Manchester Airport: Can You Bring Your Dog?

Manchester Airport is the third busiest airport in the UK, with three passenger terminals. The airport operates under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), run by DEFRA, which means that pets can be transported without needing to be quarantined. However, Manchester Airport's policy is that only recognised assistance dogs are allowed inside terminal buildings. These assistance dogs must be trained by an accredited body and comply with the Pets Passport Scheme.

Manchester Airport only permits assistance dogs in terminal buildings

Manchester Airport only permits assistance dogs in its terminal buildings. This means that recognised assistance dogs are allowed to enter the terminal buildings and may travel on aircraft, as long as they comply with the Pets Passport Scheme.

Assistance dogs must be trained by an accredited body, and their owners must inform their airline or travel agent at least 48 hours prior to travelling. Assistance Dog Relief Areas are available in all terminals, and the Special Assistance team can help on the day.

Both owners and their assistance dogs must undergo security screening to be compliant with UK standards. When arriving at the security lane, the dog's harness can remain on, but the dog cannot be in the body scanner at the same time as its owner. A Security Officer will hold the dog temporarily while the body scanning is completed. After this, the harness must be removed and placed in the baggage screening system. A private search room is available at security in each terminal, where owners can wait with their assistance dogs while the harness is screened if they prefer.

When travelling with an assistance dog, it is important to ensure that the dog has the appropriate paperwork for the return journey to the UK. The Civil Aviation Authority provides guidance on the required documentation.

Assistance dogs must be trained by an accredited body

Manchester Airport permits only assistance dogs in its terminal buildings. Recognised assistance dogs are allowed into the terminal buildings and may travel on aircraft, provided they comply with the Pets Passport Scheme.

For an assistance dog to be recognised, it must be trained by an accredited body. A list of qualifying training organisations can be found on the Assistance Dogs International and IGDF websites.

Assistance dogs are allowed on aircraft if they comply with the Pets Passport Scheme

Manchester Airport only permits recognised assistance dogs in its terminal buildings. Assistance dogs are allowed on aircraft if they comply with the Pets Passport Scheme.

To be recognised, assistance dogs must be trained by an accredited body. A list of qualifying organisations can be found on the International Guide Dogs Federation (IGDF) or Assistance Dogs International (ADI) websites. Airlines may accept a Guide or Assistance Dog ID book as pre-booking documentary evidence that the dog is trained by a recognised training organisation. The ID tag on the dog's collar, harness or jacket will also help to confirm its status.

If you are travelling with an assistance dog, you must inform your airline or travel agent at least 48 hours before your journey. This is so they can make any necessary arrangements. You should also ensure your dog has the appropriate paperwork for your return journey to the UK.

On arrival at the airport, you should go to the Special Assistance Reception Point to register. A service partner will then assist you to check in and proceed to departures. Both you and your assistance dog must undertake security screening to be compliant with UK standards. You will be asked to pass through a body scanner, during which time a security officer will hold your dog temporarily. After this, you will be asked to remove your dog's harness so that it can be placed in the baggage screening system. A private search room is available at security in each terminal if you would prefer to wait in there with your dog while the harness is screened.

On arrival, your airline should have already informed the Special Assistance team of your arrival, providing them with information including your dog's Pet Passport or third-country veterinary certificate details. A trained agent will meet your aircraft on arrival. You must remain onboard until general disembarkation is complete and the necessary documentation checks have been carried out. Once these checks have been concluded, you can continue your journey through immigration and onwards to arrivals, with or without support from the Special Assistance team.

Assistance Dog Relief Areas are available in all terminals

Manchester Airport welcomes customers and their assistance dogs. However, it is important to note that only recognised assistance dogs are permitted inside the terminal buildings. These dogs must be trained by an accredited body, and it is the responsibility of the owner to inform their airline or travel agent at least 48 hours before travelling. Assistance dogs must also comply with the Pets Passport Scheme and have the appropriate paperwork.

For those travelling with assistance dogs, Manchester Airport provides relief areas in all terminals, both landside and in departures. These relief areas can be accessed with the help of the Special Assistance team, who are available to provide any other necessary assistance.

Upon arrival at the airport, owners should first attend the Special Assistance Reception Point to register their assistance dog. A service partner will then assist with check-in and travel to departures. The Special Assistance team ensures that both the owner and their assistance dog are comfortable and provides any additional support.

During security screening, assistance dogs are not permitted to enter the body scanner with their owners. A Security Officer will hold the dog temporarily while the owner completes the body scanning process. After this, the owner will be asked to remove the dog's harness and pass it to the Security Officer for baggage screening. A private search room is also available if the owner prefers to wait there with their dog while the harness is screened.

When arriving at Manchester Airport, the Special Assistance team should already be informed of your arrival by your airline. A trained agent will meet the aircraft, and once documentation checks are complete, you can continue your journey through immigration and arrivals, with or without further support from the Special Assistance team.

Owners must inform the airline 48 hours before travel

Manchester Airport only permits assistance dogs in its terminal buildings. Recognised assistance dogs are allowed inside the terminal and on the aircraft, provided they comply with the Pets Passport Scheme. Assistance dogs must be trained by an accredited body.

Firstly, it is essential to have the appropriate paperwork for your assistance dog, both for departing from Manchester Airport and for your return journey. Check that your dog's paperwork complies with the requirements of your destination country and the airline's policies. This may include a valid pet passport, third-country veterinary certificate, or other relevant documentation.

Secondly, upon arrival at the airport, make your way to the Special Assistance Reception Point. Here, you will register, and a service partner will assist you with check-in and guide you to the Departures area. The Special Assistance team will ensure that you and your assistance dog are comfortable and provide any necessary support.

Additionally, both you and your assistance dog must undergo security screening to comply with UK standards. During the security check, you will be directed to a body scanner, while a Security Officer temporarily holds your dog. After completing the body scan, you will be asked to remove your dog's harness and pass it to the Security Officer for baggage screening. If preferred, you can request to wait in a private search room with your assistance dog while the harness is screened.

By informing the airline 48 hours in advance, they can ensure they are prepared to provide the necessary assistance and accommodate any special requirements for you and your assistance dog throughout your journey.

Frequently asked questions