Uk Airports: Can You Bring Your Dog?

Dogs are generally allowed in UK airports, but the rules vary depending on the airport and the type of dog. For instance, only assistance dogs are allowed in the cabin on most UK airlines, and emotional support dogs are specifically excluded.

Some airports have designated pet relief areas, such as indoor relief areas with artificial grass, a fake fire hydrant, fresh water, and a station to dispose of waste.

Some airports also have pet-friendly facilities, such as the on-site resort called Wag Hotels at Denver International Airport, which offers overnight boarding, doggy daycare, a pet boutique, parking and shuttle service, and premium grooming services.

It is important to check the specific rules of the airport you are travelling from, as well as the airline you are flying with, to ensure that you are compliant with their policies on travelling with dogs.

Dogs are not allowed in the cabin on most UK airlines, but they are allowed on some European airlines

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the cabin on most UK airlines. This is due to government regulations, which state that dogs cannot fly in the cabin on any flight into the UK. However, some European airlines do allow dogs in the cabin on flights leaving the UK, and there are a few UK airlines that allow dogs to fly as checked baggage.

Airlines that allow dogs in the cabin on flights leaving the UK

• Air France
• KLM
• Lufthansa

Airlines that allow dogs to fly as checked baggage

Loganair

Airlines that allow dogs to fly as cargo

• Aer Lingus UK
• BA CityFlyer
• BA EuroFlyer
• British Airways
• TUI Airways

Assistance dogs are allowed in the cabin on UK airlines, but emotional support dogs are not

In the UK, assistance dogs are allowed in the cabin on airlines, but emotional support dogs are not. This is because emotional support dogs are not considered service animals and are not protected under the Equality Act 2010. Airlines are therefore not legally required to accommodate emotional support dogs on flights. However, some airlines may allow emotional support dogs on board as a gesture of goodwill.

Assistance dogs are trained to provide support to a person with a visible or non-visible disability or medical condition. They are able to travel safely in the aircraft cabin on a British Airways flight, for example, but they must meet certain criteria. The dog must be trained to assist with a disability or medical condition by an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), for instance. The dog must also have had behavioural training and be able to show appropriate behaviour in public and on board an aircraft, and remain under the control of the owner at all times.

Emotional support dogs, on the other hand, are not recognised as assistance or service dogs by many airlines, including British Airways, Wizz Air UK and Easyjet. They are not guaranteed the same rights and protections as service animals. According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), airlines should make reasonable accommodations for passengers with disabilities and their emotional support dogs, but this is not a requirement.

Emotional support dogs must be well-behaved and trained to not cause any disruptions on the flight. If the dog is unable to behave appropriately, the airline may refuse to allow the dog on board or may require the owner to purchase an additional seat for the dog.

Some airlines allow dogs to fly as checked baggage, but they must be in a suitable container

The container must also have ventilation on at least three sides for domestic travel, and four sides for international travel. It should have separate food and water dishes attached securely inside, and a small bag of food for a 24-hour period attached to the top. The container should be clean and have absorbent material, but not straw, hay or wood shavings.

When flying with a checked dog, you will need to provide a health certificate issued by a vet within 10 days of your travel, or within 60 days of your return. You will also need to provide written certification that your dog has been fed and offered water within four hours before the flight, and that it has been no more than four hours since this.

It is important to note that some airlines only accept checked dogs for active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel travelling on official orders.

Some airlines allow dogs to fly as cargo, but they must be booked separately through a cargo company

For example, PetAir works with many UK airports that export and import pets, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester Airport, and Edinburgh Airport. However, they are not an airline and do not fly pets from the same airport as their owners.

Airlines that transport pets in the hold of the plane include:

• Air Baltic Corporation
• Air France KLM Martinair Cargo
• El Al Israel Airlines
• Norse Atlantic Airways AS
• Norse Atlantic UK Ltd
• Scandinavian Airlines System Cargo
• Air France - KLM Cargo
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Cargo
• Air Baltic Corporation AS

It is important to note that there are specific requirements for dogs travelling to the UK. For example, dogs must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies before travelling. Additionally, they may need tapeworm treatment and the appropriate pet travel documents.

PetAir UK is a company that can help arrange your dog's journey to the airport and check-in

PetAir UK can arrange everything from getting your dog to the airport to signing them into the airport check-in. They can also organise your dog's journey to the airport if they are unable to fly from the same airport as you.

PetAir UK also rents space in a family-run animal boarding company in Windsor, which is located near London airports. This means that if you would prefer for your dog to stay in a kennel/cattery apart from the airport, PetAir UK can organise this for you.

PetAir UK has ample experience in transporting pets to and from Heathrow Airport. They can advise and ensure you have acceptable pet crates, and they can make sure your dog has their home comforts.

Frequently asked questions