British Airways pet policy 2026: the complete guide
Last updated: May 2026 · 8 min read
Before you contact IAG Cargo: check these first
- 1Is your pet's breed on the snub-nosed or restricted list?
- 2Is your route served by British Airways with cargo pet acceptance?
- 3Do you have 4 to 6 weeks before travel for documentation?
- 4Are you departing from the UK (PetAir UK) or arriving into the UK (IAG Cargo)?
British Airways handles pets differently from most European airlines. There is no cabin option, no checked baggage option, and no simple add-a-pet process. All pets travel as cargo, managed through a separate partner, under rules that have nothing to do with your own ticket.
Key facts at a glance
How pets actually travel on British Airways
All British Airways pet cargo goes through IAG Cargo, the cargo arm of International Airlines Group. IAG Cargo has been moving live animals since the 1950s and follows IATA Live Animals Regulations for every shipment.
The process depends on your direction of travel. Departing from the UK: use PetAir UK (petairuk.com), which coordinates directly with British Airways and handles crate provision and documentation. Arriving into the UK: bookings go through IAG Cargo's pets inquiry form at iagcargo.com.
Your pet cargo booking is completely separate from your own ticket. You cannot add it through the BA website or at the check-in desk. The cargo team confirms crate size, documentation requirements, and drop-off timing as part of the booking process.
The hold
Pets travel in a designated section of the hold, separate from general luggage. The hold is pressurised and temperature-controlled. IAG Cargo's vehicles transporting pets to and from the aircraft are also temperature-controlled.
Pets are the last to be loaded before departure and the first off after landing.
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Crate requirements
Crates must be IATA-compliant. The animal must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down without touching the container walls or roof. Fiberboard, wire mesh, and wicker containers are not accepted.
Ventilation must be adequate on all four sides. The door must lock securely. Water bowls must be fitted inside, accessible from outside the crate. Crate sizing affects the cargo fee: the rate is based on chargeable weight, which combines the pet's weight with the crate dimensions.
Breed restrictions
IAG Cargo does not publish a fixed public list. Acceptance varies by route, aircraft type, and season. Snub-nosed breeds face restrictions or refusal. Do not plan your entire trip around British Airways before confirming your specific pet is accepted.
Breeds to flag at inquiry stage: Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Chow Chows, Pekingese, Boxers, Brussels Griffons, Japanese Chins, and English Toy Spaniels.
Documentation
For UK entry, pets must comply with the Pet Travel Scheme managed by DEFRA. This includes microchipping, valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel, and for dogs tapeworm treatment within one to five days before arrival. Cats do not require tapeworm treatment.
Pets arriving at Heathrow are processed through the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC). A health certificate is required, issued within ten days of travel.
Costs
British Airways does not publish a flat pet fee. Pricing is based on a freight rate with separate handling charges, determined by crate size, combined weight, origin and destination, and airport handling charges.
For a full-service UK pet import including crate, documentation handling, and agent fees, budgets from £1,500 to £4,000 are commonly quoted depending on the route.
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Frequently asked questions
No. No pets travel in the cabin on British Airways, regardless of size. The cabin restriction applies to every pet except certified assistance dogs.
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Departing from the UK: PetAir UK at petairuk.com. Arriving into the UK or departing from another country: IAG Cargo at iagcargo.com, using the pets inquiry form.
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PetAir UK and IAG Cargo both recommend starting the process at least four to six weeks before travel. Documentation alone can take several weeks to obtain depending on your country.
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Yes. British Airways flies to Tokyo (Haneda). Pet cargo on this route goes through IAG Cargo and must comply with Japan's MAFF import requirements, including the microchip, vaccination, titer test, and 180-day waiting period.
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British Airways is not the most convenient airline for pet travel. The cargo route is well-managed, the facilities are purpose-built, and the process is predictable once you know what it involves.
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