Flying to Great Britain With a Flat-Faced Pet

A London arrival with a flat-faced pet starts with an individual health assessment and a confirmed transport arrangement. Then fit the British entry paperwork and the onward journey around that plan.

Start with your pet’s breathing history

Tell the veterinarian about noisy breathing, sleep disturbance, exercise tolerance, previous airway surgery and any episode of collapse. Share every flight sector, ground transfer and planned stop. A breed name or an in-cabin booking cannot replace the assessment of the individual animal. Our BOAS guide explains what a canine respiratory grade does and does not tell you.

Build the arrival plan

London may only be the start of the UK journey. A long drive to Scotland immediately after clearance can add many hours to an already lengthy day. Compare a quiet overnight stay with continuing straight home, and tell the team about the complete itinerary rather than the flight alone.

Fit the government preparation to that plan

Use the correct Great Britain entry document for the origin and arrange the dog’s tapeworm treatment where required. Cats do not have that dog-specific treatment requirement. If travelling onwards to the EU, prepare the additional document plan before leaving for Britain. See our Great Britain preparation guide for the applicable official sources.

Agree the equipment and care before booking

Confirm the operating airline’s acceptance, approved carrier or restraint, permitted access to the pet and arrangements during delays. Introduce the agreed equipment at home. Discuss food, water and medication with the vet; avoid adding an untested calming product on departure day.

Choose the date around suitability

If the vet recommends further investigation, treatment or a different travel period, allow the plan to change. Send SKYE PETS your pet’s details and proposed journey so we can discuss a suitable in-cabin option alongside those needs.