Travel with Pets by Air

When planning air travel with your pet — be it a dog, cat, or bird — it's essential to prepare well in advance. Different airlines have unique policies on pet travel, so it’s crucial to confirm the details
beforehand. Depending on the airline, pets may be allowed to travel in the cabin or the cargo hold, with varying requirements for each option.

The Cabin is the Preferred Choice

Ensure Your Pet is Fit to Fly

Airline Pet Policies

Each airline establishes its own company policy for the proper handling
of the animals they transport. There are three ways you can transport
your pet via the airlines:

1. Your pet can travel on the plane with you, either in-cabin or in the cargo area. In either case, your pet will be considered excess/accompanied baggage and charged accordingly. Some airlines no longer offer this option.

2. You can book your pet on a separate flight. In this case, you will be charged the cargo rate, which is considerably more than excess baggage. Some airlines no longer offer this option.

3. You can have your pet shipped through a licensed commercial shipper. You will be charged the cargo rate plus the shipper’s fee. Several airlines require this method unless your pet is small enough to fit in the cabin.

Pet Policies of Some Airlines

Air Canada’s pet policy includes specific guidelines to ensure the safety and comfort of pets and passengers. Here are the main points:

General Entry Restrictions

  • Since September 28, 2022, Canada has prohibited the entry of commercial dogs from countries identified as high-risk for dog rabies. Import permits are also not issued for these countries.

Emotional Support Animals

  • Since March 1, 2021, emotional support animals are no longer permitted in Air Canada’s cabins. However, certified service dogs are allowed on board at no additional charge.

Cabin Travel for Pets

  • Cats and small dogs are allowed in the cabin, with a limit of one per passenger.
  • On flights to or from Hawaii, pets are not allowed in either the cabin or the baggage compartment. For these flights, Air Canada Cargo can assist with pet shipping.

Baggage Compartment Travel

  • Cats and dogs can travel in the baggage compartment on most Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz. The baggage compartment is pressurized and temperature-controlled.
  • Pets may not be accepted in the baggage compartment if summer temperatures exceed 29.5°C (85°F), or during very cold weather on certain aircraft lacking temperature-controlled and ventilated baggage compartments.
  • Short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are prohibited from baggage compartment travel due to health risks related to heat and stress.

Traveling Alone as Cargo

  • For pets traveling alone, Air Canada Cargo offers services for a variety of animals, from cats and dogs to tropical fish and hatching eggs. For more information, Air Canada Cargo’s AC Animals service can provide guidance.

International Travel with Pets

  • If traveling internationally with a pet, be sure to research and meet the specific health and entry requirements of the destination country well in advance, as these regulations vary by country.

Air China’s pet policy requires that pets travel in the cargo compartment as checked baggage, as pets are not permitted in the cabin. Here are the main details:

General Pet Transportation Policy

  • Pets must travel in the cargo compartment; cabin entry is not permitted for pets.
  • Only domesticated family dogs, cats, and birds are allowed.
  • Each flight is limited to one pet container, and each container can hold only one pet.

Flight and Transit Restrictions

  • Pet transport is available on one-way direct flights operated by Air China, as well as domestic-to-domestic and domestic-to-international flights connecting through Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu, with a minimum 2.5-hour transit time.
  • If the transit time exceeds 4 hours, owners must claim their pet at the transit airport, keep it under personal supervision, and recheck it for the next leg of the journey.

Restrictions on Certain Breeds

  • Specific breeds, especially those prone to respiratory problems, aggression, or vulnerability to injury, are not permitted. These include many brachycephalic breeds, such as terriers, bulldogs, pugs, spaniels, mastiffs, and certain cat breeds like Birman, Himalayan, Persian, and exotic shorthair cats.

International Pet Travel

  • When traveling internationally with a pet, owners must prepare well in advance to meet the health and entry requirements of the destination country, as these vary by location.

Air France offers various options for pet transport, depending on the pet’s weight, breed, and destination regulations. Here are the key points of the policy:

General Transportation Options

  • Pets can travel in the cabin, in the hold, or by air freight.
  • Pets must travel by freight if their combined weight with the container exceeds 75 kg (165 lbs) or if the destination country only allows pets to enter as freight.

