How I Flew My Dogs to Europe
We have always wanted to take our dogs internationally but didn't think it was possible without placing them in cargo.
That all changed with K9 JETS.
They're a pay-per-seat jet service that allows dogs (and cats) to fly in the cabin!
This blog and video will cover our flight experience, frequently asked questions, and a detailed international health certificate overview.
Flying with Your Pet
The Challenges
Ellie and Emma are larger dogs, so they do not meet the requirements of most commercial airlines to fly in the cabin.
Until recently, our only other option was to place them in the aircraft's cargo hold. But, we don’t prefer this method due to the isolation, unfamiliar environment, temperature fluctuations, and likely stress and anxiety.
So, in the past, we have opted for long road trips (we went as far as buying a mini-van) or leaving them at home with a trusted friend or family member.
New Pet-Friendly Option
Introducing K9 JETS, a pet-friendly flight option. They operate on a pay-per-seat basis, offering a semi-private charter jet experience for you and your four-legged family members!
After doing significant research, we realized this option would ensure Ellie and Emma’s safety, comfort, and well-being, so we finally booked our dream flight to Europe.
Our Experience
Our flight departed from a private terminal just outside of NYC in Teterboro, New Jersey, so it was a relatively easy drive from Washington, DC. We arrived about an hour before our flight and were pleasantly surprised with the quick check-in process and comfortable lounge. The staff provided snacks and an opportunity for the pups to socialize, which helped reduce stress and anxiety. Before boarding, the friendly captain checked our passports and pet documentation, and then we took a short stroll out to the aircraft.
Flight
I typically fly coach, so walking onto the plane felt like something in the movies! Each seat was accompanied by a pillow, a blanket, cozy socks, ear plugs, and an eye mask. The flight attendant even offered us champagne! All of the dogs had to stay on a leash for safety, but we covered the seat, and they were allowed to sit next to us. We took off at night, and within an hour, nearly all of the pups and passengers were sound asleep. Before landing, we woke up to a beautiful sunrise and a lovely breakfast.
Arrival
After landing, the plane taxied to the edge of the airport near a patch of grass. Since we were on a private plane, customs officials came on board to check passports, scan the pup's microchips, and verify health certificates (a detailed overview of this process is below). This only took a few minutes, and then we exited the plane to give Ellie and Emma a potty break. Our car was waiting on the tarmac, so we hopped in and began our trip to our Airbnb.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will never forget, and we’re grateful K9 JETS has created an option for those who need to travel with their pets but don’t want to place them in cargo.
More Details
🔹 Each route is made up of an outward-bound flight and a return flight; most are currently transatlantic.
🔹 The flight gets confirmed once the 75% passenger and pet threshold is reached for the full route.
🔹 Passengers are updated on the status of the flight regularly.
🔹 You can bring two pieces of luggage per passenger: (1) Up to 20 kg/44 lbs & (2) one carry-on.
🔹 One seat purchase entitles you to bring a maximum of two pets weighing under 50 lbs each or one weighing over 51 lbs.
🔹 K9 JETS uses Gulfstream G-IV planes that accommodate ten passengers (plus typically ten four-legged friends).
🔹 Please see the K9 JETS website for all up-to-date information and a schedule of upcoming flights.
FAQs
How Much Does it Cost to Fly My Dog to Europe?
We were not interested in putting Ellie and Emma in cargo for a flight but wanted to run a comparison quote.
We priced out a similar trip from New York to London and realized flying with K9 Jets is comparable to purchasing an economy ticket and paying for your pup to fly in the cargo hold.
I’ll admit, both options are on the pricier side. But the slightly higher cost in this comparison is worth it to me for the peace of mind that Ellie and Emma are safe and comfortable in the cabin during the flight.
Please check the K9 JETS website for up-to-date pricing.
-
A pet passport is a document that contains essential information about your pet's health, vaccinations, and ownership details.
For our trip, the endorsed health certificate essentially took the place of the pet passport.
The USDA website provides detailed information about the entry requirements for pets, including the need for a pet passport, if applicable.
-
One seat purchase entitles you to bring a maximum of two pets that weigh under 50 lbs each, or one pet that weighs over 51 lbs. If you have two pets over 51 lbs you will need to purchase two seats. This is to ensure the comfort and safety or your pet onboard.
-
K9 JETS is a public charter operator. It is not a direct air carrier and does not own or operate any aircraft.
All flights are operated by Pegasus Elite Aviation or other licensed U.S. air carrier.
-
Our flight was 6 hours 30 minutes and most pups just slept the entire flight. 💤 Ellie and Emma went to the bathroom just before and after the flight.
They had absorbent pads available to manage any accidents.
