What documents does my pet need to fly?

Requirements depend on the airline and, for international travel, the destination country. They commonly include an up-to-date rabies vaccination, a health certificate from a vet issued within a set window, microchipping, and sometimes an import permit. Check the destination's official rules early, as some steps have long lead times.

Is it safe for pets to fly in cargo?

Airlines carry many pets safely in temperature-controlled hold compartments, but cargo travel carries more stress and risk than the cabin, especially for very young, old, or snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds. Some airlines restrict or refuse these breeds. Discuss your pet's health with your vet before booking cargo.

How do I keep my pet calm on a flight?

Familiarise your pet with the carrier for weeks beforehand, add a blanket that smells of home, exercise them before departure, and avoid a heavy meal right before the flight. Do not sedate a pet without veterinary advice, as sedation can be unsafe at altitude.

Flying With Pets: A Complete Guide for 2026

Q: Can I bring my pet in the cabin?

Many airlines allow small dogs and cats in the cabin if the pet plus carrier fits under the seat in front and stays inside the carrier for the flight. There are weight and size limits, a per-flight cap on pets, and a fee, so you must book the pet on well in advance and confirm your specific airline's policy.

Reviewed by the ScanFlyGo team · Last updated: July 2026. Airline and country rules vary and change — always confirm with your carrier and your vet before you travel.

Quick answer

To fly with a pet, first confirm your airline's policy and the destination country's import rules, because both decide what is possible. Small dogs and cats can often travel in the cabin in an approved under-seat carrier for a fee; larger animals usually fly in the temperature-controlled hold. Book the pet on early, prepare vaccinations and a vet health certificate well ahead, and acclimatise your pet to its carrier before the trip. Never sedate without veterinary advice.

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1. Cabin, hold, or cargo — know the three options

Where your pet travels depends mostly on size and the airline. Understanding the options early shapes everything else.

Option	Typically for	Notes
In-cabin	Small dogs & cats within a weight limit	Must stay in an under-seat carrier; limited spots per flight
Checked baggage (hold)	Medium pets on some airlines	Travels in a pressurised, temperature-controlled hold
Manifest cargo	Large pets or strict routes	Booked separately, often via a pet-shipping service

2. Check the rules before you book anything

Two sets of rules govern pet travel: your airline's policy and, for international trips, the destination country's import requirements. Some countries have long lead times for permits, blood tests or waiting periods, so research the official destination rules first. Booking a flight before you understand these can be an expensive mistake.

3. Get the carrier or crate right

For the cabin, the carrier must fit under the seat and let your pet stand and turn around. For the hold, airlines require a sturdy, ventilated crate that meets recognised standards, with secure fastenings and water access. Buy it early so your pet can get used to it as a safe space rather than meeting it on travel day.

4. Sort the paperwork with your vet

Documentation commonly includes an up-to-date rabies vaccination, a microchip, and a health certificate issued by a vet within a specified window before travel. International trips may add import permits or parasite treatments. Build in time — some certificates are only valid for a short period, so the timing has to line up with your flight.

5. Prepare your pet for the day

A calm pet travels better. In the weeks before, leave the carrier open at home with treats and bedding inside so it becomes familiar. On the day:

Give plenty of exercise before heading to the airport.
Avoid a large meal just before departure; a light one earlier is fine.
Line the carrier with an absorbent pad and a blanket that smells of home.
Attach clear ID and your contact details to the carrier.

Do not give sedatives unless your vet specifically recommends them — sedation can affect breathing and balance at altitude.

6. Think about breed and health

Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats can struggle with breathing under stress, and many airlines restrict or refuse them, particularly in the hold. Very young, elderly, pregnant or unwell animals may not be fit to fly. Always get a professional opinion from your vet first.

7. Choose flights that minimise stress

Where you have a choice, a non-stop flight reduces handling and time in transit. Consider milder times of day in hot or cold seasons, and allow a generous connection if a stop is unavoidable. Comparing the whole market on a metasearch helps you find a routing that is kinder to your pet, not just cheaper.

Once booked, a live flight tracker lets you follow the aircraft on the day, so you know early if a delay might affect a connection with your pet on board.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my pet in the cabin?

Often yes for small dogs and cats that fit in an under-seat carrier, subject to weight limits, a per-flight cap and a fee. Book early and confirm your airline's policy.

What documents does my pet need?

Commonly a current rabies vaccination, microchip and a vet health certificate; international trips may add permits. Check destination rules early.

Is cargo travel safe?

Airlines carry many pets safely in climate-controlled holds, but it is more stressful and riskier for very young, old or snub-nosed pets. Ask your vet first.

How do I keep my pet calm?

Acclimatise it to the carrier, bring familiar bedding, exercise beforehand, and skip a heavy pre-flight meal. Never sedate without veterinary advice.

The bottom line

Flying with a pet is very doable, but it rewards preparation: confirm the airline and destination rules first, get the right carrier and paperwork, and put your pet's comfort and health at the centre of every choice. Plan early and the journey can be smooth for both of you. Start a live search on ScanFlyGo and browse popular routes to plan a pet-friendly trip.

Some links on ScanFlyGo are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Pet-travel rules are set by airlines and governments and must be confirmed directly before you fly.