Private jet charter is the safest and most stress-free way of traveling with pets – but it’s important to get your paperwork in place, and make all the preparations necessary to ensure your pet’s comfort during the trip. For a pleasant flight and a smooth landing, read our list of things to do before take-off.
Jet-setting pets
Private jet charter is the safest and most stress-free way of traveling with pets – but it’s important to get your paperwork in place, and make all the preparations necessary to ensure your pet’s comfort during the trip. For a pleasant flight and a smooth landing, read our list of things to do before take-off.
Jet-setting pets
On commercial airlines, pets typically travel in cages inside the cargo hold, which is stressful for both you and your best friend. While some airlines allow small pets to travel under your seat in an airline-compliant pet carrier, bigger animals travel as air cargo. This is no fun for your dog, and it can be hazardous due to temperature and air pressure fluctuations.
Chartering a private jet means you can keep each other company during the flight, with both you and your pet arriving at your destination in style. They will pass through the private terminals with you, and once on board they are allowed in the cabin, with no kennels or cages required.
The costs of traveling with your pet on a private jet will vary depending on the distance to your destination, and the aircraft type and size. As a rough guide, the bigger your pet, the bigger your jet. Cleaning costs will be for your pocket, as will any damage incurred during the flight.
Before you depart
This is the really important part. Having all your paperwork in order is essential, as is starting the process well in advance.
- Check with your vet to ensure that your pets are in good shape for travel. A letter from your vet clearing your pet for travel is a standard requirement. If you are in the U.S, remember the paperwork will only be valid if your vet is accredited by the U.S.D.A.
- Check the health, vaccination and quarantine regulations for your destination country. Many countries now require a microchip implant, which is a good idea anyway, because it makes pets easier to find if they get lost or run away.
- Your dog may require a rabies vaccination, particularly if you are traveling to the U.S from a high-risk country for rabies. Your dog is travel-ready 28 days after vaccination, so plan ahead. Cats don’t need rabies vaccinations to enter the U.S, but it may be required for travel to other countries.
- If you’re traveling inside the U.S, note that some states require additional vaccinations and health certificates, so be sure to check with the health department in your destination state well in advance of your trip.
- Stock up on medications and special food to last the whole trip, and locate the closest vet to where you will be staying.
During the flight
Having you by their side is the best way to relieve travel stress for your pets, but they are nevertheless in unfamiliar surroundings, so consider these tips for maximizing their comfort:
- Take dogs for a walk before you leave home, and again before you board. A quick round of exercise helps everyone relax, including your pets.
- Bring along a travel bed with which your pets are already familiar. A roll-up bed is convenient for travel.
- Hydration is important, so bring along their water bowls.
- Do not feed your dog within four hours of departure, as flying with a full stomach can cause discomfort.
- Once in the air, go light on food. Depending on the length of your flight, some experts recommend that you feed them half their meal on board, and save the rest as a reward for when you arrive.
- Dry food is best, so if your pet usually eats canned or fresh food, introduce them to the dry food ahead of your trip.
- Have toys and treats ready during the flight to encourage and reward good behavior.
- Check with your arrival and destination airport about pet relief locations. On long flights, a dog diaper is worth considering.
- Although a kennel is not required for private jet charter, a travel kennel or pet carrier can be useful for when you are going through security or customs.
- Sedatives used to be common, but these days they are used only as a last resort. Some pet owners who are frequent fliers recommend CBD oil, but be sure to consult your pet’s vet for any medical recommendations or dosages.
- It’s natural to worry, especially when traveling with your pet for the first time, but try to relax. If you are agitated, your pet will be too.
- If your pet is really too anxious to travel, perhaps consider a pet sitter instead.
Smooth landing
Make sure ahead of time that your car rental company or taxi allows pets, remember to book pet-friendly accommodation and let them know who to expect. And lastly, don’t forget to take lots of pictures – going on holiday with your pet is an experience you won’t want to forget.
The cost of chartering a private jet with your pet
When thinking of chartering a private jet, you may wonder if it will cost you (and your favorite four-legged friend) an arm and a leg. The cost of chartering a private jet with your pet all depends on your destination, and the type of aircraft you choose to fly on. For more information on the various aircraft available for private jet charter, browse our aircraft guide.
Further considerations when preparing your quote include how many passengers, and pets, you need to transport. If you share the costs of chartering a private jet, you will pay much less per person (did someone say two-and-four-legged-friends vacay?), particularly if you take advantage of ‘empty leg’ discounts.
If you would like to charter a flight for you and your pets, then please contact us, and our private charter experts will be happy to help.