Traveling with animals by air is not as simple as just booking a ticket. Flight companies’ rules, the country’s import-export laws, and your pet’s physical and mental stability—all these aspects have to be taken into account. Lack of preparation can lead to ticket cancellation or flight rejection. Therefore, gathering the right information beforehand is the key to success.
Types of pet travel
Most airlines divide their pet passengers into three categories:
- In-Cabin: small animals (such as cats or small dogs) that can be carried in an airline-approved carrier kept with you in the cabin.
- Checked Baggage: medium-sized pets that travel on the same flight in the cargo hold.
- Manifest Cargo: large or giant-sized animals, or when the owner is flying a separate flight.
- International routes from London often require medium to large pets to be sent in cargo class, especially if the country has strict regulations.
Choose a pet-friendly airline
Some of the major pet-friendly airlines flying from London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW) or Stansted (STN):
- British Airways (BA): Pet travel service through IAG Cargo.
- Lufthansa: Pet lounge facilities in Frankfurt and experienced staff.
- KLM Royal Dutch: Easy connections to Amsterdam.
- Qatar Airways: Temperature-controlled cargo hold.
- Emirates: Comfortable for larger animals, including children, through Emirates SkyCargo.
Call for Book Pet Air ticket : 0208 095 0550
Go to the Live Animals or Pet Travel Booking page on each airline’s website and read the rules for your destination.
Opt for a pet travel agency
If the process itself seems complicated, seek help from London’s renowned pet travel agencies:
- World Best Travel Call: 0208 095 0550
- Economy Flights Call: 0208 095 4111
These agencies handle everything—documentation, crate requirements, flight bookings, customs clearance. The fees may be high, but you get a worry-free trip.
Choose an IATA-approved crate
Your pet can only travel in an IATA-approved crate (travel box). Make sure:
- The dog or cat can stand, turn and lie down comfortably.
- There is proper ventilation—air circulation.
- Live Animal and your contact details are clearly marked.
- The crate is sturdy, leak-proof and lockable.
Start crate practice at least 4–6 weeks before the flight to get the animal comfortable in it.
Animal Health Certificate (AHC) and Vaccination
Documents required:
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or Export Health Certificate: Issued 7–10 days before travel.
- Microchip (ISO 11784/11785): With readable locator.
- Rabies vaccine: Valid vaccine certificate.
- Tapeworm treatment (for some European countries).
- Rabies titter test (for Australia, Japan etc.).
- General health check-up: Certification of disease-free status before travel.
Book an appointment at your nearest veterinary clinic or animal checkpoint in advance.
Flight booking advice
- Book at least 4–6 weeks in advance. Cargo slots fill up quickly.
- Choose direct flights—baggage transfers won’t be a hassle.
- Avoid lower seasons (summer/winter peaks) as extreme temperatures may close cargo holds.
- Flight timings: Early morning or evening is better—as the weather is cooler.
Important preparations and tips before travel
- Crate training: Keep the animal in the crate from time to time so that the fear is reduced.
- Food and water: Light food 4 hours before the flight. Hang a water dispenser in the crate.
- Familiar items: Keep his favorite toy or blanket in the crate.
- Duplicate copy of the document: Keep the original and the copy in separate bags.
- Airport arrival: Reach at least 3 hours before the flight.
If you are planning a pet flight from London to any destination, contact World Best Travel Pet Desk now. Our expert agents are ready to provide:
- Custom tools
- Flight booking
- Document support
- Airport drop/pickup
- All services. Call 0208 095 0550
Book today and give your pet friend a safe, comfortable travel experience!