Assistance Dogs

Recognised assistance dogs are welcome in the terminal, and can travel on a plane as long as they comply with the Pet Travel Scheme and you’ve let your airline know.

We’ve rounded up the key things to know for each part of your journey through the airport, for a smooth and comfortable experience. For further information, you can also visit Guide Dogs UK.

Contact your airline directly, at least 48 hours prior to travel, so they can make any necessary arrangements.

Make sure your dog also has the correct paperwork for your return journey back to the UK. You can find more information on documentation on the UK Civil Aviation Authority website.

When you arrive at the airport, please head over to the Assistance Desk in Zone A of the Terminal before you go through Security. This will allow our team to complete the important paperwork.

Before Security - This is located at the very end of the terminal forecourt. You can walk over to this area, and don’t need to be escorted.  

After Security - This is located near to our APV building. If you would like to use this area, please ask a member of our Assisted Travel Team and they’ll take you over. 

Both you and your assistance dog need to go through Security screening to meet UK standards - we make this process as easy as possible.

When you arrive at the Security lane, our officers will ask you to place any personal belongings into the screening trays. You can keep the harness on your assistance dog.

You’ll be asked to stand in a body scanner to complete the check - your assistance dog isn’t allowed to be in the scanner at the same time. An officer will hold your assistance dog just until this step is complete.

Afterwards, you’ll be asked to take a seat whilst your dog’s harness is searched and swabbed. Once this is complete, you’re all done and can continue your journey.

Please remember to collect all your belongings from the Security trays before leaving the area. Our friendly Assisted Travel and Security team will be happy to help with this if necessary.

If you prefer some privacy, we have a separate search room where you and your assistance dog's harness can be screened.

For your return journey back to London Stansted Airport, your airline should have already made our Assisted Travel team aware of your arrival. Please stay onboard until all other passengers have left the aircraft, and our trained team member has carried out all necessary documentation checks.

Once this has been completed, you’ll be assisted off the plane, and you can continue your journey through Immigration and onwards to Arrivals – this can be with or without the support from our Assisted Travel team, whichever suits you best.