Thousands of families, expats, and travellers with pets are affected by the current UK rules, which only allow assistance dogs to enter the country in the cabin. All other dogs and cats — even elderly, anxious, or sick ones — must travel as cargo, separated from their owners for hours. This can cause serious distress and health risks for animals, and emotional and financial strain for owners who may have to pay for expensive relocation services or leave their pets behind in care facilities.
If nothing changes, responsible pet owners will continue to face impossible choices: pay thousands for cargo transport, risk their animal’s wellbeing, or leave them behind. Many will avoid travel altogether. Allowing dogs and cats to fly in the cabin — as is already common in the EU, US, and other countries — would offer a safer, more compassionate alternative under strict airline and health regulations. It would give owners the freedom to choose what’s best for their pets, without removing the cargo option for those who prefer it.
As pet travel becomes more common and airlines adapt with clear rules for in-cabin animals, the UK is falling behind. Families are being penalised simply for wanting to stay close to their pets during travel. With a formal petition now live on the UK Parliament website, we need public support to move this forward.

👉 If you're a UK resident, please also sign the official petition here:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/727607

Let’s modernise our laws, reduce suffering, and support responsible pet ownership — now is the time to act.