Virgin Atlantic PSD and Emotional Support Animals Policy Guide.

• U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form: This form must be submitted for validation before your flight, attesting to the animal’s training, health, and behavior.
• DOT Relief Attestation Form: Required for flights longer than eight hours, certifying that the animal will not relieve itself in the aircraft or can do so hygienically.
• Psychiatric Service Dog Letter: You must also have a psychiatric service dog letter to verify your need for a service animal.

A psychiatric service dog letter is a legal document that certifies the necessity of having an animal for medical purposes. It states that you have a certain medical ailment, and your dog is included in your treatment process. A PSD letter provides certain rights regarding housing and traveling to its owner.

You can ask a licensed healthcare professional to help you obtain the letter. They will examine your medical condition and the need for a service animal to manage it. You will get your PSD letter if they believe your medical condition needs a service animal. Use your letter to get housing, public, and travel accommodations.

• Your booking references, such as flight number and date of flight.
• Breed and weight of your psychiatric service dog.
• Tasks your service animal assists with.
• Details of the behavioral training that your assistance dog has completed.

The restriction on brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds applies only to pets traveling in the cargo hold due to higher respiratory risk during air transport and does not apply to fully trained service dogs or psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) traveling in the cabin under applicable regulations. These breeds include the following:

• Pekingese
• Pug breeds
• Boston Terrier
• Brussels Griffin
• English toy Spaniel
• Japanese Spaniel
• English Bulldog
• French Bulldog
• Shih Tzu
• or any dog listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

The minimum size for pet carriers is

• 71 cm Long
• 52 cm Wide
• 54 cm Height

The size and kennel requirements listed above apply only to pets traveling in the cargo hold and are based on IATA-approved crate standards for safe animal transport. These specifications do not apply to trained service dogs or psychiatric service dogs (PSDs), which are permitted to travel in the aircraft cabin and remain uncrated at the handler’s feet during the flight.
For standard pets transported via cargo, carriers are typically required to meet the following conditions:
The crate must be constructed from rigid materials such as hard plastic or wood and include a secure, leak-proof base to prevent any spillage. It should have strong locking mechanisms to prevent accidental opening and must be non-collapsible and structurally reinforced for air transport conditions. Proper ventilation on all four sides is required to ensure adequate airflow throughout the journey. Additionally, the design should not include open tops or unsecured grills, and the interior should be lined with soft, absorbent material for animal comfort and hygiene.

• Your animal has a contagious or potentially fatal illness.
• Its presence negatively affects the welfare or comfort of other people.
• Its presence could divert the flight or interfere with operations.
• It might violate the nation’s laws when entering, leaving, or traveling.
• It is not well-behaved or disruptive.

• Book your tickets early, as cabin and cargo space is limited for animals in Virgin Atlantic.
• Start planning early. Allow time to arrange documentation and meet entry requirements.
• Read all Virgin Atlantic pet guidelines. It will give you a hassle-free traveling experience.
• It is also good to be aware of the Virgin Atlantic pet restrictions.
• Feed your pet at least 4 hours before your flight. It reduces stomach issues.
• Consult your vet early to check your pet’s health status and determine whether it can handle higher altitude traveling.

• Support Animal Form: Fill out the Support Animal Form available on their website. This form is specifically designed for passengers traveling with service animals and will help you provide all necessary information to Virgin Atlantic.
• Email: You can also send an email to special.assistance@fly.virgin.com. This email address is dedicated to special assistance inquiries, including traveling with service animals.
• Online Help Desk: Visit the Virgin Atlantic Online Help Desk for general inquiries and additional information about their pet policy and traveling with service animals.