Flying with pets requires considerably more planning than booking an ordinary flight.
Airline policies differ on which animals they’ll carry, whether pets can travel in the cabin, the size of permitted carriers and how much you’ll pay. You also need to satisfy the animal-health requirements of your destination and the rules for bringing your pet home.
For UK travellers, those requirements changed again in 2026.
If you’re considering flying with pets, this guide explains airline policies, documentation, potential fees and alternatives that could make travelling with your dog or cat easier.
Flying With Pets From the UK
Before choosing a flight, establish whether the airline will actually carry your pet on the route you want.
There are three main ways pets can travel by air: in the passenger cabin, in an appropriate part of the aircraft hold or as cargo.
Not every airline offers all three options.
In fact, some of the airlines frequently used by UK holidaymakers don’t accept ordinary pets at all.
Rules can also vary according to aircraft, destination, animal breed, size and local regulations.
Never book a non-refundable flight on the assumption that your pet can travel with you. Confirm the airline’s current pet policy first.
Can Pets Travel in the Aircraft Cabin?
When flying with pets, some international airlines allow small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin on eligible routes.
Where permitted, the animal normally has to remain inside an approved carrier that fits within the airline’s specified dimensions.
Airlines can impose limits covering:
- Combined weight of the pet and carrier
- Carrier dimensions
- Type of animal
- Number of pets permitted on a flight
- Minimum age
- Restricted breeds
- Destination
- Cabin or travel class
KLM and Lufthansa are examples of European airlines offering cabin travel for eligible small pets on certain routes.
However, that doesn’t mean you can automatically fly a pet into the UK in the passenger cabin.
The UK’s rules governing approved pet travel routes can affect how an animal is allowed to enter Great Britain.
When flying with pets internationally, check the rules for both directions of your journey before buying your ticket.
What About Pets Travelling in the Hold or as Cargo?
Larger pets may need to travel in an appropriate section of the aircraft hold or through an airline’s cargo arrangements.
The terminology can be confusing because airlines don’t all describe their pet services in exactly the same way.
For some routes, animals are handled through specialist cargo or pet-transport companies rather than being added to your passenger booking like normal baggage.
British Airways, for example, directs customers travelling with pets towards specialist arrangements rather than offering ordinary pet carriage in the passenger cabin.
Specialist companies such as PetAir UK can also arrange international pet transport.
If your animal needs to travel separately from you, check exactly who is responsible for the booking, transport crate, veterinary paperwork, airport handling and customs arrangements.
Which UK Airlines Allow Pets?
Airline rules are one of the most important things to check when flying with pets.
Policies can change, but broadly:
British Airways does not offer ordinary pets the same cabin-travel option available from some European airlines. Pet transport is handled through specialist arrangements.
easyJet does not carry ordinary pets. Recognised assistance dogs are accepted on eligible routes subject to its requirements.
Ryanair does not carry ordinary pets. Guide and assistance dogs are accepted on certain routes under its applicable conditions.
KLM accepts eligible cats and dogs in the cabin on certain flights and offers other pet transport arrangements depending on the route and animal.
Lufthansa permits eligible smaller dogs and cats in the cabin on certain services, while larger animals may be carried under different arrangements.
Treat these as starting points rather than permanent guarantees.
Before flying with pets, check the airline’s official policy for your exact route and travel date.
How Much Does Flying With Pets Cost?
There isn’t a universal airline pet fee.
The price of flying with pets can depend on factors including:
- Airline
- Route
- Pet size and weight
- Carrier or transport-crate dimensions
- Cabin, hold or cargo transport
- Airport handling charges
- Veterinary paperwork
- Destination requirements
- Specialist pet-transport fees
This makes broad claims such as “pets cost £100 to fly” potentially misleading.
A small animal accepted in the cabin on a European airline can cost considerably less to transport than a large dog travelling long-haul through a specialist cargo service.
When flying with pets, remember that the airline fee may only be one part of your total cost.
Veterinary appointments, vaccinations, Animal Health Certificates, transport crates and destination-specific paperwork can all add to the price.
