Can dogs go on a plane in the UK?

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  • 9 months ago
  • Dog Air Travel, Dog Tips

Are you planning to bring your dog along on your holidays? Don’t want them to go into the cargo hold? Continue reading and we will show you how!

Whether you’re travelling with a dog, cat, or other beloved pet, navigating the rules and regulations can be a daunting task, especially in the post-Brexit era. Don’t fret! We’re here to provide you with all the essential information you need to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience for both you and your pet. In this guide, we will show you how you can take your beloved pet on holiday with you!

Airline Policies for Pet Travel to and from the UK

When it comes to flying with pets to the UK, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the policies of various airlines. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Most airlines do not allow pets to travel in the cabin when flying to the UK, with the exception of service animals. This doesn’t mean it’s not possible – keep reading!
  • Pets are typically transported as manifest cargo on cargo planes, with specific guidelines and procedures to ensure their safety and comfort.
  • Some airlines offer dedicated pet cargo services, while others may require you to use pet relocation companies for your pet’s travel arrangements.
  • You MUST familiarise yourself with UK Government rules and the rules of your destination country.

How to Take Your Dog on Holiday to the EU: A Step-by-Step Guide

Dog in sunglasses at airport, travel-themed.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each stage of the process, from obtaining necessary immigration and veterinary clearance to booking flights and navigating the return journey to the UK. So, grab your dog’s leash, pack their favourite toys, and get ready for an exciting journey ahead!

  1. Obtain Necessary Immigration and Veterinary Clearance

    Before embarking on your trip, ensure your dog meets all immigration and veterinary requirements for travel to the EU. This typically includes having a microchip, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and an EU pet passport or health certificate issued by an official veterinarian.

  2. Find a Dog-Friendly Airline

    Choose an airline that allows pets to travel in the cabin with you. Not all airlines permit this, so it’s essential to research and select a dog-friendly carrier. Some airlines known for accommodating pets in the cabin include: KLM, Lufthansa and Air France. Please make sure you read our guidance below for rules of carriage!

  3. Book Your Flights

    Once you’ve identified a suitable airline, book your flights well in advance. This allows you to secure the necessary arrangements for your pet and ensures availability on your preferred travel dates.

  4. Enjoy Your Holiday

    With all the arrangements in place, it’s time to embark on your holiday adventure with your furry companion. Whether you’re exploring historic cities, relaxing on sun-drenched beaches, or hiking through picturesque landscapes, cherish the moments spent together with your beloved pet.

  5. Returning to the UK

    Returning to the UK with your pet involves additional considerations, as pets are not permitted to travel back in the passenger cabin. However, there’s a convenient workaround to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your pet.

  6. Book Your Return Flight to a Channel Tunnel-Friendly Airport

    Instead of flying directly to the UK, consider booking your return flight to an airport close to the Channel Tunnel, such as Amsterdam or Paris. Upon landing, you can rent a car and safely drive with your pet through the tunnel using the Eurotunnel Shuttle. This allows you to bypass the restrictions on pets traveling in the cabin and ensures a comfortable and stress-free journey back to the UK.

Map showing travel routes from Manchester to Majorca.

Embarking on a journey from Manchester to Majorca with your furry friend involves a multi-step process. Initially, you’ll catch a flight from Manchester to Majorca, with a layover in Amsterdam – this is the easy part!

Upon your return, the journey takes a slightly different route, with a flight back to Amsterdam only. Upon landing in Amsterdam, you’ll need to rent a car from the airport and drive with your pet to the UK via the Channel Tunnel, which typically takes around 4 hours. Once you arrive in the UK, you can return your hire car and proceed to take your dog on the train with you to your final destination, such as from London Euston to Manchester.

A big number of popular car rental companies allow for different drop-off locations when renting a vehicle, our friends at Kayak can help you with these!

Pet Travel with LeShuttle

Since 2000, LeShuttle has proudly transported over 4 million joyful pets, recognising them as cherished members of the family. Understanding the deep bond shared between pet owners and their furry friends, LeShuttle has witnessed countless canine companions travelling onboard. Opting for LeShuttle when journeying to France with a dog ensures passengers can all remain together during the brief 35-minute trip from Folkestone to Calais, facilitating stress-free travel for both passengers and their beloved pets, whether they’re dogs, cats, rabbits, or any other common pet type.

Convenient facilities are available for pet check-in round the clock at both Folkestone and Calais.

Pets can accompany passengers for just £22 each way (applicable to dogs, cats, and ferrets), with DEFRA Pet Travel Documentation being mandatory. Registered Guide and Assistance Dogs travel free*.

LeShuttle also extends a warm welcome to pet rabbits (as well as rodents, birds, invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles), provided their vet has filled out a Veterinary Certificate. Please make sure you read and understand all of the requirements of LeShuttle before travelling.

Dog Friendly Airlines – UK

There are only three airlines allowing your dog or cat to travel in the cabin with you. We will explore each one and provide you with their restrictions.

