Flying with Pets — Airline Rules & Requirements
Cabin vs cargo options, required documents, and vaccination requirements for travelling with dogs and cats.
Travelling internationally with a pet requires advance planning. Most airlines must be notified at booking, and some countries have strict import rules that require months of preparation.
In-Cabin vs Cargo Hold
🐾 In-Cabin
Pet + carrier combined weight must be under 7 kg (varies by airline). Carrier must fit under the seat. Limited spots per flight — book early.
📦 Cargo Hold
Required for larger pets. Temperature-controlled hold. IATA-approved carrier required. Fee is typically calculated by total weight of pet + crate.
Required Documents
📋 Health certificate — issued by a licensed veterinarian within 7–10 days of departure.
💉 Rabies vaccination record — most countries require a valid rabies vaccine.
🔬 Microchip — ISO 11784/11785 standard microchip required by most international destinations.
📄 Quarantine permit — required for entry into some countries (Australia, Japan, etc. have strict quarantine rules).
⚠️ Start the process at least 2–3 months before travel if your destination has quarantine requirements (Japan, Australia, UK, etc.). Late preparation may result in denied boarding or mandatory quarantine.