Air Dolomiti Pet Travel Policy

Can You Fly with Pets on Air Dolomiti?

Yes, Air Dolomiti welcomes both dogs and cats in the cabin and in cargo/checked baggage. I've flown Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever, on several European carriers, and I know how stressful it can be to navigate airline pet policies. The good news: Air Dolomiti has clear, straightforward rules. The better news: I'm going to walk you through every detail so you're never caught off guard at the airport.

Air Dolomiti operates regional flights across Europe, and their pet policies align with industry standards while offering flexible travel options. Whether your pet travels with you in the cabin or separately in cargo, you'll need to plan ahead and meet specific requirements.

Key Numbers at a Glance

• Cabin pet fee: €80 (prepaid) or €100 (at airport)
• Cabin carrier weight limit: 8 kg (pet + carrier combined)
• Cabin carrier dimensions: Max 55cm L × 40cm W × 23cm H
• Cargo/checked baggage fee: €100–200 (varies by pet size)
• FRA transfer surcharge: €150 (if connecting through Frankfurt)
• Advance booking required: 48 hours minimum for cabin
• Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
• Minimum pet age: 8 weeks (cabin), 10 weeks (cargo/checked baggage)
• Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) — no travel if temperatures exceed this
• Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) — may require acclimation certificate

Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet in the Cabin

This is the option I always choose when possible with Cooper. Your pet stays with you throughout the flight, which means less stress for both of you.

Who Can Travel in the Cabin?

Dogs and cats of any age (minimum 8 weeks, fully weaned) can travel in the cabin, provided they meet weight and carrier requirements. However, brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are restricted due to respiratory risks during flight. This includes:

• Bulldogs (all types: English, French, American)
• Pugs (all types, including Dutch and Japanese)
• Boston Terriers
• Boxers
• Shih Tzus
• Pekingese
• Chow Chows
• Japanese Chins
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Mastiffs (all types)
• Pit Bulls and related breeds (American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully)
• Shar Peis
• Lhasa Apsos
• Brussels Griffons
• Cane Corsos
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• Presa Canarios

If your breed is on this list, contact Air Dolomiti directly before booking. Some airlines make exceptions with veterinary documentation.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel

Your pet must travel in a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Here are the exact dimensions:

• Maximum length: 55 cm (18 inches)
• Maximum width: 40 cm (11 inches)
• Maximum height: 23 cm (9 inches)
• Combined weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg maximum

When I flew Cooper on a regional European flight, I learned the hard way that "fits under the seat" is non-negotiable. Test your carrier at home first. Soft-sided carriers compress slightly, which helps them fit. Hard-sided carriers won't work for cabin travel on Air Dolomiti.

Inside the carrier, you must include:

• An absorbent mat or liner (for accidents — trust me, it happens)
• Adequate ventilation (mesh sides are standard)

Cabin Fees

• €80 if booked in advance (prepaid)
• €100 if paid at the airport
• €150 additional surcharge if your flight connects through Frankfurt (FRA)

Always prepay if possible — it's cheaper and guarantees your pet's spot.

Booking Your Pet's Cabin Seat

You must book by phone. Air Dolomiti does not accept pet cabin bookings online. Call at least 48 hours before departure. This is non-negotiable — airlines limit the number of pets per flight, and spots fill up quickly.

Only one pet carrier per passenger is allowed in the cabin.

Cargo & Checked Baggage Travel

If your pet is too large for cabin travel (like Cooper at 28kg), or if you prefer cargo transport, Air Dolomiti accepts pets in the cargo hold or as checked baggage.

Who Can Travel in Cargo?

Dogs and cats must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned. Brachycephalic breeds are also restricted in cargo due to respiratory risks.

Carrier Requirements for Cargo & Checked Baggage

Cargo and checked baggage require hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates only. Soft-sided carriers are not accepted. Your crate must include:

• Hard-sided construction (plastic or wood, not soft fabric)
• Ventilation openings on at least three sides (per IATA Live Animals Regulations)
• An attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
• An absorbent mat or liner inside to manage accidents
• "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on all sides

When I shipped Cooper internationally, I invested in a proper IATA-certified crate. It's not cheap (€150–300), but it's worth every euro for your pet's safety and airline compliance.

Temperature Restrictions

Air Dolomiti will not transport pets in cargo if:

• Heat: Tarmac temperatures at origin or destination exceed 29.4°C (85°F)
• Cold: Temperatures drop below -6.7°C (20°F) — unless you provide a vet-issued acclimation certificate

This is critical if you're flying in summer or winter. Check the forecast before booking. If temperatures are borderline, ask your vet about an acclimation certificate.

