uk pet travel policy

Travelling with pets

We know your pets are part of your family, which is why we treat every animal who flies with us like a VIP.

British Airways flights

Emotional support dogs

British Airways is unable to accept emotional support dogs for travel in the cabin on any British Airways operated flights. Your emotional support dog can travel as a pet and details on how to arrange this can be found below.

Service dogs

If you’re travelling with a recognised service dog, it can travel with you free of charge in the cabin of your British Airways flight. This service cannot be booked online and we might need to limit the number of dogs we can carry in the cabin.

From the UK

We’ve partnered with PetAir UK, which is run and owned by fully-qualified veterinary surgeons and has been flying pets all over the world since 2004, to offer British Airways customers a safe, comfortable and convenient way to export their pets from the UK.

If you are looking to transport your pet to the UK, our sister company IAG Cargo can help. They have decades of experience transporting animals from every corner of the globe and will look after your pet as if it were their own.

Pet Travel Scheme

If you're entering the UK, your dog must meet the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme offered by the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). It allows cats and dogs to travel between some countries and UK airports avoiding quarantine.

If you're travelling to a different country, please check with the relevant embassy or consulate for any regulations or restrictions.

SUN-AIR flights

SUN-AIR is our franchise partner operating flights within Europe under the British Airways brand. As on British Airways operated flights, recognised service dogs are allowed in the cabin, as well as other pets up to 6kg.

• Other pets must be transported in a waterproof bag or cage, with maximum dimensions of 20 x 30 x 20cm (7.5 x 11.5 x 7.5in).
• It is the owners’ responsibility to ensure that all documentation and animal passports are in order before departure.
• SUN-AIR permits one pet on board each aircraft at one time.

Please contact the SUN-AIR ticket office on +45 75 33 16 11 no later than 72 hours before departure if you wish to bring your pet on a SUN-AIR operated flight. Please note that pets are not permitted on SUN-AIR flights to the United Kingdom.

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Pet Travel Scheme

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows:

• Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)
• Cats (Felis silvestris catus)
• Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)

to enter or re-enter the UK without serving statutory quarantine providing they comply with PETS. More information on PETS is on the Bring your dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain GOV.UK page.

Criteria for a 'non-commercial' movement

• The owner, or designated person, must travel within five days of the pets.
• No more than five pets in the consignment
• A non-commercial entry document is issued with a signed declaration.

Your pet must be booked as manifest cargo on an approved airline. You may need to apply for Transfer of Residency relief (ToR1). Information is at Entering and staying in the UK on the GOV.UK page. 

Travel from a listed country (Part 1 and 2)

A list of these countries is on the listed and unlisted countries GOV.UK page. The required order of preparation is:

Go to the microchip GOV.UK page. Their microchip:

• Should be ISO 11784/5 compliant (15 numerical digits)
• Must have been implanted and scanned prior to their rabies vaccination

We have microchip scanners that are able to read AVID (9 digits), FECAVA (10 digits, alphanumeric) and Trovan standard microchips too.

Rabies vaccination

Go to the rabies vaccinations and boosters GOV.UK page. Ensure the rabies vaccine is administered:

• After their microchip was implanted and read. The vaccinating vet must scan their microchip prior to vaccination.
• In accordance with the manufacturer's and countries data sheet
• When your pet was at least 12 weeks old
• At least 21 days prior to arrival (day of vaccine = day 0)

DOGS only: Tapeworm treatment

Go to the tapeworm treatment for dogs GOV.UK page. Ensure the treatment:

• Is administered by your vet
• Contains the active ingredient praziquantel
• Is administered no less than 24 hours arrival before arrival
• Is administered no more than 120 hours (five days) before arrival
• Is recorded in full on their entry document

Tapeworm treatment is not required for dogs arriving from Ireland, Finland, Malta and Norway

Get an entry document issued

The entry document required depends on the country your pet is travelling from:

Part 1 listed countries

• EU Pet Passport.  These can only be issued by vets in a Part 1 listed country. Third country vets (Eg. USA, Canada) are not authorised to enter information in sections labelled "Authorised veterinarian" – doing so may make it invalid for entry. Tapeworm treatments may be documented by third country vets. Go to the listed and unlisted countries GOV.UK page.
• Animal Health Certificate. This is completed by a official vet in Great Britain for return travel to the EU. From the date of issue you have 10 days to enter the EU or Northern Ireland. You may return to Great Britain within 4 months of the date of issue.

Part 2 listed and unlisted countries

• GB Health Certificate. This is completed by your authorised/official vet, and then endorsed by the competent authority in the country of origin. You must include supporting documentation with this certificate. Your pet must enter Great Britain no later than 10 days from the date of endorsement by the competent authority. Go to the listed and unlisted countries GOV.UK page.

EU Pet Passports and Animal Health Certificates cannot be used as an entry document from part 2 and unlisted countries.

Cats from Australia

Cats from Australia must be accompanied with a certificate from the Australian veterinary authorities confirming that they have not been on a holding where Hendra virus has been confirmed during the  60 days before export.

Pets from Malaysia (Peninsula)

Health certification must be provided by the Malaysian veterinary authorities which confirms they:

• Had no contact with pigs during at least the 60 days before export.
• Had not been resident on holdings where during the past 60 days any case of Nipah disease has been confirmed.
• Had a NIPAH test with a negative result. This must be carried out in a laboratory approved for testing for antibody against the Nipah disease viruses by the competent veterinary authorities on a sample of blood taken within ten days of export.

Pets imported for commercial purposes and those which cannot be accompanied as above must travel under the  Trade and import regime .

Travel from an unlisted country

Any country that is not Part 1 or 2 listed on the GOV.UK page is classified as unlisted. In addition to the requirements above, you pet will need:

Rabies serology test

To be valid this must:

• Be performed at an EU approved laboratory
• Be based on a blood sample drawn at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination (the date of vaccination is day 0)
• Return a titre of at least 0.5iu
• A waiting period of three months from the sample date must pass before entry. Your pet may re-enter the EU without the three month post-blood test wait providing they vaccinated against rabies and blood sampled whilst still in the EU. This must be documented in your pet's EU Passport by your vet.
• The blood test remains valid for entry providing your pet has remained vaccinated against rabies without any breaks/gaps since the blood sample. We must see evidence of all subsequent vaccinations in the form of a vaccination booklet or certificates. These must all list your pet's microchip number.

What happens if there are problems with my paperwork?

This is likely to result in delays in releasing your pet and you could incur extra charges. Non-compliances are grouped into three categories:

• Section 1: Minor administrative errors by the issuing vet. No clarification from the issuing vet required and no further action required.
• Section 2: Errors with the paperwork that will require us to contact the vet for clarification before release. This will incur an administrative fee of £99.
• Section 3: Serious error with the paper work that could result in your pet needing to serve quarantine, or be re-exported to the country of origin. This also includes issues such as tapeworm re-treatment or new entry paperwork being issued. These will incur further charges.

Common problems

Your vet needs to record the following information about the rabies vaccination:

• Manufacturer (eg. Merck, Zoetis, Merial, Boehringer Ingelheim)
• Product name (Eg. Nobivac, Defensor, Imrab)
• Batch number
• Validity dates

We often see entry paperwork where the vet has only stated the manufacturer, and not the product name. This will result in your pet being held at our facility until we can confirm this information from the vet who administered the vaccine, incurring a £99 administrative fee.

Your pet must be identifiable via microchip before it is vaccinated against rabies. The vaccinating vet must scan and record the microchip number of your pet before administering a rabies vaccine. Any rabies vaccinations administered before microchipping are not valid for entry.

We advise you review your pet's veterinary records to find the date the microchip was implanted so this can be recorded on the entry document. if you cannot find this date, a reading date can be entered. However this first reading date must be before the rabies vaccination(s).

Most three year rabies vaccinations are only valid for three years if they're given as a booster within the validity of a one year primary rabies vaccination. The entire rabies vaccination course must have been administered:

• After their microchip was implanted/read
• In accordance to the manufacturer and countries requirements

If your pet's three year booster was given more than one year before its scheduled entry you will need to include evidence of its vaccination history in the form of vaccination certificates, or a booklet. You must ensure the following information is present:

• Microchip number
• Manufacturer of vaccine (Eg. Merck, Merial, Zoetis, Boehringer Ingelheim)
• Product name of vaccine (eg. Nobivac R, Imrab, Defensor)

Any breaks in vaccination will invalidate subsequent boosters and we cannot use any vaccinations that occur before its microchip was implanted or read. The first vaccine after a break or microchip implant is considered its primary vaccine, valid for one year only.

Frequent issues with tapeworm treatment include:

• A treatment given that does not contain the active ingredient 'Praziquantel', eg. Pfizer Cestex
• The tapeworm treatment is administered by the owner, and not the vet. 
• The treatment was not administered at least 24 hours before arriving at Heathrow, or more than 120 hours (five days) before arriving. You must allow for time zone differences, these time frames are based on UK (GMT) time.

If your dog arrives without a valid tapeworm treatment it will be re-treated by a vet at HARC. This will incur re-treatment costs and another 24-hour boarding fee.

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UK And EU: Pet Compliance Checklist

Connie Powell November 25, 2021 Paw Pet Travel Tips & Advice

Full article with thanks to: eurotunnel.com/uk/travelling-with-us/travelling-with-your-pet/checklist

All pet dogs, cats and ferrets (including guide and hearing dogs) can enter or re-enter the UK from any country in the world without quarantine provided they meet the rules of the scheme, which will be different depending on the country or territory the pet is coming from. Please remember you are responsible for ensuring this is the case for your cat, dog or ferret prior to travel.

