While we make every effort to provide the most accurate information, we also recommend that you visit the official airline website to confirm current policies.
Accepted pets:🐶 Dog
In-Cabin Travel
Unknown
No information about non-assistance pets travelling in the cabin is provided in the captured pages. The full pet policy is referenced at https://help.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/special-assistance/assistance-dogs.html but was not captured.
Cargo / Hold
Unknown
No cargo/hold pet transport details are provided in the captured pages.
Service Animals
Allowed
🐾Accepted species🐶 Dog
Must fit at passenger feet No
Advance notice required Yes
Documentation requiredTraining documentation from ADI or IGDF accredited organisation, ADAA accreditation, or equivalent standardAll necessary health and vaccination certificates, permits and documents required for the destination/transit countryU.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form (for flights to/from USA)U.S. DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form (for flights to/from USA scheduled over 8 hours)Pre-approval letter from relevant Animal Reception Centre (e.g. Heathrow ARC requires 72 hours notice)
Assistance dogs must be notified at least 72 hours before the flight by completing the assistance dog form. Cannot be booked online; contact Accessible Travel Services. Dog must be tethered to a passenger seat belt once on board. Accepted types include guide dogs, hearing dogs, psychiatric alert dogs, medical alert dogs and others assisting with a disability or medical condition. Virgin Atlantic may limit the number of assistance dogs per flight. Snub/pug-nosed breeds and breeds listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act are not accepted in the cabin: excluded breeds include Pekingese, Pug breeds, Boston Terrier, Brussels Griffon, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Spaniel, English Bulldog, French Bulldog and Shih Tzu. Virgin Atlantic welcomes assistance dogs on all its own routes; partner airline policies (e.g. Delta, KLM) may differ.
🐱🐶
Species Rules
Service animals exempt Yes
The pages captured cover only assistance/guide dogs travelling in the cabin. No policy for pet cats or non-assistance dogs in cabin or cargo is described in the source material. Prior agreement from Virgin Atlantic is required before travelling with any pet.
Breed Restrictions
Pekingese
Pug (all pug breeds)
Boston Terrier
Brussels Griffon
English Toy Spaniel
Japanese Spaniel
English Bulldog
French Bulldog
Shih Tzu
Any breed listed under the UK Dangerous Dogs Act
Documentation Required
Prior agreement from Virgin Atlantic before travel
Health and vaccination certificates relevant to destination/transit countries
Training documentation (ADI/IGDF/ADAA accreditation or equivalent) for assistance dogs
U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form (USA routes)
U.S. DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form (USA routes, flights over 8 hours)
UK PETS (Pet Travel Scheme) documentation for UK entry/exit
What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?
Only trained assistance and guide dogs are confirmed as permitted in the cabin. These include guide dogs, hearing dogs, psychiatric alert dogs, medical alert dogs, and other dogs that assist with a disability or medical condition. General pet travel (non-assistance) cabin policy is not described in the available pages.
Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?
Snub or pug-nosed breeds are not accepted in the cabin, including: Pekingese, Pug breeds, Boston Terrier, Brussels Griffon, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Spaniel, English Bulldog, French Bulldog and Shih Tzu. Any dog listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act is also excluded.
What documents and health certificates are required to travel with a pet?
For assistance dogs, you must provide training documentation from an ADI or IGDF accredited organisation, or ADAA accreditation, plus all health and vaccination certificates required for the destination and transit countries. For UK travel, documentation under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is required. For US travel, a U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form is required, and for flights over 8 hours a U.S. DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form is also needed.
How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?
Assistance or guide dogs cannot be booked online. You should contact Accessible Travel Services before booking your flight and submit the assistance dog form at least 72 hours before your departure.
Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?
Yes. For UK travel, dogs must comply with the UK Government's Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) to avoid quarantine, and documentation must be approved by the relevant Animal Reception Centre (e.g. Heathrow ARC requires 72 hours' notice). For US travel, a U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form is required, plus a U.S. DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form for flights over 8 hours. From 1 August 2024, updated CDC guidance applies for entry into the USA.
Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?
For assistance dog travel, contact Virgin Atlantic's Accessible Travel Services. For UK Animal Reception Centre enquiries: Heathrow ARC — Tel: +44 208 745 7894, Email: harc@cityoflondon.gov.uk. Manchester Airport — Tel: +44 161 209 7670, Website: www.petsonjets.com/assistancedogs/.