Why a private jet is best for your pet

On commercial flights, pets often travel in the hold (crate, noise, cold, no contact with the owner). On a charter, dogs or cats travel in the cabin next to you. Business terminals (GAT/FBO) mean no queues and fast procedures. The crew can prepare pads, bowls and water.

Note: some operators have their own guidelines and limits; we confirm pet carriage with the operator during planning (the UK publishes lists of approved routes/carriers). APHA/DEFRA – Approved routes & carriers.

Requirements & documents: EU, UK / Ireland / Malta / Finland / Norway, USA

European Union (PETS non-commercial movement)

• ISO-compliant microchip and valid rabies vaccination (first jab usually from 12 weeks of age). European Commission – entry rules.
• EU Pet Passport (for EU-based pets) or a Union health certificate for arrivals from outside the EU, issued ≤10 days before entry. EU – Travelling with pets.

UK / Ireland / Malta / Finland / Norway — tapeworm treatment for dogs

Beyond standard EU rules, dogs must receive tapeworm treatment within 24–120 hours before arrival in these countries, recorded by a vet:

• UK (GB): gov.uk – Tapeworm 24–120 h, and entry only via approved routes/carriers (Travel routes for pets).
• Ireland: gov.ie – Pet Travel and DAFM – entry requirements.
• Finland: Ruokavirasto – 24–120 h (and 28-day rule).
• Norway: Mattilsynet – 24–120 h.
• Malta: Gov MT – entry instructions (PDF).

USA

• Since 1 August 2024 dogs must be at least 6 months old, microchipped, appear healthy and meet CDC requirements (incl. CDC Dog Import Form; additional rules if coming from high-risk rabies countries). CDC – Bringing a Dog into the U.S. • CDC – Dog Import Form.
• USDA APHIS: consult an accredited veterinarian / health certificates and export procedures. APHIS – Pet Travel.

Outside the EU/USA, national rules apply (sometimes quarantine or extra vaccinations). We verify them and plan suitable routing and airports.

Brachycephalic breeds, young pets, pregnancy—rules & risks

• Brachycephalic (e.g., pug, bulldog, shih tzu, Persian cat): some operators limit carriage or require a vet letter due to increased respiratory risk with pressure changes (see guidance: AVMA – Traveling with your pet).
• < 6 months: puppies/kittens are usually not accepted on routes requiring full vaccinations (USA: min. 6 months, CDC). CDC.
• Pregnancy / up to 3 months after birth: often restricted—operator and vet decision.
• Sedation: do not administer without a vet’s decision; IATA/AVMA discourage routine sedation during flights. IATA – Pets • AVMA – FAQ.

GAT/FBO: step by step

Before departure: arrive 20–30 minutes earlier to the GAT/FBO; document check and a brief security screening. On board:

• Medium/large dogs: muzzle and collar ready; seat belt for take-off/landing.
• Small dogs/cats: ventilated carrier in which the pet can stand and turn around.
• Hygiene: pads, towels, waste bags—we’ll prepare them; you can bring your own.

Charter costs & pets

Price depends on: distance, aircraft type, positioning, airport fees, ground time, seasonality, connectivity (Wi-Fi) and catering. Pets themselves usually do not add a fee unless size/number requires a larger cabin or deep cleaning. We’ll prepare an accurate quote once we receive route, dates/times and pet details.

Aircraft types vs pet size — what to choose?

We match a “pet-friendly” aircraft and accredited FBOs at both ends; in the UK only approved routes and carriers are permitted (APHA/DEFRA). Check approved routes.

Jet Sharing & Empty Legs with pets

Jet Sharing — you buy seats instead of the whole aircraft; most operators accept pets with prior notice and limits. Empty Legs — positioning/returns priced lower than standard; less flexibility on times/types. Share your time window and region—we’ll set up an alert.

Packing list & veterinary checklist

Packing

• EU Pet Passport / health certificate + microchip / vaccination records (EU – documents).
• Carrier (cat/small dog) / muzzle + leash (dogs).
• Pads, towel, bags; water, collapsible bowl; blanket/toy.
• Medications prescribed by your vet.

Checklist (timing)

• T-10–7 days: verify passport/vaccinations/microchip; health certificate if needed.
• T-5–1 days: if UK/IE/MT/FI/NO — tapeworm treatment 24–120 h before arrival (recorded). gov.uk – tapeworm • Finland • Norway • Malta (PDF).
• Day of flight: lighter meal; walk/toilet right before boarding.