Breed-Specific Policies

  • Snub-nosed dogs and cats, such as Boxers, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, Persian, and Burmese cats, are accepted only as freight.
  • Since July 15, 2019, Pug, Bulldog, and Boston Terrier breeds are no longer permitted for transport by freight.

Category 1 and Category 2 Dogs

  • Category 1 dogs, as defined by the French Ministry of Agriculture (known as “attack dogs”), are not allowed to travel by cabin, baggage, or cargo. These include dogs with a similar morphology to Staffordshire Terriers (pit bulls), Mastiffs, and Tosas.
  • Category 2 dogs, which include pedigree Staffordshire Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Tosas, and dogs resembling Rottweilers, are allowed on Air France cargo flights.

International Pet Travel Requirements

  • For international travel, it is important to research and meet the animal health and entry requirements specific to the destination country in advance.

Air India’s pet policy allows for the transport of pets with specific guidelines based on the pet’s weight, flight route, and destination. Here are the main points:

Domestic Flights

  • Small pets like dogs, cats, and birds with valid health and rabies vaccination certificates are allowed in the cabin or as checked baggage.
  • Pets must weigh no more than 5 kg (including the container) to travel in the cabin; heavier pets are transported in the cargo hold.
  • A maximum of two pets per flight are permitted, with pet owners seated in the last row of their cabin class.

International Flights and Route-Specific Restrictions

  • Pets are allowed as accompanied baggage or shipped as cargo. Bookings for pets as accompanied or excess baggage must be made through Air India Reservations.
  • Pets are not allowed on Ultra Long Haul (ULH) flights or nonstop flights between India and the USA.
  • For flights transiting the Middle East, live birds cannot travel as cabin or hold baggage; however, they are permitted on flights from India to the Gulf.
  • Transport of pet animals to the UAE must comply with IATA Live Animals Regulations (LARS) and is managed through Air Cargo rather than as baggage.
  • Air India is not authorized to transport live animals (including service animals) in or out of the United Kingdom and Germany, either in the cabin or as baggage or cargo.

International Travel Requirements

  • When taking a pet to a foreign country, ensure that you understand the destination country's specific animal health and entry requirements in advance.

Alaska Airlines allows for the transport of pets both in the cabin and in the baggage and cargo compartments, with specific guidelines based on pet type, size, and destination. Here are the main points of the policy:

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals

  • As of January 11, 2021, only service dogs that are specifically trained to assist individuals with disabilities are accepted. Emotional support animals are not permitted.

Pets in the Cabin

  • Dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds are allowed in the passenger cabin. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned.
  • Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, such as pugs or Persian cats, may travel in the cabin but are not permitted in the cargo compartment.

Pets in the Baggage and Cargo Compartments

  • Most small, domesticated pets can be transported in the climate-controlled baggage and cargo compartments, including cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish.
  • The maximum weight for pets and carriers combined in the baggage compartment is 150 lbs; pets exceeding this limit must be shipped via Alaska Cargo.
  • A health certificate dated within 10 days of initial travel and 30 days for return flights in the same booking record is required for pets traveling in the cargo compartment. Separate bookings require a health certificate within 10 days of each flight. Pets in the cabin do not need a health certificate, but travelers should verify specific state health and vaccination requirements.

International Travel and Special Destinations

  • Only cats and dogs are allowed for travel to and from Hawaii, with additional requirements due to Hawaii's rabies-free status.
  • For travel to and from the U.S. from non-U.S. locations, only dogs and cats are permitted, with specific limitations for Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica.

International Health Requirements

  • Traveling internationally with a pet requires advance planning to meet the destination country’s animal health and import requirements.

American Airlines offers pet travel options both in the cabin and via cargo, with specific guidelines based on pet size, breed, and travel route. Here’s a summary of the key policies:

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals

  • Since February 1, 2021, only trained service animals are allowed to fly in the cabin. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation form must be submitted before the trip.

Carry-On Pets

  • As of March 28, 2024, passengers can bring both a pet and a carry-on bag (or a personal item).
  • Carry-on pets are limited to cats and dogs that fit the size, age, and destination guidelines.
  • Pets are accepted in the cabin on most flights up to 12 hours long, and on routes within the contiguous U.S., U.S. to Canada, Alaska, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St. Croix.
  • Due to storage limitations, carry-on pets aren’t allowed in First or Business Class on specific flights.

