The ultimate global guide to flying with animals

Telegraph

9 hours ago

Flying with your pet on holiday is about to get much easier.
Keir Starmer's 'Brexit Reset' deal will grant greater freedoms to our furry friends with the return of pre-Brexit 'Pet Passport', a simpler and cheaper alternative to the current legislation.
However, despite the deal being announced in May, its launch date is yet to be confirmed – so for now, your tabby or terrier's holiday preparations should involve an Animal Health Certificate, microchip and vaccinations, at the very least.
If you plan to fly further afield, or to take a small or exotic animal overseas, then expect the paperwork – and costs – to rise.
While transporting a pet via train, road or sea is often preferable to flying, sometimes air is the only option – especially if you're relocating or embarking on a long-haul (and lengthy) break.
It can be a complicated business – so we've tried to make it simpler, delving into the rules and requirements of flying with animals, and the potential costs involved.
I'm going to Europe on holiday – can my dog or cat fly with me?
Absolutely, though you'll need to abide by the rules of your destination and airline – as well as the UK's on your return journey.
Note, your pet may not be able to travel in the cabin with you (see guidance below). Good news: compliance with the EU's Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) means your pet won't need to quarantine at either end of the journey.
Under the UK's current rules, your companion must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before they travel, when they must be at least 12 weeks old. If they're already vaccinated, they may need a booster.
You must also have an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), issued by an official vet. You'll need a new one every time you travel; they're valid for 10 days after issue for entry to the EU, and cover up to five animals.
Prices range from £90 to £200, so shop around. For example, Easy Pet Travel in Kent charges £99 per AHC plus £25 for any additional pet, or £69 per AHC for repeat customers.
If you're flying your dog to Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway, you'll also need proof of tapeworm treatment. Different rules apply when travelling to Northern Ireland: see below.
At your destination, your documentation will be checked at the relevant point of entry for animals; failure to comply may lead to fines, a lengthy quarantine or refusal of entry. Your destination may also impose its own individual rules: to check, visit its government website. Note that some breeds, such as dangerous dogs, may be prohibited outright.
The above rules also apply to assistance dogs.
What are the rules for cats and dogs flying home to the UK?
If your pet resides in the UK, you must follow the UK Government's rules when travelling back from your holiday too. These include using an approved route, microchipping, vaccinations and travel documents. For the full list, and the destinations that won't entail quarantine on return, see the UK Government's guidance on bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain.
The UK doesn't currently allow animals to enter the country when flying in the cabin on commercial flights. They must be travelling in the hold or on a charter flight; check the list of approved airlines and airports that offer this service.
Where can my dog or cat fly in the cabin with me?
Rules on cabin travel for animals vary by airline: some allow it with caveats such as weight and breed, while others (such as British Airways) only accept pets in the hold. Some – for example Virgin Atlantic, Easyjet and Ryanair – don't accept any pets, even in the hold.
However, be warned that even if your pet is permitted in the cabin when travelling outbound, animals must travel in the hold when flying into the UK – arriving via cabin is forbidden.
In Europe, KLM, Lufthansa and Air France allow dogs and cats to travel in the cabin, though this depends on the route and aircraft type.
They will need to be transported in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, and weighs no more than 8kg – including your pet. They'll have to stay in the bag for the whole flight.
Lufthansa adds: 'your pet must be obedient to your commands and behave appropriately (e.g. no barking or growling). If [it] does not behave in an appropriate manner, Lufthansa may transfer it to the cargo hold at an additional cost or refuse to transport it.'
If you're travelling on a codeshare flight, check the rules with the carrier that is operating it.
Some airlines also refuse to carry certain breeds either in the hold or cabin, such as aggressive dogs and brachycephalic (snub-nosed) cats and dogs – for example pugs and pekingese, because of the danger of breathing issues.
Different rules apply to assistance dogs. According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), airlines must accept assistance dogs free of charge. Many airlines seat passengers with guide dogs in the front row so they have extra space.
