Flying Private with Pets: The Complete Guide to Pet-Friendly Charter

Why Private Jets Are the Best Way to Fly with Pets

For pet owners, commercial air travel is stressful at best and dangerous at worst. Large dogs are forced into pressurized cargo holds. Breeds with short snouts — bulldogs, pugs, Persian cats — face airline bans due to respiratory risks. Seasonal embargoes prevent travel during extreme heat or cold. And even pets small enough for the cabin endure hours stuffed under a seat in a cramped carrier.

Private jet charter eliminates all of these problems. Your pet flies in the main cabin with you — on the seat, on your lap, or in a comfortable space on the floor. There are no breed restrictions, no size limits, no cargo holds, and no seasonal bans. The cabin environment is controlled, quiet, and familiar — dramatically reducing anxiety for both you and your animal. For many pet owners, this alone is reason enough to fly private.

Commercial Airlines vs Private Charter for Pet Travel

The differences between commercial and private pet travel are stark:

• Cabin access: Commercial airlines limit in-cabin pets to small animals (typically under 20 lbs) in approved carriers that fit under the seat. Private charter allows any size animal in the main cabin.
• Breed restrictions: Most commercial airlines ban brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds entirely. Private charter has zero breed restrictions.
• Seasonal embargoes: Airlines impose seasonal restrictions when ground temperatures exceed 85°F or drop below 45°F. Private charter operates year-round regardless of temperature.
• Cargo risks: Pets flying commercial cargo face temperature fluctuations, noise exposure, handling mishaps, and long tarmac waits. Private charter means your pet never leaves your sight.
• Sedation: Many pet owners feel compelled to sedate animals for the stress of commercial travel. The calm, controlled environment of private charter makes sedation unnecessary in most cases.
• Multiple pets: Airlines typically allow only one pet per passenger. Private charter imposes no such limits — you can fly with your entire pack.

Preparing Your Pet for Private Jet Travel

Even though private flying is significantly easier on animals than commercial travel, preparation ensures a smooth experience for everyone.

Before the flight: Take your pet for a long walk or play session to burn off energy. Feed them a light meal 3–4 hours before departure to reduce the risk of motion sickness. Bring their favorite blanket, toy, or bed to create a sense of familiarity in the cabin. Pack sufficient water and treats for the duration of the flight.

Documentation: For domestic flights within the same country, most jurisdictions require a current health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, plus proof of rabies vaccination. For international pet travel, requirements become more complex. The EU requires an EU pet passport or an Annex IV health certificate. The UK requires a third-country veterinary certificate, tapeworm treatment, and a microchip. Australia and New Zealand have some of the strictest requirements globally, including quarantine periods of 10–30 days. Japan requires a 180-day rabies antibody waiting period. Always verify destination-specific requirements at least 60 days before travel.

Microchipping: Most countries now require ISO 15-digit microchip identification. If your pet's chip uses a different standard, you may need to bring a compatible reader or have a new chip implanted.

Best Aircraft Types for Pet Travel

While any private jet can accommodate pets, certain aircraft offer advantages for animal comfort:

Midsize jets like the Citation Latitude and Learjet 75 offer flat-floor cabins with enough room for large dog beds. The wider cabin cross-section means your pet has space to move and settle comfortably.

Heavy jets like the Challenger 650 and Gulfstream G550 are ideal for multiple large pets or long flights. These aircraft feature spacious cabins with separate zones — your pets can have their own area while you work or rest. Many of these jets also feature a dedicated baggage compartment accessible from the cabin, which can double as a quiet retreat for a pet that prefers a den-like space.

VIP airliners — converted Boeing Business Jets or Airbus Corporate Jets — are the ultimate choice for traveling with many animals or very large breeds. The wide-body cabin offers room that simply does not exist on standard business jets.

Cost considerations: Flying with pets does not typically add to the charter cost itself. However, there may be a cleaning fee of $200–$500 after the flight to detail the cabin. It is also wise to bring protective seat covers and absorbent pads for longer flights.

Fly with Your Pet Through VOLO

At VOLO, we believe your pets are part of the family — and they deserve to travel like it. Our concierge team assists with documentation guidance, destination-specific veterinary requirements, and aircraft selection to ensure your pet's comfort. Whether you are traveling with a golden retriever or a Maine Coon, domestically or internationally, we make pet travel seamless. Request a pet-friendly charter quote or explore our Charter Cost Estimator to start planning your next trip together.