Travel Guidance for Pets Travelling from the UK

Travelling abroad with your dog can be exciting, but since Brexit, the rules have changed and careful planning is essential. From flights and documentation to vaccinations and travel tips, here’s a complete guide to make your pet’s journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Brexit and Documentation

Animal Health Certificates (AHC):

• Required for travel to the EU and Northern Ireland.
• Must be issued by a vet within 10 days of travel.
• Valid for entry and travel within the EU for 4 months, with 30 days for onward travel.

Other requirements:

• Dogs must be microchipped before rabies vaccination.
• Pets must have a valid rabies vaccination (first vaccination must be at least 21 days old).
• Some destinations require a tapeworm treatment (e.g., Ireland, Finland, Norway) administered 1–5 days before travel.
• Pets must enter through approved points of entry and show documentation.

Currently, there is talk of a new UK-EU pet passport system, possibly around 2027, but nothing is confirmed yet.

⚠️ Tip: Always check the destination country’s official government guidelines, as some EU countries may have additional requirements for specific breeds or regions.

⚠️ Tip: Even a healthy dog can be denied entry if tapeworm treatment is not documented correctly, so always plan ahead and check timing carefully.

Flights: Cabin vs Cargo

UK-Based Airlines

Most major UK airlines do not allow pets in the cabin, except for registered assistance dogs. All other pets must travel as cargo:

• British Airways – Only recognised assistance dogs in the cabin; others travel in a temperature-controlled hold.
• TUI Airways – Pets can travel in the cargo hold; assistance dogs may travel in the cabin.
• Aer Lingus UK – Cargo only; no cabin travel.
• EasyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, Virgin Atlantic – Cabin travel not allowed (except assistance dogs).

International Airlines Flying from the UK

Some international carriers allow small dogs in the cabin (usually up to 8 kg including carrier) or larger dogs in cargo:

• Lufthansa – Small pets in the cabin; larger pets in cargo.
• KLM – Cabin or cargo depending on size; restrictions for snub-nosed breeds.
• Air France, Air Transat, Air Canada, Aegean Airlines – Cabin or cargo depending on route and size.

Important points:

• Cabin pets must be in an approved carrier that fits under the seat.
• Cargo travel involves booking through pet cargo services, with temperature-controlled, pressurised holds.
• Book early as spaces for pets are limited, especially for cabin travel.
• Assistance dogs generally have cabin exceptions; emotional support animals usually do not.

Other Travel Options

Ferries and Eurotunnel

• Pets often stay in the car with owners, reducing stress.
• Check company rules for documentation and vaccination proof.

Driving Abroad

• Secure your pet in a carrier or harness.
• Plan rest stops every 2–3 hours for exercise, water, and toilet breaks.
• Keep paperwork accessible.

Health Checks and Pre-Travel Prep

• Vet check within 10 days of travel.
• Confirm microchip, rabies vaccination, and tapeworm treatment.
• Consider calmative pheromones, anxiety wraps, or familiar toys to reduce stress.
• Prepare a pet travel kit: water, collapsible bowl, treats, waste bags, towel, and leash.

Additional Tips

• Book flights or ferry travel early – pet spaces are limited
• Use direct flights if possible to reduce stress
• Keep copies of all documents (paper & digital)
• Ensure your pet is comfortable and calm – familiar toys or blankets help
• Check destination-specific rules for breed restrictions, quarantine, or health regulations