British Airways – Pet Policy
Quick Reference Table
| Pet Type | Cabin | Checked Baggage / Hold | Cargo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Only certified assistance/service dogs | No | Yes | No cabin/checked pets on UK flights; microchip, DEFRA permit, breed rules |
| Cat | No | No | Yes | No cabin/checked pets; microchip, DEFRA/vet docs |
| Bird | No | No | Yes | Cargo only; CITES/vet docs required |
| Rabbit | No | No | Yes | Via cargo/agent, confirm before booking |
| Reptile | No | No | Possibly cargo | Specialist handling & permits |
| Fish | No | No | Possibly cargo | Specialist handling only, vet/export docs |
Only recognized assistance/service dogs may be booked in the cabin. All other pets must travel as manifest cargo (PetAir UK or IAG Cargo). No pets in cabin or as checked baggage on British Airways, BA CityFlyer, or BA EuroFlyer flights. Brachycephalic breeds not accepted.
General Policy Overview
- PETS IN CABIN: Only certified assistance/service dogs allowed in cabin and must be pre-booked through the Accessibility Team. Emotional support animals and all other pets not permitted in cabin on any route.
- PETS AS CHECKED BAGGAGE: Not accepted; all pets travel as cargo with specialist partners (no checked-in animals on any BA aircraft).[6][8]
- PETS AS CARGO: Dogs, cats, some birds and small mammals may travel as manifest cargo using PetAir UK (from UK) or IAG Cargo (to UK). Specific documents, advance booking, and a DEFRA-compliant passport required.
- BREED RESTRICTIONS: No snub-nosed dogs/cats, certain aggressive breeds, and elderly/sick/unfit animals. Microchip, up-to-date vaccinations, and proof of fitness required. Always confirm breed acceptance with agent before booking.
Pet-Specific Guidance
- Dogs: Assistance/service dogs only in cabin (free, advance approval). All other dogs as cargo. DEFRA, microchip, health checks, and advance agent booking required.
- Cats: All cats must go as cargo, never in cabin. Pre-travel microchip, DEFRA documents, health/vaccine certificates, cargo booking with agent (PetAir UK) required.
- Birds: Only as cargo, with CITES/vet/import permits. Book via IAG Cargo or PetAir UK. No in-cabin/hold option.
- Rabbits: Accepted as cargo case-by-case. Check status before booking.
- Reptiles/Fish: May be accepted as specialist cargo, never as checked baggage or in-cabin. Confirm with agent, secure all required permits.
Container, Weight & Size Rules
- IATA-certified, hard-sided crate for all animal shipments (125x75x85cm, up to 75kg/pet for standard cargo).
- Carrier must be secure, ventilated, labeled, and contain absorbent bedding and water dish attached inside door.
- No soft-sided or collapsible carriers for cargo. Service/assistance dogs do not need a carrier in-cabin.
Required Documentation
- Microchip certificate (dogs/cats); DEFRA/EU Pet Passport for UK entry/exit
- Signed vet certificate within 10 days of travel
- Rabies vaccination record and evidence of up-to-date vaccinations
- Import/export/CITES permits as required by route/species
- Completed airline booking and agent paperwork (PetAir UK/IAG Cargo)
- For assistance dogs: official documentation and Accessibility Team clearance
Woofly Tips
- Start planning early: pet cargo booking, agent coordination, and paperwork can take weeks.
- Prepare a comfortable, familiar crate for your pet ahead of the flight, and use your own bedding for scent and comfort.
- Always double-check breed and document restrictions for both origin and destination country before you confirm tickets or agent booking.
- For assistance dogs, always contact the Accessibility Team well in advance—space per flight is limited and documentation is reviewed carefully.
- All vet and DEFRA paperwork must be current and in compliance with UK/European/International pet travel schemes.
Last updated: July 21, 2025