KLM – Royal Dutch Airlines

KLM airplane wing against clear blue sky

KLM allow the transportation of cats and dogs in either the cabin or hold, with specific regulations governing each option. Understanding these regulations is essential for pet owners planning to fly with KLM, as they dictate the booking process, pet requirements, and travel restrictions. Below, we summarise KLM’s terms and conditions for bringing pets in the cabin, covering reservation procedures, size and weight limitations, and class-specific policies.

  • KLM transports cats and dogs only in the cabin or hold to ensure the health, safety, and comfort of all passengers.
  • The number of pets allowed depends on aircraft type, destination, and operating airline.
  • Reservations for pets should be made as soon as possible after booking the flight, no later than 48 hours before departure.
  • Pets must be at least 15 weeks old and travel on the same flight as the owner.
  • In Economy Class or European Business Class, one cat or dog is allowed in a closed pet travel bag or kennel measuring a maximum of 46 x 28 x 24 cm. The combined weight of the pet and container should not exceed 8 kg.
  • Pets cannot travel in the cabin in Premium Comfort Class or Business Class on intercontinental routes.
  • Reservations for pets in the cabin can be made through “My Trip” after booking the flight.

For more detailed information, please click here.

Lufthansa

Airplane wing at sunset, purple sky.

Lufthansa is a German flag carrier and has regular flights from Aberdeen, Belfast City, Birmingham, Bristol, Cornwall, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Jersey, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, London and Southampton. Known for its exceptional service and adherence to international aviation standards, Lufthansa ensures that pets, including dogs, are accommodated in accordance with established regulations and policies.

  • Only smaller dogs and cats, weighing no more than 8 kg including their carrying container, are permitted in the passenger cabin.
  • Larger dogs and cats, as well as all other animal species regardless of size, are not allowed in the cabin.
  • Registration must be completed no later than 72 hours before departure.
  • Alternatively, passengers can contact the Service Center up to 24 hours before departure for registration.
  • Lufthansa reserves the right to impose stricter regulations and refuse bookings on certain routes, such as those to the UK and Ireland, where the animal’s travel is prohibited.

For more detailed information, please click here.

Air France

Air France airplane landing against clear sky

Air France is the Flag carrier of France and a founding member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance. Known for its extensive network and quality service, Air France offers flights to destinations worldwide.

  • Permitted animals: Dogs or cats weighing up to 8 kg (17.64 lb), including the carrier, are allowed with prior authorization from customer service. Pets must be at least 15 weeks old and have up-to-date vaccines.
  • Minimum age requirement: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old for flights within Metropolitan France and between Metropolitan France and Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion Island.
  • Long-haul flights in the Business cabin: Air France does not accept pets in the Business cabin for long-haul flights. Pets must travel in the hold for safety reasons, excluding snub-nosed animals.
  • Traveling with snub-nosed animals in the cabin: Snub-nosed animals such as Pug, Bulldog, Boxer, Pekingese, or Shih Tzu dogs, and Persian cats may experience breathing difficulties. Consult your veterinarian before planning air travel for such pets.

For more detailed information, please click here.

Keeping your dog comfortable when travelling by plane

Ensuring your dog’s comfort during air travel is essential for their well-being. Before the journey, make sure your pet has had a good walk and a chance to relieve themselves. Introduce them gradually to their travel crate or carrier, allowing them to spend time inside with treats and toys.

During the flight, place familiar items like their favourite blanket or toy in the carrier to provide reassurance. You may consider using calming aids such as pheromone sprays or natural remedies recommended by your vet. Avoid sedating your dog unless advised by a vet, as it can be risky during air travel.

After landing, allow your dog to stretch their legs and have a toilet break in designated pet relief areas, if available. Some airports offer pet toilets or grassy areas for dogs, so it’s worth checking the facilities in advance. Also, ensure your dog stays hydrated by offering water regularly to prevent dehydration.

Upon arrival at your destination, provide your dog with familiar routines and surroundings to help them settle in. Give them time to rest and recover from the journey before engaging in any strenuous activities. If introducing your dog to a new environment, do so gradually and monitor their behaviour for signs of stress or discomfort.

By taking these steps to ensure your dog’s comfort before, during, and after air travel, you can make the journey a positive experience for both you and your furry companion.

Dog wearing sunglasses on a boat under blue sky.

Hey there! Just a heads up, the info we’re sharing in this blog post is meant to give you a general idea of what to expect when travelling with your pet. Things like regulations and policies can vary and change, so it’s super important to double-check with the relevant authorities, airlines, and other service providers before you start planning your trip with your furry friend. Keep in mind that every pet is different, and there might be specific rules depending on stuff like your pet’s size, breed, where you’re going, and how you’re getting there.

We suggest chatting with your vet and doing some solid research to make sure you’ve got all your bases covered for a safe and smooth journey. Oh, and just to be clear, we’re not liable for any hiccups or headaches you might encounter while travelling with your pet based on the info we’ve shared here. Ultimately, it’s up to you to make the final call on your travel plans.

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