Get a complete quote before deciding whether flying is the best option.
Pet Travel Rules Changed in 2026
This is particularly important for travellers from England, Scotland and Wales.
New EU pet-travel rules affecting GB residents came into effect on 22 April 2026.
GB residents travelling from Great Britain to an EU country with a dog, cat or ferret should obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) rather than relying on an EU pet passport.
According to GOV.UK’s pet travel guidance, the requirements include having your pet correctly microchipped, ensuring its rabies vaccination meets the rules and obtaining the appropriate travel documentation.
Always check the latest official requirements because individual EU countries can have additional conditions.
What Is an Animal Health Certificate?
An Animal Health Certificate is an official document used for eligible non-commercial travel with dogs, cats and ferrets from Great Britain to the EU.
You need to take your pet to a vet who can issue an AHC.
The certificate must be issued before you enter the EU and can be used for entry within 10 days of its issue date.
Following the 2026 changes, the AHC can then remain valid for up to six months for onward travel within the EU and re-entry to Great Britain, provided the relevant conditions continue to be met.
However, it remains a single-trip document: you generally need a new AHC for each separate trip from Great Britain to the EU.
You can check the current requirements on the GOV.UK Animal Health Certificate page.
Microchips and Rabies Vaccinations
Documentation isn’t the only consideration when flying with pets to Europe.
Your dog, cat or ferret must be microchipped before, or at the same time as, its rabies vaccination.
For a first rabies vaccination, GOV.UK states that you’ll need to wait at least 21 full days after the vaccination before travelling, although the particular vaccine used can require a longer wait.
If a valid booster is given without a break in vaccination coverage, the situation can be different.
Don’t leave this until the week before your holiday.
Speak to your vet well before booking if your pet hasn’t already completed the necessary vaccination process.
Does Your Dog Need Tapeworm Treatment?
Dogs can require tapeworm treatment as part of international pet travel.
For entry or return to Great Britain from many countries, the treatment must generally be administered by a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than five days before arrival.
There are exceptions, so check the rules applying to the country you’re travelling from.
The treatment also needs to be correctly recorded in the pet’s travel documentation.
This timing makes the return journey particularly important when planning a trip.
Check GOV.UK’s rules for bringing pets to Great Britain well before travelling.
Travelling Outside the EU With a Pet
Flying with pets to a non-EU country can involve completely different paperwork.
If you’re travelling from Great Britain to a non-EU country, you may need an Export Health Certificate (EHC) and other documentation.
The requirements depend on your destination.
Some countries impose additional vaccination, blood-test, quarantine or import-permit requirements.
Don’t assume that an Animal Health Certificate used for EU travel will cover a journey elsewhere.
Check GOV.UK and the official requirements of the destination country before booking.
Don’t Forget the Rules for Coming Home
One of the easiest mistakes when flying with pets is concentrating entirely on getting into your destination.
You also need to satisfy the rules for returning to Great Britain.
Your pet generally needs to use an approved route unless an exemption applies, as well as meeting the relevant microchip, rabies vaccination, travel-document and, where applicable, tapeworm-treatment requirements.
Failure to comply can have serious consequences.
GOV.UK warns that a pet that doesn’t meet the rules could be quarantined for up to four months or refused entry when arriving by sea, with the owner responsible for associated costs.
Plan the outward and return journeys together.
Choosing a Pet Travel Carrier
An appropriate carrier or transport crate is essential when flying with pets.
When flying with pets in the cabin, the airline will specify maximum carrier dimensions and other requirements.
For hold or cargo transport, different standards can apply.
Your pet should have enough appropriate space and the container must satisfy the requirements of the airline and transport method.
Don’t buy a carrier simply because an online shop labels it “airline approved”.
Check your airline’s current dimensions and specifications first.
It’s also sensible to introduce the carrier well before travel so your pet doesn’t encounter it for the first time at the airport.
Should You Sedate a Pet Before Flying?
Don’t give a pet sedatives simply because you’re worried they’ll become anxious on the flight.
