Flying your dog with Air China? Good news first: cabin, cargo, and hold travel are all on the table, so most itineraries have a workable path. The science here is simpler than it sounds once you match your dog to the right compartment and gather the paperwork early. Pixel has cleared plenty of counters this way. Sort the details below before you book anything, not after.
Air China's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
How Air China handles your pet Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets as Checked Baggage: If you wish to bring your cat or dog with you, they can travel as checked baggage. The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 99 lbs (45 kg) on domestic flights and 70 lbs (32… verified 2026-08-17 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yesterriers, English cocker spaniels, English toy spaniels, King Charles spaniels, bullmastiffs, Affenpinschers, Lhasa apsos, Pekingese, Chow Chows, Japanese chins, shar-peis, shih tzus, pit bulls, Japanese mastiffs… verified 2026-08-28 Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Chow Chow Bullmastiff Affenpinscher Japanese Chin Shar Pei Mastiff Cats, dogs or cross-breeds that are aggressive in nature, at risk of causing harm to people, prone to breathing difficulties, or snub-nosed are not accepted for carriage, including but not limited to: Terriers (e.g.… verified 2026-08-13 Minimum age 8 weeks Cats and dogs that are pregnant, less than 8 weeks old, nursing, have given birth within 7 days or are sick will not be accepted for verified 2026-08-28 Advance booking notice 24 hours Reservations should be made more than 24 hours prior to the flight. verified 2026-08-16 Advance booking required ✓ YesDocumentation and Quarantine Requirements If you are taking a domestic flight, you must be able to produce a quarantine certificate for your pet issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection… verified 2026-08-16 Max pets per passenger 1 only be carried following approval by Air China. Only one pet may be checked in per passenger. The weight of each pet shall not exceed 32 kg (including verified 2026-08-28 Banned destinations ✗ YesContinue Not now Home Booking Management Bookings Ticket Booking Multi-city Self-service Online Check-in Ticket validation Flight delay or cancellation certificates Additional Services Advance seat selection Additional… verified 2026-08-13 Nursing allowed ✗ NoCats and dogs that are pregnant, less than 8 weeks old, nursing, have given birth within 7 days or are sick will not be accepted for carriage verified 2026-07-15 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoCats and dogs that are pregnant, less than 8 weeks old, nursing, have given birth within 7 days or are sick will not be accepted for carriage verified 2026-07-15 Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier Food and water containers The pet container must have a fixed water container that allows for water to be added to it without opening the pet container itself verified 2026-07-15 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedLimited to domesticated cats and dogs only. verified 2026-08-17 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yesterriers, English cocker spaniels, English toy spaniels, King Charles spaniels, bullmastiffs, Affenpinschers, Lhasa apsos, Pekingese, Chow Chows, Japanese chins, shar-peis, shih tzus, pit bulls, Japanese mastiffs… verified 2026-08-28 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Chow Chow Bullmastiff Affenpinscher Japanese Chin Shar Pei Mastiff Cats, dogs or cross-breeds that are aggressive in nature, at risk of causing harm to people, prone to breathing difficulties, or snub-nosed are not accepted for carriage, including but not limited to: Terriers (e.g.… verified 2026-08-30 Hold: Minimum age 8 weeks Cats and dogs that are pregnant, less than 8 weeks old, nursing, have given birth within 7 days or are sick will not be accepted for carriage verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesThe pet transportation service for transit and connecting flights must be booked separately for each flight segment. 2. verified 2026-08-25 Hold: Max pets per passenger 1 Only one pet may be checked in per passenger. verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Min age weeks 8 weeks Cats and dogs that are pregnant, less than 8 weeks old, nursing, have given birth within 7 days or are sick will not be accepted for carriage. verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Nursing allowed ✗ NoCats and dogs that are pregnant, less than 8 weeks old, nursing, have given birth within 7 days or are sick will not be accepted for carriage verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoCats and dogs that are pregnant, less than 8 weeks old, nursing, have given birth within 7 days or are sick will not be accepted for carriage. verified 2026-08-14 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 32 kg The weight of each pet shall not exceed 32 kg (including the weight of the pet container and the food and water within). verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Food and water containers The pet container must have a fixed water container that allows for water