Pet Airline Requirements for Dogs and Cats

Choosing the right airline is one of the most important steps in planning safe international pet travel. All airlines follow the IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR), which define global standards for transporting animals by air including container requirements, documentation, and safe handling procedures.

At The Pet Porters, our team holds IATA LAR certification and works closely with trusted airline cargo divisions to ensure pets travel safely and comfortably. Below are commonly used airlines for domestic and international pet transport along with their requirements and restrictions.

Alaska Airlines – Pet Connect

Alaska Airlines Cargo operates one of the most recognized pet transport programs in North America via Pet Connect™. They accept various kennel sizes and provide safe cargo handling.

  • Minimum Age: 8 weeks for dogs and cats
  • Kennel Sizes: 100–500 accepted on most aircraft
  • 700 / XXL Kennels: Freighter aircraft only
  • Health Requirement: Pet must be healthy and fit to fly

Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breed Restrictions

Not accepted in cargo due to breathing risks:

Dogs
  • Boston Terrier
  • Boxer
  • Bulldog (all breeds)
  • Bull Terrier
  • Brussels Griffon
  • Chow Chow
  • English Toy Spaniel
  • Japanese Chin
  • Mastiff (all breeds)
  • Pekingese
  • Pit Bull
  • Pug
  • Shih Tzu
  • Staffordshire Terrier
Cats
  • Burmese
  • Exotic Shorthair
  • Himalayan
  • Persian

Visit Alaska Cargo Pet Connect

American Airlines – PetEmbark

American Airlines Cargo provides pet transport via their PetEmbark™ program. Pets travel as manifest cargo under strict requirements.

  • Minimum Age: 8 weeks
  • Health Requirement: Fit and healthy to fly
  • Temperature Limits: Flights must be forecasted below 85°F
  • Route Approval: Specific aircraft and route confirmation required

Brachycephalic Breed Restrictions

Not accepted in cargo transport:

Dogs
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Affenpinscher
  • Boston Terrier
  • Boxer
  • Brussels Griffon
  • Bulldog
  • Cane Corso
  • Chow Chow
  • Dogue de Bordeaux
  • English Toy Spaniel
  • Japanese Chin
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Mastiff
  • Pekingese
  • Pit Bull
  • Presa Canario
  • Pug
  • Shar Pei
  • Shih Tzu
  • Tibetan Spaniel
Cats
  • Burmese
  • Exotic Shorthair
  • Himalayan
  • Persian

Visit American Airlines PetEmbark

International Airline Cargo Carriers

For international pet travel, pets typically fly as manifest cargo in the aircraft hold. This ensures proper temperature control, safe handling, and veterinary inspection during transport.

  • British Airways – IAG Cargo
  • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
  • Lufthansa Cargo

British Airways – IAG Cargo

Pets entering the UK must travel as manifest cargo via Heathrow Animal Reception Centre. Pets are not accepted in cabin or as excess baggage for most routes.

  • Minimum Age: 10 weeks
  • UK Entry: Cargo only unless approved service animal
  • Temperature Restrictions: Heat embargo above 75°F for snub-nose breeds

Cargo Restricted Breeds

  • Bulldogs
  • Pugs
  • Other snub-nose breeds including Boston Terrier and Boxer

Visit IAG Cargo

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

KLM Cargo requires bookings through a registered IPATA member shipper and ensures pets travel in IATA-approved kennels.

  • Minimum age follows destination country regulations
  • IPATA registered shipper required
  • Pets must travel in IATA-approved kennels

Restricted Breeds

  • English Bulldog
  • French Bulldog
  • Boston Terrier
  • Pug

Visit KLM Cargo

Lufthansa Cargo

Lufthansa Cargo operates the specialized Frankfurt Animal Lounge for safe pet transport.

  • Minimum Age: 16 weeks to/from USA
  • Temperature Restrictions: Only limited for snub-nose breeds
  • Cargo Breed Restrictions: None (destination rules may apply)

Restricted Breeds for In-Cabin Travel

  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Bull Terrier
  • American Bulldog
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Kangal / Anatolian Shepherd
  • Caucasian Shepherd
  • Rottweiler

Visit Lufthansa Cargo

Choosing the Right Airline

Every pet relocation is unique. Airline choice depends on destination, kennel size, aircraft type, and seasonal temperature restrictions.

  • Select airlines experienced with pet transport
  • Minimize layovers and travel time
  • Confirm aircraft kennel compatibility
  • Monitor seasonal temperature embargoes
  • Ensure compliance with destination import regulations

Need Help Planning Pet Travel?

International and domestic pet travel requires coordination between airlines, veterinarians, and government authorities. Our team can guide you through the process and select the safest travel plan for your pet.

Request a personalized pet travel quote and our specialists will review your pet’s travel details and provide a custom plan for safe transportation.

Request Your Pet Travel Quote