How do I take my cat on a plane to the UK?

Bringing pets to the UK by air can only be done as manifested cargo, on certain travel routes and companies. Once entering the UK, you will only be able to collect your pet after it has been taken through customs (could take about 6-8 hours). You must pay an agent, travel company or airline to do this for you.



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When checking a pet, you need to:
  1. Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel.
  2. Check in at the ticket counter with your official orders.
  3. Allow extra check-in time (at least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours before your flight)
  4. Complete a checklist with an agent.
  5. Provide a health certificate.


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PetAir work with many UK airports that export and import pets. The top airports being Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester Airport and Edinburgh Airport. Each airport differs in the process of transporting pets, so it's important to check the process before travelling.

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Generally, airlines charge a pet fee of $100 to $200 each way, but prices will vary depending on where you're traveling and your airline. Check the airline's pet policy before purchasing a ticket to make sure your pet meets the airline's breed and size requirements.

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You will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to travel and some airlines require an acclimation certificate. Both of these certificates can only be completed and signed by a federally accredited veterinarian.

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Most of the time, cats travel quite well without the need for medication. Some cats, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your cat if she does not travel well.

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RyanAir does not permit any type of live animal to fly in the cabin of its aircraft unless it is a guide or assistance dog trained to perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability (physical, sensory or psychiatric) and must be certified by an organisation that is a full member of Assistance Dogs ...

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If you're travelling to Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) from a 'part 1' listed country, you'll need one of the following: a pet passport issued in a 'part 1' listed country. an animal health certificate ( AHC ) issued in Great Britain in the last 4 months.

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British Airways only allows assistance dogs trained and certified by an organization that is a full member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) to travel in-cabin. Emotional Support Dogs and other pets without certification are ineligible for in-cabin travel.

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Many airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin as a carry-on, so long as they stay inside a carrier that's small enough to fit under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. Southwest, Alaska, United, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Spirit, and Frontier are some of the airlines that allow pets as carry-ons.

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If your pet is going to travel with you in the cabin (dogs and cats, weighing less than 8kg / 17lb including the transport bag or container, and guide dogs of any weight) you will need a suitable container. You can carry only one animal per container and per person.

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Some airports have pet relief stations that you can use. If you cannot find these, you can use a family bathroom with a door. Our suggestion is that you set up your cat litter tray with a little bit of cat litter. You can remove their business using the doggy bags while wearing your gloves.

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If your cat is a snub-nosed or brachycephalic breed, such as Persian, Himalayan, or Exotic Shorthair, special considerations must be taken. These breeds may have respiratory challenges that can be aggravated by traveling in the cargo hold. Some airlines may restrict them to the cabin or even embargo their travel.

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Even though you can't buy an extra seat for your cat, you'll still have to make a reservation for it. Several of the biggest airlines in the U.S. charge $125 each way for an in-cabin cat. However, fees are somewhat less on other airlines, like Southwest Airlines ($95) and JetBlue ($100).

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Though your cat may not be happy with plane travel, there are ways to keep your cat calm during a flight.
  1. Choose a Comfortable Cat Carrier. ...
  2. Train your Cat to Like the Carrier. ...
  3. Try Using Pheromones to Calm Your Cat. ...
  4. Prepare for Security Checks. ...
  5. Consider Putting Your Cat in the Cargo Area.


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Adult dogs and cats easily make it through the night without having to relieve themselves, so your pet should also be OK on most very long flights. Regardless, you'll have to line their carrier with something absorbent - a Dry Fur pad works nicely under your pet's own crate pad or thin blanket.

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Usually dogs are only allowed to fly in the cabin—known as carry-on pets—if they can comfortably fit in a carrier that you can stow under the seat in front of you. A small number of airlines, including JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Etihad Airways, allow passengers flying with dogs to buy an extra seat for their pet.

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Adult dogs and cats easily make it through the night without having to relieve themselves, so your pet should also be OK on most very long flights. Regardless, you'll have to line their carrier with something absorbent - a Dry Fur pad works nicely under your pet's own crate pad or thin blanket.

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When it comes to bathroom breaks, you won't be able to let your cat out of their carrier to roam the plane. Instead, you'll need to provide them with a portable 'litter box', which we recommend as shredded newspaper or an absorbent pad, preferably both.

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