to be added to it without opening the pet container itself. verified 2026-08-25 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ Accepteds For service dogs that are brought into the cabin, please see (Disabled Passengers Who Need Assistance) The requirements above also apply to service dogs transported in the cargo compartment. Pets as Checked Baggage… verified 2026-08-30 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yesnature, at risk of causing harm to people, prone to breathing difficulties, or snub-nosed are not accepted for carriage, including but not limited to: Terriers (e.g. Schnauzer, Boston Terrier), Boxers, Bulldogs, and… verified 2026-08-24 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Chow Chow Bullmastiff Affenpinscher Japanese Chin Shar Pei Mastiff Cats, dogs or cross-breeds that are aggressive in nature, at risk of causing harm to people, prone to breathing difficulties, or snub-nosed are not accepted for carriage, including but not limited to: Terriers (e.g.… verified 2026-08-30 Cargo: Minimum age 8 weeks Cats and dogs that are pregnant, less than 8 weeks old, nursing, have given birth within 7 days or are sick will not be accepted for carriage. pets… verified 2026-08-29 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesAll required documentation required for the destination country must be provided at check in. Air China Pet Policy – Checked Baggage All dogs and cats traveling with an adult passenger will be transported as checked… verified 2026-08-25 Cargo: Nursing allowed ✗ NoCats and dogs that are pregnant, less than 8 weeks old, nursing, have given birth within 7 days or are sick will not be accepted for carriage verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 32 kg Maximum weight of pet and crate must not exceed 32 kg. If the weight is more than 32 kg, the transport must be as air cargo. verified 2026-08-13 Cargo: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Food and water containers The pet container must have a fixed water container that allows for water to be added to it without opening the pet container itself. verified 2026-08-30 Health & documents Health certificate validity 10 days Related: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier Forms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms r d under the seat. verified 2026-08-09 Health certificate required ✓ YesRelated: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier Forms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and fe Related: Acclimating your pet to its crate or… verified 2026-08-18 Quarantine · Type quarantine facility (4) Pets entering the country shall undergo quarantine for 30 days at a quarantine facility designated by China Customs, except for pets exempt from quarantine in the following verified 2026-08-28 Quarantine · Required ✓ YesIV. Documentation and Quarantine Requirements If you are taking a domestic flight, you must be able to produce a quarantine certificate for your pet issued by the General verified 2026-07-15 Quarantine · Reducible ✓ Yesfor 30 days at a quarantine facility designated by China Customs, except for pets exempt from quarantine in the following circumstances: a. verified 2026-08-28 Quarantine · Duration 30 days (4) Pets entering the country shall undergo quarantine for 30 days at a quarantine facility designated by China Customs, except for pets exempt from verified 2026-08-28 Quarantine · Approved facility required ✓ Yes(4) Pets entering the country shall undergo quarantine for 30 days at a quarantine facility designated by China Customs, except for pets exempt from quarantine in the following circumstances verified 2026-08-28 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Approved laboratory required ✓ Yespass on-site quarantine and for which a rabies antibody test report issued by an approved laboratory can be provided (antibody titer or immune antibody level must be above 0.5 IU/ml). c. verified 2026-08-28 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ Yes(2) For all pets brought into the country, China Customs must be provided with valid quarantine certificates and valid rabies vaccination certificates issued by the official animal quarantine agency of the country or… verified 2026-08-28 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 8 weeks requirements It is not wise to fly a puppy or kitten in the cargo hold less than 15 weeks of age; however, the minimum age of transport is 8 weeks of age when flying with Air China. verified 2026-08-28 Other rules Dangerous breeds banned ✗ YesCats and dogs that are aggressive and may injure people, as well as pure and mixed cat and dog breeds with short snouts that are prone to breathing problems, are not accepted for transport. verified 2026-08-14 Restricted breeds list American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Mastiff, Pit Bulls, Tosa Inu Cats and dogs that are aggressive and may injure people, as well as pure and mixed cat and dog breeds with short snouts that are prone to breathing problems, are not accepted for transport. including but not limited to:… verified 2026-08-14 Breed restrictions apply ✗ YesCats and dogs that are aggressive and may injure people, as well as pure and mixed cat and dog breeds with short snouts that are prone to breathing problems, are not accepted for transport. verified 2026-08-14 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoCats, dogs or cross-breeds that are aggressive in nature, at risk of causing harm to people, prone to breathing difficulties, or snub-nosed are not accepted for carriage, including but not limited to: Terriers (e.g.