Flying with Pets on Caribbean Airlines: What You Need to Know

I remember the first time I flew Tafoukt, my 20kg Border Collie rescue from Morocco, across the Mediterranean. The paperwork alone felt like learning a new language. But here's what I've learned: every airline has its own rhythm, its own rules. Caribbean Airlines is no exception. Whether you're relocating a rescue dog to a new family or bringing your cat home, understanding their specific policies can mean the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful one.

This guide covers everything Caribbean Airlines allows for pet travel—from cabin options to checked baggage transport, carrier requirements, and the documentation you'll need. Think of it as your pre-flight checklist, written by someone who's actually done this.

Can Your Pet Fly with Caribbean Airlines?

Cats: Yes, cats are allowed on Caribbean Airlines in cabin, cargo, and checked baggage.

Dogs: Dogs are not permitted in the cabin on Caribbean Airlines. However, they can travel via checked baggage or cargo hold. This is an important distinction—if you're hoping to keep your dog with you during flight, you'll need to explore other options or contact the airline about service animals.

This policy reflects a common industry practice, though it's worth noting that some carriers like Air France have different cabin policies. Always verify directly with Caribbean Airlines if your situation is unique.

Cabin Travel for Cats

If you're flying with a cat, cabin travel is your best option. Your cat stays with you, experiences minimal stress, and you can monitor their comfort throughout the flight.

Carrier Specifications for Cabin

Your carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Here are the exact dimensions:

  • Length: 45.7 cm (18 inches) maximum
  • Width: 27.9 cm (11 inches) maximum
  • Height: 27.9 cm (11 inches) maximum
  • Combined weight (cat + carrier): 8 kg (17.6 lbs) maximum

Carrier type: Soft-sided carriers are required for cabin travel. Hard-sided crates won't fit under the seat and won't be accepted. Look for collapsible soft carriers with mesh ventilation panels.

Essential features: Your carrier must have adequate ventilation (mesh sides are standard) and include an absorbent liner or mat inside to manage any accidents during flight. This isn't optional—it's required by industry standards and protects both your cat and the aircraft.

Age Requirements

Your cat must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned before cabin travel. Younger kittens aren't physiologically ready for flight.

Breed Restrictions

Certain brachycephalic (flat-faced) cat breeds face restrictions due to respiratory risks during flight. The restricted list includes:

  • British Shorthair
  • Burmese
  • Exotic Shorthair
  • Himalayan
  • Persian
  • Scottish Fold

If your cat is one of these breeds, contact Caribbean Airlines directly before booking. Some airlines make exceptions with veterinary clearance, but don't assume.

Checked Baggage & Cargo for Dogs and Cats

If your dog needs to travel or your cat is too large for cabin, checked baggage and cargo are available options. Both require hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates—very different from cabin carriers.

Carrier Requirements for Checked Baggage & Cargo

Hard-sided crates only. Soft carriers won't work. Your crate must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR), which means:

  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides
  • An attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
  • An absorbent mat or liner inside
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows clearly marked on the crate (required by IATA)

These aren't suggestions—they're mandatory. Airlines inspect crates at check-in, and non-compliant carriers will be rejected.

Age Requirements

For checked baggage or cargo, your pet must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned. This is slightly older than the cabin minimum because the journey is more stressful without you present.

Temperature Restrictions

Caribbean Airlines will not transport pets in checked baggage or cargo if temperatures fall outside safe ranges:

  • Cold embargo: Below -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Heat embargo: Above 29.4°C (85°F)

If your departure or destination airport experiences extreme temperatures, your pet may be refused transport. This is a safety measure—animals can suffer heat stroke or hypothermia in cargo holds. Plan travel during moderate seasons if possible.

Advance Booking for Dogs (Checked Baggage)

Dogs traveling via checked baggage must be booked at least 72 hours in advance. You cannot show up at the airport with your dog and expect to check them in. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight, so early booking is essential.

Brachycephalic Breed Restrictions

The same flat-faced breed restrictions apply to dogs in cargo and checked baggage. The restricted list is extensive and includes:

  • All Bulldog breeds (English, French, American, etc.)
  • All Pug breeds
  • All Mastiff breeds
  • Boston Terrier
  • Boxer
  • Shih Tzu
  • Pekingese
  • Chow Chow
  • Shar Pei
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Cane Corso
  • Dogue de Bordeaux
  • Japanese Chin
  • Presa Canario
  • And many others—see the brachycephalic breed guide for the complete list

If your dog is on this list, you'll need explicit written approval from Caribbean Airlines before booking. A vet letter stating your dog is fit to fly may help, but it's not guaranteed.

