To prepare for a flight with your dog, gather their details, consider their needs and check which arrangements the airline accepts across the whole itinerary. Breed or weight alone cannot determine how your dog will travel.
What information should I gather about my dog?
Note their breed or crossbreed, age and current weight. We will also need their natural measurements and any individual needs that could affect the journey. If several dogs are travelling, prepare the information for each dog separately.
- Each dog's breed or crossbreed, age and weight.
- Your dog's measurements and the carrier dimensions, if you already have one.
- Mobility, handling or care needs that may affect the journey.
- Previous experience with carriers, airports or flights.
How do size and carrier fit affect the journey?
Do not choose a carrier solely by breed or from a photograph. Its internal space must suit your dog, and its design must meet the operating airline's conditions. Check the dimensions before buying a carrier or assuming that an existing one will be accepted.
Your dog may be able to travel in the cabin (PETC) or in the designated animal hold on the same flight as their companion (AVIH), if accepted by the airline. The dedicated guide compares these two arrangements.
GUIDESUnderstand PETC and AVIH →
Its measurements and photographs can be reviewed. Final acceptance rests with the operator for the journey concerned.
What if my dog is a puppy, older or needs particular care?
Discuss with your vet whether the journey is suitable for your dog's circumstances and which needs must be considered. Minimum ages and entry requirements depend on the airline and the countries involved; there is no single age threshold that applies to every journey.
Tell us early about anything that could affect handling, journey duration or the choice of connections. We can then assess it before confirming an itinerary.
Does breed matter?
Yes. Some airlines apply particular conditions to certain breeds or types of dog, including brachycephalic dogs. Another dog of the same breed having travelled does not guarantee acceptance: the individual animal, aircraft, dates and operating flights must be reviewed.
How can I prepare my dog for the journey?
Allow time for your dog to become gradually familiar with the carrier they will use. Observe how they enter, settle and remain inside, rather than discovering difficulties on departure day. If you need help with that familiarisation or with handling, raise it before the plan is finalised.
Preparation should fit the individual dog. Do not assume an earlier experience will be the same at another airport, with another companion or on a longer journey.
Who can accompany my dog?
If the owner is not travelling, a professional may accompany the pet through Pet Nanny. If the owner travels and wants professional accompaniment for both, the service is Chaperone. Preparation and coordination are always included in both services; the scope is agreed for the journey.
SERVICESExplore the Pet Nanny service →
SERVICESExplore the Chaperone service →
What needs to be confirmed before booking?
A passenger reservation does not, by itself, confirm your dog's acceptance. Before committing to the journey, check the following:
- Pet acceptance on every operating flight and workable connections.
- The carrier and travel arrangement accepted for your dog.
- Documents and deadlines for departure, transit and arrival.
- Who will accompany your dog and how departure and arrival will be coordinated.
Country requirements and the document checklist belong to the specific route. Find them in Travel rather than assuming that another destination's conditions apply to your journey.
TRAVELFind my route and its checklist →
Review documents, kennel, meeting points and the receiving person. Agree the scope of support and contacts before travelling, especially when connections or changes of operator are involved.
