Are Dogs Allowed At Gatwick Airport?

Gatwick Airport, the second-largest airport in the UK, allows guide dogs, assistance dogs, and dogs that are travelling on flights inside the terminal buildings. Dogs that are not assistance dogs are not permitted within the terminals. However, dogs on a leash are permitted in the outdoor areas of the airport, such as the arrivals area and the designated smoking zones.

Dogs are allowed in the arrivals area of the terminal as long as they do not enter the cafe servery or seating area

Dogs are permitted in the arrivals area of the terminal at Gatwick Airport, as long as they are well-behaved and remain on a lead. However, they are not allowed to enter the cafe servery or seating area. Guide dogs or assistance dogs are always allowed inside the airport terminals.

If you are travelling to the airport by train, you can take up to two dogs on board a Gatwick Express service. Dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times, unless they are contained within an enclosed pet-carrying basket. If your dog is not on a lead, it must be carried in a basket no bigger than 85 x 60 x 60 cm. All pets, including those in containers, must be kept on the floor, allowing empty seats to be used by paying customers.

If you are flying with your dog, you must organise pet travel in advance either directly with the airline or with a pet travel specialist. Rules for pet travel vary depending on whether you are entering or exiting the country, and each airport may have specific protocols. At Gatwick, pets that are shipped with an air waybill and transported as cargo are received, checked, and cleared by Animal Aircare Ltd at the Gatwick Animal Reception Centre. This centre is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with an animal welfare officer always on-site.

Guide dogs or assistance dogs are always allowed in the airport terminals

Guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted in the terminals at Gatwick Airport. This is the case even if the dog is not travelling with you on the flight.

If you are travelling with an assistance dog, it is important to inform your airline at least 48 hours before your journey so that staff can be prepared to help you at the airport. When you arrive, go to the special assistance reception desk, and staff will be happy to assist you.

Any dogs travelling out of the UK must be fully vaccinated, microchipped, and registered with the European Pets Travel Scheme (PETS) and the importation rules of countries outside the EU.

Dogs travelling into or out of Gatwick must be transported in IATA-approved dog travel crates

If you are travelling with a dog, it is important to note that only guide dogs, assistance dogs, or dogs that are transiting onto an aircraft are allowed inside the Gatwick Airport terminals. Dogs that are not assistance dogs can be taken to the outdoor areas outside the arrivals section of the terminal, as long as they are well-behaved, on a lead, and do not enter any cafes or seating areas.

If you are travelling into or out of Gatwick with your dog, there are specific rules and preparations that need to be made. Firstly, you must organise your dog's travel in advance by contacting the airline directly or using a pet travel specialist. This is a crucial step, as failing to do so may result in you and your dog being turned away at the gate. Additionally, any dogs travelling into or out of Gatwick Airport must be transported in IATA-approved dog travel crates. These crates ensure the safety and comfort of your dog during their journey. It is recommended to obtain the crate beforehand so that your dog has time to get accustomed to it, reducing their stress levels during travel.

When travelling with your dog, always carry the necessary documentation, such as an animal health certificate, dog passport, medication information, and any required import or export certificates. These documents will be checked by the appropriate authorities to ensure your dog meets the entry or exit requirements of the country you are travelling to or from.

If you are using the Gatwick Express to get to or from the airport, you can bring up to two dogs on board, but they must be kept on a short lead at all times unless they are within an enclosed pet-carrying basket. Additionally, all pets, including those in containers, must be placed on the floor to allow passengers to utilise the seats. When boarding the train, it is advisable to carry your dog to prevent them from falling between the platform and the train.

By following these guidelines and making the necessary preparations, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your furry companion when travelling through Gatwick Airport.

Dogs are allowed on the Gatwick Express, but they must be kept on a short lead or within a suitable pet travel container

Dogs are permitted on the Gatwick Express, but there are a few rules to follow. Firstly, dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times, unless they are inside an enclosed pet carrier. If your dog is travelling without a lead, it must be kept in a basket no larger than 85 x 60 x 60cm. All pets, including those in containers, must be kept on the floor, leaving the seats free for paying customers. When boarding the train, it is recommended that dogs are carried to prevent them from falling between the platform and the train.

If your dog, its lead, or any part of your body becomes trapped in the doors, use the passenger emergency alarm to alert the driver and get help. Pets are allowed on rail replacement buses, but this is at the driver's discretion. Some coach operators do not allow animals on their vehicles, but guide and mobility assistance dogs are always permitted.

Dogs can be taken to the airport but not inside the terminal buildings

Dogs are not permitted inside Gatwick Airport's terminal buildings unless they are assistance dogs or are travelling on a flight. However, dogs can be taken to the airport and kept outside the terminal buildings.

Gatwick Airport is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can take your dog to the airport at any time. There are designated smoking zones outside the terminal buildings where you can wait with your dog. However, it is important to note that dogs must not be left unattended at any time.

If your dog is travelling with you on a flight, it is important to organise this in advance by contacting the airline or a pet travel specialist. Each airline has different rules regarding pets on flights, and specific documentation and health requirements must be met.

Additionally, when travelling to or from Gatwick Airport with your dog via the Gatwick Express, your dog must be kept on a short lead or within a suitable pet travel container, and they must remain on the floor instead of occupying a seat.

Frequently asked questions