As the market leader for pet travel, we have compiled a list of the DEFRA procedures for you to follow to ensure your pet complies with the current PET Travel Scheme rules from 1 st  January 2021.

PET Travel Scheme rules from the 1st January 2021

Following the implementation of the new model of Pet Passport from the 29 th  December 2014, some changes to the PET Travel Scheme rules will apply from 1 st  January 2021. You are responsible for ensuring your pet meets all of the rules for entering the EU before it leaves the UK and also complies with the rules for entering the UK under the PET Travel Scheme. Further details can be found at the  DEFRA website .

We strongly advise you to read these carefully, if any of the details are incorrect or missing when you check-in at our Pet Receptions located at both our Folkestone & Calais terminals, your pet will not be allowed to travel.

Our Pet Reception on the Folkestone terminal is a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry (TPE) to the EU.

In order to identify your pet (dog, cat or ferret) it must be fitted with a microchip, before or the same day as the initial rabies vaccination is carried out.

The microchip number of the animal must be identical to the microchip number on the pet’s documentation.

A tattoo from any country in the world is acceptable providing it has been done at the latest on the 3 July 2011.

When the vet is completing your pet’s official travel documents, make sure the date of implantation or date of the reading of the microchip is the same date as, or before, the rabies vaccination.

EU Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate

From 1st January 2021, the UK will be categorised as a Part 2 listed third country under the EU Pet Travel Scheme. This means if your pet(s) have an EU Pet Passport, issued in Great Britain, this will no longer be valid for travel  to the EU  and you will be required to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). 

However, if your pet(s) have an EU Pet Passport, issued in Great Britain before 1st January 2021, they will be accepted for entry  into the UK .

For animals being prepared in an EU country, you should get an EU Pet Passport.

If you are preparing your animal in a non-EU Listed or Unlisted Third Country or Territory, you will need to obtain an Official Third Country Veterinary Health Certificate.

Rabies vaccination

Your pet (who must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination) must be vaccinated against rabies. There is no exemption to this requirement.

The vaccine name and manufacturer, as well as  vaccination date , valid from and expiry dates, must be recorded in the AHC or EU Pet Passport by a registered vet (signature and stamp or vet details are mandatory) in the relevant boxes in the Rabies Section of the EU Pet Passport or AHC.

There is no exemption to this requirement. If you are travelling from the EU and listed non-EU countries, the length of the waiting period before entry to the UK is 21 days after the vaccination date (the vaccination date counts as day 0). A waiting period is not required for subsequent entries into the UK, provided rabies boosters are kept up to date and recorded in your pet’s official documentation. If the vaccination is in two parts the 21-day wait will be from the date of the second vaccination.

Travel to/from the EU must take place within the current vaccination validity.

When the vet is completing your pet’s official travel documents (AHC or EU Pet Passport), make sure the date of implantation or date of the reading of the microchip is the same date as, or before, the rabies vaccination.

Tapeworm treatment (dogs only)

Your dog must be treated against tapeworm before travelling  to the UK.

Treatment must be administered by a vet not less than 24 hours (1 day) and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before the dog’s scheduled arrival time in the UK. The treatment date and time must be recorded by the vet in the pet’s documentation.

Short trips

If you’re leaving Great Britain for a short trip, your dog must be treated by a vet before you go. You must wait for 24 hours before re-entering Great Britain and return within 120 hours or you’ll need to get another treatment abroad. You should treat your dog again within 28 days of returning to Great Britain.

Please note if the tapeworm treatment is not administered in time or correctly documented by a vet, it will result in your pet being refused travel.

Tapeworm treatment must:

• Be administrated by a vet
• Must contain Praziquantel to be effective against Echinococcus tapeworm

The following products: Stronghold, Advocate, Frontline or Frontline Combo, Nexgard or Nexgard Spectra will not be accepted and will result in the animal being refused travel.

Veterinary certificate (for Rabbits, Rodents, and Reptiles etc)

This is a health certificate document for domestic pets (other than dogs, cats, ferrets) from non-EU countries to the EU. This form must be completed by a vet within 10 days of travel and can be used to travel to and from the UK and France. It will be inspected by border control agents, so there is no need to visit our Pet Reception or declare these animals on your booking.

Blood test (not required)

Blood test is no longer required if you are entering the UK from the EU and listed non-EU countries.

If entering the UK from unlisted non-EU countries a blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and the length of the waiting period before allowing a dog, cat, ferret to travel is three calendar months from the date your vet took the blood sample which led to a satisfactory test result from an approved laboratory.

Get the latest from  our pet advice blog .

If you’re looking to travel your pet within or outside the United Kindom (Example: Birmingham to Paris), then get in touch with us by completing  our quick and easy quote form .

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Pet Travel Scheme requirements for animals entering the UK from listed countries

What you must do to bring your pet dog, cat or ferret into the UK from the European Union (EU) and listed non-EU countries.

• Animal exports (Sub-topic)

Microchip your pet

The first step is to properly identify your pet using a microchip. The microchip must be inserted by a qualified person.  A qualified person can be:

• a veterinary surgeon, nurse or student.
• someone who has attended a microchipping course,  with a practical element, before 29 December 2014
• someone who attended an approved microchipping course (Approved by Welsh Government, Scottish Government or Defra).

Vaccinate your pet

Once the microchip has been fitted, your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. There is no exemption, even if your pet has a current rabies vaccination. The minimum age for vaccination against rabies for the purposes of pet travel is 12 weeks.  The length of the waiting period before entry to the UK is 21 days after the vaccination date. If the vaccination is in two parts the 21 day wait will be from the date of the second vaccination. So, pets are not able to travel until they are at least 15 weeks old.

Get pet travel documentation

If your pet is being prepared:

• in an EU country, you should get an EU pet passport
• in a non-EU listed country you will need to obtain an official third country veterinary certificate. Please note that Croatia, Gibraltar, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland also issue passports.

Treat your dog for tapeworm

Before entering the UK, a vet must treat your dog (including assistance dogs) for tapeworm. The treatment must be given no less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (5 days) before you arrive in the UK.

NB. You do not need to treat your dog for tapeworm if you are travelling to the UK from Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway.

Arrange approved travel for your pet

Your pet must enter the UK from a listed country:

• travelling with an approved transport company
• on an authorised route

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Pet travel webchat

Webchat can help with general pet travel requirements. If you have a specific question, call our helpline.

We are running the webchat as a trial, so we may ask you to provide feedback.

Webchat opening hours

• Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm
• Bank holidays, Closed

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Pet travel guidance

• Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain
• Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad

We would like to warn our clients about pet scams. If someone has reached out to you claiming to be from Airpets International or claiming to have partnered with Airpets International in regards to selling puppies, it is a scam. Airpets International does NOT sell animals. LEARN MORE

The PETS program allows people to take their pets between EU countries, and into the UK from approved locales without quarantine. It was established to manage the spread of disease while still permitting freedom of movement. 

Countries like the EU member states, Northern Ireland, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and a few others participate in PETS. Each sets general program rules around things like microchipping, vaccinations, paperwork, etc. Countries can also tailor aspects to their specific import regulations.

PETS originally launched in 2001. The UK version existed between EU states with shared principles. Following Brexit, amendments were made regarding entering/re-entering the UK under PETS versus just traveling within EU member countries. 

Is PETS Still in Effect Post Brexit?

Yes, PETS still permits pet travel to and from the UK. The core principles remain, although new regulations around entering the UK took effect on January 1, 2021 after the Brexit transition period ended. These primarily center around tick treatment certification and entrance points for pets.

Who Oversees PETS Compliance?

In the UK, PETS is governed by DEFRA – the government Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. They set the high-level rules for taking animals in and out of the country such as permitted species, transport methods, quarantine policies and documentation protocols.

Individual airlines and transport companies have their own specific requirements as well, which must comply with DEFRA’s minimum expectations.Environmental health officers at points of UK entry complete an examination and document check to accept or deny pets into the country.

Core PETS Requirements

While particulars vary slightly country to country, the fundamental PETS requirements are:

• Microchipping – Dogs and cats must have ISO-standard 15-digit microchips. Other pets require approved unique identifiers.
• Vaccinations – Up-to-date rabies vaccines given by a vet. Timing protocols must be followed. 
• Documentation – Completed health certificate, vaccination records, microchip info, tick treatment certification, lab results, import licenses and more depending on the destination.
• Approved Transportation – Pets should travel per IATA Live Animal Regulations via airline or transport vehicles designed to maintain a stable, comfortable climate.
• Parasite Treatments – Dogs require approved tapeworm treatment 1-5 days pre-entry. 
• Border Checks – Verification of paperwork, microchips, general health upon arrival to the destination country.

UK Import Specific PETS Changes After Brexit

While pet travel within EU member countries remains status quo post Brexit, some amendments apply exclusively for entering the UK under PETS:

• Entry Points – Pets can only enter the UK from the EU through travel routes approved for ETAs carrying goods. Unaccompanied pets in small vehicles now require logistics support. 
• Tick Treatment – Tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before arrival is mandatory with signed confirmation from the vet.
• Six Month Rule – If traveling from the EU, pets must enter the UK within six months after the blood sample date for the anti-rabies titer test to remain valid. 
• EU Paperwork – Animals from EU heading to UK need a new Animal Health Certificate endorsed by an Official Veterinarian verifying microchip, rabies vaccine, and tapeworm treatment instead of using the EU Pet Passport.

What About Other Species?