My holiday is outside Europe – can my dog or cat fly with me?
Yes, though again the rules of your destination, airline and re-entry to the UK will apply. To leave the UK, you will also need an Export Health Certificate (EHC), and to complete an Export Application Form (EXA). Compulsory quarantine may also apply.
Rules for transporting animals outside the EU vary by destination. For example, if you're taking a dog from the UK to the US they'll need a microchip, health check and CDC Dog Import Form (free). They must be aged at least six months, and can only travel in the hold.
If you're travelling to Abu Dhabi, you can take your cat or dog in the cabin with Etihad – though it'll need to be at least 16 weeks old and weigh less than 8kg (including carrier). You'll also need to comply with the UAE's entry rules, which include providing a UAE Health Certificate for your pet and proof of certain vaccinations.
To check your destination's rules, visit its government website.
When you're returning home, you must follow the UK Government's rules on importing pets: these include using an approved route, microchipping, vaccinations and travel documents. For the full list, see gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain.
Should I use a pet travel service?
If your animal is flying in the hold, an animal travel service acts as a 'middleman' between you and the airline – it's not obligatory, but can help you to avoid falling foul of the red tape involved. They can ensure all paperwork is in order, supply the travel crate ahead of time, provide exercise areas and kennels at either end of the journey, and arrange onward travel by land.
Of course, this will be more expensive than if you liaise directly with the airline; expect to pay anything from 5 to 20 per cent more, depending on the pet, level of service and complexity of the journey.
How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat?
Naturally, that depends on your route, and whether your animal is in the care of an airline or travel service. For example, Air France charges €125 (£106) to fly a pet in the cabin in Europe, or €200 (£170) in the hold. Meanwhile, to transport a small dog from London to Istanbul, Turkish Airlines charges £78 in the cabin or £155 in the hold.
Looking longer-haul, taking your cat or dog to Abu Dhabi with Etihad costs USD1,500 (£1,108) in economy, or USD1,500 plus the cost of an extra seat in business class.
If taking your cat to Doha or Dubai on Qatar Airways or Emirates, expect to pay £1,400–1,600 with an animal travel service, advises UK-based transporter Fetch A Pet.
Taking a small dog to the US can cost from £1,400 with American Airlines, rising to £6,000 for large breeds and more complex flight routes.
All prices are one-way.
What's it like for pets in the hold of an aircraft?
Don't worry, your pet won't be thrown in with the suitcases. 'Airlines have strict protocols to ensure the safety of animals, including secure travel crates and careful handling,' says animal travel service PetAir UK. 'Pets are typically loaded last and removed first, minimising their time in the hold.'
The aircraft hold is pressurised, well ventilated, and approximately the same temperature as the cabin. 'Noise levels are not significantly higher than those in the passenger cabin, and pets are protected from the effects of turbulence,' adds PetAir UK.
Your airline or pet travel service will be able to provide a travel crate, which must adhere to certain standards. They are hard-sided, with good ventilation and a secure door, and should be big enough for the animal to stand, move and lie comfortably.
You should also add an absorbent pad, as your pet will need to stay hydrated during the flight. 'Travel boxes must be fitted with a water bowl that is the correct size for your pet to get to,' advises TUI. 'The water and a funnel needs to be fitted to the outside of the container so water can be added prior to departure.'
How can I prepare my pet for travelling in the hold?
It's vital to familiarise them with their travel carrier before the trip, to help ensure they feel safe and calm while in transit. Try setting it up at home as a bed, with familiar toys, blankets and food, allowing your pet to become familiar with both the space and the water dispenser.
Just prior to travel, IATA – the International Air Transport Association – recommends that you:
Reduce the quantity of food the day before but give [your dog] enough water
Take your dog for a walk before leaving for the airport and again before check-in
Give them a light meal two hours before tendering the animal to the carrier, to help calm it
Check with your airline or pet travel service, as they may have additional guidance.
