PET FRIENDLY PRIVATE CHARTER

Fly Private with Your Dog.
No Carrier. No Cargo Hold.

Every Vanbert flight is pet friendly. Your dog rides in the cabin with you, the carrier stays on the floor, and we pre-arrange the Bahamas import permit paperwork before you board. No commercial cargo. No weight cutoffs. No waiting in line at the agriculture desk.

Flying your pet commercial is a stress test. Most airlines cap pet weight at small in-cabin sizes and push larger animals into the cargo hold. Private charter removes those frictions. Your pet flies in the cabin with you, no size ceiling, no breed rules, no cargo, no weather embargoes.

Vanbert files the Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture import permit on your behalf, coordinates the 48 hour vet health certificate, and meets you on the ramp at an FBO where the clearance takes minutes. This page is the full pet owner playbook for flying Florida to Bahamas on a private jet.

Why Fly Private with a Pet

No cargo hold

Pets fly in the cabin on your lap, on a seat, or on the floor. No separate compartment, no strangers handling the crate.

No carrier restrictions

FAA airline-style carrier sizing rules do not apply. Small dogs, large dogs, and cats all travel beside you.

Same air as you

The same pressurized, climate-controlled cabin that keeps you comfortable keeps them comfortable too.

No layovers

Direct itineraries mean less time in transit and far less stress for anxious animals.

Crew trained to help

Water, quiet boarding, and pet-aware handling are part of the experience on pet-friendly charters.

Paperwork handled

We help manage the import permit timing, health certificate window, and re-entry prep.

What We Handle for Your Pet

  1. Bahamas import permit coordination

    We guide the permit timing and ensure rabies and breed details match the application.

  2. Vet certificate timing

    We coordinate the 48 hour certificate window so you do not miss the validity period.

  3. Aircraft matching

    We recommend the right cabin and floor space for your pet size and route.

  4. Ramp and FBO coordination

    Your pet arrives and clears in a calmer private environment, not a crowded terminal.

Requirements at a Glance

Pet Entry Requirements — Bahamas

Import permit
Required before travel and best started at least one to two weeks ahead.
Rabies vaccination
Must be current and documented according to Bahamas rules.
Health certificate
Issued by your veterinarian within the required pre-arrival window.
Arrival port
Use a valid Port of Entry and keep documentation ready for review.

Which Aircraft for Pets?

Aircraft TypeBest ForPet Fit
Pilatus PC-12Short Bahamas hopsGreat for small to medium pets and easier island access.
Phenom 300 / CJ3+Couples and familiesExcellent cabin comfort for one large dog or multiple small pets.
Midsize JetLarger groupsMore floor space and easier movement for bigger breeds.
Falcon 7X cabin showing floor space suitable for a large pet Pilatus PC-12 suitable for small to medium pets on short Bahamas hops

What Pet Owners Get Wrong

Myth

I can handle the paperwork the day before.

Truth

Permit lead times and vet certificate windows need planning. Last-minute pet travel is possible, but not by guessing.

Myth

Any aircraft works for any dog.

Truth

Cabin floor space and entry ease matter. Larger breeds are much more comfortable on light jets or larger cabins.

Myth

Sedation is always a good idea.

Truth

Most pets are calmer on private flights. Sedation should only be used if prescribed by your veterinarian.

Returning to the US with Your Pet

Return flights still need proper US re-entry prep. Depending on species and routing, rabies documentation, health documents, and airline-equivalent assumptions may not apply the same way on private aviation. We help you line this up before departure from the Bahamas.

Destinations that Love Pets

Harbour Island

Pet-friendly private home stays and calmer village movement make this a favorite for dogs.

Exuma

Space, privacy, and villa-style stays make Exuma especially easy for larger breeds.

Nassau & Paradise Island

Best for owners wanting the fastest customs process and easier service access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my dog need a special crate or carrier to fly private?
No. On a private charter pets fly in the cabin on a blanket, on your lap, or on the floor. You can bring a carrier if your pet prefers one, but it is not required.
Can my pet sit on my lap during takeoff and landing?
Yes. Most owners keep their pet with them the entire flight.
How far in advance do I need to book with a pet?
The Bahamas import permit takes 5 to 10 business days to issue. We recommend booking at least two weeks ahead.
Is there a weight limit for pets on a private jet?
There is no hard weight limit. For very large breeds, we recommend a cabin with more floor space.

Related Reading

Your Pet, Your Aircraft, Your Schedule.

Skip the cargo hold, the airline restrictions, and the paperwork confusion. We will match the right aircraft and walk you through every requirement before wheels up.