In 1984, Virgin Atlantic was established. Since then, it has provided comfortable travel to both passengers and their pets. When the passengers need to bring their pets while traveling with this air carrier, there are some rules and regulations. These are highlighted via the Virgin Atlantic pet policy 2026. This policy provides information on the allowed pets in the cabin or as cargo. Also, the documents required for the trip can be cleared. In addition, via this policy, one can know the different procedures to book pet travel. Besides this, the policy can be useful for bringing assistance dogs as well. Hence, prior to traveling with any pet, it is important to abide by all the rules and regulations of the pet policy of this air operator.
What is the Virgin Atlantic Pets Policy?
Usually, pets are permitted to travel as cargo on Virgin Atlantic as long as they meet IATA-approved container requirements. As per the Virgin Atlantic pet policy international, except for approved assistance dogs, pets are not allowed in the cabin. For stress-free pet travel, owners must make reservations in advance through Virgin Atlantic Cargo, present current health certifications, and make sure carriers fit the necessary safety, ventilation, and size standards.
Virgin Atlantic Cargo Pets
Fliers’ pets transportation will be subject to the following terms, which should be read in connection with the Virgin’s General Conditions of Carriage for Cargo (available upon request):
- Owing to the Virgin Atlantic pet cargo policy, in the event that any information or documents provided to Virgin Atlantic are irregular, inaccurate, or incomplete, or if the pet owner fails to adhere to the applicable regulations governing the carriage of live animals, they agree to indemnify and reimburse the carrier for any damages or penalties incurred by or imposed upon it.
- All applicable laws and rules pertaining to the transportation of pets in the countries of origin and destination, including those relating to the packing, transportation, and delivery of the pet, must be followed by the shipper and/or pet owner.
- Based on the Virgin Atlantic pet transport, if the pet owner disregards this clause, then Virgin Atlantic is not responsible.
- Pets cannot be drugged prior to flight.
- Further, this air operator has the authority to deny transportation if a pet has taken drugs.
- Once the reservation has been made, Virgin Atlantic needs a picture of the pet and the cage to make sure the right breed is being stated and the right cage size is being used.
- The pet may not be allowed to travel if the photo is not provided.
- Regardless of age or weight, Virgin Atlantic will only allow one pet per traveling cage.
- In accordance with the Virgin Atlantic cargo pets policy, pets traveling in a double wooden cage with a mesh partition, however, are welcome.
- Virgin Atlantic has the right to examine the shipping container or packaging used and to deny carriage if it does not adhere to the rules governing the transportation of live animals.
- Pet travel cages less than 71 x 52 x 54 cm are not accepted by the airline.
- When passengers tender their pets, please make sure the cage is undamaged.
- Except for flights from London Heathrow to Melbourne, Virgin Atlantic will only transport dogs point-to-point.
- There must be a comfortable halt in Los Angeles for any dogs traveling from London to Melbourne.
- In compliance with the Virgin Atlantic pet cargo policy, upon request, the pet owner agrees to reimburse this air carrier or its agents for any costs, taxes, and/or fees associated with the pet’s air transportation until the creature is delivered.
- According to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), cats descended from serval cats (Felis Serval) are prohibited from being imported into Australia by the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage, and the Arts (DEWHA).
- Cats produced by crossing a domestic Felis cat (Felis Catus) with a serval or savannah felis cat (Felis Catus x Felis Serval) are included in this category.
- In line with the Virgin Atlantic pet travel policy, the UK Pet Travel Scheme now allows savannah cats to enter the country.
- Tourists must check with DEFRA to see if they need a license to enter the UK or elsewhere.
- Moreover, Bengal cats must have a pedigree certificate proving they are F5 Bengal or higher in order to be allowed to travel under the UK Pet Travel Scheme.
- To learn more about this, please contact DEFRA.
- Additionally, the pet may experience stress when traveling in the cargo hold.
- Therefore, guests please make sure they are comfortable in their cage before leaving, as this may help them stay calm.
- Virgin Atlantic pet travel under the age of 15 weeks is not allowed on its flights.
- If the weather at the origin or destination endangers the pet’s or the employees’ safety and well-being, then Virgin Atlantic has the right to refuse pet travel.
