British Airways Pet TravelBA
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FAQ about British Airways pet policy
Policy last updated: April 19, 2026
In-Cabin Travel
Not allowedBritish Airways does not carry domestic pets (cats or dogs) in the cabin on any route. All domestic pets travel in the hold. Only trained assistance dogs are permitted in the cabin, free of charge.
Cargo / Hold
AllowedPets traveling to/from the UK are handled via partner services: exports from the UK via PetAir UK; imports to the UK via IAG Cargo. Pets travel in the hold only. Fees and specific requirements are managed by these partner companies.
Service Animals
AllowedAssistance dogs must be trained to assist with a disability/medical condition by an ADI or IGDF accredited organisation, Assistance Dog Assessment Association, or equivalent. Dogs must exhibit appropriate public behaviour and remain under owner's control at all times. Registration with Open Doors Organization is required before travel; recommended before booking. Book at least 48 hours before travel. Emotional support dogs are NOT accepted in the cabin. For flights over 10 hours, owner must confirm dog can manage the journey. Cabin crew will not provide care for the dog during the flight. For travel to Spain, not all airports are authorised entry points — passengers should verify in advance.
Species Rules
Domestic pets (cats and dogs) travel in the hold only. Assistance dogs (dogs only) may travel in the cabin free of charge. Emotional support dogs are not accepted in the cabin and must travel as domestic pets.
Documentation Required
- UK Pet Travel Scheme compliance (for entry to the UK) — including relevant vaccinations and treatments per DEFRA requirements
- Check with relevant embassy or consulate for destination country requirements
- What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?
- Only trained assistance dogs are permitted in the cabin. Domestic pets (cats and dogs) are not allowed in the cabin on any British Airways route and must travel in the hold.
- Can pets travel in the cargo hold, and what are the requirements?
- Yes. All domestic cats and dogs travel in the hold. From the UK, travel is arranged through PetAir UK. To the UK, travel is arranged through IAG Cargo. Pets entering the UK must meet the UK Government Pet Travel Scheme (DEFRA) requirements. For other destinations, check with the relevant embassy or consulate.
- What are the fees for traveling with a pet?
- Assistance dogs travel in the cabin free of charge. Fees for domestic pets traveling in the hold are managed by partner companies PetAir UK (exports from UK) and IAG Cargo (imports to UK) — contact them directly for pricing.
- Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?
- No specific breed restrictions are listed for domestic pets traveling in the hold. For assistance dogs, the dog must be trained to assist with a disability or medical condition by an accredited organisation.
- What documents and health certificates are required to travel with a pet?
- For domestic pets entering the UK, DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme requirements must be met. For other destinations, check with the relevant embassy or consulate. For assistance dogs, registration and an Assistance Dog ID via Open Doors Organization is required, along with destination-specific documentation (e.g., CDC Dog Import Form for the USA, pre-approval from UK Animal Reception Centre for UK entry).
- How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?
- For domestic pets from the UK, contact PetAir UK. For domestic pets traveling to the UK, contact IAG Cargo. For assistance dogs, register via the Open Doors Organization portal before booking your trip.
- Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?
- Yes. For UK entry, pets must comply with the UK Government Pet Travel Scheme (DEFRA). For the USA, all dogs (including assistance dogs) must meet CDC requirements including completing a CDC Dog Import Form. For Spain, not all airports are authorised entry points for assistance dogs. For other destinations, check with the relevant embassy or consulate.
- Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?
- For domestic pet transport from the UK: PetAir UK. For transport to the UK: IAG Cargo. For assistance dog registration: Open Doors Organization — email BA-SVAN@opendoorsnfp.org, UK toll-free: 0808 273 4930, USA: +1 800 865 9173.
Source: Official pet policy page ↗