To avoid quarantine in the UK, animals must travel under the PETS Scheme. Assistance Dogs landing or connecting into the UK must be PETS compliant.

Virgin Atlantic now permits the carriage of Assistance Dogs within the aircraft cabin on the following routes:

(Any domestic flights must be booked directly with the domestic carrier concerned).

An "Assistance Dog" is one which has been specifically trained to assist a disabled person and which has been qualified by one of the five charitable organisations registered as members of Assistance Dogs (UK).

The five UK organisations are:

• Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
• Hearing Dogs or Deaf People
• Support Dogs
• Dogs for the Disabled
• Canine Partners

Any Assistance Dog that has been qualified by any of the above organisations will have formal identification and by granted certification by the UK Department of Health.

Assistance Dogs from other nations, when entering the UK should meet the full membership criteria of the established international assistance dog organisations.

In order to ensure that your Assistance Dog is compliant with the UK DEFRA PETS criteria, please check the DEFRA website.

In addition, we recommend taking out Pet Insurance to cover any unforeseen costs.

Passengers wishing to travel with their Assistance Dog in the aircraft cabin must consult these requirements, in order to prepare their dog in advance for international travel:

It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that their Assistance Dog has all the necessary documentation, vaccinations, treatments and tests to enter or leave the UK or any other country.

Virgin Atlantic cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred as a result of an Assistance Dog failing to comply with the PET Scheme requirements or other applicable checks which result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country.

1. Contact the Animal Reception Centre at the applicable UK airport:

The Animal Reception Centre will require a faxed copy of all documents for the Assistance Dog prior to travel.


2. Contact Virgin Atlantic’s Special Assistance Department:

Virgin Atlantic Special Assistance - 0844 412 4455 - at least three working days prior to departure, in order to notify us that you wish to travel with an Assistance Dog and provide us with the following information:

• Copy of the PETS passport or non-EU official veterinary certificate if the dog is starting travel outside of Europe.
• A copy of the dog’s Identification Card from the accredited recognised charity.
• Details of the type and weight of the dog.

3. Your Flight

• At check-in you will be required to hand a copy of the Animal Reception Centre pre-approval letter to the check-in agent. Failure to present letter may result in assistance dog being denied travel.
• A safety harness for use by the dog during take-off, landing, turbulence or whenever the "fasten seat belt" sign is illuminated. The British Assistance Dogs charities will be able to offer advice on harnesses. Contact The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association for more information on +44 (0) 118 983 5555. Alternatively, you can email them at pets.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
• We recommend that you bring an absorbent mat for your assistance dog whilst onboard the flight.

Please call our Special Assistance Department for fuller details of this service.

If travel is required for an animal that does not fall within the category of "Assistance Dog", please visit our Travelling with Pets section.

We look forward to welcoming you and your Assistance Dog on board.