Virgin Atlantic Pet Policy in Cabin
Regular pets are not allowed in the cabin on Virgin Atlantic. Passengers are only permitted to travel in the aircraft cabin with assistance dogs that have been approved and trained. These assistance animals must adhere to health and documentation regulations, travel for free, and stay on a leash or harness the entire time.
Virgin Atlantic Pet Policy for Assistance Dogs
Virgin Atlantic allows certified assistance dogs in the cabin as long as they comply with the necessary paperwork and travel securely with their owners.
- According to the Virgin Atlantic pets in cabin policy, the airline will carry customers’ assistance dogs if it is agreed to do so, but only if:
- Assistance dogs can only be brought inside the airplane cabin with persons who are incapacitated.
- Throughout the trip, customers must have the required health and immunization certificates, permits, and documentation for the assistance dog.
- If not, then the air carrier won’t be responsible for any losses that are incurred.
- Further, when they don’t have the proper documentation, they have to pay the airline back for any penalties, expenses, charges, damages, or liabilities that incur.
- Based on the Virgin Atlantic pet policy 2026, the air carrier has the option to not bring any assistance dogs:
- For the grounds of security.
- In the event that the air operator believes that fliers’ assistance dogs may be suffering from a communicable or potentially fatal illness.
- If it would result in a flight detour or interfere with operations.
- In the event that doing so could violate the laws of the nation of transit, entrance, or exit.
- The air carrier shall not be liable to passengers if it refuses to allow them to board for the reasons listed above because the airline has refused to let their assistance dogs.
- Unless the Warsaw Convention, the Montreal Convention, or Regulation 2027/97 applies, the airline will not be responsible for the death, illness, or loss of the Virgin Atlantic pets or assistance dog.
- Any available limits of liability will be used if any of these apply.
Which Routes Allow Assistance Dogs?
Assistance and guiding dogs are welcome on all Virgin Atlantic itineraries. Fliers should make sure to inquire directly with any other airlines they may be traveling with, such as Delta or KLM, as their policies may differ from Virgin Atlantic. Moreover, it is usually worthwhile to carefully check the ticket to find out who is in charge of each leg of the journey.
For detailed information about these routes, see the sections below for fliers traveling to or from the USA or the UK.
Journeying to or from the United Kingdom
- In accordance with the Virgin Atlantic flying with pets policy, travelers should review the requirements outlined in the UK Government’s PETS (the Pet Travel Scheme) and their guidance on allowing Guide and Assistance Dogs into the UK.
- This is to ensure that the dog has all the paperwork, vaccinations, treatments, and tests required to enter or exit the country and to avoid quarantine.
- The Animal Reception Center’s website lists the documents they require.
Going to or from the United States of America
Before the journey, customers traveling to or from the US must fill out the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form. It attests to the animal’s behavior, training, and overall health. Owing to the Virgin Atlantic pet policy in cabin policy, a DOT Relief Attestation Form certifying that the dog will not relieve itself in the airplane or can do so in a hygienic way must also be submitted by clients for flights longer than eight hours.
Size Requirements for Pet Carriers on Virgin Atlantic Flights
Pet carriers sold by Virgin Atlantic must be at least 71L x 52W x 54H centimeters in size. There must be sufficient space in the pet’s carrier for it to stand, turn, and lie down. By following the Virgin Atlantic pet policy international, the distance between the pet’s head and the carrier’s roof must be at least 5 centimeters.
A few further conditions are specified by the airline for every pet carrier:
- Hard plastic or wood construction
- Safe locking systems
- Rigid and incapable of collapsing
- No grills or roofs that open
- Airflow on all four sides
- Bases that don’t leak
- Sliding or hinged doors
- A water dish that is fastened to the inside of the pet carrier’s door is also necessary for Virgin Atlantic.
- The bottom of every carrier needs to be made of soft and absorbent material.
Virgin Atlantic Pet Travel Cost
Regular pets must fly in the cargo hold on Virgin Atlantic as they are not permitted in the cabin. The weight, crate size, and route of the pet determine the Virgin Atlantic pet cost. Dogs and cats on overseas flights usually cost between £600 and over £1300. However, when the required paperwork and prior authorization are shown, assistance dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin free of charge.
