Start your journey to stress-free pet travel
PetAir agents are available 8am to 5pm (UK)
Planning pet travel can feel overwhelming, especially with changing rules, paperwork, and airline requirements.
Our FAQs cover the most common questions we’re asked, from preparing documentation to understanding timeframes and what to expect on the day of travel. If you can’t find the answer you need, our team is always happy to help: [phone-number]
No – we arrange your pet’s travel; you’ll need to book your own passenger ticket separately.
No – pets travelling as manifest cargo do not have a baggage allowance, and we cannot send personal luggage with them.
We cannot send personal luggage with your pet. We can attach a comfort item if permitted (for example, a
worn t-shirt that smells like home) to help your pet settle.
No – your pet travels separately from your luggage in a temperature-controlled hold, with conditions similar
to the passenger cabin. Lighting is often dimmed to help keep them calm.
If a flight is delayed or cancelled, your pet will be moved to the next available flight, subject to airline
availability.
Not usually. If you are travelling on a different airline, you’ll need a consignee (a friend, relative or other
trusted person) who can receive your pet at the destination.
Because not all aircraft are approved or equipped to carry pets as manifest cargo, flight choice can be limited
by route, aircraft type and airline policies.
Not usually, as your pet would be in their pet cabin for a long time before departure. In some circumstances
we can collect on the day if you are staying in a pet-friendly hotel close to the airport – please ask the team.
Usually around 4 hours before departure.
We have several possible meeting points. Our booking team will confirm the exact location and time.
This depends on where you are travelling to and the entry requirements for that country. We’ll advise based
on your destination and timeline.
Lead times vary by destination. We’ll confirm what’s realistic for your route and any import requirements.
Yes – in many cases we can align you to the same flight. Availability depends on route and airline, so please
check with our team.
Yes – in most locations. Some routes and airports have restrictions (for example Atlanta, Brazil and Toronto).
We’ll confirm collection options for your destination.
No – we don’t recommend food in the pet cabin during transit due to choking risk. If your pet needs a special
feeding plan, please speak to our team.
No – once your pet is in their pet cabin and checked in, they won’t be let out again until they are collected at
the other end (by the consignee or agent).
We’ll need photos of the pet cabin, the external measurements, and your pet’s accurate measurements.
Airlines use these to calculate the freight charge.
No – our driver will bring the pet cabin on collection. It’s suited specifically for your pet’s size and is yours to keep.
No – lithium batteries are not permitted in the aircraft hold with pets or pet cabins, so trackers such as
AirTags cannot travel with your pet.
Yes – we can deliver the pet cabin in advance for an additional charge.
Yes – Our pet travel crates are IATA approved and designed for comfort and safety of you. Air Travel Crate is supplied as a self-assembly travel solution, including water bowls, bedding, and all assembly hardware required for airline transport. Learn how to measure your pet for a travel crate.
No – airlines will not accept any pet that appears sedated, as pets are not routinely monitored in-flight.
Please discuss safe, vet-approved options with your vet and our team.
No – pets can’t be visited during stopovers on indirect flights.
Herbal calmers – yes, in many cases. Sedation – no. Please check with your vet first, and let us know what you plan to use.
No – pets travel in a climate-controlled hold. Airline cargo teams monitor conditions during transport of live
animals.
Generally no. If your vet has prescribed gabapentin, trazodone or similar medication, it must be declared and
agreed at least two weeks before departure.
Conditions are good – the hold is temperature controlled.
No – All documents must be the originals flown with the pet.
Rabies blood work isn’t included. Premium services cover the follow-up checks and support from the blood
test stage through to the flight date
For Australia, RNATT and ID checks must be issued around 180 days before dispatch, and you then submit
your PEQ request.
Final payment is due one week before the flight date.
Full payment is due within 7–10 days of the flight
The cost shown is the total for all pets included on the quote.
No – we arrange your pet’s travel; you’ll need to book your own passenger ticket separately.
A broker typically provides remote customs clearance only. An agent can provide customs clearance and on-
the-ground support, such as collection at the cargo station and delivery (where available).
Yes – you can arrange to be on the same flight as your pet, however to guarantee this you will need to wait
for the booking team to confirm the flight your pet is on, before you book the same one to match.
No – you would just need to bring your pet to us for the DEFRA / AHC / FTF completion on date specified and
then take home and meet us at airport on day of flight.
Pets travel in the aircraft hold as live cargo (manifest cargo) on the flight.
No – we don’t book passenger tickets. Please contact an agent in the country of origin, or contact IAG to
book flights yourself.
In many cases, yes – but it depends on your route and airline. If you’re booking yourself via IAG, book your
pet’s flight first and then book your own ticket to match where possible.
No – pets must travel as manifest cargo, unless they are flying on a private jet.
We’re unable to advise on the exact pet cabin you need. Please speak to your airline for their current
requirements and check IATA guidelines
Please contact your airline to follow their individual procedures on paperwork preparation.