China Airlines Pet Travel Policy

Flying with Your Pet on China Airlines: What You Need to Know

OK hear me out — I've flown Nala, my 22kg Australian Shepherd, on more airlines than I can count, and China Airlines is one of the carriers that actually gets pet travel right. They allow both dogs and cats in the cabin and in checked baggage, which means you've got real options depending on your trip length and your pet's comfort level. Let me walk you through exactly what you need to do to make this happen smoothly.

Can Your Pet Fly in the Cabin?

Yes — both cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin on China Airlines. This is huge because it means your furry friend stays with you during the flight instead of traveling separately in cargo. I always choose cabin travel when possible because I can monitor Nala's stress levels and she stays calm knowing I'm nearby.

However, there's a catch: your pet must fit in a soft-sided carrier that slides under the seat in front of you. This isn't a suggestion — it's a requirement. The carrier dimensions are strict:

• Maximum length: 45.7 cm (18 inches)
• Maximum width: 27.9 cm (11 inches)
• Maximum height: 27.9 cm (11 inches)
• Combined weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg (17.6 lbs)

This means cabin travel works best for small dogs, cats, and toy breeds. Nala at 22kg? She doesn't qualify for cabin. But if you've got a Chihuahua, a Pomeranian, or a small cat, you're golden.

Checked Baggage and Cargo Options

If your pet is too large for cabin travel — like my Nala — you have two other options: checked baggage or cargo.

Checked Baggage: Your pet travels in the hold with your luggage. This requires a hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate (not soft-sided). The crate must have:

• Ventilation openings on at least three sides
• An attached water bowl that can be filled from outside
• An absorbent liner or mat inside to handle accidents
• "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the crate

Cargo: This is a dedicated pet transport service with the same crate requirements as checked baggage. The main difference? You book it separately, and it's handled by cargo specialists rather than baggage handlers.

Trust me on this one — if you're flying a larger dog internationally, cargo is often worth the extra cost. The crates are better monitored, temperature-controlled, and your pet gets more attention.

Breed Restrictions: The Brachycephalic Ban

China Airlines restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. This is an industry-wide safety standard, not unique to China Airlines. The restricted breeds include:

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

If your breed is on this list, contact China Airlines directly before booking. Some airlines make exceptions with vet clearance, but don't assume. Read our brachycephalic breed flying guide for more details on navigating these restrictions.

Age Requirements

Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old for cabin travel and 10 weeks old for checked baggage or cargo. They must also be fully weaned. If you're traveling with a young puppy or kitten, plan accordingly.

Health Certificates: Non-Negotiable

This is critical: you absolutely need a vet-issued health certificate. Even if China Airlines doesn't explicitly mention it on their website, you will be denied boarding without one. I've seen it happen.

Here's what you need to know:

• Get the certificate issued within 10 days of your departure date (some destinations require 7 days — check your destination country's rules)
• The certificate must confirm your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations (especially rabies)
• Get it as close to your departure date as possible to be safe
• Bring the original with you to the airport

If you're flying internationally, your destination country may have additional import requirements. Check the specific country's regulations — for example, Australia and New Zealand have strict quarantine rules. Use our pet travel documents checklist to make sure you've got everything.

Temperature Embargoes: Timing Matters

China Airlines won't transport pets in checked baggage or cargo if temperatures are too extreme:

• Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) — if the tarmac temperature at origin or destination exceeds this, your pet can't fly
• Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) — similar restriction for cold weather

This is why summer travel with pets requires early morning or late evening flights. Winter travel to cold destinations? You might need an acclimation certificate from your vet to prove your pet can handle the temperature. Plan your travel dates carefully, especially if you're flying to extreme climates.

Booking Your Pet's Flight

You must pre-book your pet before travel. You cannot show up at the airport with a pet and expect to fly. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight for safety and comfort reasons.

For checked baggage travel, you'll need to book by phone at least 48 hours before departure. This is a China Airlines-specific requirement, so call ahead — don't try to add your pet online.

For cabin travel, pre-booking is also required, though we're still verifying the exact advance notice window — contact China Airlines directly to confirm.

Carrier Requirements: Get This Right

Cabin carriers must be soft-sided and fit under the seat. They need mesh ventilation on the sides so your pet can breathe and see out. Include an absorbent mat or liner inside to handle any accidents during the flight.

Checked baggage and cargo carriers must be hard-sided and IATA-compliant. This is non-negotiable. The crate must have:

• Solid construction (plastic or wood, not soft-sided)
• Ventilation on at least three sides
• An attached water bowl
• An absorbent liner
• "Live Animals" labels with arrows showing the correct orientation

Don't cheap out on the crate. A poorly constructed carrier can fail during handling, and your pet's safety depends on it. Invest in a quality IATA-approved crate — it's worth every penny.

What About Sedation?

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

Special Situations

Pregnant animals: Most airlines, including China Airlines, do not accept visibly pregnant animals for travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, confirm directly with the airline before booking.

Animals in heat: We're still verifying China Airlines' specific policy on this — contact them directly.

Service animals: We're still verifying service animal policies — contact China Airlines directly for details on whether service dogs travel free and what documentation is required.

Key Numbers at a Glance

• Cabin carrier max dimensions: 45.7 cm L × 27.9 cm W × 27.9 cm H
• Cabin carrier max weight: 8 kg (pet + carrier combined)
• Minimum age (cabin): 8 weeks
• Minimum age (checked/cargo): 10 weeks
• Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
• Advance booking required: At least 48 hours (checked baggage)
• Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
• Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)
• Max pets per passenger (cabin): 1 carrier

What You Need to Do

Before you book:

• Confirm your pet's weight and dimensions against the carrier limits
• Check if your breed is on the brachycephalic restricted list
• Verify your destination country's import requirements
• Check tarmac temperatures at origin and destination for embargo dates

2-3 weeks before travel:

• Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate (get it within 10 days of departure)
• Ensure vaccinations are current, especially rabies
• If traveling to a cold destination with checked baggage/cargo, ask your vet about an acclimation certificate

1-2 weeks before travel:

• Call China Airlines to pre-book your pet (required for checked baggage; at least 48 hours advance notice)
• Confirm all documentation requirements for your destination
• Get your health certificate issued
• If using checked baggage or cargo, order or prepare your IATA-compliant hard-sided crate

1 week before travel:

• Set up the carrier with absorbent liners and water bowls
• Let your pet acclimate to the carrier with short practice sessions
• Gather all documents: health certificate, booking confirmation, import permits (if required)

Day of travel:

• Arrive early to check in your pet
• Bring all original documents
• Confirm your pet's crate is properly labeled with "Live Animals" stickers

Fees and Booking

For checked baggage travel, pets are charged by weight or piece based on excess baggage rates — they're not included in your free baggage allowance. Fees vary by route. Call China Airlines directly for a quote on your specific route.

For cabin travel, we're still verifying fee information — contact the airline directly.

Final Thoughts

Flying with your pet requires planning, but it's absolutely doable. The key is booking early, getting your health certificate in time, and choosing the right travel option for your pet's size and temperament. Whether Nala travels in cargo or your cat flies in the cabin, the process is the same: prepare thoroughly, follow the rules, and your pet will arrive safely.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — they'll help you navigate all the details specific to your destination and pet.

Data last verified: January 2025. This information is auto-verified from official China Airlines sources. Always confirm directly with the airline before booking, as policies can change.

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