Planning · 5 min read
Flying Private With Pets
On private charter, pets normally travel in the cabin with their owners rather than in a hold. Access is at the operator's discretion and must be agreed before booking. Government entry rules — microchip, rabies vaccination and, for some routes, an animal health certificate or tapeworm treatment — apply exactly as they do on scheduled flights.
Updated 31/07/2026
Key Facts
- Cabin travel
- Normal, but operator-approved
- Microchip
- Required for UK/EU movement
- Rabies vaccination
- Required, with waiting period
- Approval lead time
- Confirm at booking, not on the day
What to agree before you book
- Operator acceptance of the species, size and number of animals.
- Whether the animal must be crated for taxi, take-off and landing.
- Any post-flight deep-clean charge, which some operators apply.
- Approved arrival airport for animal entry checks in the destination country.
Documents
Requirements are set by governments, not by us or the operator, and they change. Confirm current rules with the destination country's official guidance before travel. As a general baseline for UK and EU movements, expect a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination with the applicable waiting period, and an animal health certificate or pet passport depending on route.
Practicalities in the cabin
- Bring a familiar blanket and a non-spill water bowl.
- Feed lightly several hours before departure.
- Walk the animal at the private terminal before boarding.
- Discuss sedation with a vet — many advise against it for flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs travel in the cabin on a private jet?
Yes, in most cases dogs travel in the cabin with their owners. It still requires the operator's approval for that specific aircraft and route.
Do pets need a passport to fly private?
The same government entry rules apply as on any other flight — typically microchip, rabies vaccination and an animal health certificate or pet passport depending on the countries involved.
Is there an extra charge for pets?
Some operators apply a cleaning fee. It should be disclosed in the quote rather than added later.