In early 2022, having received an unusual quote request for a flight from London to New Jersey for 10 passengers and 10 dogs, UK-based G6 Aviation was quickly introduced to a grassroots Facebook group called Chartered Air Travel with Pets, whose mission was to link up people interested in sharing charter aircraft so their pets would not have to fly as cargo or excess baggage. Group members now number around 30,000, and seek to share the cost of a jet charter, with all administration currently being covered by volunteers within the group.

In the last 12 months G6 Aviation has flown over 100 pets and their owners across the Atlantic, all enjoying the comfort of a private jet cabin. In view of this demand, it set up K9 Jets to make it even easier for owners and their pets to travel.

The value of the dollar against other currencies, plus attractive tax laws in Europe and other allied countries, as well as a rise in flexible working, has led to the increase. Dog owners want to ensure their pets have a comfortable journey, are safe and arrive rested at their final destination.

K9 Jets co-founder Adam Golder says: "We believe that when you fly, you shouldn't have to leave your beloved pet in the cargo hold. The pandemic has offered up new opportunities, and buying space on a luxury private jet is now a serious consideration for many dog owners as sharing a jet with others makes it affordable; pets and their owners are guaranteed a stress-free journey. Pampered pets can enjoy their own space alongside their owner or carer as well as doggy treats, a safe space in which to rest their weary paws and more.”

Co-founder Kirsty Golder adds: "It's a new pet friendly pay-per-seat charter service. All pets must be checked by a verified vet to confirm they are fit to fly, and we work with the owners to make sure this is in place before travel takes place. It's easy to book online, and as we take care of all the 'Very Important Pets', the owner can relax in the knowledge that we only use pet friendly operators that ensure all needs are catered for.

"The price is fixed at the point of sale; there are no queues and no cages. In fact all taxes, refreshments and snacks are included and pet handling costs. Additional seats are also available for the VIPs if wanted.”

This increase in demand is driven by many factors, not least post-pandemic flexible working policies and favourable tax laws in many European countries that enable residents to pay less tax under certain eligibility criteria. Tax exemptions are available in some countries such as Portugal for example, with specific eligibility criteria in place such as non-habitual residency, making remote working a possibility across the globe.

One recent satisfied pet owner, Jacqueline Chiplin, describes her experience: "The Gulfstream provided comfortable seating, a relaxing atmosphere and was very quiet. The service was top-notch, meeting the captain was a first for me and the flight attendant was super attentive as she glided past humans and over pets as they snoozed. Without a doubt I would recommend it as the only way to fly"

Heike Ritter from Germany adds: “The plane was perfect for us, and the staff were super nice and loved all the dogs we had with us - 12 in total. If I ever have to do this another time, there is no doubt I would work with them again.”

K9 Jets' mission is to also offset the carbon that is produced on every flight its operators perform, which is automatically included in the seat price. It works with Earth Hub, experts in carbon compliance and carbon reduction that provide the calculations and support projects required to offset the carbon from each flight. In addition, K9 Jets works with an animal community support project in Portugal.

Routes are currently available between London and New Jersey;East and West Coast America; Paris and New Jersey; and New Jersey and Lisbon.