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Why owners fly pets privately
On scheduled airlines, larger dogs usually travel in the hold or as cargo, and many airlines cap cabin pets at a small weight including the carrier. Some routes and some breeds, such as snub-nosed dogs, are refused altogether. A private charter removes most of these limits. The aircraft is yours for the trip, so your dog or cat can sit in the cabin with you from boarding to arrival.
That does not mean anything goes. The operator decides what it accepts on each aircraft, and it may ask for a crate, a seat cover or a blanket, or that the animal stays on a lead or in a carrier for take-off and landing. Some owners do not allow animals on their aircraft at all, which is why the pet policy is checked before an offer is accepted.
What the operator will ask
When you request a trip with pets, the operator needs a few facts to confirm the aircraft. On the JetsFly booking form there is a pets section for exactly this, and the team confirms each operator's pet policy for your trip before you accept an offer.
- Species and breed, and how many animals are travelling.
- Approximate weight of each animal. A large dog counts towards the aircraft's weight and balance like a passenger's bags.
- Whether the animal will travel in a carrier or crate, and its size.
- Whether it is a trained assistance dog. Private operators are not bound by airline assistance animal rules, but most welcome them.
- Any medical needs, sedation plans or anxiety. Vets often advise against sedating pets for flights, so ask yours.
Planning a trip?
See every aircraft for your route with a price in seconds. Mention this in your request and the team checks it with the operator.
Documents for international trips
Flying privately does not exempt a pet from import rules. Customs and veterinary checks still apply when you land, and an animal without the right papers can be refused entry, quarantined or sent back at the owner's cost. Start early, because some steps take weeks or months.
Within the European Union, dogs, cats and ferrets travelling with their owner need an ISO microchip, a rabies vaccination given after the microchip and at least 21 days before travel for a first vaccination, and an EU pet passport or an animal health certificate. Dogs going to Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway also need a tapeworm treatment shortly before arrival. Pets coming from many countries outside the EU need a rabies antibody blood test (a titre test), taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least three months before entry.
Great Britain has its own rules since leaving the EU. Pets entering with their owner need a microchip, a rabies vaccination and a pet passport or health certificate, and dogs need a tapeworm treatment one to five days before arrival. Pets on private aircraft must normally arrive with an approved carrier on an approved route, which in practice limits them to certain airports with an animal reception service. Not every British airport can accept them, so the arrival airport is chosen with the pet in mind.
The United States changed its dog import rules in 2024: dogs must be at least six months old, microchipped and have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, with extra steps for dogs that have been in countries with a high rabies risk. Cats have fewer federal rules, but some states and territories, such as Hawaii, set their own.
Rules change, and these are the general outlines only. Always check with your vet and the official government source for the destination, and the JetsFly team checks the arrival airport's requirements for each trip.
What it costs to bring a pet
Private jet prices are for the whole aircraft, so on most charters a pet does not pay a seat fare. What can add cost is the work around the animal: some operators charge a cabin cleaning fee after a flight with pets, and an arrival at an airport with an animal reception centre may bring a handling or inspection fee. Vet visits, blood tests and certificates are paid to the vet or authority, not the operator. Any charge from the operator appears in the offer before you accept it.
Tips for a calm flight
Book an aircraft with enough floor space for the animal to lie down. A large dog is more comfortable in a midsize jet or larger than in a light jet with a narrow aisle. Walk dogs at the private terminal before boarding, bring water, a familiar blanket, waste bags and absorbent pads, and feed a light meal a few hours before departure. On long flights, ask whether a technical stop gives a chance for a short walk on the apron, which the handler and crew decide.
Questions
Can my dog sit on the seat on a private jet?
It depends on the operator. Many allow a small dog on a covered seat or a lap during cruise, but most want animals on the floor, on a lead or in a carrier for take-off, landing and turbulence.
Is there a size limit for pets on a private jet?
There is no general limit like the airline cabin rule. The practical limit is the space in the cabin and the operator's policy. Large dogs suit midsize and larger jets better.
Do pets need a passport to fly privately in Europe?
Yes, for travel between EU countries dogs, cats and ferrets need an EU pet passport or an animal health certificate, plus a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination.
Can I fly my pet into the UK on a private jet?
Yes, but pets on private aircraft must normally arrive at an approved airport with an approved carrier, and need a microchip, rabies vaccination, documents and, for dogs, a tapeworm treatment. The team checks this when choosing the arrival airport.
Can I bring more than one pet?
Usually yes, if the operator agrees and the cabin has room. Note that EU rules for pets travelling with their owner normally cover up to five animals per person.
