The airpawt for everyone: London Gatwick welcomes Guide Dogs UK visit

• Guide Dogs UK puppies visited London Gatwick to become more familiar with the busy airport environment  
• The dogs were taken around areas including security, baggage reclaim and on board an easyJet aircraft 
• London Gatwick has shared top tips for travelling with an assistance dog 

London Gatwick welcomed some special visitors last week, as four puppies from Guide Dogs UK arrived at the airport for a training experience.

London Gatwick and Guide Dogs UK teamed up for the second time this year to provide trainee puppies – Louise, Lilly, Chip and Panache – with insight into the airport environment – a vital part of their preparations to become fully-fledged guide dogs.

The dogs and their handlers were taken around the special assistance lounge, security and baggage reclaim areas, and on board an easyJet aircraft.

The visit enabled the dogs to become more familiar with the busy airport environment and airport infrastructure, and provided important learning for airport staff in how they can better support guide dogs and passengers with sight loss.

Anna-Ruth Cockerham, Accessibility Manager, London Gatwick said: “Since 2017, we have been hosting visits for Guide Dogs UK, which allow the puppies to get a head start on handling what might otherwise be an overwhelming experience. 

“These visits not only provide the dogs with experience of an airport environment, but also importantly allow our colleagues to learn how we can better support them and their owners.  

“Going forward, London Gatwick and our partners are committed to continuing to improve the experiences of assistance dogs and the passengers they support, through airport-wide training and improved facilities.” 

Elli Cavazza, Puppy Development Advisor, Guide Dogs UK said: “The team at London Gatwick has been wonderfully welcoming to our puppies and puppy raisers, providing a great way to introduce them to a different environment at a young age. This allows them to have the experience of a busy airport while they’re still in their early learning stages, meaning that the busy surroundings and unusual noises won’t be a surprise once they go on to become a working dog.” 

Tips for travelling through London Gatwick with an assistance dog: 

• When booking your flight, notify your airline of your requirements for travelling through the airport and on-board the aircraft, and so you can get the customs approval needed for your destination/return to the UK

• If booking through a third party (e.g. travel agent), contact your airline directly to check they have accurately received your requirements
• At the airport, let Special Assistance know about your arrival as soon as possible, and any needs you or your dog may have (e.g. spending airside before boarding, a place to sit, water, etc.)
• Don’t forget to pack the appropriate dog restraining harness for take-off and landing in your hand luggage
• Guide Dogs has details on welfare considerations when travelling with assistance dogs
• For information on boarding an aircraft with your service animal, the CAA website also has some great information
• There is a limited set of authorised routes for non-ADI/IGDF trained dogs to travel into the UK, and they must be accepted as pet dogs under the Pet Travel Scheme
• There is government guidance on travelling with assistance dogs and what can be accepted into the UK