… verified 2026-08-30 Assistance animals accepted ✓ Yes(Disabled Passengers Who Need Assistance) The requirements above also apply to service dogs transported in the cargo compartment. verified 2026-08-31 Service & assistance animals Fee waived ✓ YesService dog pet policy All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. verified 2026-08-13 Recognized ✓ Yesfor pets entering the country through airports: (1) Only dogs or cats (including service dogs for disabled persons) may be brought into the country and only one pet is permitted per person. verified 2026-08-28 Cabin allowed ✓ YesFood may be attached to the pet container for use in the event of flight delays. 6 Fee schedules Please see Fee Schedules for Excess Special Baggage 7 Transportation of service dogs For service dogs that are brought… verified 2026-08-30 Breed restrictions snub-nosed nature, at risk of causing harm to people, prone to breathing difficulties, or snub-nosed are not accepted for carriage, including but not limited to: Terriers (e.g. Schnauzer, Boston Terrier),… verified 2026-08-16 Documentation required ✓ YesThe 15-digit microchip code may only consist of numbers and must be capable of being read by a reader. If the chip does not meet these standards, you should provide your own reader that is capable of reading the… verified 2026-07-21 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedyou have successfully booked the transport of your dog as checked baggage or as cabin baggage, we can grant ticket change or refund. verified 2026-07-15 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yesterriers, English cocker spaniels, English toy spaniels, King Charles spaniels, bullmastiffs, Affenpinschers, Lhasa apsos, Pekingese, Chow Chows, Japanese chins, shar-peis, shih tzus, pit bulls, Japanese mastiffs… verified 2026-08-28 Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese Cats, dogs or cross-breeds that are aggressive in nature, at risk of causing harm to people, prone to breathing difficulties, or snub-nosed are not accepted for carriage, including but not limited to: Terriers (e.g.… verified 2026-08-13 Minimum age 8 weeks Cats and dogs that are pregnant, less than 8 weeks old, nursing, have given birth within 7 days or are sick will not be accepted for carriage verified 2026-08-10 Advance booking notice 24 hours Reservations Pet owners must submit an application to Air China in advance of the flight. Reservations should be made more than 24 hours prior to the flight. verified 2026-08-10 Advance booking required ✓ YesService Description Pet transportation is limited to domestic dogs and cats. Cats and dogs that are aggressive and may injure people, as well as pure and mixed cat and dog breeds with short snouts that are prone to… verified 2026-08-13 Max pets per passenger 1 only be carried following approval by Air China. Only one pet may be checked in per passenger. The weight of each pet shall not exceed 32 kg (including verified 2026-08-28 Booking method online Pet transportation service for Air China-coded point-to-point flights (including layovers) operated by Air China, as well as flights with domestic–domestic or domestic–international transits to connecting flights and… verified 2026-08-27 Nursing allowed ✗ NoCats and dogs that are pregnant, less than 8 weeks old, nursing, have given birth within 7 days or are sick will not be accepted for carriage verified 2026-07-15 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoCats and dogs that are pregnant, less than 8 weeks old, nursing, have given birth within 7 days or are sick will not be accepted for carriage verified 2026-07-15 Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier Food and water containers The pet container must have a fixed water container that allows for water to be added to it without opening the pet container itself verified 2026-07-15 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedLimited to domesticated cats and dogs only. verified 2026-08-17 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesSave See more See less Information Share Pets as Checked Baggage 1 General provisions Limited to domesticated cats and dogs only. Cats, dogs or cross-breeds that are aggressive in nature, at risk of causing harm to… verified 2026-08-29 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese Cats, dogs or cross-breeds that are aggressive in nature, at risk of causing harm to people, prone to breathing difficulties, or snub-nosed are not accepted for carriage, including but not limited to: Terriers (e.g.… verified 2026-08-30 Hold: Minimum age 8 weeks Cats and dogs that are pregnant, less than 8 weeks old, nursing, have given birth within 7 days or are sick will not be accepted for carriage. II.