ITA Airways Pet TravelAZ
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FAQ about ITA Airways pet policy
Policy last updated: April 19, 2026
In-Cabin Travel
AllowedMaximum combined weight (animal + carrier + food) is 12 kg on domestic flights and 8 kg on all other flights. Carrier maximum dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (total 118 cm). Carrier must be soft, well-ventilated, waterproof, and made of resistant material. The carrier may contain up to two animals of the same species provided total weight remains within limits. Animal must be at least 3 months old. Animal must remain inside carrier for entire flight. Straw is prohibited as bedding. At least one empty, secured, accessible food bowl must be included. Ticket must be purchased at least 48 hours before flight by contacting the Customer Information Assistance Office. Number of spots subject to restrictions. Fees vary by route: domestic EUR 73/USD 83; domestic to/from Sicily EUR 73/USD 83 (peak) or EUR 59/USD 69 (off-peak); Europe/Algeria/Tunisia EUR 95/USD 105; Cairo/Tel Aviv/Amman/Beirut/Tripoli EUR 100/USD 120; Jeddah/Riyadh/Dakar/Accra/Dubai EUR 100/USD 120; Miami/Boston/Delhi/Malé/New York/Washington/Chicago/Toronto EUR 210/USD 230; Los Angeles/Houston/Buenos Aires/Rio/São Paulo/Tokyo/Bangkok/San Francisco/Mauritius EUR 230/USD 250. All brachycephalic breeds are still permitted in the cabin provided animal and carrier meet weight and size requirements.
Cargo / Hold
AllowedAnimal must travel in a rigid carrier made exclusively of fiberglass or rigid plastic. Wheels must be removed or secured with tape. Dog carriers must have a metal door with locking system securing central, upper, and lower locking points, and metal (not plastic) side air vents. Maximum carrier dimensions vary by aircraft type — check with Passenger Services in advance. Ticket must be purchased at least 48 hours before flight. Number of spots subject to restrictions. Straw is prohibited. As of 26 October 2025, brachycephalic breeds (dogs and cats per IATA list) are banned from hold transport; reservations confirmed by 25 October 2025 remain valid. Hold fees vary by route: domestic EUR 83/USD 93; domestic to/from Sicily EUR 83/USD 93; Europe/Algeria/Tunisia EUR 105/USD 125; Cairo/Tel Aviv/Amman/Beirut/Tripoli EUR 120/USD 140; Jeddah/Riyadh/Dakar/Accra/Dubai EUR 120/USD 140; Miami/Boston/Delhi/Malé/New York/Washington/Chicago/Toronto EUR 280/USD 310; Los Angeles/Houston/Buenos Aires/Rio/São Paulo/Tokyo/Bangkok/San Francisco/Mauritius EUR 300/USD 330. Maximum weight (including carrier and food) up to 75 kg.
Service Animals
AllowedTrained and recognized guide and assistance dogs are carried free of charge in the cabin, regardless of breed or size. Service must be requested at least 48 hours before departure. The dog must remain in front of the owner's seat and wear a harness. Small dogs are not required to travel in a carrier for the entire flight but must use a leash and muzzle if requested by the flight captain. Dogs must not sit on seats or stand near emergency exits. Emotional support dogs are NOT considered trained assistance dogs and are subject to standard pet fees. Service dogs are not subject to quotas. If the dog must be carried in the hold, it is still free of charge. The passenger is responsible for any damage and additional costs.
Species Rules
From 1 December 2025, pet transport is permitted only for dogs and cats, both in the cabin (PETC) and in the hold (AVIH). Reservations made by 30 November 2025 for other species remain valid until completed.
Breed Restrictions
- Brachycephalic dogs banned from hold (AVIH) as of 26 October 2025: Affenpinscher, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua (apple-headed), Chow Chow, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Mastiff, French Bulldog, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, Newfoundland, Pekingese, Presa Canario, Pug, Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, Valley Bulldog, Yorkshire Terrier
- Brachycephalic cats banned from hold (AVIH) as of 26 October 2025: Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Persian, Himalayan
- All brachycephalic breeds may still travel in the cabin provided they meet weight and size requirements
Documentation Required
- Within Italy: Animal Health Certificate or Pet Passport
- Within the EU: Pet passport issued by a veterinarian (including valid and up-to-date rabies vaccination); legible tattoo or electronic identification (microchip or transponder)
- To the US (dogs): CDC Dog Import Form receipt (printed or on phone); dog must appear healthy on arrival, be at least 6 months old, and have a microchip detectable by a universal scanner
- To Brazil: International Zoosanitary Certificate (CZI)
- To Israel: Specific national requirements — consult Israeli authorities
- For other destinations: Contact the embassy or consulate of the destination country or consult the IATA website
- What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?