While PETS explicitly covers cats, dogs and ferrets, other species can also enter the UK without quarantine if they meet import licensing specifications. All pets entering Scotland require specific authorization under the Animals and Wildlife Act regardless of where they originate. Birds, fish, reptiles, rodents and more have additional prerequisites for border entry.

PETS scheme rules only exist within the EU, UK and approved countries – not universally. Always check individual nations’ policies before traveling internationally with any pet. Transport operators can walk pet owners through country-specific processes and documentation for smooth, worry-free pet travel.

Navigating Changing Regulations

With regular adjustments to post-Brexit PETS particulars plus individual country import/export variability, international pet travel gets complicated quickly. Allowing enough lead time before a planned move or trip is crucial. Working with a professional pet transport service intimately familiar with PETS across various borders streamlines everything.

Airpets International specializes in smooth international relocation and travel logistics for pets. Our expert global team can handle all details related to reservations, routing, paperwork, examinations, permits and customs coordination. Clients enjoy end-to-end service tailored for their pet’s unique needs while avoiding hassle and guesswork.

For more information on pet travel within the EU or entering/departing the UK under PETS before, during or after Brexit, contact us at Airpets International. Our full-service pet transport solutions get beloved pets where they need to go with comfort and care.

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Cats, dogs and ferrets travelling to the UK

Here we will explain the general rules for non-commercial pets travelling to the UK. Different rules apply depending on whether your pet is travelling from an approved or non-approved country. Please see the below lists of approved countries:

• Please see  here  for EU countries
• Please see  here  for the Non-EU listed countries

If your country is not listed on the above PDFs, then it is classed as an “Unlisted” country and additional rules apply – see below.

Pets arriving from EU and Non-EU APPROVED/ LISTED countries

If a cat, dog or ferret pet is arriving in the UK from an EU or Non-EU country the requirements are as follows:

• Microchip  A microchip must have been inserted prior to the rabies vaccination
• Current rabies vaccination  The rabies vaccination must be administered after the microchip has been inserted. All pets must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.
• 21 day wait  21 days must pass from the date of vaccination before entry into the UK. The date of vaccination is counted as day 0.
• Dogs only – tapeworm treatment  Unless arriving from Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway, dogs are required to have a treatment against tapeworm issued by a vet no less than 24 hours prior to arrival and no more than 120 hours prior to arrival. The treatment must contain the active ingredient Praziquantel. Cats and ferrets do not require this treatment.

Pets arriving from UNAPPROVED/ UNLISTED countries

  If your cat, dog or ferret is travelling from an unlisted county the requirements are as follows:

• A blood test at least 30 days after rabies vaccination  Blood sample for rabies blood test must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination- date of vaccination is counted as day 0. The sample must be tested at an EU approved laboratory ( http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/approval_en.htm )
• The blood test must show a titre level of 0.5iu or above.
• 3 months wait   3 months from the date that the blood sample was taken (NOT date of testing) must have passed before entry into the UK.

Please note additional requirements for the below countries:

Cats from Australia

Dogs and cats from malaysia (peninsula).

Health certification must be provided by the Malaysian veterinary authorities which confirms that the cat or dog:

• Has had no contact with pigs during at least the 60 days prior to export.
• Has not been resident on holdings where during the past 60 days any case of Nipah disease has been confirmed.
• Has had anIgC capture ELISA test with a negative result. This must be carried out in a laboratory approved for testing for antibody against the Nipah disease viruses by the competent veterinary authorities on a sample of blood taken within 10 days of export

Dogs, cats and ferrets from the republic of Cyprus, may enter or re-enter the UK without a blood test. However, animals travelling from north Cyprus – the area north of the Buffer Zone, must be blood sampled at least 30 days after vaccination against rabies and wait 3 months before travelling to the UK.

Please note, whilst we endeavour to ensure all information on our website is as current as possible- we also recommend you visit the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) website:  https://www.gov.uk/pet-travel-information-for-pet-owners#documentation

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Moving to the UK with Pets: Your Essential Guide

Moving to another country can be a complex process, and if you're planning to bring your beloved pet with you to the UK there are additional steps you need to consider. This guide will provide the essential information you need to help ensure your furry friend can make the journey with you safely and legally.

First and foremost, your pet should be microchipped. This microchip serves as a permanent ID for your pet and should be implanted before any vaccinations are administered. The microchip number needs to be recorded in the pet's health certificate or passport.

Rabies Vaccination

Next, your pet must receive a rabies vaccination. This vaccination should be at least 21 days old at the time of the pet's final health examination before departure. It's important to note that the vaccine must be administered after the microchip is implanted. There are different requirements for the validity of the vaccine depending on whether it is a one-year, two-year, or three-year vaccine. The vaccination record must show the pet's date of birth, microchip number, vaccination date, vaccine manufacturer and product name, vaccine batch number, the date the vaccination is valid, and the vet's signature and contact details. Regular booster vaccinations are also required for your pet. This rule applies to pets coming from EU countries and listed countries such as the United States -- if you're coming from an unlisted country , stricter rules will apply.

Transfer of Residency (ToR) Declaration

When moving to the UK with pets, you will need a ToR Declaration, which replaces the C5 Customs Form. This form can be secured before travel, or a tax can be paid upon arrival. Applying for the ToR in advance is advisable, as it can take two weeks to 30 days to process. If you arrive without this form, a Customs VAT will be payable on deposit before the pet is allowed to be released, which can be expensive.

Five Day Rule

Pet owners must fly within five days of their pet in order for the move to be considered "non-commercial". If you can't meet this Five Day Rule, the move will still go ahead, but it will be considered a commercial move, which increases costs and changes the import requirements and timeline.

Tapeworm Treatment for Dogs

If you're traveling with a dog, it must usually have a tapeworm treatment.

Travel Company Policies

Before you travel, check if the company you’re traveling with will accept your pet for travel. Some companies also require proof that your pet is fit and healthy to travel, such as a letter from a vet or certain information in your pet passport.

Authorizing Someone Else

If you can't travel with your pet, your pet can travel with someone else if you've authorized it in writing.

Important Note

Remember, these rules apply to Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland). There are different rules for pet travel in Northern Ireland. Also, be aware that if you're planning to sell, rehome, or transfer the ownership of your pet, if your pet is arriving more than 5 days before or after you arrive, or if you're bringing more than 5 pets, there are additional rules that you need to follow.

While this guide gives a broad overview of the requirements for moving pets to the UK, it's important to check the latest regulations on the official UK government website or contact a professional pet relocation service to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. Regulations can and do change, so confirm the current requirements before you make your plans. Safe travels!

We're thrilled to introduce our new course: " Moving Your Pet From the U.S. to the United Kingdom: The Ultimate DIY Guide ". Designed for pet owners planning a move from the United States to the United Kingdom, this comprehensive course equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to relocate your pet. It's the same proven process our team uses when working with clients, and it's all available at your own pace. The course covers everything from navigating country regulations and paperwork to facilitating travel logistics, making your pet's journey as seamless as possible

Have questions? Our UK team is here to help! Read more about bringing pets to the UK , and contact us if you're ready to set up a pet transport consultation.

UK Pet Passport – Bringing Pets to the UK (GB 2023 Regulations)

When bringing pets to the UK, strict rules apply. The rules for bringing pets to Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) are different to bringing pets to Ireland, as Ireland is still part of the EU. In this article we will discuss the rules and regulations to get a UK Pet Passport to bring pets to GB. 

Getting a UK Pet Passport to bring pets to the UK (GB) is easy and will just take 4 simple steps:

• Check if you can bring your pet to GB –  you can enter or return to GB with your pet dog, cat or ferret if (1) it has been microchipped, (2) has a pet passport or health certificate and (3) if it has been vaccinated against rabies. You will also require a blood test if you are traveling from an unlisted country.
• Get your pet microchipped –  you can get your pet microchipped at the vet. This will be a quick appointment. More information on this to follow. 
• Get your pet vaccinated against rabies –  your dog, cat or ferret will require a rabies vaccination before traveling to GB. More information on this to follow. 
• Get a pet travel document –  the documents required depend on where you are travelling from. There are ‘Part 1’ listed countries, ‘Part 2’ listed countries and unlisted countries. The rules for each vary. More information on this to follow. 

Dogs may also require tapeworm treatment unless you are traveling directly from Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta or Norway. 

We will discuss all of the above in detail below. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What is a UK Pet Passport?
• What does a Pet Passport UK contain?
• How do I get a UK Pet passport?
• Rabies Vaccination
• Pet Travel Documents
• Parasite treatment
• Rabies titer test
• Permits & licenses
• What are species-specific requirements for a UK Pet Passport?
• Flying into the UK with pets
• Which airlines will allow flying pets to the UK?
• Guidelines for pet carriers
• How much does a Pet passport UK cost?
• What are the requirements to return to the UK after travel?
• Can my pet travel to UK with an EU Pet Passport?

Can I bring my puppy or kitten to the UK?

• Is it possible to relocate to the UK with my pet?

Bottom Line

What is a UK Pet Passport for GB?

‘UK Pet Passport’ is a term used to describe the documents that are required to travel to the UK with a pet. Customs officials will need to see these documents in order to clear your pet. Essentially, a pet passport demonstrates that your pet is fit and healthy to travel. With a Pet Passport for GB, in most circumstances, your pet will not have to face a lengthly quarantine period. 

Generally, dogs, cats and ferrets will require a microchip , rabies vaccination , parasite treatment (dogs only) and either a Pet Passport or an animal health certificate . However, if you are traveling from a country GB considers to be high-risk for rabies, your dog, cat or ferret will also need a rabies titer test . If you are bringing pets to the UK for commercial reasons, or if you are traveling to the UK with a pet other than a dog, cat or ferret, you will need an import permit . The regulations differ for other pet species, we will discuss this below. 

