Flying is usually safe for a healthy dog, but it is never risk-free, so treat it as a last resort. Most dogs leaving the UK travel in the cargo hold, which is stressful, and sedation is not advised. Flat-faced breeds face serious breathing risks, and many airlines will not fly them at all.
The honest answer depends on your dog's health, breed and the travel arrangements. As Dr Rebecca Massie MRCVS, my general advice is to avoid flying your dog unless it is a long-term move and there is no other option. Some dogs fly without any problem, but it is an unnatural and often stressful experience.
What does flying involve for a dog?
For most dogs travelling from the UK, flying means going in a special pressurised, temperature-controlled hold, not the cabin you sit in. The separation, noise and strange surroundings can all be stressful.
- Checking in, often hours early.
- Being separated from you.
- Waiting in a crate in the cargo area.
- Being loaded into the aircraft hold.
- The flight itself, with pressure changes and noise.
The whole process can last many hours, far longer than the flight time alone.
Is it safe for dogs to fly in cargo?
Flying in cargo is generally safe for healthy dogs on reputable airlines, but the cargo hold is where the main risks lie. Stress is the biggest. The gut-brain axis in dogs is sensitive, so intense anxiety can lead to diarrhoea or vomiting during or after the trip.
Physical risks include injury if the crate is mishandled and, in rare but tragic cases, problems from temperature swings or poor ventilation in the hold. Whether a dog is booked as cargo or as checked baggage in the hold, the risks are similar. They are higher for very young, elderly or anxious dogs, and for long international journeys with connections.
Watch for stress signals such as lip licking and yawning in the weeks before travel, as our guide to dog stress signals explains. They tell you how your dog copes with change.
Can my dog fly in the cabin with me in the UK?
Generally, no: pet dogs cannot fly in the cabin on flights to or from the UK, so your dog will almost certainly travel in the hold, whatever their size. Unlike some US airlines, UK airlines do not usually allow pet dogs in the cabin.
The main exception is recognised assistance dogs. The "in-cabin" option you may see on social media is not usually available on UK flights. Always check the official government rules and your airline's own policy before you book.
Are some dog breeds banned from flying?
Yes, many airlines restrict or ban flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds from flying in the hold. These include Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Boxers and some Mastiffs.
Their short airways make them very vulnerable to breathing trouble and heatstroke, even in normal conditions.
The stress and air pressure changes of flying can be fatal for them. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) strongly advises against flying these breeds.
How do I prepare my dog for a flight?
Start crate training months in advance, because it is the single most important step. Your dog's travel crate must meet IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards, which usually means a sturdy plastic crate, not a wire one.
Put the crate in a busy room like the living room. Let your dog explore it with the door open, using treats and favourite toys, until it feels like a safe den.
See your vet well ahead of time for a health check and any fitness-to-fly paperwork. Make sure vaccinations and documents, such as an Animal Health Certificate for EU travel, are in order. Avoid a big meal in the hours before the flight.
In the weeks before travel, steady gut support can help a dog whose tummy reacts to stress. Juno Daily for gut health includes the spore-forming probiotic Calsporin® Bacillus velezensis alongside prebiotics and postbiotics. It also contains slippery elm (200mg per scoop), a natural mucilage that coats and soothes the gut lining, which owners tend to notice as fewer stress-related tummy upsets.
Start it well before the trip rather than on the day.
Should I sedate my dog for flying?
No, you should not sedate your dog for flying, and most veterinary bodies and the IATA advise against it. Sedatives can stop a dog controlling body temperature and keeping their balance.
That is dangerous in a cargo hold where nobody can monitor them, and sedation can also affect breathing and blood pressure, which is a real worry at altitude in an unattended crate. Focus on crate training and getting your dog used to travel instead.
Non-sedating calming aids can help. A dog appeasing pheromone spray, such as Adaptil, on the crate bedding before travel may reduce anxiety. For background stress in the run-up, probiotics for dog anxiety may be worth discussing with your vet.
Myth: a sedated dog will sleep through the flight and feel nothing. In reality, sedation adds risk in the hold and can leave a dog more disorientated, not less.
Can my dog fly internationally with me?
Yes, your dog can fly internationally, but the paperwork, crate rules and health requirements depend on the destination. Long-haul trips with connections are the most stressful, and some countries require quarantine on arrival. Check the destination's rules early, as some take months to meet.
What are the alternatives to flying with my dog?
For travel to Europe, there are good alternatives. The Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is often the best, as your dog stays in the car with you for a crossing of around 35 minutes.
Pet-friendly ferries are another good choice, and many have dog-friendly cabins or pet lounges. For long-haul trips where driving is not possible, the kindest option may be a trusted pet sitter or a good kennel. Leaving your dog somewhere familiar is often far better than putting them through a flight.
If you are unsure what daily support would help your dog through a big change, I usually point owners at the Juno supplement quiz before they buy anything. And if travel is on the cards, starting Juno Daily a few weeks ahead gives your dog steady gut support while the routine changes around them.
Frequently asked questions
What paperwork do I need for my dog to fly from the UK?
It depends on the destination. For the EU or Northern Ireland, you need an Animal Health Certificate from an Official Veterinarian, issued no more than 10 days before travel. Other countries usually need an Export Health Certificate.
How much does it cost to fly a dog from the UK?
It varies hugely with the airline, your dog's size, the crate and the destination. Short European trips cost far less than long-haul moves, which can also involve quarantine. Get quotes from the airline or a pet transport company early.
Can I buy a seat for my dog on a plane in the UK?
No. UK airlines do not allow pet dogs in the cabin, so you cannot buy them a seat. Only recognised assistance dogs can travel in the cabin.
What is the safest way for a dog to travel?
In the car with you. For crossing the Channel, the Eurotunnel is usually best because your dog stays with you. A pet-friendly ferry is a good second choice. Flying should be a last resort.
Do dogs' ears pop on planes?
Yes, their ears are sensitive to pressure changes just like ours. Unlike us, they do not know to swallow or yawn to clear them, which can add to the stress of take-off and landing.
What should I put in my dog's crate for flying?
Absorbent bedding and something that smells of home, such as an unwashed T-shirt. Water and food bowls must be fixed inside the door and refillable from outside. Leave out hard toys, which can be a choking risk.
What about emotional support animals in the UK?
Emotional support animals are not recognised for cabin travel by UK airlines. Only fully trained assistance dogs, such as guide dogs and hearing dogs, are allowed in the cabin.
Is my dog fed during the flight?
Usually not. A light meal well before the flight is safer than a full stomach. Water is provided on long journeys, and food on long layovers must be arranged with the airline.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before making changes to your dog's diet, supplement routine, or healthcare plan.