Checked Pets

  • Pets can only be checked for active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel on official orders, with a limit of two pets per passenger.
  • Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, or any mix of these, are not accepted as checked pets due to health risks.

Cargo Transport

  • If the pet is too large to travel in the cabin, American Airlines Cargo may transport it. International kennel requirements mandate that pets must be able to sit, stand, and turn around comfortably in the kennel. "100 series" kennels are not accepted for international travel, and dogs traveling to the UK will have photos taken during screening to verify kennel size compliance.

Health and Safety Requirements

  • Per the AVMA, sedated or tranquilized pets aren’t accepted, and pets from high-risk rabies countries are temporarily restricted from entering the U.S.

International Travel

  • Traveling with pets internationally requires careful planning and adherence to the destination country’s health and vaccination requirements.

British Airways has specific pet travel policies, focusing primarily on cargo transport rather than cabin options:

In-Cabin Policy

  • Pets are not allowed to travel in the aircraft cabin on British Airways flights.

Outbound from the UK

  • British Airways partners with PetAir UK, a service run by veterinarians specializing in global pet travel since 2004. PetAir UK provides a convenient way for BA customers to export pets safely from the UK.

Inbound to the UK

  • British Airways collaborates with IAG Cargo for pet transportation into the UK. IAG Cargo has extensive experience in handling animals and ensures pets are well-cared for during transport.

Pet Travel Scheme (DEFRA)

  • Dogs entering the UK must meet the standards set by the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Pet Travel Scheme. This scheme allows pets from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine, provided specific health and documentation requirements are met.

International Travel

  • For pet travel to other countries, passengers should consult the appropriate embassy or consulate to ensure compliance with regulations and any travel restrictions.

Preparation for Foreign Travel

  • For all international pet travel, BA recommends planning well in advance to meet the health requirements of the destination country.

Cathay Pacific has specific policies for pet travel, focusing on checked baggage and cargo options:

In-Cabin Policy

  • Pets are not accepted in the aircraft cabin on Cathay Pacific flights.

Checked Baggage

  • Pets can travel as checked baggage on Cathay Pacific flights departing from Hong Kong, provided they meet the destination’s animal transport guidelines. It’s recommended to confirm acceptance by contacting Cathay Pacific’s local reservations office.

Cargo Requirements for Entry to Hong Kong

  • Pets arriving in Hong Kong must be transported as cargo. For assistance, travelers should reach out to the Cathay Pacific Cargo office.

Restrictions on Brachycephalic Breeds

  • Short-nosed (brachycephalic) pets, such as those with snub-noses or flat faces, are not permitted as checked baggage or in the cargo hold, due to health risks associated with this breed type.

International Travel Considerations

  • Cathay Pacific advises customers to prepare well in advance for international pet travel, as each country has specific health and documentation requirements for animals entering its borders.

Delta Airlines offers multiple options for pet travel but has specific restrictions and policies for certain destinations and animal types:

In-Cabin Policy

  • Delta allows small dogs, cats, and household birds to travel in the cabin if they fit in a ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Advance reservation is required, as space is limited.
  • Emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals. Only trained service dogs are permitted, regardless of breed, with the required DOT forms.
  • Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not allowed on any Delta or Delta Connection flights due to potential health risks.

Cargo Policy

  • For pets that cannot fit in a cabin carrier, Delta offers a cargo service for warm-blooded mammals and birds that are personal pets or show animals. Pets cannot be shipped on flights longer than 12 hours or during extreme weather.
  • Certain destinations require all pets to be transported as cargo and do not allow pets in the cabin, including Australia, the UK, Hong Kong, and South Africa.

International and High-Risk Country Restrictions

  • A temporary suspension is in place for dogs entering the United States from high-risk countries for rabies or if they have been in a high-risk country within the past six months.
  • When traveling internationally, owners must meet the destination country’s health and documentation requirements for pet importation.

This policy ensures pets' safety and comfort while aligning with U.S. and international animal travel regulations.

