Top 5 Airlines for International Pet Transport in 2025

Traveling internationally with pets in 2025? Here's what you need to know:

Choosing the right airline is crucial for your pet’s safety and comfort. Costs range, and airlines have specific rules for in-cabin, checked baggage, or cargo transport. Key factors include crate requirements, breed restrictions, health documents, and weather policies. Below are the top 5 airlines for international pet transport:

• Lufthansa: In-cabin and cargo options, strict crate standards, and U.S. route restrictions.
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: In-cabin for small pets, pet care facilities in Amsterdam, and cargo for snub-nosed breeds.
• Air France: In-cabin, checked baggage, and cargo options with EU-specific requirements.
• Qatar Airways: Checked baggage or cargo, layover pet care in Doha, and falcon transport.
• Emirates: Checked baggage or cargo, strict crate standards, and Dubai layover services.

Quick Comparison Table:

Airline	In-Cabin	Checked Baggage	Cargo	Special Features
Lufthansa	Yes	Yes	Yes	U.S. route restrictions, strict crate rules
KLM	Yes	Yes	Yes	Amsterdam pet care facilities
Air France	Yes	Yes	Yes	EU Pet Passport required
Qatar Airways	No	Yes	Yes	Falcon transport, Doha layover care
Emirates	No	Yes	Yes	Dubai animal care specialists

Start planning early to ensure a smooth trip. Research airline-specific rules, prepare health documents, and use IATA-approved crates for your pet’s safety.

International Pet Travel

1. Lufthansa

Lufthansa is a popular choice for international pet travel, thanks to its detailed pet transport program. The airline provides two main options: in-cabin travel for smaller pets and cargo hold transport for larger animals in a temperature-controlled environment.

For in-cabin travel, small dogs and cats must weigh no more than 17.6 lbs (8 kg) and fit in a carrier measuring a maximum of 22 x 16 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm).

Larger pets travel as excess baggage in the air-conditioned cargo hold and must be placed in containers that meet strict guidelines:

Container Requirements	Specifications
Construction	Secured with screws (no plastic locks)
Ventilation	Openings on all four sides for airflow
Interior	Smooth surfaces with a waterproof top
Accessories	Water/food dishes accessible from outside
Size	Must allow the pet to stand, turn, and lie comfortably

Lufthansa enforces strict age rules for pet safety. Dogs and cats must be at least 12 weeks old (15 weeks for flights involving Germany). For U.S.-bound flights, dogs must be at least 6 months old.

Transfers through major European hubs like Frankfurt, Brussels, or Vienna come with a surcharge per flight direction. This fee also applies to connecting flights, with additional costs for return trips or stopovers longer than 24 hours.

Starting in 2025, Lufthansa has introduced restrictions for U.S. routes. Dog transport is limited to six airports: Washington, D.C., New York-JFK, Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. Pet bookings must be completed at least 72 hours before departure to avoid issues. Each passenger can bring up to two pets, either in-cabin or in the cargo hold, but certain rules apply to snub-nosed breeds, fighting dogs, and pregnant animals.

Passengers are responsible for securing all necessary documentation, including health certificates and import permits. Lufthansa does not cover costs related to regulatory non-compliance.

2. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines offers convenient options for traveling internationally with pets, including in-cabin and hold (checked baggage) services.

For in-cabin travel, you can bring small cats or dogs as long as their combined weight with the carrier doesn’t exceed 18 lbs (8 kg). The carrier must be soft-sided and measure no more than 18 × 11 × 9 inches (46 × 28 × 24 cm).

Transport Type	Weight Limit	Maximum Carrier Dimensions
In-cabin	18 lbs (8 kg)	18" x 11" x 9"
KLM Flights Hold	165 lbs (75 kg)	48" x 32" x 35"
KLM Cityhopper Hold	165 lbs (75 kg)	40" x 27" x 30"

For larger pets, you’ll need an IATA-approved hard-sided crate made of fiberglass or rigid plastic. The crate must include a central locking system, bolted assembly, taped or secured wheels, and a built-in water dish.