Pricing for Dogs

Caribbean Airlines charges for pet transport:

  • Domestic flights: TTD 3 per kilogram
  • International flights: USD 100 or CAD 120

Note: These are the fees we've verified. For cats or current pricing, contact the airline directly—fees can change seasonally.

Health Certificates & Documentation

This is non-negotiable: you must have a vet-issued health certificate for any pet traveling on Caribbean Airlines, whether cabin, checked baggage, or cargo.

Health Certificate Requirements

  • Issued within 10 days of departure (some destinations require 7 days—check your destination country's rules)
  • Signed by a licensed veterinarian
  • Confirms your pet is healthy and fit to fly
  • Must be presented at check-in

Get this certificate as close to your departure date as possible. If your flight is delayed and the certificate expires, you could be denied boarding. I learned this the hard way during a rescue transport from Morocco—a delayed flight nearly cost us our window.

For international travel, your destination country may have additional import requirements. Check the rules for your destination (e.g., United States, Canada, United Kingdom) well in advance.

Important Restrictions & Rules

No Sedation

Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA Live Animals Regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. If your vet or the airline suggests sedation, get a second opinion.

Pregnant Animals

Caribbean Airlines does not accept visibly pregnant animals for travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, confirm directly with the airline—they may refuse transport.

Animals in Heat

We're still verifying Caribbean Airlines' specific policy on animals in heat—contact them directly before booking.

Maximum Pets Per Passenger (Cabin)

You can bring a maximum of 1 pet carrier per passenger in the cabin. Some airlines allow 2 small pets in one carrier, but verify this with Caribbean Airlines.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin carrier max weight: 8 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 45.7 cm L × 27.9 cm W × 27.9 cm H
  • Minimum age (cabin): 8 weeks
  • Minimum age (checked/cargo): 10 weeks
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days from issue
  • Advance booking for dogs (checked): 72 hours minimum
  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) and above
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) and below
  • Dog fees (domestic): TTD 3/kg
  • Dog fees (international): USD 100 or CAD 120

What You Need to Do

Before booking:

  • Confirm your pet's breed isn't on the brachycephalic restricted list (or get written airline approval if it is)
  • Check your destination country's import requirements
  • Verify current pet fees with Caribbean Airlines
  • If traveling with a dog, ensure you book at least 72 hours in advance

2-3 weeks before departure:

  • Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate (must be issued within 10 days of travel)
  • Measure your pet and confirm your carrier meets Caribbean Airlines' dimensions
  • If traveling via checked baggage or cargo, ensure your crate is IATA-compliant with proper labels

1 week before departure:

  • Get the health certificate issued
  • Prepare absorbent liners for your carrier
  • Acclimate your pet to the carrier with short practice sessions
  • Confirm your booking with Caribbean Airlines and mention your pet

At the airport:

  • Arrive early with your health certificate and booking confirmation
  • Have your pet's microchip number and any import permits ready
  • For checked baggage/cargo, ensure the "Live Animals" labels are visible

A Note on Rescue Animals

I've relocated dozens of rescue dogs from shelters across Morocco and North Africa to families in France and beyond. International pet travel infrastructure—like Caribbean Airlines' policies—makes this possible. Whether you're flying with a purebred or a shelter rescue, the rules are the same. And honestly, that's how it should be. Every animal deserves safe, regulated transport.

If you're relocating a rescue, the advance booking requirement and health certificate process exist to protect your new family member. Don't see it as bureaucracy—see it as care.

Still Have Questions?

We're still verifying some details about Caribbean Airlines' pet policies—specifically service animal policies, ESA recognition, and a few other specifics. Contact Caribbean Airlines directly before booking to confirm current fees, availability, and any policies not covered here.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to organize all your pet travel documents and timelines in one place.

Data last verified from official sources. This guide reflects industry standards and Caribbean Airlines' published policies as of the most recent update. Always confirm directly with the airline before booking, as policies can change.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 21, 2026