What does a UK Pet Passport contain?

A UK Pet Passport (GB) contains all the documents required to enter GB with your pet. Essentially, it will prove that your pet is fit and healthy enough to travel. Pet Passports are required to ensure imported pets don’t pose as a health threat to other animals.

A Pet Passport UK (GB) can contain any of the following information:

• Details of ownership (name, address, passport number, telephone, etc.)
• Description of the animal (name, species, breed, date of birth, etc.)
• Official veterinarian’s details
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Microchip details
• Health certificate
• Parasite treatment records
• Additional vaccinations recorded and treatment records
• An optional photo
• Rabies antibody titer test results

UK pet passport for dogs, cats and ferrets will usually contain those listed 1-6 at minimum. Those listed 7-10 are potential requirements that your pet may need, if you are traveling from a high-risk rabies country, or if you are traveling with other pet species. We will go into more detail below.

All records must be signed and stamped by your official veterinarian with official stickers from the medication used.

How do I get a UK Pet Passport?

Check that your pet is able to travel with you. 

There are specific requirements for different species entering GB. Generally, dogs, cats and ferrets will require the following:

• Tapeworm Treatment (dogs only)
• Pet Passport OR Animal Health Certificate

For detailed information on the requirements of bringing pets to the UK, check the requirements section below.

For more details on specific requirements for different species skip to the ‘What are species-specific requirements for a UK Pet Passport? ‘ section.

VISIT YOUR VET

Dogs, cats and ferrets will need a microchip and rabies vaccination. All pets will also require an animal health certificate (AHC), if you do not have a pet passport issued before January 2021. If you are traveling from a ‘List 1’ or ‘List 2’ country , you will only need one vet visit. 

When booking the appointment, inform your vet where you and your pet are heading to, so they can prepare your pet’s vaccinations. 

Only dogs, cats and ferrets require a microchip and rabies vaccination. Other pet’s such as rabbits, rodents and birds do not require microchipping or vaccinations.

At your appointment, your vet will first administer your pet’s microchip, and then your pet’s rabies vaccination. It is important that they microchip your pet first as the vaccination will not be valid. 

Your vet will then review and stamp all your paperwork. The appointment should take no longer than half an hour.

For more detailed information on the requirements skip to ‘ What are the requirements for a Pet Passport UK? ‘.

SECOND VET VISIT

Traveling from a ‘List 1’ or ‘List 2’ Country

If you do not have a pet passport, you will need an animal health certificate issued within 10 days of bringing pets to the UK (GB). 

The reason you must book a second vet appointment to obtain your pet’s animal health certificate, is because you must wait 21 days after your pet’s primary rabies vaccination. 

Traveling from an Unlisted Country

In order to bring pets to the UK (GB) from an unlisted country, your pet will require a rabies titer test, or a rabies blood test.

You will need to wait 30 days after your pet’s primary or booster vaccination in order to have a rabies titer test. Once your pet has passed the test, they can enter the UK no sooner than 3 months after the date the blood was drawn.

We will go into more detail in the rabies titer test section below.

APPLY FOR LICENSING & PERMITS

Not all pets will require an import permit. You will not require a permit for bringing dogs, cats and ferrets into Great Britain. You also won’t require permits for bringing pets into GB from the EU. However, you will need to apply for an import license if bringing certain animals into GB from outside the EU . 

Bringing in Animals from an non-EU Country

In order to bring a pet rodent or rabbit into GB from outside the EU, you will need to get a rabies import license. They will also need to quarantine for 4 months upon arrival. 

You can use form RM01 to apply for a licence to import live animals covered by the Rabies Order (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) 1974. 

The GOV website shares a detailed guide on how to complete the form. 

In order to bring a pet bird into GB , you need to travel from an approved country. You will also require a health certificate and a pet bird import license from the Centre for International Trade in Carlisle. 

Centre for International Trade: Carlisle [email protected] Telephone: 03000 200 301 Fax: 0208 0260 498 Find out about call charges

Centre for International Trade: Carlisle Eden Bridge House Lowther Street Carlisle CA3 8DX

Bringing in Animals from an EU Country

There are no restrictions on bringing pet rabbits, rodents, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles to GB from EU countries. 

In order to bring a pet bird to GB, from an EU country, you will need a health certificate.

• Importing Pets to Australia [Pet Passport Guide]
• Importing Pets to Singapore [Pet Passport Guide]
• Bringing Pets to New Zealand [Pet Passport Guide]
• Bringing Pets to Hawaii [Pet Passport Guide]
• How to get a US Pet Passport [ULTIMATE GUIDE]

Great Britain – Listed & Unlisted Countries

‘Part 1’ listed countries

Great Britain accepts pet passports or a Great Britain pet health certificate from the following countries (known as Part 1 listed countries):

EU  countries , Andorra, Azores and Madeira, Canary Islands, French Guiana, Gibraltar, Greenland and the Faroe Islands, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Martinique, Mayotte (French territory), Monaco, Norway, Réunion (French territory), Saint Barthélemy (French Territory), San Marino, Saint Martin (French part of the island – French territory), Switzerland, Vatican City State

‘Part 2’ listed countries

Great Britain accepts a Great Britain pet health certificate from the following countries (known as Part 2 listed countries):

Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Ascension Island, Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Bermuda, BES Islands (Bonair, Saint Eustatius and Saba), Bosnia-Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Curaçao, Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Montserrat, New Caledonia, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Russian Federation, Saint Maarten, Singapore, St Helena, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Pierre and Miquelon, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, USA (includes American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the US virgin Islands), Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna.

Great Britain does not accept a pet passport from these countries.

Countries that are not listed

If your country is not listed, you’ll need a Great Britain pet health certificate. Your pet will also have to follow specific rules on rabies, vaccinations and blood tests.

How long does it take to get a Pet Passport UK?

It will take roughly between 1 month and 4 months to get a UK pet passport to bring a pet into the UK . The time depends on where you are traveling from, and the species of your pet.

If traveling to the UK with a dog, cat or ferret from a ‘List 1’ or ‘List 2’ country, you will just need a quick visit to the vet. In this case, your pet will just require a microchip, rabies vaccination and animal health certificate. Dogs may also require a tapeworm treatment administered by a vet, between 1 and 5 days prior to entering GB. Health certificates must be obtained within 10 days of entering GB, and must be endorsed if traveling from the US and Canada.

However, if you are traveling from a country the UK deems as high-risk of rabies, it will take 3 months longer. This is because your dog, cat or ferret will require a rabies titer test to ensure their rabies vaccination was successful. Firstly, you must wait 30 days after your pet’s primary or booster rabies vaccination before taking the rabies titer test. Secondly, you must wait for your pet’s results. Lastly, if your pet passes the rabies titer test, you must wait at least 3 months before entering GB.

To save time, when making an appointment be sure to advise the veterinarian staff that you want to get a pet passport. This will ensure that they have everything required in stock and will allow them time to prepare.

What are the requirements for a bringing a pet to the UK (GB)?

Depending on your pet’s species, age and where you are traveling from, the requirements for bringing a pet to the UK (GB) can be any of the following:

• Rabies vaccination
• Pet Passport or Animal Health certificate
• Parasite treatments

MICROCHIPPING

Dogs, cats and ferrets must be microchipped in order to obtain a UK pet passport for GB. It is also a requirement for entering most countries. Other pet species do not require microchipping. 

A microchip is a permanent method of electronic identification. The chip is around the size of a grain of rice – and is implanted just under your pet’s skin between its shoulder blades. Each chip has a unique number that is detected using a microchip scanner.

Not only is it a requirement to enter GB with a dog, cat or ferret, it is highly recommended your pet is microchipped. This is because if you were to lose your pet while, a microchip makes it far more likely that you will be reunited.

We recommend that microchipping your pet is the first step you take when bringing a pet to the UK (GB). This is because your pet’s rabies vaccination won’t be valid unless your pet is microchipped first.

RABIES VACCINATION

When bringing pets to the UK (GB), all dogs, cats and ferrets must have proof of a current rabies vaccination, administered after a microchip was implanted. The timing of your pet’s rabies vaccination depends on where you are traveling from. Other pet species do not require rabies vaccinations. 

Your pet’s first rabies vaccination is called their primary vaccination and should be a 1 year vaccine unless the manufacturer specifies it as a primary vaccine. if your pet’s primary vaccination expired before you had a chance to apply a booster vaccine, their next vaccine will act as the primary.

Booster vaccines are all vaccines applied after the primary vaccine, as long as it is still valid. Great Britain accepts 3 year rabies vaccinations, but only as a booster vaccine and not a primary.

In order to bring pets to the UK (GB), dogs, cats and ferrets will need their primary vaccination administered no sooner than 21 days before travel. However, there is no waiting period after booster vaccinations as long as:

• the previous vaccination was administered after a microchip was implanted AND
• the booster vaccination was administered before the previous vaccination had expired.

Once your pet has entered the UK, a 21 waiting period is not required for any subsequent visits, as long as your pet’s rabies vaccinations are up to date.

Traveling from an unlisted country

You will need to wait 30 days after your dog, cat or ferret’s rabies vaccination, and do a rabies titer test. Please check the rabies titer test section below for more information.

PET PASSPORT OR ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE (AHC)

You will need either a pet passport or an animal health certificate, depending on where you are traveling from.

If you are traveling from either Northern Ireland, The Channel Islands or The Isle of Man, you will not require this documentation. 

