Heathrow Airport: Can You Bring Your Dog?

Heathrow Airport, the UK's largest airport, caters to millions of passengers annually, many of whom travel with their pets. The airport's regulations regarding dogs are primarily focused on assistance dogs and pets. Assistance dogs are allowed in the airport terminals and on flights, provided certain conditions are met. For pets, the process is more complex, with specific requirements for documentation, vaccinations, and transport arrangements.

Assistance dogs are allowed at Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport is the UK's largest airport, with five terminals and flights spanning the globe. The airport welcomes assistance dogs and their owners, with a range of facilities and services to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.

When you arrive at the airport, make your way to the dedicated Assistance area. Here, a member of the Assistance team will ensure you have the correct documentation and help you with the next steps. If you are arriving or connecting at Heathrow, a member of the team will meet you at the aircraft. The Assistance areas are located in the following places:

• Before security departures: Level 5, behind Zone A
• Arrivals: Additional seating and a help point are available opposite international arrivals
• Before security departures: Level 1, above check-in zones A and B
• Arrivals: Opposite international arrivals on the same side as M&S Simply Food
• Before security departures: Check-in Zone B, next to Excess Baggage
• Arrivals: Opposite international arrivals on the route to the London Underground
• Before security departures: Check-in Zone E
• Arrivals: By the orange lifts

Heathrow Airport also provides dedicated relief areas for animals, with hard and soft surfaces. These facilities are open for all flights and can be found in the following locations:

• Terminal 2: near gate 27
• Terminal 3: near gate 27
• Terminal 4: level 2 departures
• Terminal 5: in the transit train station

Non-assistance dogs can't enter terminal buildings

Heathrow Airport is the UK's largest airport, with five terminals and flights spanning the globe. The airport welcomes assistance dogs, which are recognised by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and specially trained to assist people with disabilities or medical conditions. These dogs must meet certain criteria before flying, including having the necessary documentation, vaccinations, treatments, and tests for each country.

However, for non-assistance dogs, the rules are different. Non-assistance dogs are not permitted to enter the terminal buildings at Heathrow Airport. This means that if you are travelling with a pet dog, you will need to make separate arrangements for their travel. Pet travel can involve a lot of paperwork and vet visits, so it is important to organise this in advance to avoid being turned away at the gate.

There are several options for pet travel to and from Heathrow Airport. Some airlines, such as Lufthansa, United, and Emirates, offer pet travel services. These airlines can help you navigate the rules and regulations for importing and exporting pets, which can vary depending on the country of destination. For example, some countries may require government export documents, import permits, or pre-travel blood samples and treatments.

Additionally, Heathrow Airport has a dedicated Animal Reception Centre (HARC) located near Terminal 4. This centre handles the arrival and departure of various animals, including dogs, and ensures they have the necessary documentation and comply with all requirements to enter or exit the UK. The HARC provides water and bedding for pets and allows them to rest before continuing their journey.

It is important to note that there are restrictions on the number of pets that can be brought into Heathrow, with a limit of five pets per person. Additionally, dogs must be at least 15 weeks old and treated for tapeworm if they are entering the UK. By following the necessary procedures and working with specialised pet travel services, non-assistance dogs can safely travel to and from Heathrow Airport without entering the terminal buildings.

Pet travel must be organised in advance with the airline

Heathrow Airport, the UK's largest airport, caters to millions of passengers annually, many of whom travel with their pets. If you're planning to bring your furry friend to the airport, it's crucial to organise their travel in advance with the airline. Here's a comprehensive guide to ensure a smooth journey for you and your pet:

Pet Travel Arrangements:

Organising pet travel in advance is essential when travelling through Heathrow Airport. Contact your chosen airline to make the necessary arrangements, as each airline has its own procedures and requirements. Some airlines, such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, have their own teams that handle pet transportation to and from the aircraft.

Documentation and Requirements:

Before your pet's travel, ensure you have all the necessary documentation in order. This includes a valid passport, up-to-date vaccinations, and any required government export documents or import permits. In some cases, pre-travel blood tests or treatments may be mandatory. Additionally, ensure your pet meets the behavioural and training criteria, especially if they are assistance dogs.

Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC):

When your pet arrives at Heathrow, they will be received at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) near Terminal 4. Here, the documentation will be checked, and the animal's wellbeing will be ensured. It is important to note that you must obtain HARC approval for your pet to enter the UK at least 72 hours before your flight. You will need to present the acceptance letter before boarding your flight.

Pet Comfort and Care:

At HARC, pets have constant access to water, but food intake is limited to reduce the chances of mess in their crates during travel. If you prefer, PetAir offers kennel or cattery services near the airport, providing open spaces for exercise and 24-hour access to your pets.

Assistance Areas and Relief Facilities:

Heathrow Airport has dedicated assistance areas for passengers travelling with assistance dogs. These areas are located before security departures and arrivals, providing guidance and ensuring correct documentation. Additionally, Heathrow offers dedicated relief facilities with hard and soft surfaces for animals to relieve themselves. These facilities are open for all flights and are located near the gates or lifts in Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5.

The Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) is near Terminal 4

Heathrow Airport is the UK's largest airport, with five terminals and flights spanning the globe. The Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) is located near Terminal 4 and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The centre is responsible for receiving pets arriving at Heathrow for entry into the UK.

Once a pet flight touches down, the animals are taken to the HARC by aircraft staff or the centre's team. At the centre, documentation is checked to ensure compliance with UK requirements, and a microchip scan is performed. Pets are provided with water and a bed, but food is limited to reduce the risk of mess in their crates during onward travel. The HARC also ensures the wellbeing of the animals.

The time pets spend at the centre depends on their origin. Animals from within the EU or specific countries are usually reunited with their owners within 1-2 hours, while those from outside the EU or certain countries may have to wait up to 6 hours. The HARC is often responsible for delivering pets to and from the aircraft, although some airlines have their own teams for this.

Pet owners must arrive in the UK within five days of their pet's journey, and no more than five pets can be brought into Heathrow. Assistance dogs are allowed in the terminals and on flights, provided they meet specific criteria and have the necessary documentation, vaccinations, treatments, and tests.

Pet relief areas are available at each terminal

Heathrow Airport is the UK's largest airport, with five terminals and flights spanning the globe. The airport welcomes assistance dogs, which are specially trained to assist a person with a disability or medical condition. These dogs must be officially recognised by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and must meet certain criteria before flying.

For those travelling with assistance dogs, there are dedicated pet relief areas at each terminal. These facilities have hard and soft surfaces where animals can relieve themselves. While pet waste bags are provided, it is recommended that owners bring their own, as they are not always available. Bins are provided for disposal.

The pet relief areas are located as follows:

• Terminal 2: near the lifts and escalators down to the connecting area to Terminal B, and near gate 27
• Terminal 3: near gate 27
• Terminal 4: level 2 departures, and near the lifts by WHSmith and World Duty Free
• Terminal 5: in the transit train station

It is important to note that only assistance dogs are allowed inside the terminal buildings. Other pets are not permitted inside and will be checked in through the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC), where they will be allowed to rest before continuing their journey. The HARC is located near Terminal 4 and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Frequently asked questions