… verified 2026-08-15 Hold: Advance booking notice 24 hours Pets flown on Air China as checked baggage Dogs and cats. Reservations Pet owners must submit an application to Air China in advance of the flight. Reservations should be made more than 24 hours prior to the flight. verified 2026-08-13 Hold: Max pets per passenger 1 Only one pet may be checked in per passenger. verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Min age weeks 8 weeks Cats and dogs that are pregnant, less than 8 weeks old, nursing, have given birth within 7 days or are sick will not be accepted for carriage. verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Nursing allowed ✗ NoCats and dogs that are pregnant, less than 8 weeks old, nursing, have given birth within 7 days or are sick will not be accepted for carriage verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 32 kg The weight of each pet shall not exceed 32 kg (including the weight of the pet container and the food and water within). verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Food and water containers The pet container must have a fixed water container that allows for water to be added to it without opening the pet container itself. verified 2026-08-14 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedge policies, corporate information, and more, visit our guide to Air China (CA) Pets in the Cargo Hold: For animals that exceed the weight limits to travel as checked baggage, Air Ch For more detailed information,… verified 2026-08-16 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yesterriers, English cocker spaniels, English toy spaniels, King Charles spaniels, bullmastiffs, Affenpinschers, Lhasa apsos, Pekingese, Chow Chows, Japanese chins, shar-peis, shih tzus, pit bulls, Japanese mastiffs… verified 2026-08-28 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese Cats, dogs or cross-breeds that are aggressive in nature, at risk of causing harm to people, prone to breathing difficulties, or snub-nosed are not accepted for carriage, including but not limited to: Terriers (e.g.… verified 2026-08-30 Cargo: Minimum age 8 weeks Cats and dogs that are pregnant, less than 8 weeks old, nursing, have given birth within 7 days or are sick will not be accepted for c verified 2026-08-29 Cargo: Advance booking notice 24 hours Reservations Pet owners must submit an application to Air China in advance of the flight. Reservations should be made more than 24 hours prior to the flight. verified 2026-08-13 Cargo: Nursing allowed ✗ NoCats and dogs that are pregnant, less than 8 weeks old, nursing, have given birth within 7 days or are sick will not be accepted for carriage verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Food and water containers The pet container must have a fixed water container that allows for water to be added to it without opening the pet container itself. verified 2026-08-30 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesRelated: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier Forms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and fe d under the seat. verified 2026-08-09 Health certificate validity 10 days Related: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier Forms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms r d under the seat. verified 2026-08-13 Quarantine · Duration 30 days (4) Pets entering the country shall undergo quarantine for 30 days at a quarantine facility designated by China Customs, except for pets exempt from verified 2026-08-28 Health certificate · Validity days 10 days Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier Forms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms r verified 2026-08-25 Air China sets the cargo-hold minimum age at 8 weeks. Confirm the puppy's exact date of birth against departure day before booking, since a dog under 8 weeks is refused at check-in. Puppies under 15 weeks fly the hold poorly; wait past that mark where the schedule allows. Carry veterinary proof of age matching the booked date.
Air China refuses dogs that are pregnant, under 8 weeks old, nursing, or that gave birth within the past 7 days. Sick animals are also declined. Schedule departure at least 7 days after any birth, and time travel outside a pregnancy or nursing window. Bring a veterinary fitness statement dated close to departure confirming the dog is healthy.
The Air China cabin pet fee is 250 USD one way. Budget 250 USD per direction, so a round trip runs 500 USD before other travel costs. Pay this at check-in for the outbound and inbound legs separately. Keep 250 USD accessible in the accepted payment form and retain each receipt as proof the cabin fee was settled.
The path here is clear: pick the right compartment, clear the 8-week floor, and set aside 250 USD each way. Every trip has quirks the general rules miss, which is where a little planning pays off. Build your personalized plan with Pawgo's plan-builder and it will map your dog's route, timing, and documents to Air China's actual requirements. Pixel travels lighter when the plan is done first.
Glossary
ISO chip ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard. FAVN Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations. Brachycephalic Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk. AVIH Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