Medication can affect animals differently, and suitability depends on the individual pet and journey.
If you’re concerned about your animal’s health, anxiety or ability to cope with flying, speak to your vet before travelling.
This is particularly important for older animals, pets with medical conditions and breeds that may have additional respiratory or travel risks.
Your vet can provide advice based on the animal rather than generic tips found online.
Is Flying the Best Choice for Your Pet?
Just because flying with pets is possible doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best transport option.
Before flying with pets, consider your animal’s temperament, health, age and the length and complexity of the journey.
For a relatively short trip from Great Britain to continental Europe, travelling by car through LeShuttle or using a pet-friendly ferry may be worth comparing with flying.
The best option depends on your destination and circumstances.
For some pets, remaining with their owner throughout more of the journey may be preferable to travelling through an airport and aircraft cargo system.
Taking Your Pet Through LeShuttle
LeShuttle can be particularly useful for travellers taking dogs, cats or ferrets between Great Britain and France.
Pets remain with you in your vehicle during the Channel crossing.
As of 2026, LeShuttle lists its pet charge from £24 each way per pet, while registered guide and assistance dogs travel free.
You still need to satisfy the appropriate pet-travel rules and documentation requirements.
For travellers who have access to a suitable vehicle, this can provide an alternative to flying with pets on shorter European journeys.
If you’re planning a road-based trip, you can also compare car hire through TravelHype, although you’ll need to confirm separately that the particular hire company permits animals and international travel.
Ferries Can Be Another Alternative
Pet-friendly ferry services can also be worth investigating.
Depending on the operator and vessel, animals may travel in pet-friendly cabins, kennels or designated vehicle arrangements.
Policies vary considerably between ferry companies and routes.
Check where your pet will remain during the crossing, whether you can visit them and what documentation the operator requires.
For some journeys, a ferry can make more sense than flying with pets, particularly when you’re taking your own vehicle.
Book Pet Travel Early
Airlines can limit the number and type of animals accepted on an individual flight.
Don’t assume that buying your own ticket reserves a space for your pet.
When flying with pets, confirm the animal’s booking as early as possible and make sure you understand exactly what the airline requires.
Before paying, verify:
- Your pet is accepted on the route
- The animal meets size and weight restrictions
- Your carrier or crate complies
- You have enough time to obtain veterinary documents
- Your destination permits entry
- Your return route is approved
- You understand the complete cost
Keep copies of your booking confirmation and pet-transport arrangements with your other travel documents.
Prepare Your Pet Before Travel
Preparation can make flying with pets easier for both owner and animal.
Give your pet time to become familiar with its carrier or crate before departure rather than introducing it immediately before the journey.
Make sure identification details are current and attach appropriate contact information to the carrier.
Ask the airline when your pet should eat and drink before departure, particularly for longer journeys.
Arrive with enough time to complete any additional pet check-in procedures without rushing.
Most importantly, follow veterinary advice appropriate to your animal.
Check the Destination’s Rules
Airline approval doesn’t mean you’ve satisfied a country’s entry requirements.
This distinction is crucial when flying with pets internationally.
An airline might accept your pet for transport while border authorities require additional health documentation, treatments or permits.
Check official government or veterinary-authority information for your destination rather than relying solely on an airline website.
Requirements can also change between booking and departure, so check again shortly before travelling.
TravelHype Verdict: Plan Pet Travel Before Booking
Flying with pets successfully comes down to preparation.
Start with the animal rather than the airfare. Consider whether flying is appropriate for your pet, then check which airlines accept animals on the route.
Next, calculate the complete cost and make sure you understand whether your pet will travel in the cabin, hold or through cargo arrangements.
For UK travellers heading to Europe, pay particular attention to the 2026 Animal Health Certificate rules, microchipping, rabies vaccination and return requirements.
If flying with pets looks too complicated or stressful for your journey, compare alternatives such as LeShuttle or a pet-friendly ferry.
When you’re ready to organise the rest of your trip, you can find flights, search for hotels and compare car hire with TravelHype.
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