KLM also provides a specialized pet care facility at Amsterdam Airport. One traveler, Elina, shared her experience:

"In Amsterdam, this airline has a special dog hotel stop where they feed and water the dog, let the dog out for potty, and even clean the cage if necessary".

Fees for pet transport vary based on the destination and extra charges may apply depending on the route and type of service.

Reservations for pets must be made at least 48 hours in advance, but often longer. You can check up to three pets, but holds are not permitted for layovers exceeding three hours. Additionally, some airlines and aircraft have specific restrictions.

For safety, KLM enforces breed restrictions. Snub-nosed breeds such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, and Persian cats must travel through KLM Cargo rather than the standard pet transport service. Flight staff monitor the hold’s conditions, including temperature and pressure, and provide updates during the flight.

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3. Air France

Air France offers three ways to transport pets: in-cabin, checked baggage, and air cargo. Small pets like cats, dogs, and birds can travel in the cabin as long as the combined weight of the pet and carrier doesn’t exceed 17.6 lbs (8 kg). However, pets are not allowed in premium cabins.

Transport Type	Weight Limit	Cost (International)
In-cabin	17.6 lbs (8 kg)	€200 ($218)
Checked Baggage	165.3 lbs (75 kg)	€400 ($436)
Air Cargo	No limit	Varies by route

Air France places a strong focus on pet safety, maintaining strict temperature controls. Pets cannot travel if temperatures exceed 85°F (29.4°C) or drop below 45°F (7.2°C), unless an acclimation certificate allows transport at temperatures as low as 20°F (–6.6°C). The cargo hold always maintains cabin-like temperature and pressure conditions.

For checked baggage, pets must be in an IATA-approved crate made of fiberglass, metal, or rigid plastic (wooden crates are not allowed). The crate must have a spring-loaded locking system, a waterproof floor, and metal hardware. Wheels, if present, must be removed.

Certain breeds with snub noses, such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, and Persian cats, are not allowed as checked baggage and must use air cargo instead.

Pets traveling in-cabin or as checked baggage need to be claimed and rechecked during layovers. For travel within the EU, pets must have an EU Pet Passport, which includes a microchip, proof of rabies vaccination, and confirmation that the pet is at least 15 weeks old and fully vaccinated.

To ensure the well-being of pets, Air France informs flight captains when animals are in the cargo hold. This allows for adjustments to lighting and heating as needed.

Booking Requirements:

• For in-cabin and checked baggage: Reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior to departure.
• For air cargo: Book at least 14 days in advance. Using a licensed International Pet and Animal Transport (IPATA) agent is recommended for air cargo arrangements.

4. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways allows pets to travel as checked baggage or cargo, with special in-cabin arrangements for service animals and falcons. For pets traveling as checked baggage, the airline provides climate-controlled sections in the cargo hold to ensure their comfort and safety.

Here’s a quick breakdown of Qatar Airways' pet transport fees for international flights:

Transport Type	Weight Limit	Cost (International)
Checked Baggage (Medium)	Up to 70.5 lbs (32 kg)	$350
Checked Baggage (Large)	Up to 165.3 lbs (75 kg)	$450
Cargo	No limit	Varies by route
Falcons (Economy Class)	N/A	$115–$630

If your layover at Hamad International Airport in Doha lasts more than 3 hours, Qatar Airways’ ground staff will care for your pet. This includes walking dogs, cleaning kennels, monitoring stress levels, and providing food every 3–4 hours and fresh water hourly. The airline also requires specific crate standards to ensure safe transportation.

Crates must meet IATA standards, with the following features:

• Maximum size of 118 inches.
• Ventilation openings of 1 in x 1 in for dogs and ¾ in x ¾ in for cats.
• Made from fiberglass, metal, rigid plastic, or plywood.
• Equipped with a spring-loaded locking system, waterproof flooring, and secure metal hardware.