You will need one of the following documents to bring a pet to Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland):

• a pet passport, if you’re travelling from a ‘Part 1’ listed country, or if it was issued in Great Britain before 1 January 2021
• an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued in Great Britain – valid up to 4 months after it was issued
• a Great Britain pet health certificate, if you’re travelling from a ‘Part 2’ or ‘not listed’ country, or a ‘Part 1’ country that does not issue pet passports

You can check whether your departing country is listed as Part 1, Part 2 or if it is unlisted here. 

You can obtain your pet’s pet passport, or AHC at your vet. 

RABIES TITER TEST

If you are bringing pets to the UK (GB) from an unlisted country , your dog, cat or ferret will require a rabies blood test to show that their rabies vaccination was successful. This doesn’t apply to other pet species.

• Your pet must have a blood sample taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination.
• Your vet must then send the blood sample to an approved blood testing laboratory.
• Your pet’s blood test results must show a rabies antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
• You must wait 3 months from the date the blood sample was taken before you travel – this doesn’t apply if your pet was vaccinated, blood tested and given a pet passport  in the  EU  before travelling to an unlisted country.
• The vet must give you a copy of the test results and enter the day the blood sample was taken in a  third-country official veterinary certificate .

TAPEWORM TREATMENT (DOGS ONLY)

In order to get a UK Pet Passport to import pets to GB , dogs will need to be treated against tapeworm.

This doesn’t apply to cats or other pet species. 

This also doesn’t apply if you are traveling directly from Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta or Norway.

Your dog must be treated against tapeworms between 24 hours (1 day) and 120 hours (5 days) before entering the UK. If you fail to have your dog treated within this time scale, then he or she may be put into quarantine for up to 4 months.

The tapeworm treatment must be administered by a vet. Over the counter treatments will not be valid.

PERMITS & LICENSES

TRAVELING TO THE UK

Traveling with animals other than dogs, cats and ferrets

Pets other than dogs, cats and ferrets traveling into GB should travel with an import license (form RM01). The following animals are permitted:

You can apply for an import permit by completing this form .

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will use the information you provide on the licence form to decide if any animals you’re importing need to be quarantined.

Contact APHA to find out:

• if you’re eligible to apply for a licence
• how long a licence lasts for
• what happens if you lose your licence

Traveling with protected animal species (CITES)

You will need a CITES permit if you are bringing an animal that is in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

If you are traveling with a domestic dog or cat, then you will not need a CITES permit, this is generally just the case for reptiles and parrot species. You can check whether your pet is protected here .

Transit through a high-rabies country

If your pet transits through a high-rabies country, then a Transit Declaration will be required stating that your pet has had no contact with rabies-carrying animals and remained secured within the airplane or airport.

What are species-specific requirements for taking pets to the UK?

TAKING DOGS TO GB

To take dogs to GB you require the following:

• Rabies vaccination (1 year and 3 year vaccinations are accepted)
• Animal health certificate or pet passport
• Tapeworm treatment

TAKING CATS TO GB

To take cats to GB you require the following:

• Animal health certificate or pet passport 

TAKING RODENTS & LAGOMORPHS (RABBITS) TO GB

To take rodents and rabbits to GB you require the following:

• Import permit ( RM01 Form )

To take pet birds to GB you require the following:

• Pet bird import license from the Center for International Trade in Carlisle (traveling from non EU countries only)

TAKING HORSES TO GB

To take horses to GB you require the following:

• Import permit
• An EU -approved studbook
• A national branch of an international body for sporting or competition purposes test
• Equine infectious anaemia test (within 30 days before travel)
• Equine viral arteritis test (within 21 days before travel for uncarstrated male equines that are older than 180 days, unless they meet vaccination requirements)

TAKING REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS TO GB

To take pet reptiles and amphibians to GB you require the following:

• not for sale
• fit and healthy
• able to complete the journey safely

Flying into the UK with a pet

Whether you are flying with your pet or it will be flying without you, it is important to choose an airline that serves the entire route from beginning to end. Before selecting an airline you will need to check their pet policies to ensure that they will allow your pet to fly. Will the airline allow your dog or cat to fly in the cabin with you? What are the restrictions? Will your pet need to travel in the cargo hold? Another option for airline pet travel is by private charter. Although this is more expensive than commercial airlines, pets will fly in the cabin with their owners in luxury, regardless of their size.

BEFORE YOU FLY

You are permitted to bring up to 5 dogs, cats or ferrets with you – if you are planning on bringing more you will need to submit a request to the Import of Products, Animals, Food & Feed System (IPAFFS) .

Book your flight with an approved carrier and on an approved route – you can check approved airlines and airports here , and approved sea and rail routes and companies here . 

Ensure you have the correct carrier – pets are required to travel in an appropriate cage according to its size and weight. The requirements will differ depending on your airline.

ONCE YOU LAND

Clinical examination and document check – after arrival a quarantine officer will verify your pet’s veterinary health certificate and vaccination records. Additionally, your pet will have a clinical examination/quarantine observation to ensure your pet is healthy and disease free. If your pet is free from any clinical illness as well as the documents including veterinary certificate/ vaccination records are found in order, quarantine isn’t usually required. However, if the pet is detected with any signs of clinical illness during inspection, then they will be placed in quarantine.

FLIGHT OPTIONS

Accompanied cargo / in the cabin – this is only an option for those of you who are flying with assistant animals, and if your chosen airline allows this.

Manifest cargo – unless your pet is an emotional support animal, they will need to travel as manifest cargo. Manifest cargo is a system wherein the import of pet is done using the airline cargo. If the pet is being transported in this manner, the documents must include of copy of the passport of the owner/caretaker, a copy of the owner/caretaker’s e-ticket and a copy of the air way bill.

Private charter – if you and your pet are flying into the UK on a private aircraft, you must enter at Biggin Hill, Blackpool, Cambridge, Doncaster, Farmborough, Sheffield, Stansted, London Ashford or London Oxford. This is only allowed if your private charter is approved to transport live animals to these airports.

What airlines allow flying a pets to the UK?

Most airlines allow flying pets to the UK. However, depending on the airline you fly with, pet policies differ.

When flying with a pet, it’s important to check airline pet policies before booking any travel. Different airline’s have different rules for flying with pets, including which breeds are allowed, the size and weight of pets that are permitted, and the number of pets they allow. Fees also vary between airlines.

Most airlines will allow pets to fly in the cargo section of their planes, in a climate controlled, comfortable pet zone. Although some pet owners think this will be stressful for their pets, it can actually be a lot calmer than flying in the cabin.

Some airlines will allow pets to fly in the cabin with their owners, but generally only small dogs and cats that weigh under 8kg are permitted. This is because they must fly inside an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of their owners. This isn’t permitted when flying pets in the UK, unless your dog, cat or ferret is a registered assistant animal and your airline approves this.

For a list of airlines that allow pets to fly in the cabin with their owners, check:

• 13 Airlines That Allow Flying With Dogs In-Cabin [Prices & Policies]
• 13 Airlines That Allow Flying With a Cat In-Cabin [Prices & Policies]
• Which Airlines Allow Ferrets In Cabin? [Policies & Prices]
• 7 Airlines that Allow Rabbits in the Plane Cabin [Policies & Prices]

For a list of airlines that allow other pets on their planes, check: 

• 13 Airlines That Allow Pet Birds on Planes [Policies & Prices]
• 7 Airlines That Allow Pet Snakes on Planes [Policies & Prices]
• 7 Airlines That Allow Lizards on Planes [Policies & Prices]
• 7 Airlines That Allow Rodents on Planes [Policies & Prices]
• Which Airlines Allow Hedgehogs on Planes? [Policies & Prices]

Guidelines for Pet Carriers

If you are flying to the UK with a pet, it is important that you use a pet carrier that is approved by your airline. Different airlines have different pet carrier policies, which often vary between aircrafts and routes. Check that your pet carrier is approved for your chosen airline, aircraft and route. 

The rules and regulations have been set out by International Air Transport Association (IATA) ensure that pets are comfortable when travelling. Thus, inside their travel carriers, pets must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in their kennel (without touching any side or the top of the container).

Furthermore, the rules for pet carriers also vary depending on whether your pet will be flying in the cabin or cargo area of the plane.

If you are travelling in the cabin with your dog or cat, then you will need to ensure that the carrier fits under the seat in front of you. This is why, generally, only small dogs and cats weighing under 7-8kg are permitted in the cabin.

Additionally, if traveling with a pet in the cabin, airlines often require that he or she is be obedient to your commands and can behave appropriately in public. Thus, he mustn’t bark or growl at other passengers or staff. If your dog does not behave in an appropriate manner, some airlines may transfer him to the cargo hold at an additional cost, or refuse to transport him all together. Some airlines require a consent form to ensure your pet is flight-ready.

MOST AIRLINES ONLY ACCEPT CAGES THAT COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING IATA REGULATIONS:

• The cage must not have wheels
• It must have a solid roof
• The screws and nuts that hold the lower and upper parts of the cage must be properly installed and tightened – because yes, the cage must consist of two sections, made of solid and rigid plastic
• The cage must also include bowls firmly attached to its lower wall containing food and water
• It must be clean, but also and above all waterproof and covered with materials capable of absorbing liquid materials
• It must be well ventilated, with openings in all 4 sides of the cage
• The cage must also be properly closed, using a lock that cannot be opened from the inside
• Finally, it must bear a label distinguishing the top from the bottom and another indicating that the cage contains a live animal

For a list of airlines that allow dogs to fly in the cabin with their owners, check  13 Airlines That Allow Flying With Dogs In-Cabin [Prices & Policies] .

