For many pet owners, the dog is the reason they fly private at all. On a charter, your pet usually rides in the cabin with you: no cargo hold, no airline carrier rules, no stressful terminal. There are still a few rules, especially for international trips.
Can pets fly on a private jet?
Usually yes, but each operator (or aircraft owner) decides. There's no single rule for all charters. Most accept dogs and cats in the cabin; some aircraft are pet-free because of the owner's allergies or interior. Large dogs are generally fine if the jet has room for them to lie down.
Tell us when you book:
- the species, breed and weight of each pet,
- whether they'll be in a carrier or on a leash,
- and any anxiety or medical needs.
We'll make sure the aircraft and operator accept them. There's usually no extra charge to fly the pet itself, but operators may bill a cleaning or damage fee if the cabin needs it afterward.
Domestic flights within the US
For flights inside the US, there's no federal paperwork for pets on a private flight. It's sensible to carry:
- recent vaccination records (especially rabies),
- your vet's phone number,
- and for longer trips, a recent health certificate, which some destinations and hotels ask for.
Coming back into the US with a dog
The CDC rules apply to every dog entering the US, including on private jets and including dogs that left from the US:
- A CDC Dog Import Form receipt for each dog (filled out online before travel).
- The dog must be at least 6 months old.
- It must have a microchip that a universal scanner can read.
- It must look healthy on arrival.
Dogs coming from a country CDC considers high-risk for rabies need more: US-vaccinated dogs need a USDA-endorsed rabies vaccination certificate, and the first rabies shot must be at least 28 days before leaving the US. The Bahamas is not on that high-risk list (in the Caribbean, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Haiti are), so a dog returning from the Bahamas needs the form receipt, microchip and minimum age.
Cats aren't covered by the CDC dog rules, but the destination country will have its own requirements. Always check both directions before you book.
Taking a pet to the Bahamas
The Bahamas requires an import permit from its agriculture authority in Nassau. Apply at least four weeks before travel. Other requirements (confirm on the official sites before you go) include:
- a minimum age of 6 months,
- a rabies vaccination given within the required window before arrival,
- a health certificate issued shortly before the trip.
New from January 1, 2027: dogs and cats traveling from the US to the Bahamas must have an export health certificate signed by a USDA-accredited vet and endorsed by USDA APHIS. If you're planning a winter or spring trip, build in time for this step.
Tips for a calm flight
- Exercise before the flight and keep the last meal light.
- Bring a familiar blanket or bed, water, a leash and cleanup bags.
- Use a carrier or harness for takeoff and landing; the crew may ask.
- Ask your vet before giving any calming medication. Sedation isn't always advised for flying.
- Bring copies of every document, on paper and on your phone.
Questions & answers
Can my dog sit with me on a private jet?
On most charter flights, yes. Each operator sets its own pet policy, so tell us about your pet when you book and we'll match you with an aircraft that accepts them.
Does it cost extra to fly a pet privately?
Usually there's no fee for the pet itself, but operators may charge a cleaning or damage fee if needed.
What does my dog need to return to the US?
A CDC Dog Import Form receipt, a readable microchip and a minimum age of 6 months. Dogs coming from high-risk rabies countries need additional documents.
Can I take my dog to the Bahamas on a private jet?
Yes, with an import permit from the Bahamas (apply at least four weeks ahead) and the required vaccination and health documents. From January 1, 2027, a USDA-endorsed export health certificate is also required.
Can large dogs fly on private jets?
Often yes, if the aircraft has enough floor space and the operator agrees. Larger jets make it more comfortable for big dogs.
