N/A (cargo crate limits apply)
Airline dog policy
British Airways
British Airways does not permit any pets in the cabin, as checked baggage, or in any passenger-accessible area — all live animals (except approved service dogs) must travel as manifest cargo through IAG Cargo. This is not simply a BA policy: the UK government, through DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), mandates that all pet dogs and cats enter the country as manifest cargo through an approved route. BA is based at London Heathrow (LHR), which houses the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) — the UK's primary animal processing facility, staffed by APHA inspectors and veterinary officials.
Book early and confirm aircraft acceptance.
Under-seat dimensions can vary by aircraft.
Fees can change by region and currency.
Booking tip
Because BA only handles pets through IAG Cargo, you cannot simply book a flight and add a pet. You need to either contact IAG Cargo directly or, more commonly, use a licensed pet transport agent who will manage the entire process. Agents like PetAir UK, PBS Pet Travel, and Airpets typically handle everything from crate provision to customs clearance. Start paperwork at least 4–6 weeks before travel. Budget £1,500–£4,000 for a full-service UK pet import depending on origin country. Expect to provide IATA-compliant crates, a UK Animal Health Certificate (or EU Pet Passport), proof of microchipping, valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days prior, and a tapeworm treatment for dogs (not required for cats).
Why it can work
Despite the complexity, BA via IAG Cargo provides a professional and well-established pet transport chain into the UK with decades of experience and a strong safety record. Heathrow's HARC facility is purpose-built for animal processing with veterinary staff on-site. The HARC is a world-class facility near Terminal 4 where DEFRA officials and APHA inspectors check all documentation and scan microchips. Plan for a 4–8 hour wait at HARC while your dog clears inspection and customs. Pets can stay at HARC for up to 24 hours at no extra charge. After clearance, bring photo ID to collect your dog — and consider booking a pet-friendly taxi in advance, as the HARC is not walkable from passenger terminals. For outbound travel from the UK, BA connects to over 200 destinations and IAG Cargo has extensive experience with live animal shipments.
Restrictions
No cabin pets. No checked baggage pets. All pets must travel as manifest cargo. Service dogs are accepted in the cabin with 7 days advance notice and pre-approval from the Animal Reception Centre. The dog must be certified by an Assistance Dogs International or International Guide Dog Federation member organization. Puppies must be at least 10 weeks old. Pregnant animals beyond 6 weeks of gestation are not accepted.
Dog-owner notes
IAG Cargo handles all BA pet shipments. Contact them directly at iagcargo.com or through a licensed pet transport agent. Check-in at the IAG Cargo facility (not the passenger terminal) at least 4 hours before international departures. All documentation — health certificate, rabies vaccination, titer test results (if applicable), tapeworm treatment, and import paperwork — must be presented at the cargo facility. The first point of UK entry must be London Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester for accompanied pet cargo.
Final check before paying
Confirm the exact aircraft, route, dog breed, carrier size, temperature rules and destination import law directly with the airline. A country can allow dogs while a specific airline or aircraft refuses them.