Pet Travel Rules: What You Need to Know Before Flying with Your Dog

When you’re planning a trip with your dog, pet travel rules, the official guidelines and restrictions that govern how dogs can travel by air in the UK and beyond. Also known as pet transport regulations, these rules aren’t just paperwork—they’re what keep your dog safe, legal, and stress-free during a flight. Whether you’re flying with your pup in the cabin or sending them in cargo, getting this wrong can mean delays, extra fees, or even being turned away at the gate.

Most airlines have strict limits on pet carrier size, the exact dimensions your dog’s travel crate must fit under the seat or in the cargo hold. Also known as cabin pet carrier dimensions, these aren’t suggestions—they’re measured at check-in. If your carrier is even an inch too big, you’ll be asked to repack or pay for checked baggage. Then there’s dog travel safety, the practices that reduce risk during flight, like hydration, feeding schedules, and avoiding sedatives. Also known as pet travel safety tips, this is where most owners get caught off guard. Airlines don’t feed pets in cargo, and many won’t let you give your dog food right before takeoff. You need to plan meals and water breaks hours ahead.

And don’t forget pet transport services, professional companies that handle the entire process for you, from paperwork to door-to-door delivery. Also known as pet couriers, these aren’t just for long-distance moves—they’re a lifeline if you’re flying last-minute or your dog has special needs. Many owners assume they can just book a flight and go, but UK pet travel rules require microchips, rabies vaccines, and official health certificates that take weeks to process. Skip the prep, and you’re out of luck.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t a list of airlines or generic tips—it’s the real talk from people who’ve been there. You’ll see exactly how much space your dog’s carrier needs to fit under a seat, which airlines actually check the dimensions (and which ones don’t), what happens if your dog barks during boarding, and why some vets won’t let you sedate your dog for the flight. There’s also advice on what to pack, how to calm a nervous pup, and the one thing you should never do right before takeoff. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what works for UK dog owners who’ve made the trip before.