Emirates Airline has specific policies regarding pet travel that prioritize safety and compliance with international regulations. Here’s a summary of their pet policy:

In-Cabin Policy

  • General Rule: Animals are not allowed in the cabin, with exceptions for:

Cargo Policy

  • Connecting or Terminating in Dubai: All animals must be transported as cargo.
  • Starting in Dubai: For journeys to countries that permit animal transport as "excess baggage," the following pets can be transported as checked baggage in the hold:This is applicable only if the total journey time (including transit) is less than 17 hours and all necessary conditions are fulfilled.

Charges

  • The transportation fee for animals and their containers will vary based on the combined weight and size of the animal and the cage.

Important Considerations

  • Planning Ahead: Travelers must prepare well in advance, as requirements for pet travel are set by the destination country, including health and vaccination documentation.

This policy ensures that pets are transported safely and in accordance with international travel regulations.

Etihad Airways has specific guidelines for transporting pets, allowing for certain arrangements based on the type of animal and the travel class. Here’s a summary of their pet policy:

In-Cabin Policy

  • Allowed Pets: Cats and dogs are permitted in the cabin on Etihad-operated flights.
  • Seating Arrangements:

Falcon Transport

  • Cabin Policy:

Cargo Policy

  • Other Pets: All other pets must be transported as manifested cargo and are not allowed in the cabin or as checked baggage.
  • Falcons: Can be transported in the main aircraft cabin and as checked baggage.

Important Considerations

  • Preparation: Travelers should plan in advance, as requirements for pet travel to foreign countries are established by the destination country, including health and vaccination documentation.

This policy ensures that pets are safely and comfortably transported while complying with international travel regulations.

JetBlue Airlines has specific policies regarding the transport of pets. Here’s a concise summary of their pet policy:

In-Cabin Pet Policy

  • Accepted Animals: Only small dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin (except in Mint class).
  • Travel Restrictions: Pets are accepted on domestic and international flights, except to Trinidad & Tobago and to/from the UK/Europe.
  • Carrier Specifications:
  • Booking Limits: Only one pet per customer is allowed.
  • Interline/Codeshare Flights: Pets are not accepted on interline/codeshare bookings.

Specific Route Restrictions

  • Pets are not accepted on flights to/from:

Emotional Support Animals

  • As of January 2021, JetBlue no longer accepts bookings for emotional support animals.

Booking Process

  • Pet bookings can be made online at jetblue.com or by calling 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583).

Cargo Policy

  • JetBlue does not ship live animals as cargo or in the bellies of any aircraft.

Important Considerations

  • Preparing for international travel with pets requires careful planning to meet the animal health requirements of the destination country.

This policy ensures that pet travel is streamlined while prioritizing safety and compliance with regulations.

Japan Airlines has a specific policy regarding the transport of pets. Here's a summary of their pet policy:

General Pet Policy

  • In-Cabin Travel: Pets are not accepted in the cabin.
  • Cargo Travel: Pets must travel as cargo on domestic flights, managed by JAL Cargo.

Acceptable Pets

  • Allowed pets include:
  • Banned Breeds: French Bulldogs and Bulldogs are not accepted for transport due to their susceptibility to health issues in the cargo environment.

Handling Procedures

  • JAL provides different handling procedures for international and domestic flights to ensure the safety and comfort of animals during transport.
  • Passengers who wish to travel with their pets on the same flight must check their pets as checked baggage. The handling process differs from standard cargo transport.

Important Considerations

  • When traveling to a foreign country with pets, it's essential to prepare in advance to meet the animal health requirements set by the destination country.

This policy emphasizes the importance of pet safety and compliance with health regulations during travel.

Lufthansa Airlines has a comprehensive pet policy that outlines the transportation of pets based on their size, weight, and the applicable regulations of different countries. Here’s a summary of their policy:

General Pet Transport Policy

  • Transport Options: Depending on the animal's kind, weight, size, and destination regulations, pets can be transported either:

Cabin Transport

  • Carry-On Pets:

Cargo Transport

  • Excess Baggage:

Special Considerations

  • Fighting or Dangerous Dogs: These animals may only be transported in special crates and exclusively in the hold. An exception is made for fighting dogs aged between three and six months.
  • Snub-Nosed Breeds: Due to their anatomically restricted airways, snub-nosed dogs and cats are not accepted in the cargo hold due to the risk of breathing difficulties during transport.
  • Connecting Flights: No animals are accepted in the cargo hold on connecting flights via Munich.

