If you’re looking for clarity on the rules around dogs on planes, or more general tips around pet travel we’ve got you covered, just read on.
Family getaways are now just as much about fur-babies as they are about toddlers. However, travelling with pets outside of the UK can feel confusing and at times, overwhelming too.
Pet travel rules from the UK and ID requirements when travelling with pets
It’s always best to check the latest government guidance when travelling with a pet, especially if your pet travel plans involve travelling to Europe from the UK. However, these are the main requirements to meet:
Pet travel essentials - pet passports:
A UK pet passport is no longer valid for pet travel to the EU or Northern Ireland (even if it hasn’t technically expired). A European pet passport however is still valid when travelling with a pet on the other hand, but only if:
It was issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland, and
Your pet’s rabies vaccinations and booster schedule are up-to-date
If you don’t have a valid European pet passport, you’ll need new identification certificates for each trip.
Pet travel essentials - Animal Health Certificates:
For travel from the UK to the EU, you’ll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) within 10 days of departure. An OV is a UK-licensed vet who has received additional government-approved training to carry out specific duties on behalf of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), so plan ahead as this might not be available at your regular vet.
An animal health certificate is single-use and valid for up to 4 months for onward travel within the EU and re-entry to Great Britain. They typically cost between £100–£200 and must be issued up to 10 days before travel.
For travel outside of Europe from the UK, the process is different and usually more complex. Instead of an AHC, you’ll need an Export Health Certificate (EHC) and possibly a third country veterinary certificate, depending on your destination. Specific requirements, such as blood tests, parasite treatments, or quarantine may also be compulsory, so check the guidance on the UK Government’s pet travel website to be clear on the exact rules in advance.
Pet travel essentials - microchipping:
Your pet must also be microchipped before travel, and the chip number must be recorded correctly on the AHC and EHC. This microchip must be readable by standard scanners and implanted before the rabies vaccination otherwise, the vaccination may not be valid for travel.
Pro tip: It’s a good idea to have your vet scan the chip during routine checkups to ensure it’s working properly as dogs on planes can’t travel without this.
Vaccinations and Medication requirements when travelling with a pet
To travel with your pet, rabies vaccination is a legal requirement. Ferrets, cats and dogs on planes, trains, ferries must meet the following criteria:
At least 12 weeks old
Microchipped before or at the same time as the rabies vaccine
Vaccinated at least 21 days before travel
Booster jabs must be kept up to date and administered before the expiry date listed by your vet to avoid restarting the waiting period. You’ll need to show proof of this vaccination on your AHC or EHC.
For Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, and Northern Ireland specifically, dogs also need vet-administered tapeworm treatment between 24 and 120 hours before entry. The treatment must contain praziquantel (or equivalent) and be certified on your pet’s travel documents.
Entry requirements for the UK when travelling with a pet
Pet travel essentials - tapeworm treatment:
There are subtle differences in the rules when leaving and entering the UK to be aware of. For example, before re-entry to Great Britain, most dogs must receive vet-administered tapeworm treatment between 24–120 hours before arrival, unless returning directly from Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta, or Norway. This means your dog won’t require treatment when travelling to Spain or France for the UK, but they will need it for their return trip.
Pet travel essentials - rabies test when returning from certain countries:
When travelling with a pet from non‑EU or “unlisted” countries, a rabies blood test (titer) taken at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 calendar months before travel may also be mandatory, but as this varies from country to country, it’s imperative to check the UK government’s pet travel website.
Also remember that you must enter the UK through designated entry points whether returning from EU, non‑EU, or unlisted countries when travelling with a pet.
Northern Ireland specific rules for pet travel
Northern Ireland follows EU pet travel rules, even though it’s part of the UK. So when travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland:
Your pet must be microchipped and vaccinated for rabies (and the 21-day waiting period post-vaccination applies)
Tapeworm treatment is required for dogs 24–120 hours before travel
You must enter through a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry (TPE) in Northern Ireland
Pet travel essentials - NI Pet Travel Scheme
Also, travellers should be aware that a new NI Pet Travel Scheme has been rolled out from 4 June 2025, which means that an Animal Health Certificate is only needed where travellers are continuing onwards to the EU. However, if you’re staying within Northern Ireland, Great Britain residents travelling to Northern Ireland will be able to use a free NI Pet Travel Document instead.
If you’re returning to Great Britain from Northern Ireland, this constitutes domestic travel, so no AHC, health certificate, or additional checks are needed.
You can apply for a Northern Ireland pet travel document online, which is valid for as long as you own the pet.
Which airlines allow pets in the cabin for flights from the UK?
