The veterinary advice service, PangoVet, has just released a 2025 list of the most pet-friendly airlines, but only one allows dogs in the cabin
Taking a pet to a different country is not the easiest of tasks, and there’s a lot to consider. While, on the whole, airlines have got better at handling pet passengers, some firms are ranked among the best.
Pet owners need to make sure they have the correct carrier, a health certificate from a vet, and that their flight is booked in advance. If dogs are going into the cargo, their crate must be big enough for them to stand up and comfortably move around in. PangoVet, the veterinary advice service, has updated their annual ranking of the most pet-friendly airlines in the UK and worldwide for 2025. The ranking is based on the airlines that offer the best customer service and pet-friendly travel policies and fees.
British Airways
According to PangoVet, British Airways is top of the list when it comes to pet-friendly airlines in the UK. BA is partnered with the UK’s leading pet transport company, PetAir, to manage international pet travel. It is the only pet transport company run by specialist vets so you feel assured that your animal is well cared for.
Pets are allowed to fly in cargo and baggage holds, but your pet must have a valid pet passport and excess baggage fees may apply. If you are entering the UK, your pet must meet the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme offered by the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This also applies to those travelling with guide or assistance dogs. No pets are allowed in the cabin, including emotional support dogs. However, guide or assistance dogs are permitted in the cabin free of charge.
Emirates
Emirates comes in at number two on PangoVet’s ranking of most pet-friendly airlines. Though fees are higher with Emirates, the carrier provides superior services. The specific division overseeing pet transport, Emirates Pets, offers exceptional features to give pet-owners peace of mind, including:
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All-inclusive airfreight rates (though this rate is quite expensive compared to other airlines)
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Professional transit care and vet support available in Dubai
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Transport that is compliant with International Air Transport Association’s Live Animal Regulations (IATA LAR)
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Temperature-controlled facilities for live animals, for pets departing and arriving in Dubai and pets in transit.
Be aware: All transit pets must have a minimum connection time of 6 hours between flights to ensure they receive transit care. Additionally, there are some pet breeds that are restricted on Emirates SkyCargo and others that are restricted from entry into the UAE.
Air New Zealand
Coming in as the third most pet-friendly airline, Air New Zealand has very affordable fees but does not accept direct animal bookings from the public (due to the complexity of pre-flight documentation).
Pets cannot typically travel as checked baggage on international Air New Zealand flights. However, pets are able to travel in fully pressurised and temperature-controlled conditions in the cargo hold. Like other carriers, service animals are the only animals allowed in the cabin and travel crates are subject to excess baggage fees.
Be aware: You must comply with Air New Zealand’s list of approved pets, which includes cats, dogs and small birds. However, some snub-nosed animals are not permitted for long-haul flights.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa is well known for its exceptional pet-friendly services and facilities, being one of the only airlines allowing dogs and cats to fly in the cabin. However, this is dependent on the weight and size of your pet. Smaller dogs and cats weighing no more than 8kg (including their transport carrier) may be transported as carry-on baggage in the passenger cabin. Larger and heavier animals are not permitted in the cabin and must be carried as excess baggage in the airplane’s air-conditioned cargo hold.
As with all aforementioned airlines, Lufthansa allows guide and assistance pets to travel in the cabin free of charge. Be aware: You must register your pet for cargo transport at least 72 hours before your departure. Additionally, no animals are accepted in the cargo hold on connecting flights via Munich.