Should you use tranquilisers if your pet is flying in the hold?
Absolutely not, says IATA: '[using tranquilisers] without frequent or continual observation of the animal can lead to situations where the animal's life can be threatened.'
This could be via obstruction of the airway or breathing difficulties due to abnormal postures, or loss of balance making them more susceptible to injury.
However, calming sprays are commonly used by pet travel services and airlines. For example, TUI recommends herbal calmers for animals in the hold, while animal travel service Fetch A Pet treats uses pheromone sprays Adaptil or Feliway.
I have a small or exotic pet – can I take it abroad with me?
Potentially, yes – but should you? 'Cats, rabbits and small animals who aren't familiar with travelling and visiting new places shouldn't be taken on holiday, because the experience is likely to be too stressful for them,' says the RSPCA.
However, if you're emigrating or relocating long-term then flying your small or exotic pet could be a viable option. Note that the Government's guidance on taking cats and dogs to/from the UK also applies to ferrets, because they're thought to have the same rabies risk.
Check the entry/exit rules of your destination, as well as the UK for your return. They vary according to animal species; for example, to take your rabbit to Spain you will need an Export Health Certificate (9005), while if you wish to take your snake to France, you'll need a Reptile Health Certificate (9027) and potentially a CITES permit, depending on its species.
Most small and exotic pets must travel in an aircraft hold. Those with more specialist needs or sensitive dispositions may benefit from the assistance of a specialist travel service. However, some airlines have surprising exceptions: for example, Qatar Airways allows passengers to travel to Doha with one pet falcon in the cabin; priced USD270 (£198) per bird in economy class.
Does pet travel insurance cover animals flying abroad?
Yes, in some instances – depending on the type of animal, and factors such as age and pre-existing conditions. For example, Sainsbury's Pet Insurance for cats and dogs covers overseas travel to all countries for which the UK Government doesn't require quarantine. Always check the small-print of your policy.
I don't want to put my pet in the hold – is there an alternative?
Could you travel by land or sea? While pets aren't permitted on the Eurostar to/from London, they're welcome on Eurotunnel LeShuttle if you have a vehicle – including dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, amphibians and reptiles. For onward travel, pets can travel on EU rail services such as TGV, Renfe and Italo, though restrictions and fees may apply.
Various ferry services to/from the UK also accept animals. For example, Irish Ferries offers dedicated 'Pet Den' lounges with water dispensers and snack service on its UK-France and UK-Ireland crossings, while Brittany Ferries features pet-friendly cabins and dog kennels on selected ships. The same entry/exit rules apply for your destination and return, but your animal will be able to travel with you.
I think of my pet as an emotional support animal – can it fly in the cabin with me?
While different rules apply to assistance dogs (see the CAA's guidance), 'emotional support animals' – ie pets that help with anxiety or depression – have no official protections.
Some airlines have allowed them to travel in cabins in recent years, however, they're under no legal obligation to do so. Your animal will be treated exactly the same as any other pet.
Emotional support animals were originally popularised in the US, where more relaxed flying laws saw them accepted in aircraft cabins.
While cats and dogs are most common, other notable instances have included US passengers flying – or trying to fly – with pigs, spiders, frogs and goats.
In 2018, Delta Airlines reported that some travellers had 'attempted to fly with comfort turkeys, gliding possums known as sugar gliders, snakes, spiders and more'. The airline, and others in the US, have since tightened their pet policies.
What about flying with my pet in the UK?
For the stress that flying will likely cause you and your pet, it's almost certainly a better plan to drive or take the train to your destination.
If you're travelling to Northern Ireland, there are some entry requirements for dogs, cats and ferrets – regardless of whether you're arriving by air or sea. They must be microchipped and you'll need a Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document (free); you should need no further documentation for your return to Britain, but check the advice of NI's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.