Airline | Cabin Pets Allowed? | Hold/Cargo Pets Allowed? | Dog-Specific Details | Cost & Notes |
Yes (≤8 kg incl. pet carrier) | Yes (8–25 kg) | 1 pet per passenger. Not accepted on Dash 8 flights | €35–€65 cabin; €50–€120 hold | |
No (assistance dogs only) | Yes via IAG Cargo | Dogs only. Book via pet agent | €60–€160 depending on route | |
Yes (≤10 kg incl. pet carrier). Since 1 June 2025 only soft sided pet carriers are permitted | Yes, in baggage on some aircrafts or via Air Canada Cargo | Breed related embargo and restrictions on how they can travel in the hold. | $100-$120 one way. Pet’s cannot travel in the cabin for passengers seated premium economy or with an exit seat ticket. | |
Yes. Small pets ≤8 kg in cabin | Yes in hold up to 75 kg | ≥15 weeks old. Flat-nosed breeds restricted | €70–€200 cabin; €100–€400 hold | |
Yes (under-seat pet carrier) | Yes via AA Cargo | ≤45 kg incl. Pet carrier. No sedation. Pet carrier dimensions applicable. | $125 kennel cabin; cargo per booking | |
No (assistance dogs only) | Yes via PetAir UK / IAG Cargo | Only ADI/IGDF certified dogs in the cabin, others via cargo. Crate rules apply. | £800–£3,500 depending on pet & route | |
Yes (soft pet carrier under seat) | Yes (cargo via Delta Cargo) | ≥8 weeks (domestic); breed, age restrictions apply | $95–$200 cabin; cargo rates vary | |
No (except guide dogs) | Yes (cargo via SkyCargo) | ≥4 months; kennel ≤300 cm | $500–$800+ depending on weight | |
Abu Dhabi routes only | Yes (cargo for most pets) | Manifested cargo; check destination eligibility | From $1,500 or 215,000 Etihad Miles | |
Yes (≤ 8 kg incl. carrier) | Yes (with IATA crate) | ≥10 weeks; flat-nosed breeds restricted | Approx. €75–€400 depending on route | |
Yes (≤ 8 kg incl. carrier) | Yes (hold ≤8 kg or excess air‑conditioned cargo) | ≥12 weeks; flat-nosed breeds restricted in hold | €50–€110 cabin; €160–€380 hold + €150 transfer charge | |
No (except service dogs) | Yes (cargo via pet travel specialist) | Book via airline-approved agent | Bespoke pricing includes vet support | |
Service dogs only | Yes (as checked baggage/cargo) | Domestic dogs/cats/birds; 32 kg max crate | Billed at standard excess baggage | |
Yes (in‑cabin kennel) | Suspended | Kennel under seat; 1 per carry‑on allowance | $125 cabin | |
No (except assistance/guide dogs) | Not currently available | Must contact IPATA agent | N/A |
Which low-cost carriers allow pets in the cabin?
Airline | Cabin pets allowed? | Hold/Cargo Pets Allowed? | Dog-Specific Details | Cost & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
No (assistance dogs only) | No | Assistance dogs only | N/A | |
No (assistance dogs only) | No | Assistance dogs only | N/A | |
No (guide dogs on selected routes) | No | Guide/assistance dogs only | N/A | |
Yes (≤ 8 kg incl. bag) | Yes (cats/dogs >8 kg) | ≥12 weeks; watertight bag ≤115 cm total | €50 cabin; €80 hold + €7.50 surcharge/leg | |
Yes (≤ 8 kg incl. cage ≤23×30×40 cm) | Yes (> 8 kg via Turkish Cargo) | Breed restrictions apply via cargo | 175 TRY cabin; 285–485 TRY cargo | |
Yes (cats/dogs/turtles on non‑UK routes; ≤ 10 kg incl. carrier) | No | ≥12 weeks; carrier ≤45×39×21 cm | €50 domestic; €60 international |
Expert advice to prepare your dog for a flight
The RSPCA advises consulting your vet in advance (ideally one month before travel) and obtaining a health certificate to assess that your dog is healthy enough, both mentally and physically, for the journey as travel can be stressful for dogs and other pets.
Additionally, here are a number of expert-approved tactics to prepare your dogs for planes and travel in general:
Crate-training as a 'safe den': The RSPCA strongly recommends crate training to help dogs feel safe during travel, using the crate as a comforting and secure “den” they recognise and trust
Feed lightly, time wisely: Advice from UK vets recommend minimal meals 6–8 hours before travel to avoid nausea, and offering small sips of water until 1–2 hours before transit
Avoid sedatives: The UK’s IATA guidelines and many UK vets strongly discourage sedating animals for travel due to risks at altitude. Instead, while not always codified, many UK vets support using calming pheromone sprays (like Adaptil) and adding a worn T-shirt or favourite toy to reduce anxiety in the pet carrier.
And if you're not quite ready to take to the skies, both the RSPCA and Dogs Trust encourage easing dogs into travel with UK-based getaways first. Look for dog-friendly holidays where your pup can get used to new environments, whether it’s a cabin in the Lake District or a seaside escape in Cornwall. Building up their travel confidence on the ground can make flying feel far less daunting for both of you.
The pet travel checklist
Before You Book:
Check if your destination is in the EU or not as this determines whether you need an AHC or EHC
Check your airline or ferry’s pet policy (not all carriers accept pets)
Confirm the entry rules for your destination (e.g. rabies, microchip, paperwork)
For EU, Northern Ireland & listed countries (e.g. Switzerland, Norway):
21+ Days Before Travel:
Microchip your pet (must be done before rabies jab)
Rabies vaccination (must be at least 21 days old on day of travel)
Within 10 Days of Travel:
Visit an official vet for an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
Valid for entry to EU/NI for 10 days
Covers onward EU travel and UK return for up to 4 months
For Non-EU destinations (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia, UAE):
Start planning 4–6 weeks ahead:
Use the UK EHC Finder to find an official vet appointment to issue the Export Health Certificate (EHC)
Meet any country-specific entry rules (e.g. vet exams, parasite treatments, forms endorsed by destination authorities)
Before Return to the UK (All Pets):
Book a tapeworm treatment with a vet (1–5 days before re-entry)
– Not required if returning from Ireland, Finland, Malta, or Norway
Travel Essentials:
Airline-approved pet carrier (labelled with contact details)
Familiar-smelling item (e.g. T-shirt)
Water dispenser or frozen water bottle
Absorbent pads
Print copies of all documents: AHC/EHC, rabies proof, ID, vet notes
Important note: always check gov.uk and your destination’s official guidance for the latest rules.
