Frequently asked questions

1. Can I fly from the UK to Europe with my dog in cabin?

Only one way, and only with some airlines. British airlines (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, easyJet, Jet2) don't accept pets in the cabin, and neither do US airlines on flights leaving the UK. Some European airlines do, such as KLM, Air France, Lufthansa or Iberia, with a maximum of 8 kg for pet and carrier combined, and not from Gatwick. Always confirm with the airline before booking. To come back into the UK, pets can't travel in the cabin: they must fly as cargo or enter by car via Eurotunnel or ferry. Assistance dogs are the exception.

2. Can I fly from Chile to Europe with my dog in cabin?

Yes, on airlines such as LATAM: max. 7 kg (pet + carrier), hard carrier max. 36x33x19 cm or soft carrier max. 40x28x25 cm. Book at least 48 hours ahead and confirm the size limits with the airline.

3. Can I fly from the UK to Chile with my dog in cabin?

Only for small pets (max 8 kg including carrier) on some European airlines connecting via their hub — e.g. KLM via Amsterdam, Air France via Paris or Iberia via Madrid. Always confirm with the airline. Otherwise your pet flies as cargo, usually booked through a pet transport agent (ipata.org).

4. Can I fly from Chile to the USA with my dog in cabin?

It depends on the airline: LATAM allows small dogs in the cabin (max. 7 kg including carrier). To enter the US the dog must be at least 6 months old, microchipped and have the CDC Dog Import Form receipt (free, online). Check with your airline before booking.

5. Do UK airlines allow pets in cabin?

No. UK and US airlines never allow pets in the cabin. To fly in cabin from the UK you need a European airline such as KLM, Air France, Lufthansa or Iberia (max 8 kg pet + carrier, not from Gatwick).

6. Can my pet fly into the UK in the cabin?

No. Pets can never fly into the UK in the cabin — only as cargo with approved airlines, or by car via Eurotunnel or ferry. Assistance dogs are the exception.

1. My dog has an EU passport — does it need an AHC to leave the UK?

It depends where you live. If you live in Great Britain: yes. Since 22 April 2026 GB residents can't use an EU pet passport to enter the EU; you need an animal health certificate (AHC) from an Official Vet, issued no more than 10 days before arrival. Once in the EU, the AHC can be used for up to 6 months for onward travel in the EU and to return to Great Britain, as long as the rabies vaccine is still valid. If you live in the EU and the passport was issued there, you can keep using it, including to enter Great Britain.

2. My pet already lives in the UK. If it leaves, can it come back more easily?

There's no special process for UK residents, but you don't start from scratch either. To come back you need: microchip, a valid rabies vaccine (no need to repeat it if still valid), a valid document (the AHC you left with works for up to 6 months) and, for dogs, tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before arrival, unless you come directly from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway.

3. How many days in advance does the rabies vaccine need to be to enter Chile?

The vaccine must be valid according to the manufacturer; if it's the first one, give it at least 21 days before travel. Also: microchip mandatory since 27 July 2026 (implanted before or on the same day as the vaccine) and internal and external parasite treatment 5–30 days before the origin country's certificate is issued. These are separate requirements that are often confused.

4. What certificate do I need to take my dog out of the UK to Chile?

The Export Health Certificate (EHC) — DEFRA Certificate 3099, issued by an Official Veterinarian. The vet must examine your pet within 10 days before travel.

5. How long are the certificates valid?

AHC (UK→Europe): 10 days to enter, then 6 months for internal EU travel. SAG zoosanitary certificate (Chile→destination): 10 days. EHC (UK→Chile): vet exam within 10 days before travel.

1. Is there a direct flight from London to Chile?

Yes: British Airways flies non-stop London–Santiago three times a week (check the schedule when booking, as it changes in 2027). But British Airways doesn't carry pets as baggage: they fly as cargo, handled by PetAir UK or IAG Cargo; assistance dogs can travel in the cabin. Other options with a stop: Iberia via Madrid (cabin up to 8 kg including carrier, or cargo), Air France via Paris or KLM via Amsterdam (cabin up to 8 kg according to traveller reports) and LATAM via São Paulo (hold). Always confirm with the airline.

2. Can I take the Eurostar from France to London with a service dog?

Yes, only with certified service dogs (guide, hearing, medical alert) registered with Assistance Dogs International. Notify at least 24 hours in advance, no extra fee. Regular pets are not allowed on Eurostar to/from London.

1. Does Pawsjet ship my pet for me?

No. Pawsjet guides you with the full checklist, required documents and key contacts — you carry out the process directly with your vet and the airline.

2. Does it work for cats too?

Yes. Pawsjet works for dogs and cats. Some requirements differ — for example, tapeworm treatment only applies to dogs on certain routes.

3. Does Pawsjet cost anything?

No. This version is free. Later on we'll launch Pawsjet Pro, with optional extra features.