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New guidelines, allowing assistance dogs to travel with their owners on long haul flights under the Pet Passport Scheme, will be launched at Gatwick Airport today, Monday, 04 April.
Assistance dogs can now travel in the cabin of airlines with their owners, for a recommended maximum journey time of ten hours. The revised arrangements will be valid on certain long haul routes into Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester, approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to carry animals into the UK under the Pet Passport scheme.
Previously, Assistance dogs entering the UK on long haul routes had to travel in the hold of the aircraft. The charities had expressed concern that the dogs would become disorientated and distressed, meaning they might not be ready to work once reunited with owners at the destination airport.
To meet the rules of the Pet Passport scheme:
The dog must be microchipped, then vaccinated against rabies and then blood tested. It will not be able to re-enter the UK until six calendar months have passed from the date the vet took the blood sample which led to a satisfactory blood test result.
The dog must be treated against ticks and tapeworms between 24 and 48 hours before it is checked in to travel on the approved route to the UK.
Defra approved routes are available into Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester. (See Defra website for details of routes).
Assistance dog owners are encouraged to plan ahead and discuss travel plans with airline or booking agent.
Owners should bring with them identification for themselves and their dog as well as a suitable car safety harness for securing the dog during flight.
On arrival back in the UK, a nominated person will meet the assistance dog owner at the arrival gate where documentation will be checked in accordance with the Pet Passport Scheme.
Once it has passed its check, the animal reception staff will attach a sticker to the dog, enabling it and its owner to continue through Customs and Immigration to their onward journey.
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UK Airlines - Assistance Dogs in the cabin:
- British Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- Britannia Airways
- EasyJet
- First Choice Airways
The following are registered members of Assistance Dogs (UK):
- Canine Partners
- Dogs for the Disabled
- The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
- Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
- Support Dogs
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