Lufthansa Cargo

  • Lufthansa Cargo facilitates the transport of dogs, cats, and other species as air freight. Special rules apply for assistance dogs.
  • Transport of large animals to certain destinations may not be possible due to local restrictions.

Important Considerations

  • When traveling to a foreign country with a pet, advance preparation is crucial to meet the specific animal health requirements set by the destination country.

This policy emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of pets during air travel.

Qatar Airways has specific policies regarding pet transport, which are outlined below:

General Pet Transport Policy

  • Cabin Transport:

Checked Baggage

  • Accepted Animals: Domesticated dogs, cats, and birds can be transported as checked baggage. This can be on the same flight or a separate one.

Restrictions

  • Breeds Not Permitted: Qatar Airways does not allow the transport of certain breeds of dogs and cats that are susceptible to heat stroke due to stress or exposure to temperatures exceeding 21°C (69.8°F).

Important Considerations

  • When traveling internationally with a pet, it’s essential to plan ahead and comply with the specific animal health requirements of the destination country. This preparation is crucial to ensure a smooth travel experience for both you and your pet.

This policy emphasizes the importance of safety and comfort for pets during travel, with specific restrictions in place to protect vulnerable breeds.

Qantas Airlines has specific regulations regarding pet transport. Here are the key points of their pet policy:

General Pet Transport Policy

  • Cabin Transport:

Booking Procedures

  • Domestic Pet Travel:

Important Considerations

  • When planning to travel with a pet to a foreign country, it is essential to prepare well in advance. This includes ensuring compliance with the animal health requirements of the destination country.

This policy highlights Qantas's commitment to animal welfare and safety during air travel, emphasizing the importance of following regulations for international pet transport.

Singapore Airlines has established guidelines for pet transport, focusing on the safety and comfort of animals during travel. Here are the key aspects of their pet policy:

General Pet Transport Policy

  • Cabin Transport:

Checked Baggage

  • Eligibility:
  • Restrictions:

Weight Regulations

  • If the combined weight of your pet and its container exceeds 32 kg (70.5 lbs), the pet will need to travel in cargo instead of as checked baggage.

Cargo Transport

  • To arrange for cargo transport, passengers should contact their local Singapore Airlines Cargo office prior to the flight.

Important Considerations

  • Traveling with pets requires advance preparation and planning. It’s crucial to adhere to the animal health requirements of the destination country, which may vary based on local regulations.

This policy underscores Singapore Airlines' commitment to ensuring that pets travel safely and comfortably while complying with international transport regulations.

Turkish Airlines has specific regulations for traveling with pets, designed to ensure the safety and comfort of animals during flights. Here’s a summary of their pet policy:

General Pet Transport Policy

  • In-Cabin Transport:

Reservations and Confirmation

  • Reservations for transporting live animals must be made and confirmed at least 6 hours before the flight departure.

Weight and Size Restrictions

  • If a pet's cage exceeds the standard dimensions or weight limits, or if the pet cannot be carried in the cabin, they may be transported in special cages in the aircraft hold.
  • Parrots and pigeons are not permitted in the cabin and must be transported in the aircraft hold.

Indigenous and Protected Species

  • Animals indigenous to Turkey, such as Sivas Kangal, Angora cats, and Van cats, can be transported if permission is obtained from the relevant directorates of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Livestock.

Dangerous Breeds

  • Certain dog breeds considered dangerous are not allowed on Turkish Airlines flights.
  • Some dog breeds may only be accepted for transport if they are transported in the aircraft hold via a cargo unit.

CITES Regulations

  • The African gray parrot, classified under CITES-1, is not accepted for transport on Turkish Airlines flights.

Important Considerations

  • Transporting a pet to a foreign country requires thorough preparation and planning. Ensure compliance with the animal health requirements of the destination country, which can vary based on local regulations.

Turkish Airlines aims to facilitate safe and comfortable travel for pets while adhering to international transport laws and regulations.