Fit to Fly Certificates for Pets
Travelling with your pet can feel stressful — especially when an airline, pet transport company, or relocation service requests written confirmation that your pet is healthy enough to fly.
​
At London Pet Travel Certificates, we provide Fit to Fly certificates for cats and dogs, issued by UK-qualified veterinarians, with the option of mobile home visits across London and nearby areas.
Book your Fit to Fly appointment and travel with confidence.
What is a Fit to Fly Certificate?
A Fit to Fly certificate is a veterinary document confirming that your pet is clinically well and safe to travel at the time of examination. It is commonly requested by airlines, cargo carriers, and pet transport services, particularly for international travel.
​
A Fit to Fly certificate is separate from official export paperwork, such as an Export Health Certificate (EHC), and it does not replace the destination country’s import requirements.
If you’re unsure which documents you need, we can advise you based on your route and airline before your appointment.
Fit to Fly vs AHC vs EHC — what’s the difference?
Choosing the correct paperwork is essential:
​
Fit to Fly Certificate
Confirms your pet is well enough to travel based on a veterinary clinical examination.
​
Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
Required for dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from Great Britain to the EU and certain other destinations.
Export Health Certificate (EHC)
Required for some non-EU destinations, often with country-specific requirements and timeframes.
In many cases, a Fit to Fly certificate is helpful — but it is not a substitute for an AHC or EHC where official export documentation is required.
When might you need a Fit to Fly certificate?
You may need a Fit to Fly certificate if:
​
-
Your airline or pet transport company requires a vet certificate before travel
-
You are relocating abroad and paperwork is needed for your move
-
Your pet has recently recovered from illness and you want reassurance before flying
-
You would like a professional veterinary assessment before a long journey
Not all airlines require Fit to Fly documentation. We recommend checking your airline’s requirements in advance, and we are happy to guide you if you are unsure what is needed.
What we check during a Fit to Fly appointment
A Fit to Fly appointment is a genuine veterinary health assessment — not just a signature. We typically assess:
​
-
Heart and lung health
-
Hydration and overall condition
-
Mobility and comfort for travel
-
Body condition and general wellbeing
-
Relevant medical history and current medications
-
Suitability for the travel method (carrier/crate, journey length, climate)
We’ll also provide practical travel-day advice, including feeding, hydration, comfort, and reducing stress during travel.
What your Fit to Fly certificate includes
Your Fit to Fly certificate will usually include:
​
-
Owner details (name and contact information)
-
Pet details (species, breed, age, sex)
-
Microchip number (where applicable)
-
Date of examination
-
A clear veterinary statement confirming fitness to travel at the time of assessment
-
Any relevant recommendations or limitations for your journey
-
Vet signature and professional details
Certificates can be provided in a clean digital format (ideal for email submission), and printed where required.
Important airline & cargo considerations
Airline and cargo requirements vary, but these points commonly apply:
​
Sedation is usually not permitted
Many airlines and cargo providers do not allow pets to be sedated for flights, and travel may be refused if sedation is suspected. If your pet is anxious, we can discuss safe, practical alternatives to help with planning and comfort.
​
Feeding and watering requirements
Some carriers request confirmation that your pet has had access to food and water within a specific timeframe before check-in. We can guide you so you remain compliant without increasing the risk of travel-related stomach upset.
​
Flat-faced breeds may have restrictions
Some brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds have increased respiratory risk during air travel. If this applies to your pet, we will advise you clearly and help you choose the safest options available.
What a Fit to Fly certificate does not guarantee
A Fit to Fly certificate confirms your pet is fit for travel at the time of examination, but it cannot guarantee:
​
-
Acceptance by every airline, cargo service, or transport provider
-
Entry into a country if import rules have not been met
-
That a pet will not become unwell during travel
​
In some cases, it may not be appropriate to issue a Fit to Fly certificate — for example if a pet is unwell, unstable, or the travel plan presents a welfare risk. If this happens, we will explain the reasons clearly and discuss the safest next steps.
How it works?
1) Book your appointment
Choose a suitable time for your Fit to Fly assessment (mobile home visit options available).
2) We examine your pet
A full clinical examination is performed and travel suitability is discussed.
3) We issue your certificate
If your pet is fit to travel, we will provide your Fit to Fly certificate promptly after the examination.
4) Travel with confidence
You’ll have professional documentation ready for your airline, shipper, or relocation service.