Booking steps with Jet Partner

1. Send a request: route, date/times, pax count + breed, weight, age and number of pets.
2. Options: 3–5 “pet-friendly” aircraft proposals + accredited FBOs.
3. Confirmation: choose the variant, adjust if needed.
4. Agreement & payment: bank card/transfer (operator-specific terms).
5. Pre-flight: document check; crew brief (pads, bowls, catering).
6. Departure: arrive 20–30 minutes before take-off at GAT; swift formalities and a comfortable flight.

Liability, deposits, insurance, cleaning

• Pet surcharge: usually none (exceptions: larger aircraft due to pet size/number or deep cleaning after an incident).
• Deposit: some aircraft owners request a refundable deposit against damage.
• Insurance: flights insured per regulations; guardians are responsible for pets.
• Safety: the captain may refuse departure/continuation if safety is at risk.

Exotics, birds, rabbits, CITES & quarantine

Rodents/rabbits/birds — transport in cages; additional health certificates may be required. Reptiles/turtles/invertebrates — destination rules may require permits and sanitary checks. Protected species (CITES) require import/export/re-export permits. CITES – permit system • EC – Wildlife trade.

Dogs/cats/ferrets are not CITES-listed, but hybrids with wild species may be regulated. We verify requirements before booking.

7-day acclimatization plan

1. D1–2: 10–15 minutes twice daily in an open carrier (treats, blanket).
2. D3–4: short car ride with the carrier; reward calm behaviour.
3. D5: “take-off” sounds at low volume.
4. D6: “at-home boarding”—carrier/muzzle/leash, 20–30 minutes.
5. D7: lighter meal, favourite toy, pads ready. Sedation only by vet decision; IATA/AVMA discourage routine use. IATA, AVMA.

Sample routes (Poznań / Tarnowo Podgórne area)

In the UK, entry is allowed only via approved routes and carriers (APHA/DEFRA). Approved routes.

Local tip (Tarnowo Podgórne): with more flexible timing it’s sometimes faster/more economical to depart from POZ or WAW (wider fleet availability).

FAQ: frequently asked questions

• Can my dog/cat be out of the carrier?
  Medium/large dogs are usually belted to a seat for take-off/landing; during cruise—subject to captain’s approval. Small dogs/cats are best in a carrier (comfort + safety).
• Are there pet surcharges?
  Usually no. Exceptions: larger aircraft due to pet size/number or deep cleaning after an incident.
• Brachycephalic breeds—can we fly?
  Often yes, after risk assessment and a vet letter; some operators decline. Routine sedation is discouraged (IATA/AVMA).
• UK/IE/MT/FI/NO—what about tapeworm treatment?
  Dogs must be treated 24–120 h before arrival with a vet entry in the passport/certificate. gov.uk.
• USA—minimum age and documents?
  Min. 6 months, microchip, CDC form and rules depending on rabies-risk status. CDC – dogs.
• How early should we arrive at GAT?
  Arrive 20–30 minutes before departure.
• Does Jet Sharing accept pets?
  On many rotations yes—advance notice and limits on size/number apply.

In general: we verify everything with the operator during planning (carrier policies and FBO accreditations may differ and change seasonally).

Book a flight or request a quote

We reply within 15–30 minutes (24/7). Please provide route, date/times, passenger count, and each pet’s breed, weight and age.

Important notes & sources

• EU — passports/certificates, vaccinations & timing: EU – Travelling with pets, EC – Entry into the Union.
• UK/IE/MT/FI/NO — tapeworm 24–120 h & routes: gov.uk – Tapeworm, gov.uk – Approved routes, Finland – Ruokavirasto, Norway – Mattilsynet, Malta – AHWD (PDF), Ireland – gov.ie.
• USA — min age 6 months, microchip, CDC form: CDC – dogs, CDC – Dog Import Form, USDA APHIS – Pet Travel.
• Sedation — not advised routinely (IATA/AVMA): IATA, AVMA.
• CITES — permits for protected species: CITES – permit system, EC – Wildlife trade.

Disclaimer: regulations and lists of accredited routes/ports can change. We confirm all details with the operator and relevant authorities during trip planning.