British Airways Pet Policy

As pet ownership continues to rise worldwide, more and more pet owners are seeking ways to travel with their furry companions. For those traveling with pets, it’s essential to be familiar with airline policies and regulations.

In this, we will take a closer look at the British Airways pet policy, including the types of pets allowed, the requirements for travel, and how to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for both you and your furry friend. 

Whether you are planning a vacation with your furry friend or relocating to a new country, understanding British Airways pet travel is crucial to making your travel experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

What is the British Airways pet policy for cargo travel?

In accordance with British Airways pet policy, pets may be brought into the UK as air cargo by using IAG Cargo, a subsidiary of BA. IAG Cargo network includes 350+ destinations, including 8 airports in the United Kingdom.

Call IAG Cargo’s JFK airport office at 718-233-6608 for further details on how to transport your pet if you’re traveling out of the United States.

Pet allowed –

Animals such as cats, puppies, bunnies, hamsters, birds, monkeys, cold-blooded creatures, tropical fish, and fowl. Bigger animals like horses, cows, and so on must be reserved through a licensed agent.

Forms required –

A valid health certificate issued by an authorized veterinarian 10 days prior to travel. Any forms are necessary by the destination country must be attached to the pet’s crate.

Information Required –

You must provide the following details to the pet cargo company:

• Name, contact information for you (the shipper), and address.
• Name, address, and telephone number of the consignee.
• Travel information such as departure and arrival airports, as well as preferred flight date.
• Information about the pet, including name, species, sex, breed, age, weight, and crate size.
• To determine whether the crate is the right size, take a picture of your pet standing next to it.

Pet Fee –

Your pet’s travel expenses will vary depending on the origin and destination nations.

Pet Age –

Kitty and puppy age must be at least 10 weeks. Pregnant dogs and cats will not be permitted to travel beyond 6 months of gestation.

Check-In –

You must arrive at an IAG Cargo facility with all necessary papers.

• Domestic planes depart two hours before scheduled departure. 
• For international flights, allow 4 hours before departure.

Restrictions –

As per British Airlines pet policy, the following restrictions will apply – 

• Due to the extreme temperatures, pets will not be carried from Kuwait, Dallas/Fort Worth, Beijing, or Shanghai.
•  If any city on the itinerary is expected to have a temperature that is either below 45°F (7°C) or above 85°F (30°C), pets will not be allowed on British Airways flights.
• Flight must be operated and marketed by British Airways. 

Required documents –

If you are planning to travel with your pet in cargo with British Airways, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A pet passport or veterinary certificate
• A health certificate
• An import permit
• A reservation confirmation
• Payment for fees

It’s always a good idea to check with British Airways and the relevant authorities in advance to ensure you have all the necessary documents and information for a smooth journey.

What is In-Cabin Pet Policy for British Airways?

Pets are not permitted to fly in the passenger cabin, according to British Airway pet policy.

What is British Airways Pet Policy as Checked Baggage?

The pet policy of British Airlines prohibits the transport of animals as checked baggage.

What is British Airways Pet Policy for Service Animals?

British Airways allows service animals to travel in the cabin with their owner free of charge, provided that the animal meets the requirements set by the airline. Service animals are defined as animals that have been trained to assist a person with a disability.

The service dog must fulfill the following requirements in order to be allowed to travel in the passenger cabin:

• Must have the necessary training to help passengers with disabilities.
• Documentary confirmation that it has been trained as an assistance dog is required.
• Assistance dogs are required to be leashed and must wear jackets identifying them as such.
• Must be under the owner’s control.

According to British Airways pet policy, dogs that don’t fit these requirements must travel as domestic pets, along with emotional support dogs.

How to book travel for a service dog? –

Reservations for service dogs cannot be made online.  After making your flight reservation, get in touch with British Airways up to 72 hours before your intended departure date to confirm your assistance dog’s reservation.

How to Travel to the UK with a Service Dog? –

You must obtain a letter of pre-approval from the UK Animal Reception Center at least 72 hours before your departure date if you are traveling to the United Kingdom. Your service dog will not be permitted to travel if you do not have the required paperwork.

How to Travel from/to the United States with a Service Dog? –

If you are traveling to or from the United States with a service dog, you must submit:

• The U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form
• A copy of the training certificate

Please note – On flights longer than 8 hours, the DOT Relief Attestation Form states that the service dog will either not need to relieve itself aboard the aircraft or, if necessary, will do so without causing a health or sanitation issue.

Contact details – Contact a British Airlines representative at 0800-408-1100. (Mon–Sat, 9am–5pm, GMT).

Bringing Emotional Support Animals with British Airways

Emotional support dogs are no longer permitted on British Airlines flights. The above-mentioned pet travel policy of British Airways, however, permits your emotional support dog to travel as a regular pet.

British Airways is a pet-friendly airline that allows pets to travel in the cabin or in the cargo hold of their planes. However, the airline has strict rules and regulations regarding the transportation of pets to ensure the safety and comfort of both the pets and the passengers.

It is important to carefully review and comply with all of the airline’s policies and procedures when traveling with your pet on British Airways.

By following the guidelines of British Airways’ pet travel policy and making proper arrangements, you can enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience with your furry friend.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)