Every airline flying into Heathrow must carry a recognised assistance dog free of charge, but you still need pre-approval from the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) at least seven days before you fly, plus 48 hours' notice to your airline. An unrecognised service dog faces a £462 checking fee and can only be pre-approved on flights arriving direct from the USA. Checked 2026.
What counts as an assistance dog
Heathrow recognises dogs trained and accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), or dogs trained to an equivalent standard with evidence of that training. These dogs must be individually trained to help with a specific disability or medical condition, behave appropriately in public and on board an aircraft, wear an identifying jacket or harness, and remain under your control throughout the journey.
A dog that has not been trained and accredited to these standards is classed as an "unrecognised service dog" by the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre, which is run by the City of London Corporation. Unrecognised service dogs are subject to a £462 checking fee and can only be issued pre-approval when arriving direct from the USA, so if your dog does not hold ADI, IGDF or equivalent accreditation, check the rules carefully well before you book.
Getting pre-approval before you fly
Because the UK has strict rules on animals entering the country, every assistance dog needs approval from the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre before travel, separate from anything your airline arranges. HARC asks that you send your "Stage 1" email at least seven days before your scheduled departure so it can review your documentation and confirm your dog qualifies for entry. If you turn up without this pre-approval, HARC warns you may face delays, increased charges, or your dog being quarantined or re-exported at your cost.
If you are arriving from the USA specifically, HARC has separate guidance: your vet needs to complete a GB Health Certificate (GBHC), which must be endorsed by USDA APHIS no more than 10 days before you arrive, alongside a tapeworm treatment carried out and recorded according to the rules on GOV.UK. HARC can issue pre-approval from a draft version of the certificate while you wait for the final USDA APHIS endorsement, provided you confirm the appointment details for the tapeworm treatment in your Stage 1 email.
Separately, Heathrow's general assistance guidance also asks that you tell your airline about your assistance dog as early as possible, and at least 48 hours before you travel, ideally when you book your ticket. The airline passes your details to its dedicated assistance team, who will meet you at the assistance area once you reach the airport, and will meet you at the aircraft if you are arriving or connecting.
Documentation checklist
- HARC pre-approval, requested via your Stage 1 email at least seven days before departure.
- Your HARC acceptance letter, which you may be asked to show before boarding your flight to the UK.
- Evidence of your dog's ADI, IGDF or equivalent accreditation.
- For arrivals from the USA: a GBHC completed by your vet, USDA APHIS endorsement, and a recorded tapeworm treatment meeting GOV.UK's requirements.
- Confirmation to your airline at least 48 hours before you fly, including your return journey if applicable.
Contact HARC directly on +44 (0)20 8745 7894/5 or through its website if anything is unclear, since requirements can vary depending on where you are travelling from.
Where to find help and relief areas at Heathrow
Heathrow has a dedicated Assistance area in every terminal, both before security in departures and in the arrivals public area, where staff can check your documentation and help you through the airport. Locations vary by terminal: for example, Terminal 5's assistance point before security is in check-in Zone E, while Terminal 3's arrivals point is opposite international arrivals, on the same side as the M&S Simply Food store.
Heathrow also provides dedicated animal relief areas with hard and soft surfaces so dogs can relieve themselves before or after a flight. You need to bring your own pet waste bags, as Heathrow does not provide these, though bins are available for disposal. Relief area locations differ by terminal, for example Terminal 2's is after security on Level -2, near the walkway to the B gates; check Heathrow's website or ask at an assistance point for the exact spot in your terminal.
Comparing recognised and unrecognised service dogs
| Recognised assistance dog (ADI/IGDF/equivalent) | Unrecognised service dog | |
|---|---|---|
| HARC checking fee | None | £462 |
| Pre-approval | Available on eligible routes with Stage 1 email 7+ days ahead | Only when arriving direct from the USA |
| Carried by airline | Free of charge | Subject to airline's own animal policy |
| Airport assistance areas and relief areas | Available | Available |
For general mobility and wheelchair assistance rather than animals, see our guide to special assistance at Heathrow and wheelchair-accessible taxis. For everything else on site, see Heathrow's facilities overview.