In December 2024, Qatar Airways announced restrictions on dog transport to certain U.S. airports, including Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Houston (IAH), San Francisco (SFO), and Seattle (SEA). This decision was due to the lack of CDC-approved animal care facilities at these locations.

"Qatar Airways accepts pets on flights, allowing them to travel with you wherever you go. Because we understand the importance of your furry and feathered friends to you, and to ensure their safety and welfare during transport, our guidelines adhere to the current International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations." - Qatar Airways

To book pet travel, submit your request at least 48 hours in advance and arrive at check-in 2 hours early. You’ll need a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and proof of current vaccinations, including rabies. Pets that are non-domestic, unaccompanied, oversized, or connecting with other airlines must travel as cargo. Additionally, pets traveling to Australia or New Zealand are subject to cargo-only regulations.

5. Emirates

Emirates offers pet transport through checked baggage and Emirates SkyCargo. While pets are generally not allowed in the cabin, exceptions include falcons on certain routes and trained service dogs. The airline follows IATA's Live Animal Regulations to ensure pet safety during international travel.

Here’s a breakdown of Emirates' fees for international pet transport:

Transport Type	Weight & Size Limits	Cost
Checked Baggage (Small)	Up to 50.7 lbs (23 kg) & 59" (150 cm)	$500
Checked Baggage (Medium)	52.9–70.5 lbs (24–32 kg) & 59–118" (150–300 cm)	$650
Checked Baggage (Large)	Over 70.5 lbs (32 kg) & 59–118" (150–300 cm)	$800
Air Cargo	No size limit	Varies

Emirates uses dedicated vehicles to transfer pets between its Dubai facility and the aircraft. Pets are always loaded last and unloaded first to minimize stress. These processes align with the airline's strict pre-flight booking policies.

For checked baggage, bookings must be made at least seven days in advance. The total journey must not exceed 17 hours, and a minimum six-hour connection is required. If these conditions aren’t met, pets must travel as unaccompanied cargo.

At the Dubai facility, animal care specialists handle tasks like feeding, cleaning, and exercise during layovers. Special dietary needs can be accommodated if noted during booking.

Some restrictions apply: snub-nosed cats and dogs are not allowed, and certain dog breeds require reinforced crates. All containers must meet IATA standards, including secure threaded nuts and bolts, enough space for the pet, and a maximum size of 118 inches (300 cm).

For Dubai-bound flights or trips longer than 17 hours, pets must travel as cargo via Emirates SkyCargo. This service includes features like veterinary support and temperature-controlled facilities. The airline may limit pet transport during extreme weather to prioritize safety.

To finalize your pet travel plans with Emirates, you’ll need a valid health certificate. Cargo bookings should be made at least 72 hours before departure. For specific cargo rates, contact the Emirates Cargo Sales office or an authorized agent.

Conclusion

Planning an international trip with your pet in 2025? Start early and follow airline-specific guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe journey. Studies show that air travel for pets is generally safe when properly prepared - incident rates are consistently low.

Here’s a handy pre-flight checklist to keep things on track:

Timeline	Action Items	Important Details
6 months before	Research destination requirements	Check import rules and quarantine policies
3 months before	Choose airline and route	Opt for direct flights; consider temperature conditions
1 month before	Start crate acclimation	Use an IATA-compliant carrier of the right size
10 days before	Visit the vet	Get a health certificate and confirm vaccinations
24-48 hours before	Final confirmation	Double-check transport details with the airline

Don’t forget: provide water no later than four hours before check-in and limit feeding to avoid discomfort during the flight.

For a hassle-free trip, focus on these key points:

• Documentation: Ensure health certificates are dated within 10 days of your flight.
• Carrier Compliance: Use IATA-approved crates that allow your pet to stand, sit, and turn around comfortably.
• Weather Awareness: Pick flights during moderate weather to keep your pet comfortable.

Understanding airline policies is crucial. In 2022, U.S. airlines transported 188,223 animals with only nine reported incidents - an incident rate of just 0.48 per 10,000 animals. Book your pet’s spot early, as most airlines limit the number of pets allowed per flight.