Restricted Pet/Animal Breeds on Virgin Atlantic Flights
Virgin Atlantic has the right to deny the transport of specific breeds and has rules regarding pugs, snub-nosed dogs, and cats. The following animal breeds will not be allowed to travel on Virgin Atlantic because they have been determined to be pug or snub-nosed:
Prohibited Dogs Breed
- Boston Terrier
- English Toy Spaniel
- Pekingese
- All pugs
- Brussels Griffin
- Japanese Spaniel
- English Bulldog
- American Bully dog
- American Bully
- Lhasa Apso
- French Bulldog
- Shih Tzu
- Affenpinscher
- Tibetan Spaniel
Banned Cats Breed
- Persians
- Scottish Fold
- Himalayan
- Exotic Shorthair
- As per the Virgin Atlantic pet transport policy, as long as the majority of the snub characteristics are not seen at the nasal region, breeds that are crossed with snub or pug-nosed breeds may be allowed to travel on Virgin.
- Before making a reservation, passengers must provide pictures, and the local authorities will decide whether or not to allow pets.
- Breeds bred with snub or pug-nosed breeds will not be accepted by Virgin Atlantic in July and August.
- Additionally, Virgin Atlantic declines to transport the following dogs:
- Bully Cutter (Kutta)
- Boerboel
Booking Procedure of Virgin Atlantic Pet Travel
Online and offline methods are available to reserve Virgin Atlantic pet travel.
- To book travel for assistance dogs, fliers need to complete the form available at this link.
- In this form, give details regarding:
- About You
- Your Booking Details
- Breed of the Dog
- Weight of the Dog
- Your Data
- Next, press the “Send” feature.
- Further, follow the steps as directed on the screen and complete the process.
In addition to Virgin Atlantic pets in cabin travel procedure, fliers can connect with the agents of this airline on the phone. Over the phone, a request for a pet travel booking can be made. Provide documentation and the needed information regarding the pet. At last, pay the fees when asked.
With the following table, one can get the phone number based on one’s country.
| Destination | Telephone Number |
| UK | 0344-209-2722 |
| United States | +1-800-862-8621 |
| Bahamas | +1-800-862-8621 |
| France | +33-18516-9351 |
| Denmark | +45-3515-8998 |
| Saudi Arabia | +966-800-111-0982 |
| Spain | +34-930-039917 |
| South Africa | +27-11-340-3400 |
| Sweden | +46-851-992531 |
| Cuba | +53-7-204-0747 |
| Caribbean | +1-800-744-7477 |
Virgin Atlantic Pet Travel Issues Resolved via Social Media
Virgin Atlantic’s social media platforms offer prompt support for questions about pet travel. This can assist travelers with container regulations, documentation needs, and booking information.
| Social Media Account | Link |
| https://www.instagram.com/ | |
| https://www.facebook.com/virginatlantic | |
| https://x.com/virginatlantic |
Some Useful Links Related to Virgin Atlantic
In Consolidation,
Responsible and controlled animal transportation is emphasized in the Virgin Atlantic pet policy 2026. The airline guarantees safety, welfare, and adherence to IATA regulations by permitting assistance dogs in the cabin and mandating that other pets travel as cargo. With Virgin Atlantic’s organized, safe travel options for animals, pet owners can plan trips with confidence.
FAQs on Virgin Atlantic Pet Policy 2026
Virgin Atlantic permits cats, dogs, and birds to travel, but does not allow reptiles, rodents, or exotic animals.
No, Virgin Atlantic does not allow pets in the cabin. All pets must travel in the cargo hold.
Pets must be at least 10 weeks old to be eligible for travel.
Yes, brachycephalic breeds (like pugs and bulldogs) may face restrictions due to respiratory issues.
Virgin Atlantic requires carriers to be no smaller than 71 x 52 x 54 cm (external dimensions). Only one pet per cage is allowed unless using a double wooden cage with a mesh divide.
No, Virgin Atlantic strictly prohibits sedation of pets prior to travel. Pets may be refused if sedation is suspected.
Yes, fees vary based on destination and pet weight. For in-cabin travel (where applicable), the fee is $200 each way, but most pets travel as cargo.
Yes, you must provide health certificates, vaccination records, and a photograph of your pet with its cage after booking.
Virgin Atlantic only offers point-to-point pet transport, with the exception of London Heathrow to Melbourne, which includes a comfort stop in Los Angeles.
You must contact Virgin Atlantic Cargo directly, provide pet and carrier dimensions, and ensure all regulations and paperwork are completed in advance.