Travelnuity |
| Iberia / ITA Airways | There are reports of Iberia and ITA accepting small pets in the cabin on flights departing from the UK (e.g. ≤ 8 kg incl. carrier). Travelnuity |
| Other airlines on the UK gov list | Including Air Baltic, Air Europa, Aegean, Aeromexico, etc. GOV.UK |
* “Leaving the UK” is easier (in terms of UK law) than “entering the UK,” but destination / transit rules heavily influence whether the airline permits your pet.
UK Domestic / Regional Airlines
- Loganair: As of 2025, Loganair is one of the few UK airlines allowing pets as checked baggage on many domestic routes. Travelnuity
- For most UK airlines (e.g. British Airways, EasyJet, Jet2), permitting pets on domestic flights is not standard.
Chartered / Specialist Pet / Cargo Operators
For flights or routes not served by commercial airlines, charter or cargo services are often used. The UK government lists charter operators approved for pet movements. GOV.UK Some examples:
- 247 Aviation / Pets on Jets – operates pet charter services from various UK airports. GOV.UK
- Biggin Hill / Farnborough operators – smaller jets that accept pets in carriage. GOV.UK
- West Atlantic UK – primarily a cargo operator based in East Midlands. Wikipedia
Charter / cargo operators are useful for routes not served by mainstream airlines or when timing, handling, or comfort are priorities.
Cabin vs Hold vs Cargo: What’s Possible?
In-Cabin (PETS / Cabin Baggage)
- Very few airlines allow pets to fly in the passenger cabin from UK airports, especially on long-haul or transatlantic routes.
- When allowed, strict weight and size limits typically apply (e.g. ≤ 8 kg including carrier, and the carrier must fit under seat).
- Many airlines explicitly do not allow pets in the cabin on flights either entering or leaving the UK, or only allow assistance dogs in the cabin.
- Example: British Airways does not accept pets as checked baggage and only allows certified assistance dogs in cabin.
- Emotional support animals are generally not accepted.
Hold / Checked Baggage
- Some airlines permit pets in the hold (i.e. shipped with the aircraft’s cargo hold) under the “checked baggage” or “excess baggage” scheme – though this often depends on route, aircraft type, and destination.
- But in the UK → UK flights or flights entering the UK, pets are typically not permitted as hold/checked baggage; they must travel as cargo/manifest.
Cargo / Manifest Animal
- This is the most common scenario for pets on international journeys from the UK. The pet is shipped as manifest cargo (with its own airway bill, handling, veterinary checks, etc.).
- Cargo transport is more flexible, supports larger size animals, and is often the only option when cabin or hold options are unavailable.
- PetAir UK specialises in this – handling the entire cargo pathway with clinical oversight, paperwork, door-to-door transport, route planning, etc.
Airline Policies: Tips & “Gotchas”
- Book early: Many airlines have limited slots for animals per flight (sometimes just 1–2).
- Check aircraft types / transit rules: Some aircraft or hubs may not permit animals in the hold or cabin (e.g. KLM’s Boeing 787-9/10 or long transits)
- Route embargoes: Seasonal restrictions or extreme temperature embargoes may impact some routes.
- Transit / transfer times: Some airlines limit or disallow pets if your transfer exceeds a certain duration.
- Cost variability: Fees vary widely – pet fees per flight could range from tens to hundreds of pounds, depending on weight, distance, and airline.
- Documentation: Health certificate (often within 10 days of departure), vaccination proof, microchip, import permits, customs clearance.
- Breed restrictions: Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds often face additional scrutiny or bans on some routes.
- Animal welfare: Always ensure kennel sizing, adequate ventilation, water, feeding rules, acclimatisation, etc.
- Foreign country rules: Even if the UK side allows the pet, your destination may impose stricter rules or even deny entry.
How PetAir UK Facilitates the Process
Here’s how PetAir UK works to ensure the smoothest pet relocation from the UK:
- Route planning & airline selection
We only work with airlines and charter operators that are vetted, approved, and suitable for the pet’s needs (temperature control, minimal transit, etc.). - Full documentation & compliance
We manage all the vet checks, health certificates, import/export permits, customs clearance, and route approvals to prevent surprises. - Door-to-airport / airport-to-destination logistics
From your doorstep to pre-flight kennels to the aircraft and onward – we coordinate every ground transfer with DEFRA-approved transport. - Clinically supervised journeys
As a vet-led organisation, we monitor each pet’s welfare in transit (e.g. hydration, temperature, stress). - Tailored handling for special cases
Large breeds, multiple pets, exotic animals, or pets requiring sedation or special care – we have protocols and experience. - Transparent pricing, no hidden costs
Our quotes include all standard costs; we strive to avoid surprise surcharges. PetAirUK
Because of these services, many airlines (such as British Airways) partner with PetAir UK for their approved pet export services.
Sample Scenarios & What You Should Do
| Scenario | Likely transport mode | What to check / ask | Role for PetAir UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| You’re flying from London to Amsterdam with a small cat | Possibly cabin (if airline allows) or hold | Ask airline about in-cabin pet policy, weight & carrier limits | PetAir don’t facilitate this option for any of our cat or dog travellers |
| Moving from UK to Canada, large dog | Almost certainly cargo / manifest | Airline cargo policy, transfer hubs, customs | We handle full cargo shipment, vet checks, import clearance |
| Flying UK → Spain with small dog | Possibly cabin | Check Iberia, TAP, etc. for cabin pet policy | We can compare options and select best route |
| Domestic UK flight (e.g. Scotland → England) | Checked baggage or hold (rare) | Check Loganair’s allowances | PetAir can advise on whether direct route or charter is better |
Frequently Asked Questions (UK Pet Owners)
Q: Can I fly my pet in the cabin on a UK → US flight?
A: Very unlikely. Most transatlantic routes don’t permit cabin pets on flights departing from the UK; the pet must travel as manifest cargo. Travelnuity
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: As early as possible – many airlines require pet reservations 14 days ahead (or up to 6 weeks for U.S. routes). PetAirUK
Q: What about emotional support animals or assistance dogs?
A: Assistance dogs (trained by recognized organisations) may be permitted in cabin on some airlines, but this is strictly controlled. British Airways
Emotional support animals are generally not accepted in the cabin. British Airways
Q: Are there weight or size limits?
A: Yes. For cabin travel, the combined weight (pet + carrier) is often limited to ~8 kg, and the carrier must fit under the airline’s seat size constraints.
Q: Do I need to worry about breed restrictions?
A: Yes. Some airlines restrict or prohibit transporting brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds due to health risks under pressure/heat stress.
Let’s Make Your Pet’s Flight Stress-Free
Flying pets out of the UK is possible, but policies vary widely across airlines and destinations. Make sure you fully understand the guidelines and if you still have any questions, please get in touch. We’re here to make your pet’s journey as stress-free and simple as possible!
