It’s 2025, but traveling with your dog is still a challenge. Airline policies and prices vary widely. Pet-friendly accommodations may have size and variety restrictions. Vaccination rules and health certificates add even more complexity to international travel.
The entire business model of a company is to start with a flight and make the entire process a little easier. Since its launch in May 2024, Bark Air has put more than 142 dogs on shared or private charters with over 142 “seats” options. Travelers can book on the Bark Air website for seating on scheduled flights (services are currently available for flights from New York to Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Paris, Madrid and Lisbon), or the company can adjust a one-off, full charter private flight. Prices start at around $6,000 each way.
However, the “dog’s first hospitality brand” speaks far away that it is expanding beyond luxury air travel arrangements. This month, Bark Air debuts its standalone concierge service designed to handle the logistics of a journey with a furry, four-legged friend.
They are called “companion concierges” who coordinate related dog travel needs, such as animal regulations, document management, creating city guides, creating pet-friendly itineraries, and arranging dog chaperone services. Prices start at $500 for an hour consultation and are open to everyone. It’s not just people who fly on the bark.
It’s a natural evolution, says Michael Novotney, president of Burke Air. “We’ve heard customers tell us that in a wider travel environment, we want our personalized service, “knowing the dogs and understanding what they need.” ”
Novotny points out that it already handles tricky logistics, including booking veterinarian appointments overseas and reviewing records in advance to see if your dog is eligible to fly. Bark Air also sources dog welcoming hotels, restaurants and experiences. On the ground, you can offer transportation options and connect with trusted local vendors, from veterinarians to groomers. All of these services are now available as part of our new Concierge products.
The company does not own a plane, but instead leverages its pet industry expertise to create a bespoke experience. Bark Air is owned by Bark. Bark dates back to 2011 and is known for Barkbox’s monthly toy and sweets delivery service.
I’m currently using insights into how I’ve learned over the past year of running the bark air and how to travel with my dog, including determining whether my dog is eligible to fly and launching a standalone concierge program. “We actually see a lot of one-way demand for international (traveling with dogs), whether it’s a relocation or extended trip,” adds Novotny. Whether the dog owner has moved from the US to Europe or is planning a leisure trip to Shanghai, the company says it can help.
Starting at $500 (including one hour consultation and itinerary creation and support), companion concierge is an input option from varieties that are lower than flying in bark air for travelers looking to seamlessly explore the world with their dogs. However, there are also add-on services. Driving car rides that reflect the Bark Air Flight experience start at $350. (Dog’s music preferences and motion sickness requirements are taken into consideration.) Dedicated dog chaperones offering personalized care, such as dog sitting and walking services, start at $100 per hour.
As a comparison point, one-way flights from New York to Los Angeles with bark air start at $6,575 (tickets include “one dog and one human companion”). One-way flights from New York to London will record the clock for $8,900. For travelers who book a concierge and choose to fly the bark air, they will return a $500 consultation fee as credit for the flight.