How much does a UK Pet Passport cost?

The cost of a UK Pet Passport can vary drastically. The price you pay will depend on the following:

• Your home country
• Where you are traveling to
• The veterinary clinic that you visit
• The species of your pet
• Whether your pet already has a microchip and rabies vaccination

Firstly, different countries and veterinary clinics will have different prices for veterinary treatments and vaccinations. If you want to save some money, check the prices of a few different veterinary clinics.

Additionally, some pets species may require more treatments and vaccines than others. For example, dogs require more vaccinations than cats, when traveling to the UK. Alternatively, rodents, rabbits, reptiles and amphibians do not require any vaccinations.

If your pet already has a microchip, and a recent rabies vaccination, you will probably pay less for your UK pet passport. Generally, a microchip and rabies vaccination both costs between $20-60 each, in the USA.

The cost of bringing a dog to the UK is broken down into the following (USD):

• Microchipping – $20-50
• Rabies vaccination – $20-50
• Health certificate – $25-150
• Tapeworm treatment – $3-15
• Pet air ticket – $1000-4000 (depends where you are traveling from and the weight/size of your puppy)
• Document endorsement – $38 per endorsement
• Pet crate – $20-100+

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

What are the requirements to return to UK after travel?

The same requirements apply to dogs, ferrets or cats that originated from the UK. Thus, your dog or cat will need a microchip, proof of current rabies vaccination, parasite treatments, a health certificate, and licenses.

Can my pet travel to the UK with an EU Pet Passport?

An EU Pet Passport permits pets to travel to EU countries and listed non-EU countries without having to face quarantine. As long as your pet is microchipped and their rabies vaccinations are up to date, you can use an EU Pet Passport to travel to the UK. You may just require additional documents, such as proof of tapeworm treatments for dogs, and an import permit.

Yes, however they must be older than 4 months old. Dogs and cats under the age of 3 months are not permitted to enter the UK. Additionally, your dog or cat will need a rabies vaccination, after which you will likely need to wait 21 days before entering the UK.

Can I relocate to the UK with my pet?

Yes, many people relocate to the UK each year. As long as you follow the guidelines above then moving to the UK with a pet should be simple. This means, making sure that your pet has any required vaccinations and has all the documents required to enter the country.

Importing Dogs or Cats to the UK (GB) from Malaysia

If your dog or cat is entering the UK (GB) from peninsular Malaysia, the following conditions must be met:

1. Your pet has had no contact with pigs during at least the past 60 days prior to export. 2. Your pet has not lived in a place where cases of Nipah disease have been confirmed during the past 60 days. 3. Your pet has been tested with negative a result to an IgG capture ELISA test carried out in a laboratory approved for testing for Nipah disease viruses within 10 days of export.

Bringing pets to the UK (GB) can be a little complicated. Firstly, your pet (dogs, ferrets and cats) will require a microchip. They will also need a valid rabies vaccination, administered no sooner than 21 days before entering the UK, and either a pet passport or animal health certificate. Pet species other than dogs, ferrets and cats will not require microchipping or a rabies vaccination, however you may require a health certificate and/or an import permit.

When organising travel, ensure that your chosen airline allows your pet to fly on their planes and that you have an appropriate and approved pet carrier. Airlines have strict regulations when it comes to pet crates.

Quarantine in the UK is not common, however if your pet is shown to have any signs of disease upon clinical inspection, they will be quarantined. Rabbits and rodents will usually need to stay in quarantine for 4 months. 

Hope you have found this helpful – happy travels!

• Bringing Pets to Japan [Pet Passport Guide]
• How to get an EU Pet Passport [GUIDE]
• What is The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)? [GUIDE]

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Our policies

What's the issue?

The  EU Pet Travel Scheme  allows pet owners to move dogs, cats, and ferrets within the European Union without the need for quarantine. 

Upon leaving the EU, Great Britain (GB) became a ‘Part II Listed’ Third Country, for the purposes of pet travel and is therefore no longer a member of the EU Pet Travel Scheme. Read UK government guidance on travelling with your pet to an EU country or Northern Ireland.

However, entry requirements and checks for non-commercial movements of pets from EU countries to Great Britain have remained the same as those required under the EU Pet Travel Scheme. To bring your pet dog, cat, or ferret to Great Britain you must meet certain conditions , such as having the correct documentation, identification, vaccination, and treatments.

Making it easier for pet animals to travel between countries raises a number of concerns regarding health and welfare. We are particularly concerned about: 

• the ongoing misuse of the pet travel regulations to illegally import puppies; 
• the increased risk of exotic and zoonotic diseases (those that can be passed between animals and humans) being brought into the UK via travelling pets; and
• the rehoming of stray dogs from abroad with unknown health histories .
• Abuse of legislation for the commercial movements of pets by illegal importers

Up to date  information on pet travel rules  is available on GOV.UK

What's our view?

BVA supports the regulation of pet travel - both commercial and non-commercial - to enable the safe and legal movement of pets.  Any movements must ensure that animal health and welfare, and public health, are protected, and travel routes are not abused. 

BVA supports the strengthening of commercial and non-commercial pet movement legislation to safeguard the health of the UK’s animals and wider public and prevent unintended consequences to animal welfare through the circumvention of existing legislation. We're encouraging the public to be responsible when choosing a pet. We're asking potential owners to use  The Puppy Contract  and to be aware of  the risks of rehoming a stray dog from abroad . So if you're thinking about rehoming a pet, we'd encourage you to rehome from the existing UK dog population through UK rehoming charities or welfare organisations.

We’re calling on the UK government to strengthen pet travel legislation to protect the health and welfare of the UK’s animals and wider public. Our key asks are:

• reintroduce compulsory tick treatments for all non-commercial movements of cats and dogs;
• introduce tapeworm treatment for cats as well as dogs and shorten the tapeworm treatment window;
• extend the waiting time post-rabies vaccination to 12 weeks;
• restrict the movement of stray dogs from other countries with high rates of diseases that aren’t commonly found in the UK, and introduce mandatory testing in stray dogs for these diseases before travel;
• strengthen enforcement provisions and compliance checks for the commercial movement of pets; and
• support vets to report suspected illegal imports and non-compliance with pet travel regulations.

Pet travel between GB and Northern Ireland

Since the end of transition, pet travel requirements from GB to Northern Ireland have included an Animal Health Certificate and tapeworm treatment (for dogs). Repeated tapeworm treatment could be considered an overtreatment and might not represent good practice in terms of promotion of responsible use and the potential for increased resistance.  We consider that a common travel area for the British Isles could be a pragmatic solution from an epidemiological perspective.

Read our policy documents

• Policy position on pet travel
• Pet travel policy position executive summary

Get involved

• Write to your MP to support our calls to strengthen pet travel legislation.   Find your MP . 
• Report a suspected  illegal importation or non-compliance with the Pet Travel Scheme to your local Trading Standards office .  
• Download the GOV.UK  ‘How can I take my pet on holiday when the UK leaves the EU?’   posters for your practice.
• Share our   Trojan dogs campaign  to highlight the risks of rehoming dogs from overseas.

Further information

• GOV.UK advice on pet travel to Europe after Brexit
• APHA no-deal briefing note for Official Veterinarians on pet travel
• AWF funded research on Importing rescue dogs into the UK: reasons, methods and welfare considerations
• BVA, BSAVA, SPVS and BVNA policy position on Brucella canis

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When your pet flies WestJet, they're our guest. Okay, so they don't get spicy snack mix or inflight entertainment, but we do work hard to ensure your furry friends travel in comfort and safety. Please review the following information before jetting off so you and your pets can be as prepared as possible. Start with our  general entrance requirements for guests travelling with pets . This document includes information every pet owner travelling out of the country needs to know, including which health certifications and vaccination requirements their pet needs, and how to contact the agencies responsible for accepting them at your destination.

Travelling options for pets:

• In the cabin (carry-on)
• Checked animals
• Pets as cargo

Reservations and fees

• Space for pets cannot be reserved online. To add your pet to your travel plans, please contact us by phone .
• A  pet kennel fee  applies for pets traveling in the cabin or as checked baggage. Please note that an empty kennel or a pet in a kennel will be counted towards your carry-on baggage allowance as either a personal item or a carry-on item, depending on its size.
• Kennel fees can be paid through our contact centre by credit card or with Travel Bank funds.
• We limit the number of pets permitted on each flight, so we strongly recommend requesting space for your pet as soon as you have completed your booking. If you do not request space for your pet(s) 48 hours before departure, space may not be available, and you may not be permitted to travel with your pet(s).
• To add a service dog to your travel plans, visit our  service dogs page .
• Pre-booking is the only way to ensure space is saved on the aircraft for you pet. If you do not prebook, it is possible your pet may not be able to travel.

Kennel information for pets in the cabin

Pets travelling as carry-on must have room to stand, sit and move naturally in their kennel. Depending on the type of aircraft, you may be required to sit in a window seat due to space limitations beneath non-window seats. Please be aware that if you are travelling with a cat on a flight where a guest with a severe allergy to cat dander is also travelling, we may be required to move you toward the rear of the aircraft to meet the Canadian Transportation Agency's buffer zone requirement for the allergic guest. If this is required, you will be notified before you board your flight, and you will be seated to allow for a minimum of a bank of seats between the persons with a disabling allergy to cats and your cat.

Working dogs

Working dogs do not provide a service to a person with a disability or provide personal assistance to their handler. 

