Every airline sets its own pet policy, and every destination country sets its own import rules — the two almost never line up automatically, so the planning has to happen well before you book.
Cabin vs. checked vs. cargo
Small pets in an approved carrier can often travel in the cabin under the seat in front of you, subject to a strict size and weight limit and a per-flight quota — book this as early as possible, since space is limited. Larger animals typically travel as checked baggage or as manifest cargo in a climate-controlled hold, depending on the airline and the aircraft type.
Documentation
- •Up-to-date vaccination records, particularly rabies, with the specific timing windows the destination requires.
- •A health certificate from a vet, often required within a short window (sometimes as little as 10 days) before travel.
- •An import permit for the destination country, if required — some countries also mandate an advance quarantine period.
- •Microchip documentation matching an internationally recognized standard, for many destinations.
Carrier requirements
Airlines are specific about carrier dimensions, ventilation, and whether it must allow the animal to stand and turn around. Soft-sided carriers are usually preferred for cabin travel; hard-sided, leak-proof, ventilated crates are standard for the hold.
Reducing stress for your pet
- •Book a nonstop flight whenever possible to minimize total travel time and handling.
- •Avoid feeding a large meal in the hours right before the flight.
- •Familiarize your pet with the carrier for days or weeks beforehand, not the morning of.
- •Attach a clear ID tag and contactable phone number directly to the carrier, in addition to any microchip.
Breed and temperature restrictions
Many airlines restrict or ban certain snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds from cargo travel due to elevated health risk, and most won't load animals into the hold during extreme heat or cold on the tarmac. Check your specific airline's breed and seasonal policy before booking, not after.