Pets are often seen as members of the family, and many people want to include them in every aspect of their lives - including travel.

One of the many advantages of flying on a private jet is the ability to book the entire aircraft, and thus knowing exactly who is joining you on your journey.

This includes colleagues, friends, family, and.. yes, even your beloved pets.

While commercial airlines have strict regulations regarding which pets are allowed to fly in the cabin and under what circumstances, flying private means that you can bring your furry (or not so furry) friend with you onboard without having to worry about any of those pesky rules.

So, whether you have a cat, dog, bird, or reptilian companion, as long as your pet is healthy and up-to-date on all required vaccinations, they are usually more than welcome to fly with you on a private jet.

Of course, we recommend checking with the operator of your chosen aircraft beforehand to ensure that they are comfortable with having pets on board and to go over any specific requirements or arrangements that need to be made.

Many private jets are privately owned, either by an individual or business, and offered for charter by an operator. Because of this, usually the owner has to give his approval every time the jet is chartered, and they may have a say in who is allowed to fly on the jet and under what circumstances. This is why you will often see the term 'Subject to owner's approval' in private charter quotations and contracts.

So, if you are planning to travel with your pet on a private jet, it is always best to let the operator know in advance so that they can make the necessary arrangements with the owner and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Depending on the size of your pet and type of aircraft, in many cases, your pet can just join you in the cabin without any problems. If you have a large animal, you will need to make sure that there is enough space on the aircraft for your pet to comfortably travel and to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone on board.

When traveling with cats and dogs, there usually isn't a problem, as they can easily accompany you in the cabin without any safety issues.

However, traveling with exotic, aquatic or large animals may present more of a challenge, as there are usually strict regulations regarding the transportation of these animals, as well as practical considerations such as space, care and waste disposal.

Again, it is always best to check with the operator of your chosen aircraft to see if they have any specific requirements or recommendations regarding pets.

Also, when flying with a large breed of dogs, it is important to keep in mind that they may not be able to travel comfortably in a smaller private jet cabin and that a larger aircraft may be needed to accommodate all animals and ensure everyone's comfort and safety on board.

For these reasons, make sure to check beforehand if there are any objections or (size) restrictions that could impact your travel plans.

Of course, every pet is different, and some may not be well-suited to travel by air, or become uncomfortable, anxious or restless when flying in a confined space for an extended period of time. If you are unsure about whether or not your pet can fly, it is always best to check with a veterinarian before booking your private jet flight.

As we mentioned before, one of the great things about flying private is that, unlike on commercial airlines, you are not restricted to flying with your pet in a cargo hold.

This means that you can travel with your pet in the cabin with you, which allows you to keep an eye on them and ensure their comfort and safety during the flight.

In addition, when flying commercial, you are often restricted to flying with only one pet per person, whereas on a private jet, you can usually bring multiple pets with you as long as there is enough space on the aircraft.

Another benefit of flying private with your pet is that, in many cases, the operator will be able to make special arrangements to accommodate your pet's needs, such as providing a bed or food and water bowls. A tailor-made flight experience for you and your pet is one of the great advantages of flying private with The Aviation Factory.

The first step in ensuring a smooth private jet pet travel experience is to be well-prepared and well-informed regarding the specific requirements of your pet, your chosen aircraft and your destination.

You will also want to make sure that your pet is up to date on all of their vaccinations and that you have copies of their records with you when you travel. Depending on where you will be traveling, another set of documents may be required, as we will discuss in the next point.

Next, we need to make sure to find the right type of aircraft that is comfortable for both you and your pet. While very light private jets may be a cost-effective option for traveling solo, they may not have the space to accommodate one or multiple pets comfortably. Our brokers are more than happy to offer you expert advice on the different options available to you.

Just remember to check with the broker and operator of your chosen aircraft beforehand to ensure that they are comfortable with having pets on board and to go over any specific requirements or arrangements that need to be made.

Finally, it is important to remember that, just like people, not all pets are cut out for air travel. If your pet becomes anxious or agitated when flying, it may be best to consider alternative transportation options. If in doubt, always consult your veterinarian before making any arrangements.

As mentioned before, depending on where you are traveling with your pet, you may be subject to certain restrictions or requirements.

Because of Brexit, UK leaving the EU in 2021, some of the regulations regarding flying with pets has changed, depending on your country of departure and arrival.

While traveling between member states within the European Union (EU), your pets are usually free to travel with you without any restrictions.

Having an EU pet passport will often be required, so it's a good idea to get one for your pet before you travel. This document will need to be issued by a licensed veterinarian and will include information such as your pet's microchip number, vaccination history, name and date of birth. You may also be required to show proof of rabies vaccination, and in the case of dogs, has had a tapeworm treatment.

For certain (exotic) species and breeds of animals, you may also need to get additional paperwork and documents. You can always check this with local authorities, or ask your broker for help.

(Private) flights with pets from EU member states into Great Britain are allowed with just your pet's EU pet passport, without any additional restrictions.

Pet owners who travel to Northern Ireland or the EU from Great Britain will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for entry. The AHC needs to be issued no more than 10 days prior to traveling with your pet on board an aircraft.

The certificate is valid for 4 months and can be used for travel within the EU or a return trip. When departing Great Britain again on another journey, a new AHC must be obtained.

When flying privately with your pet in the United States, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires all pets traveling by airplane to:

• Be at least 8 weeks old if a cat or dog;
• Weaned;
• Provide proof of rabies vaccination.
  
  

Each US state may also have its own set of additional rules and regulations regarding pet travel, which are partly determined by their Centre of Disease Control (CDC).

When traveling inside the United States, make sure to check with the USDA and CDC of your departure and destination state which (additional) requirements may apply.

So, whether you have a cat, dog, bird, or reptilian companion, as long as your pet is healthy and up-to-date on all required vaccinations, they are welcome to fly with you on a private jet. Of course, it is always best to let the broker know in advance so that they can make the necessary arrangements with the operator and/or owner to ensure that everyone is on the same page. This way, you can be sure that you and your pet will be comfortable and safe during the flight. 

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team, who are all animal lovers and would be happy to help make your private jet pet travel experience as smooth as possible, for you as well as your pet!

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