Cargo Fees

Cargo fees vary by pet size: €100–200 one way. Exact pricing depends on your pet's weight and the route. Contact Air Dolomiti directly for a quote.

Health Certificates & Documentation

This is non-negotiable, and I cannot stress this enough: you will be denied boarding without a health certificate. I've seen it happen at the airport, and it's heartbreaking.

What You Need

• A vet-issued health certificate dated within 10 days of departure
• The certificate must confirm your pet is fit to fly
• Your vet should note any breed-specific concerns (especially for brachycephalic breeds)

Schedule your vet appointment early — don't wait until the week before your flight. Some vets book up quickly, and you need time to address any health issues that might prevent travel.

International Travel

If you're flying to a country outside the EU, you may need additional documentation such as import permits or rabies certificates. Check the requirements for your destination country before booking.

Important Restrictions & Rules

No Sedation

Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA regulations (which Air Dolomiti follows) prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies worldwide, on every commercial airline. If your vet or the airline suggests sedation, get a second opinion.

Pregnant Animals

Air Dolomiti does not accept visibly pregnant animals for travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, contact the airline directly to discuss options.

Animals in Heat

We're still verifying Air Dolomiti's specific policy on animals in heat — contact them directly if this applies to your pet.

What You Need to Do: Step-by-Step Checklist

8–10 weeks before departure:

• ☐ Check if your pet's breed is restricted (brachycephalic list above)
• ☐ Measure your pet and weigh them (cabin limit: 8kg combined with carrier)
• ☐ If flying cargo, purchase or rent an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate
• ☐ If flying cabin, test-fit your soft-sided carrier under a chair at home

4–6 weeks before departure:

• ☐ Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate
• ☐ Check temperature forecasts for your travel dates (heat/cold embargoes)
• ☐ Research destination country import requirements if traveling outside the EU

2 weeks before departure:

• ☐ Attend your vet appointment and obtain the health certificate
• ☐ Confirm the certificate is dated within 10 days of your flight
• ☐ If traveling in cold weather, ask your vet about an acclimation certificate

3–4 days before departure:

• ☐ Call Air Dolomiti to book your pet's cabin seat (if flying cabin)
• ☐ Confirm the €80 prepaid fee or €100 airport fee
• ☐ Ask about FRA transfer surcharge if applicable
• ☐ For cargo: confirm booking and provide crate dimensions

Day before departure:

• ☐ Pack the carrier with absorbent liner and water bowl (if cargo)
• ☐ Prepare your pet's documents (health certificate, import permits)
• ☐ Ensure your pet has eaten and had bathroom time before the airport
• ☐ Attach ID tags and microchip information to your pet

At the airport:

• ☐ Arrive early and go directly to the pet check-in counter
• ☐ Have your health certificate ready
• ☐ Confirm your pet's weight and carrier dimensions one final time
• ☐ For cabin travel: keep your pet calm and hydrated before boarding

Practical Tips from My Experience

I've flown Cooper three times internationally, and here's what I've learned:

• Prepay the cabin fee. It's cheaper (€80 vs. €100) and guarantees your spot.
• Call Air Dolomiti early. Don't wait until 48 hours before departure. Regional airlines have limited pet slots.
• Get the health certificate early. If your vet finds an issue, you have time to address it.
• Test the carrier at home. Cooper's first cabin flight was stressful because I wasn't sure the carrier would fit. Now I practice.
• Bring extra absorbent pads. Even trained pets can have accidents during flight.
• Check the weather. I once almost booked a summer flight during a heat wave. The airline would have refused Cooper at the last minute.
• Microchip your pet. It's not required by Air Dolomiti, but it's essential for international travel and peace of mind.

Need More Help?

For specific questions about your route, pet size, or special circumstances, contact Air Dolomiti directly at their pet travel information page: Air Dolomiti Pets.

If you're comparing options, check policies for other European carriers like Lufthansa, Air France, or British Airways.

For comprehensive guidance on pet travel documents, check out our pet travel documents checklist. If your pet is a brachycephalic breed, read our guide to flying with snub-nosed breeds. And for cost planning, see our pet travel costs guide.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll help you organize every detail of your pet's journey.

Data auto-verified from official Air Dolomiti sources. Last updated: January 2025.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 23, 2026