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Travelling With Your Dog: From and Into the UK

  • Writer: Wembley Dog Community
    Wembley Dog Community
  • Jun 11
  • 2 min read

Whether you’re heading abroad or returning home, taking your dog across borders requires planning—and knowing the rules. Here's a complete guide to help your travel be smooth, safe, and stress-free.


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Importing a Dog INTO the UK


  • Microchip & Rabies Vaccine – Both mandatory.

  • Pet Passport or Health Certificate – EU Pet Passports accepted; non-EU travellers need an official certificate.

  • Tapeworm Treatment – Required for dogs entering from most countries, administered 1–5 days before arrival

  • Approved Route – Travel must be via one of the UK’s approved air, sea, or rail routes

  • UK Flights: No in-cabin pet travel allowed—all pets (except assistance dogs) must travel as cargo via approved routes

Read official UK regulations here: gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad


Exporting a Dog FROM the UK


For many EU countries and Northern Ireland, you’ll need:


  • An Animal Health Certificate (AHC), valid for 10 days

  • Microchip and rabies vaccination (21 days before travel).

  • Always travel via an approved route


Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin (Outbound UK Flights)


While returning to the UK means pets must be in cargo, many airlines allow small pets in the cabin when flying out from the UK:


  • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Dogs/cats up to 8 kg (pet + carrier), carrier max 46×28×24 cm, must fit under seat. Book early.

  • Air France - Similar to KLM: under 8 kg with aviary, next to seat, limited space, book ahead

  • Lufthansa: Up to 8 kg with soft carrier; flights must allow pets on route – check before booking

  • Vueling: Up to 8–10 kg including carrier (max 45×39×21 cm); limited per flight

  • TAP Portugal: Pet+carrier ≤8 kg, carrier fits under seat, book early

  • Other airlines (e.g. Aegean) Typically limit to 8 kg total, book ahead


UK-based airlines (British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair, Virgin Atlantic, Wizz Air UK, etc.) do not allow in-cabin travel for pets, except assistance dogs. Pets must travel as cargo or in the hold .


✍️ Airline Cabin Travel Tips

  • Book Early: Space is limited (typically 1 pet per passenger).

  • Carrier Requirements: Airline-approved, leak-proof, soft-sided carriers with proper ventilation.

  • Weight & Size Limits: Usually pet + carrier ≤ 8 kg.

  • Documentation: All vaccinations, microchip details; some airlines require vet certificates.

  • Behaviour: Your pet must stay inside the carrier and remain calm.

  • Health Precautions: Avoid feeding just before flying; keep fresh water handy.


✅ Final Checklist

  1. ✅ Exporting: AHC, microchip, rabies jabs, tapeworm, approved route.

  2. ✅ Airline choice: Pick one that accepts pets in the cabin (e.g. KLM, Air France).

  3. ✅ Carrier & booking: Ensure compliance and early reservation.

  4. ✅ Return to UK: Prepare pet cargo with approved agent via IAG Cargo / PetAir UK.


🗺️ Alternatives & Assistance Dogs

  • Assistants dogs travel in-cabin on all UK airlines for free with proper documentation .

  • Consider alternative routes: fly into an EU airport and transfer by train or pet taxi to the UK—ideal for those needing cabin travel both ways 


Travelling with your dog is absolutely achievable with good planning. Keep your paperwork in order, confirm airline policies, book early, and choose travel routes carefully. Safe travels to you—and your furry friend! 🐾


For the latest and detailed requirements, please refer directly to the UK’s official guidance on travelling with pets:👉 gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad

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