Flying Private with Pets: What You Need to Know (From People Who’ve Been There)
At PorterJets, we love our pets. And we mean love – they’re in the family photos, on the holiday cards, in the front seat of the SUV. Some of us even picked where to live based on proximity to the best dog park.
We’ve also made the mistake of flying commercial with them – once. One team member’s dog got lost during a layover. Another had to send their senior cat through cargo in a crate, terrified and alone. It’s not something we’d wish on anyone.
That’s why flying private with pets isn’t just a service we offer – it’s something we care deeply about. And we’ve designed every part of our travel experience with that in mind.
Here’s what you should know if you’re planning to bring your pet with you – whether they’re a loyal Labrador, a pocket-sized Pom, or a particularly chatty parrot.
Why Fly Private with Your Pet?
Flying commercial with pets often comes with a maze of restrictions: breed bans, weight limits, cargo holds, transfer delays, and unpredictable airline policies. It’s stressful – not just for them, but for you.
Flying private changes everything.
Your pet flies right by your side – not in the belly of the plane
You avoid crowded terminals, loud announcements, and TSA lines
You set the schedule – no tight layovers or rushed connections
You eliminate the need for crates (unless required by destination laws)
You both arrive calm, hydrated, and ready to enjoy the trip
What Types of Pets Can Fly?
We’ve flown with golden retrievers, Maine coons, rescue pups, therapy animals, parrots, and one incredibly well-behaved rabbit. That said, every trip is a little different.
Let us know in advance if your pet is:
An exotic species or under regulatory protection
Traveling internationally (some countries have strict animal import rules)
Prone to anxiety, motion sickness, or not used to being around people
Our concierge team will walk you through what’s allowed – and what’s recommended – based on your aircraft, destination, and pet’s temperament.
What You’ll Need Before You Fly
Pet paperwork isn’t glamorous – but it’s essential. Here’s what we help you sort out:
1. Health Certificate
Issued within 10 days of your flight, this confirms your pet is in good health and up to date on vaccinations.
2. Vaccination Records
Most domestic trips require rabies shots. International travel often calls for additional vaccines or parasite prevention.
3. Microchip Info
Some countries require ISO-compliant microchips for pet entry – especially in the EU and UK.
Need help with country-specific rules? We rely on the USDA APHIS Pet Travel Guide as our go-to source.
Making the Flight Comfortable – For Everyone
We’ve found that pets fly best when the cabin feels a little like home. Here are a few things that go a long way:
Bring a favorite blanket, toy, or bed – Familiar smells lower stress.
Feed lightly before takeoff – Overfeeding + turbulence = not a great combo.
Keep water accessible – Hydration is key, especially on longer flights.
Let them move a little – Most jets have enough space for a walkabout mid-flight.
And if your pet needs a break, cuddles, or a spot in your lap – well, it’s your plane.
Traveling Internationally with Pets
International trips take a bit more planning, but we’ve got you covered.
Some examples:
The UK, Australia, and New Zealand require rabies titer tests and advance permits
The EU accepts pet passports or USDA vet certificates
The UAE and some others require pets to arrive as manifest cargo – but we’ll help navigate that, too
Our team handles everything from permits to customs declarations to ground transportation. Your job? Pack treats.
Final Thoughts
We understand that when your pet travels, a piece of your heart is on board. That’s why we approach every flight with empathy, planning, and total personalization – from paperwork to the perfect dog-friendly villa waiting at your destination.
At PorterJets, we don’t just accommodate pets – we travel with them ourselves. And we’ll treat yours like family, because that’s exactly what they are.