-
The specific routes and destinations served by K9 JETS may vary. We flew from New Jersey to London but they also have routes to Frankfurt, LA, Paris, Dubai and Lisbon. It's best to check with their website for information on their current flight options and destinations.
-
Prices vary based on destination. For reference, our flight from New Jersey to London was $8,925. See the price comparison above for flying with K9 JETS vs. a traditional airline with your pet in cargo.
Please check K9 JETS’ website or contact them directly for up-to-date pricing details.
-
Yes, the promo GOLDEN will save you $100.
*This blog post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase, the writer of this blog will likely receive a commission. -
K9 JETS’ mission is to offset the effects of carbon produced on every flight, so they partner with EarthHub to help shape a greener tomorrow.
Per the K9 JETS website:
“ We are working with our friends at EarthHub who are trusted experts in carbon compliance and carbon reduction. All of our carbon offsets are backed by either Verra (VCS) or the Gold Standard, meaning you can be rest assured that your flight is offset by globally recognised offsetting schemes.”
-
For our trip, we needed to bring a rabies certificate, an endorsed international health certificate, and a “fit to fly” certificate. Below, I have a detailed list of the 6 steps we took in preparing pet documentation.
⚠️ Important note: Each country has different document requirements for traveling with your pet, so check out the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website to find what you need.
How to Prepare for International Travels with Your Dog
Documentation
We worked closely with Pawsitive Pet Health Certificates, who provided valuable assistance in understanding and meeting the entry requirements and necessary documentation for travel to the UK and EU.
They sent detailed instructions for each vet visit, pre-completing the health certificate for the veterinarian, verified that all supporting documents met the necessary criteria, and maintained a close collaboration with the USDA to facilitate a seamless endorsement process for the health certificate.
The most reassuring aspect of their service was that it put our minds at ease!
Requirements for Pet Travel from the US to the United Kingdom and Europe
Here are the six requirements we had to follow for traveling to the UK and EU with Ellie and Emma.
⚠️ Important note: Each country has different requirements for traveling with your pet, so check out the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website to find what you need.
1️⃣ Microchip
Your pet must be microchipped to meet health and identification standards.
Microchipping in the United States is often recommended as well.
For reference, Ellie and Emma had a microchip implanted when they were young.
If you need clarification on your pet's microchip number, check your records or call your vet's office, as it should be on file.
2️⃣ Rabies Vaccination
You’ll need an up-to-date rabies vaccination for your pup(s).
For reference, many puppies receive their first rabies vaccination at 16 weeks, then again at their annual exam.
Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies on or after the date the microchip was placed.
If your pet is not microchipped, you will need to vaccinate against rabies after the microchip is placed.
There is a 21-day waiting period after the primary rabies vaccines for it to be considered valid to travel. (The rabies vaccine is considered primary if it is the first one given after being microchipped.)
Since the microchip was placed, there cannot be a lapse between rabies vaccines.
3️⃣ Health Exam
Take your pup to a USDA Accredited Veterinarian for an international health certificate exam.
This exam ensures that the animals are free from contagious diseases and meet the health requirements of your destination.
Must be completed within ten days of your departure flight.
Consider scheduling this 8-9 days before your flight so that you are still within the 10-day window if your flight is delayed.
4️⃣ International Health Certificate (IHC)
After the health exam, the vet will submit a certificate online to the USDA to review and endorse.
The review process can take a few business days.
Once it is endorsed, they will mail your IHC back to you, which you’ll need in hand for your flight.
We used an overnight shipping label to expedite the process.
This is a main ticket item for travel! You’ll bring this endorsed certificate with you on your trip.
Once in the EU, you can use the same EU-endorsed health certificate for up to 4 months to travel between different EU countries.
The EU countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
5️⃣ Tapeworm Treatment
If traveling to the UK, Ireland, Finland, Malta, or Norway, head back to the vet for a tapeworm treatment before leaving.
Treatment can come in a few forms, but Ellie and Emma had to chew a tablet. That’s it!
Bring the endorsed health certificate with you that you just received back in the mail. The vet will fill in the tapeworm treatment section and hand it back to you to have in hand for travel.
If traveling to the UK, Ireland, Finland, Malta, or Norway, dogs will need to be treated for tapeworms within 1-5 days before entering those countries. Note: This is not a requirement if you’re traveling to the EU
What are tapeworms? Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that can infest the digestive tracts of your pup, causing various health issues. They are often transmitted through the ingestion of infected fleas or small rodents.
6️⃣ APHIS 7001 Health Certificate
This form states your pups are healthy enough to fly on an airplane.
This is an additional form the vet can fill out and sign at their international health certificate exam.
You may also hear it described as a “fit to fly” certificate.
K9 JETS requests this form prior to your flight in case the airline they partner with asks for one from all the pups on board.