Working dogs are trained to perform tasks at the direction of their handler. These tasks may include:

• locating people or items (search, rescue, avalanche, or tracking dogs) 
• performing specific tasks for the military or police (detection, scout, sentry)
• other highly specialized skills

Please note:

• WestJet offers this program, but this is not something offered by many air carriers. We strongly recommend that you confirm the policies for the acceptance of working dogs of our  partner airlines  or any other transportation service provider as their policies may be different from ours.
• This program does not apply to WestJet Vacation package bookings.
• Working dogs will be charged the pet in cabin fee, and if the specialty dog requires additional floor space to ensure its comfort and safety on board, an additional seat must be purchased (based on availability).
• Working dogs are not accepted in Business cabin on the 787 Dreamliner.

Documentation requirements

You will be required to present a Registered Certificate Identification card at the airport. 

Control measures

Control measures are always required. Specifically, your working dog must:

• be under your control
• wear a harness, vest or collar and leash (tether) or be inside a kennel
• behave in a manner that indicates the dog has been properly trained to be in public environments

Working dogs which pose any type of threat to health and safety, to crew members or other guests, may be denied transport as a working dog and/or in the cabin of the aircraft.

Advance notification requirements 

For your best experience, we recommend providing us with as much advance notice as possible, as working dogs are only accepted on space-available basis.

Restrictions

Your pet may not be able to travel with you due to entrance restrictions. Please review  general entrance requirements for guests  traveling with pets to identify if this will affect your travel plans.

Entrance restrictions

• These restrictions apply to travelling with a pet. There are differences when travelling with a service dog. Please see our service dogs page for more details.
• Before travelling with your pet in or out of any province, territory or across borders, we strongly recommend confirming the entrance requirements with the consulate, embassy or appropriate government authority. You are responsible for meeting entrance requirements for any province, territory or country you are entering, including the point of departure.
• Pets may be denied entry at your destination (including Canada) if they are in poor health and may be subject to a medical examination. Any costs associated with a medical examination will be at your expense.
• Please view  general entrance requirements for guests travelling with pets  for more information. Entrance and documentation requirements are subject to change and may vary depending on your destination, the animal's breed and the type of animal travelling (e.g. a pet and a rescue animal can have different requirements).
• Entrance and documentation requirements are subject to change and may vary depending on your destination, the animal's breed and the type of animal (for example, a pet or a rescue animal).
• WestJet assumes no responsibility for your compliance with any such requirements.
• A designation of "does not accept" is applicable to both carry-on and checked baggage.
• If any of the countries on your itinerary include a note to see details, this means there are specific restrictions that must be met in order for your pet to be permitted to travel.
• WestJet does not accept pets for travel to/from Barbados, Hawaii, Ireland (Dublin), Jamaica or the United Kingdom.

Bird embargoes

• Birds of any type may not be imported into the Dominican Republic.
• Endangered birds and the remains of extinct birds may not be exported from Mexico at any time.
• When travelling with a bird, an import/export permit may be required and may need to be arranged in advance. You should contact the local country's embassy or consulate to confirm the import/export regulations for pet birds. There are also additional import regulations that require advance arrangements in order to return to Canada or the U.S. with a pet bird.

Conditions for acceptance

• Pets are not permitted on itineraries which include flights operated by our code-share and interline partners.
• For your pet's comfort, we recommend considering flights without connections, as well as early morning or late evening flights in the summer and midday flights in the winter.
• A pet may not travel with an unaccompanied minor.
• Pets that are younger than eight weeks old will not be accepted for transport.
• Pets travelling in the cabin must remain in the kennel and be stored under the seat in front of you at all times. If you remove your pet from its kennel while on board, you may be banned from travelling with your pet in the cabin on future WestJet flights.
• Pets that appear to be aggressive, unruly or in distress may be denied for transport at our discretion.
• All kennels are subject to approval by WestJet at check in. See the kennel information for carry-on pets or kennel information for "Checked" and "On their own (as cargo)" sections above.
• WestJet assumes no responsibility for the care or feeding of pets while in transit.
• The limits of liability outlined in our  baggage claim page  apply to pets as well. These amounts are not automatically payable but reflect the maximum compensation payable, as each claim is subject to proof of loss.
• Consequential damages such as loss of enjoyment or companionship, inconvenience, etc. are not compensable.

When to consult a veterinarian

For your pet's health and safety, WestJet recommends consulting your veterinarian before reserving travel if your pet is pregnant or in heat (estrus). Additionally, you should not administer any tranquilizer or other medication to your pet before travel without first consulting a veterinarian.

Preparing for your flight

• Your pet must be fed and watered within the four (4) hour period before check-in. Only feed your pet a light meal prior to departure and provide a quick drink of water before check-in. Containers with food and water are prone to spilling during the course of kennel-handling and transportation. For the comfort of your pet, WestJet recommends that you empty all food and water containers before your flight.
• Exercise your pet before leaving for the airport. Some airports may require pets to remain in the kennel at all times.
• You should arrive at the boarding gate at least 40 minutes before flight departure. If you arrive less than 10 minutes before departure you will be denied boarding.

WestJet Vacations package bookings

For guests travelling on a WestJet Vacations package, the following information applies in addition to the information listed above:

• Pets are not accepted at all hotels. Please contact the hotel directly for inquiries about pet acceptance.
• Extra charges may apply and must be paid directly to the hotel. Guests wishing to travel with their pets are required to contact us so we can ensure your pet is added to your flight reservation.
• A  pet kennel fee  applies for pets travelling in the cabin or as checked baggage. Please note that an empty kennel or a pet in a kennel will be counted towards your carry-on baggage allowance as either a personal item or a carry-on item.
• Kennel fees can be paid through our contact centre by credit card or Travel Bank funds.
• We strongly recommend requesting space for your pet as soon as you have completed your booking and a minimum of 48 hours before your scheduled departure. If you check in without requesting space for your pet(s) 48 hours before departure, you may not be permitted to travel with your pet(s) as we limit the number of pets permitted on each flight. WestJet cannot assume responsibility for pets that are not accepted for travel.
• To add a service animal to your travel plans, visit our  service animals page .

Kennel information for checked pets

A "Live Animals Handling Declaration" must be completed for a pet travelling in checked baggage. We will provide the live animal declaration form at the check-in counter. Please be prepared with a contact number, destination address and destination contact number.

There are three reasons your pet may not be able to travel with you: holiday, heat and entrance restrictions. Please review all three to identify if this will affect your travel plans.

Holiday restrictions

The following restrictions are applicable for pets travelling in checked baggage due to limited room during heavy holiday travel periods.

Flights within Canada

U.s. and international flights, cold weather restrictions, heat and entrance restrictions.

• These restrictions apply to travelling with a pet. There are differences when travelling with a service or emotional support animal. Please see  service animals  for more details.
• A designation of "does not accept" is applicable to both carry-on and checked baggage. If your destination is heat restricted year-round, your animal may be able to travel in carry-on baggage if all other restrictions can be met.
• Birds of any type may not be imported into the Dominican Republic at any time.

Breed restrictions - Brachycephalic (short/snub-nosed) breeds

For bookings made after July 4th, the following brachycephalic (short/snub-nosed) breeds of cats and dogs cannot travel in the baggage compartment because they are susceptible to increased risks of heat stroke and breathing problems when they become stressed or overheated. Any mix of the below dog and cat breeds should be considered brachycephalic and must be booked to travel by Westjet Cargo .

• British Shorthair
• Exotic Shorthair
• Selkirk Rex
• Scottish Fold
• Affenpinscher
• Brussels Griffon
• Boston Terrier
• Bulldog – (all breeds)
• Bullmastiff
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Chihuahua (apple-headed)
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• English Toy Spaniel
• Japanese Chin
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Pug - all breeds including the Chinese Pug
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Tibetan Spaniel

Breed Restrictions – Strong Breeds

For bookings made after July 4th, strong breeds will not be accepted as checked animals. They must be transported in a CR 82 crate and booked by Westjet Cargo

About the container or crate:

A CR 82 crate is made from weld or wire mesh, metal, wood or a synthetic material other than plastic.

The crate door must be made of wire mesh, metal or wood and should have a secure lock that can’t be opened accidentally.

We reserve the right to refuse any animal for transport, including those that exhibit aggressive behaviour and/or cage destruction.

The following breeds* and crossbreeds* (includes crosses between these dogs and other breeds) are classified as strong or aggressive:

• American Bulldog
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Anatolian Shepard
• Caucasian Shepherd
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Mastiff (all breeds)
• Pitbull (all breeds)
• Presa Canario
• Wolf Dog Hybrids
• Pets are not permitted on flights operated by our code-share and interline partners. WestJet is also unable to accept pets on flights we operate but were booked through one of our partners.
• A maximum of two (2) animals, of the same species and comparable in size up to 14 kg (31 lbs.) each, that are compatible, may be shipped in one kennel. Maximum total weight restrictions (animal[s] plus kennel weight) apply. Animals over 14 kg (31 lbs.) each must be shipped individually. 1 
• The following animal breeds are restricted for travel into or through Ontario, Canada:
• Pit Bull Terrier
• American Pit Bull Terrier

1 For Saab aircraft flights, only one animal is allowed in a single kennel.

For your pet's health and safety, WestJet recommends consulting your veterinarian before reserving travel if your pet:

• Is in heat (estrus), pregnant, or recently given birth.
• Is a snub-nosed breed (brachycephalic or short-nosed). These types of pets suffer from respiratory problems that increase with stress and heat, and may not be suitable for travel in checked baggage.
• Has other medical concerns which may pose a risk during travel (e.g. recently had surgery and is in recovery, or is considered a senior animal).

Additionally, you should not administer any tranquilizer or other medication to your pet before travel without first consulting a veterinarian.

