Here you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our range of Pet Transport services by Air.

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If you can’t find the answer you need here then contact us today and we would be happy to help.

 

Can my cat have a litter tray?

Pet litter trays or litter boxes are typically not accepted on most air and lots of road transport services. There are a number of reasons for this including hygiene, weight restrictions and any lose matter presenting a possible choking hazard. Most of our selected pet transport companies will, instead, use special veterinary bedding and absorbent pads during transit to ensure your animal’s comfort.

 

Can my pets share a transport crate?

This is possible in some instances and will typically depend on the length of journey and the type of transportation used. There may also be a variation on allowances depending on the carrier. In some circumstances, a carrier will provide a singular crate with a division which will allow your pets to share a container whilst remaining safe from each other. The ability to share a crate during transit is partly dependant on the size/weight of your pet and also the distance being covered.

 

Can my pet travel in the cabin with me?

In the vast majority of cases the answer will be no. At the time of writing we are unaware of any UK airlines which allow pets to travel in the cabin with their owners.  

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Is there a maximum or minimum size for my pet to travel?

Crates are generally tailored for the individual animal so we will need to obtain some measurements of your pet(s) before we are able to make arrangements for your pet transport. We will also need this information before we are able to provide a quotation for your air or road pet transport, naturally the size of the crate required will influence the cost of transportation.

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Will my pet be cramped in their crate?

As outlined above, crate size is generally tailored specifically for your animal so they shouldn’t be cramped. Our transport partners ensure that your pet has sufficient space to stand up, sit down, turn around and lay down as they would in a typical pet bed. In fact, whilst space is limited for your pet in transit they do, in comparison, have a greater amount of space to move than their human counterparts when on an aircraft.

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Will my pet be sedated on a flight?

Absolutely not, sedating animals on flights is the greatest risk to pets in transit. Sedatives and similar medication will not be administered to your pet by any of our transport partners.

 

Can you guarantee my pet’s safety?

Of course nothing can ever be 100% guaranteed when dealing with an animal. However, our specialist pet transport ensures that your pet is exposed to as little stress and time and in transit as possible. It is important to ensure that your pet is in the best possible health before departure though to minimise the risk of any complications.   

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If I’m travelling to the same destination can I be on the same flight as my pet?

The vast majority of commercial passenger aircraft also cater for pet transportation and, alongside the luggage, you will often find a number of animals transported in the hold. If being on the same flight as your four-legged friend is important to you then contact us today and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.  

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What about quarantine?

Wherever possible we will work with yourself and our transport partners to eliminate or minimise the need or the risk of your pet being quarantined when they reach their destination. We are able to advise on pet passports and on obtaining the correct documentation which helps ensure that quarantine is not required for many EU and Worldwide destinations. Some destinations such as Australia may require a mandatory quarantine period for specific animals but, again, we will be able to advise and assist in ensuring that this period is kept to a minimum.  

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Will my pet be eligible to travel?

We work with a large number of specialist pet transport and logistics companies to maximise that chances that we can cater for your pet and for your journey short or long. If you are in doubt as to whether your pet will be eligible to travel then please don’t hesitate to contact Barker and Hood today and we can help with your enquiries.

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Will my pet be exposed to extreme temperatures?

When we think of the hold of any aircraft, we often think of extreme temperatures and wild fluctuations in air pressure. Aircraft used by pet carriers, however, will have a separate hold for our furry friends which is heated and pressurised in the same way as the passenger cabin. This means that your pet’s experience of flying will be very similar to your own when it comes to flying (just without the duty-free). Only aircraft that offer these climate-controlled holds are used in pet transportation.

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I’m worried that my pet will die on an aircraft?

Naturally, air travel poses risks to animals in the same way as it does for humans but it remains one of the safest ways to travel. Recent research from the US suggests that illness or death for animals on aircrafts equates to less than 0.01% of all those in transit.  

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I own an exotic pet, can you help?

We work with a large number of specialist pet carriers so we are able to cater for the majority of pets and destinations. We currently specialise in the most popular pets including dogs, cats and rabbits but, whatever your creature (great or small) then contact us and we will be happy to help or point you in the direction of a company that can.

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What if my pet needs the toilet on the aircraft?

There are no litter box or similar facilities on board an aircraft for a variety of reasons. Predominantly this is for hygiene reasons and to prevent the spread of disease. Pet litter can also pose a choking hazard for themselves and other pets on board. Fortunately, it is in the nature of most domestic animals to actually refrain from soiling the crate they are in. If they do then we provide veterinary bedding and absorbent pads to help absorb any urine and keep your pet comfortable whilst in transit.

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What does my pet do whilst they’re on an aircraft?

There’s no inflight movie unfortunately but fortunately both cats and dogs are far better at relaxing and sleeping on aircraft than us humans (unless we’ve made an early start on the duty free!). Apart from during take-off and landing (a relatively small part of the flight) the majority of time is spent laying down or sleeping. Most animals show very little distress during a flight but some may take a little time to settle down depending on their temperament.   

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Does my pet stay in complete darkness in the hold?

No, most holds which are designed for the transportation of pets (the type used exclusively by our carriers) are dimly lit. Combined with a regulated temperature and controlled atmospheric pressure this creates a relaxing environment for your pet to settle for the duration of the flight.  

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What if my pet is made ill by their flight?

It is very rare that an animal becomes ill during a flight. Due to their nature animals will react differently to the experience of being on an aircraft for a period of time. Dogs, as they do when they are left home alone, react differently when separated from their owners for extended periods. Cats generally cope better away from their human companions but may still be ‘put out’ by the experience but the majority will return to normal within a couple days. If you have genuine concerns that your pet is unwell then contact a vet in the first instance for advice.

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When do I get to see my pet upon arrival?

Once your pet has arrived at the destination airport you will be able to collect them from the cargo area. Unlike your traditional arrivals area with its luggage carousel and polished floors, this is likely to be a more commercial and ‘functional’ area of the building. However, all pets are given tracking numbers and you will be able to follow their progress until their arrival.

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Is the documentation I need expensive?

The documentation your pet needs to travel is dependent on a number of factors including the type of animal, the destination and the requirement for any additional vaccinations.  A pet passport will be essential for some destinations (EU) to prevent any extended stays in quarantine and will typically cost between £25 and £50 depending on species. In addition, where your departure or destination country is considered a risk for rabies then there will be the additional cost of a rabies vaccination and documentation to consider. If you have any further queries about the costs then contact us or visit the government’s page about the acquisition of pet passports.  

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What will it cost to fly my pet abroad?

How long is a piece of string? It can be expensive for your pet to taken abroad but, like passenger flights, the cost will depend on a number of factors. Chief amongst your considerations will be the size of your pet, your destination and whether additional kennelling will be required along with any specific documentation you need for your animal. You are best off contacting us in the first instance and we will be able to advise you on where to start.

 

If you can’t find the answer you need here then contact us today and we would be happy to help.

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 See Also:

•   Dog Transport Services
•   Cat Transport Services
•   Rabbit Transport Services [Coming soon - Contact Us]
•   Pet Transport FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
•   Pet Transport by Road FAQs [Coming soon - Contact Us]
•   Additional Pet Transport Information

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