- From 1 December 2025, only dogs and cats are permitted in the cabin. Both must be at least 3 months old. Prior to that date, small animals such as rabbits, hamsters, and certain domestic birds may also travel in the cabin under specific conditions.
- What is the maximum weight allowed for a pet in the cabin?
- The total weight (animal + carrier + food) must not exceed 12 kg on domestic flights and 8 kg on all other (international) flights.
- What are the carrier size requirements for in-cabin pet travel?
- The carrier must not exceed 55 x 40 x 23 cm (maximum total 118 cm). It must be a soft carrier, well-ventilated, closed on all sides, waterproof, and made of resistant material. It must allow the animal to sit comfortably, turn around, and lie down. Straw is prohibited as bedding.
- Can pets travel in the cargo hold, and what are the requirements?
- Yes. The animal must travel in a rigid carrier made exclusively of fiberglass or rigid plastic. Wheels must be removed or secured with tape. Dog carriers require a metal door with a locking system and metal side air vents. Maximum weight (including carrier and food) is up to 75 kg. As of 26 October 2025, brachycephalic breeds (per IATA list) are banned from hold transport.
- What are the fees for traveling with a pet?
- Fees vary by route and transport type (cabin or hold). Cabin fees range from EUR 59/USD 69 (domestic Sicily off-peak) to EUR 230/USD 250 (long-haul such as Los Angeles or Buenos Aires). Hold fees range from EUR 83/USD 93 (domestic) to EUR 300/USD 330 (long-haul). Fees are quoted in EUR for departures from Europe and Japan, and USD for departures from the US and rest of world, per single flight route.
- Is there a limit on the number of pets per passenger or per flight?
- The number of spots reserved for animals both in the cabin and hold is subject to restrictions and limitations. Up to two animals of the same species may share one carrier in the cabin, provided the total weight remains within the applicable limit.
- Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?
- Brachycephalic dogs and cats (per IATA classification) are banned from hold (AVIH) transport as of 26 October 2025. This includes breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Persian cats, and others. These breeds may still travel in the cabin if they meet weight and size requirements. Reservations confirmed by 25 October 2025 for the hold remain valid.
- What documents and health certificates are required to travel with a pet?
- Within Italy: Animal Health Certificate or Pet Passport. Within the EU: Pet passport with valid rabies vaccination and microchip or tattoo. To the US (dogs): CDC Dog Import Form receipt; dog must be at least 6 months old, appear healthy, and have a microchip. To Brazil: International Zoosanitary Certificate (CZI). To Israel: Specific national requirements. For other destinations: Contact the destination country's embassy/consulate or consult the IATA website.
- How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?
- You must purchase the travel ticket at least 48 hours before the flight date by contacting the Customer Information Assistance Office. You must provide the exact dimensions of the carrier or cage. Online booking is not mentioned as an option.
- Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?
- Yes. Requirements vary by destination. For EU travel, a pet passport with valid rabies vaccination and microchip/tattoo is required. For the US, a CDC Dog Import Form is required for dogs, and dogs must be at least 6 months old. Travel to the UK is not permitted for pets (only recognized assistance dogs). Brazil requires an International Zoosanitary Certificate. Israel has specific national requirements. Passengers are advised to check with the destination country's embassy or consulate.
- Are there temperature-related restrictions for pets traveling in the cargo hold?
- No specific temperature embargo is stated, but brachycephalic breeds are banned from hold transport (effective 26 October 2025) partly due to their sensitivity to temperature and pressure variations.
- Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?
- Yes. The Customer Information Assistance Office is available for all questions and additional information regarding pet travel.
Source: Official pet policy page ↗