KLM Pet TravelKL
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Policy last updated: April 19, 2026
In-Cabin Travel
AllowedFee ranges from EUR 70 to EUR 500 per one-way flight depending on departure airport and destination. Pet must travel in a closed kennel or travel bag under the seat in front. Pet cannot be taken out of the kennel during the flight. Available in Economy Class and Business Class within Europe only. Not permitted in Premium Comfort Class or Business Class on intercontinental routes. Pets cannot travel to the UK as passenger baggage (UK Government embargo). Pets at Shanghai Pudong must remain in carriers at all times in terminal and undergo X-ray screening.
Cargo / Hold
AllowedFee ranges from EUR 70 to EUR 500 per one-way flight. Up to 3 pets in the hold; 2 adults of comparable size or 3 animals up to 6 months from same litter may share a kennel if each weighs no more than 14 kg. Combined pet and kennel weight must not exceed 75 kg. Kennel max dimensions: 122x81x89 cm on KLM flights; 102x69x76 cm on KLM European flights with Boeing 737 and Embraer aircraft. Snub-nosed breeds not allowed in hold but may travel in cabin or as cargo. Not permitted on Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-10, Airbus A321neo, or German Airways flights. KLC flights in hold limited to 2 hours or less. Transfer time must not exceed 3 hours; longer transfers require cargo service. At Paris CDG/ORY, pets must be picked up and re-checked for connecting flights regardless of transfer time. Pets cannot travel to UK as passenger baggage (UK Government embargo). As freight, contact specialised shipping agent if pet exceeds limits.
Service Animals
AllowedAt least 48 hours notice required before departure. Dog must be secured to seat belt during all phases of flight. Dog must be well-behaved, on harness or leash, and remain within foot space without obstructing aisle. If dog is too large for cabin, cargo hold may be discussed. For US flights: 2 DOT forms required; CDC Dog Import Form required as of 1 Aug 2024; dog must be microchipped; dog must be at least 6 months old. For UK flights: dog must be trained by ADUK member or equivalent; pre-approval from UK Animal Reception Centre required at least 72 hours before flight. For UAE flights: documentation submitted to MOCCAE at least 4 working days (96 hours) before departure; veterinary check on arrival. For South Africa (Johannesburg): import permit required from DAFF; dog must wear identification jacket/vest; documents required at least 96 hours before departure; veterinary check on arrival. Shanghai Pudong: service animals must wear clearly visible identification.
Species Rules
KLM only transports cats and dogs in cabin and hold. Service dogs follow separate rules.
Breed Restrictions
- Burmese (cat) - not allowed in hold
- Exotic Shorthair (cat) - not allowed in hold
- Himalayan (cat) - not allowed in hold
- Persian (cat) - not allowed in hold
- Affenpinscher - not allowed in hold
- American Bully - not allowed in hold
- Boston Terrier - not allowed in hold
- Boxers (all breeds) - not allowed in hold
- Bulldogs (all breeds) - not allowed in hold
- Bull Mastiff - not allowed in hold
- Cane Corso - not allowed in hold
- Pugs (all breeds) - not allowed in hold
- Chow-Chow - not allowed in hold
- Great Dane (all breeds) - not allowed in hold
- Tibetan Spaniel - not allowed in hold
- Japanese Spaniel - not allowed in hold
- English Spaniel - not allowed in hold
- King Charles Spaniel - not allowed in hold
- Brussels Griffon - not allowed in hold
- Lhasa Apso - not allowed in hold
- Mastiffs (all breeds) - not allowed in hold
- Neapolitan Mastiff - not allowed in hold
- Pekingese - not allowed in hold
- Small Brabant - not allowed in hold
- Shih Tzu - not allowed in hold
- Shar Pei - not allowed in hold
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier - not allowed in hold
Documentation Required
- Reservation made at least 48 hours before departure
- Health certificate (veterinarian)
- Proof of vaccinations
- Destination-specific documents (e.g., rabies vaccination certificate, quarantine certificate)
- CDC Dog Import Form (for dogs travelling to the US, as of 1 August 2024)
- What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?
- Only cats and dogs are permitted in the cabin on KLM flights.
- What is the maximum weight allowed for a pet in the cabin?
- The pet and carrier combined must weigh no more than 8 kg (17.6 lb).
- What are the carrier size requirements for in-cabin pet travel?
- The pet travel bag or kennel must have a maximum size of 46 x 28 x 24 cm (18 x 11 x 9 in). The pet must travel underneath the seat in front of you.
- Can pets travel in the cargo hold, and what are the requirements?
- Yes, pets too large for the cabin can travel in the hold. Up to 3 pets may travel together; combined pet and kennel weight must not exceed 75 kg. Kennel dimensions must not exceed 122x81x89 cm on KLM flights or 102x69x76 cm on KLM European flights with Boeing 737 and Embraer aircraft. Snub-nosed breeds are not permitted in the hold. Not available on Boeing 787-9, 787-10, A321neo, or German Airways flights, or KLC flights longer than 2 hours.
- What are the fees for traveling with a pet?
- The fee ranges from EUR 70 to EUR 500 per one-way flight, depending on the departure airport and destination. The exact price is shown when making a reservation.
- Is there a limit on the number of pets per passenger or per flight?
- In the cabin, you may bring 1 cat or dog. In the hold, up to 3 pets are allowed. The total number of pets per flight depends on the aircraft type, destination, and operating airline.
- Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?
- Snub-nosed cat breeds (Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian) and various snub-nosed dog breeds (including Affenpinscher, American Bully, Boston Terrier, all Boxers, all Bulldogs, Bull Mastiff, Cane Corso, all Pugs, Chow-Chow, all Great Danes, certain Spaniels, Brussels Griffon, Lhasa Apso, all Mastiffs, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pekingese, Small Brabant, Shih Tzu, Shar Pei, Staffordshire Bull Terrier) are not allowed in the hold but may travel in the cabin or as cargo.
- What documents and health certificates are required to travel with a pet?
- A health certificate from a veterinarian and proof of vaccinations are required. For international travel, destination-specific documents such as rabies vaccination certificates or quarantine certificates may be needed. Dogs travelling to the US require a CDC Dog Import Form (as of 1 August 2024) and microchipping.
- How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?
- You can make a reservation for your pet via My Trip on the KLM website. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours before departure.
- Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?
- Yes, requirements vary by destination. For the US, dogs need a CDC Dog Import Form and microchipping as of 1 August 2024. For the UK, pets cannot travel as passenger baggage (embargo). For UAE, documentation must be submitted to MOCCAE 96 hours before departure. For South Africa, an import permit from DAFF is required. Always check local regulations before travel.
- What is the airline's policy on sedating pets during travel?
- KLM does not explicitly state a sedation policy on these pages. Snub-nosed breeds are flagged as at risk due to high temperatures and stress.
- Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?
- Yes, you can contact the KLM Customer Contact Centre for pet travel inquiries. For US service animal arrangements, contact KLM CARES at klmcares.usa@airfrance-klm.email or call +1 833-855-0814.
Source: Official pet policy page ↗