• It is recommended that you acclimate your pet with the kennel long before your travel date. Allow them to learn that the kennel is a safe space. This allows the pet to feel more comfortable and less stressed during travel.
• Your pet must be fed and watered within the four (4) hour period before check-in. Only feed your pet a light meal prior to departure and provide a quick drink of water before check-in. Containers with food and water are prone to spilling during the course of checked kennel-handling and transportation. For the comfort of your pet, WestJet recommends that you empty all food and water containers before transferring the kennel to WestJet during check-in.
• It is a requirement to remove your pet’s leash after your pet is returned to the kennel following security screening. In addition, although not required, WestJet advises the collar/vest/harness also be removed.
• If you are travelling with your pet in checked baggage, please ensure you allow adequate time to check in. You may be required to accompany your pet through additional security screening before proceeding through passenger screening. Recommended check-in time for guests travelling with a checked kennel is 120 minutes before domestic flight departures and 150 minutes (depending on your destination) before international flight departures. If you check in less than 90 minutes before your flight's departure, your pet may be denied boarding.
• Once checked in, our agents may not be able to take your pet more than 60 minutes before scheduled departure for international flights and 120 minutes before scheduled departure for flights to/from the U.S.

Pet as cargo?

For all pets destined for London Heathrow (LHR), booking as manifested cargo is mandatory.

For more information about shipping your pets with  WestJet Cargo , please contact our customer service team at  [email protected]  or  1-866-WJCARGO (952-2746) .

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Pet travel: apply for a Great Britain pet health certificate

Use this certificate to bring your pet dog, cat or ferret, or assistance dog, to Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland).

GB Pet Health Certificate - word format

MS Word Document , 80.3 KB

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GB Pet Health Certificate - ODT format

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GB Pet Health Certificate - PDF format

PDF , 102 KB , 9 pages

The pet travel document you can use to bring your pet into Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) depends on the country you’re travelling from. Check if you’re travelling from a ‘Part 1’, ‘Part 2’ or ‘not listed’ country .

When you must use a Great Britain pet health certificate

You must use this certificate for a pet that’s entering or returning to Great Britain from a ‘Part 2’ listed or ‘not listed’ country. You cannot use a pet passport or Animal Health Certificate to enter or return to Great Britain from a ‘Part 2’ listed or a ‘not listed’ country.

You can use this certificate for a pet that’s travelling from a Part 1 listed country if you do not have one of the following:

• a valid pet passport issued in the EU, Northern Ireland or a Part 1 listed country
• a pet passport issued in Great Britain before 1 January 2021
• an Animal Health Certificate issued in Great Britain

How to use this form

This certificate must be signed and dated by an official vet who has authority from their government to issue it.

If you are a pet owner, speak to your vet to find out if they can complete the form. They might need to contact their local authorities to get a copy of the form and have it signed and stamped by an official vet.

Your pet must enter Great Britain within 10 days of the certificate being issued.

Updated the guidance to clarify when you can use this certificate.

Updated the GB Pet Health Certificate forms.

First published.

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Travelling with pets on Eurostar

Everything you need to know about bringing your pet on board our trains between Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany.

Can I take my pet on Eurostar?

Taking your seat.

At Eurostar, we always want to make sure that everyone enjoys their journey. Please check that the passengers seated around you are happy with the presence of your pet. If anyone is a little nervous, the Train Manager will happily find you an alternative seat.

Does my pet need a ticket?

On our trains between Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, small domestic animals weighing less than 6kg travel free of charge – provided they travel in a carrier (max. 45 x 30 x 25 cm).

Larger dogs that don’t fit in a carrier will need a ticket with our specific “dog” fare (single price of €30). Please speak to the Train Manager to purchase a ticket for your four-legged friend. Your dog must sit on your lap or on the floor of the coach and be leashed and muzzled.

Guide dogs and assistance dogs and cats always travel free of charge on Eurostar.

Animals that are not permitted on Eurostar

As much as we love animals, we can’t welcome all of them on board. Dangerous dogs, wild animals and birds (parrots, canaries etc.) are not allowed on our trains.

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Whatever your needs, we've got them covered with our three travel classes - Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier.

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Come prepared to get on board with your guide or assistance dog and find out which travel documents are required.

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• Information and help
• Pets on board

What types of animals can fly?

Dogs and cats. See the conditions that must be met before and during the flight.

We only provide the rooster transport service on domestic flights in Colombia  and they must fly in the hold . Find out more about transporting them at our   Help Center

Ready to fly with your pet?

• Your pet or emotional support dog  will not be able to fly with you in the cabin  if you are traveling in  Business Class  on our 787 and 330 aircraft.
• It is not possible to transport live animals to the Galapagos Islands. 
• Due to Animal Reception Centre restrictions, this service is not available for flights to the United Kingdom. 
• This service is not available for flights to/from Aruba and Curação. The only exception is for permanent moves to the island of Curação with the relevant authorization from the relevant authority. 
• The service does not apply to bookings with affiliated airlines or airlines with codeshare agreements.
• The pet transport service applies for TACA International, Avianca Costa Rica, Avianca Peru, Avianca and Avianca Ecuador S.A.  

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Flying With Dogs or Cats? These Are Airlines’ Pet Policies

American recently relaxed its rules for pets traveling inside the cabin with their owners. Here’s what the major U.S. airlines require to travel with a pet.

By Jesus Jiménez

Flying with a pet can be expensive and confusing, with fees, weight limits, carrier size rules and the need to make sure there’s no loud barking (or meowing) on board.

Recently, American Airlines relaxed its pet policy to allow passengers to bring a carry-on bag in addition to a pet in a carrier, and more private flight options have been emerging in recent years for pet owners who can afford them.

Still, flying with large or medium-size dogs can be tricky, and many travelers are wary of leaving a pet in the plane’s cargo hold.

For those traveling on the major carriers with their pets as carry-ons, here’s what to know about each major domestic airline’s policy.

Southwest Airlines

On Southwest, a Dallas-based carrier, two checked bags can fly at no cost, but not pets. Southwest charges $125 per pet carrier on its flights.

Dogs or cats are allowed to travel below a seat in an approved carrier — up to 18.5 inches long by 8.5 inches high and 13.5 inches wide — according to the airline .

Southwest has a few caveats for those traveling with pets: The pet must stay in its carrier during the flight, and the carrier is considered a personal item or carry-on bag.

Up to six pets are allowed on Southwest flights. Once six pets are booked onto a flight, no further customers may add a pet companion to their booking.

United Airlines

United Airlines has no weight or breed restrictions for cats and dogs as long as they are in an approved hard or soft-sided carrier, measuring 17.5 inches long by 9 inches tall and 12 inches wide for a hard carrier, or 18 inches long by 11 inches tall and 11 inches wide for a soft carrier.

United charges $125 each way for travel with pets. There is no fee for service animals on United flights, but some forms are required before the flight.

The carrier must fit under a seat, and where a passenger is allowed to sit can vary according to the type of aircraft. For example, people traveling with pets cannot sit in emergency rows. If you’re traveling with two pets (the maximum allotted), you are required to book two seats.

Delta Air Lines

Small dogs and cats can travel on Delta Air Lines flights as long as they can fit inside a carrier stored below the seat. The size of the carrier depends on the aircraft, but in general the airline recommends a soft-sided carrier no larger than 18 inches long by 11 inches tall and 11 inches wide.

Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and small enough to have some room to move around in the carrier, which must have ventilation openings on three sides.

Delta charges $95 for pets traveling as carry-on companions, and the passenger can bring only one personal item along with the pet. Certain seats cannot be booked for travel with an animal, such as those in an emergency exit row.

American Airlines

American Airlines allows cats and dogs to travel in a carry-on container, which must remain under the seat in front of the pet owner throughout the flight. The airline recommends a soft-sided carrier that measures 18 inches long by 11 inches tall and 11 inches wide.

The fee for a carry-on pet on a domestic American Airlines flight is $150.

Flights are limited to seven carry-on pets, not including service animals, and American Eagle flights are limited to five carry-on pets, with one in first class. There is no charge for service animals flying on American flight, but the airline requires forms to be filled out in advance.

The airline said in a statement that it had recently changed its cabin pet policy to allow customers with a pet to also bring either a personal item or carry-on bag stowed in the overhead bin (but not both).

“We made the change to provide a more convenient and comfortable experience to customers whose pets fly American,” the airline said.

Spirit, JetBlue, Frontier and Alaska

Spirit allows dogs and cats on its flights in a carrier no larger than 18 inches long by 14 inches wide and 9 inches tall for a fee of $125. The weight of the pet and the carrier cannot exceed 40 pounds, according to the airline .

Small dogs and cats can fly on JetBlue for fee of $125 each way , in an approved carrier. Up to six pets are allowed on JetBlue flights.

Frontier allows pets on board for a $99 fee each way, as long the pet fits in a carrier. Passengers can have only a personal item or carry-on in addition to their pet carrier.

Pets can travel in a carrier on Alaska Airlines flights for a fee of $100 each way. A passenger can travel with a pet carrier and a personal item, or a carrier and a carry-on bag.

Private or charter flights

Those who take their pets on private or charter flights, which can cost many thousands of dollars, have much more leeway. Dogs that weigh less than 150 pounds can sit on seats.

BarkAir, a charter operator tailored specifically for those flying with dogs, charges about $6,000 for a dog and its owner to travel, with flights between New York and Los Angeles and New York and London. Carriers are not required, and dogs can sit on laps, seats or beds.

Jesus Jiménez covers breaking news, online trends and other subjects. He is based in New York City. More about Jesus Jiménez

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