EVA Air Pet Travel Policy

Flying with Your Pet on EVA Air: What You Need to Know

I remember the first time I flew Tafoukt from Morocco to Paris. She was a nervous 14kg rescue mix, and I spent weeks researching every detail of the journey—not just for her safety, but for my own peace of mind. That's what pet travel requires: preparation, honesty about the airline's rules, and a deep respect for what your animal is about to experience.

EVA Air, the Taiwanese carrier, has clear policies for traveling with pets. Unlike some airlines that welcome animals into the cabin, EVA Air takes a different approach. Let me walk you through exactly what's allowed, what it costs, and how to prepare.

The Bottom Line: Where Your Pet Can Travel on EVA Air

Dogs and cats cannot travel in the cabin with you on EVA Air. Service animals are the exception—they follow separate documentation requirements. For regular pets, you have two options: checked baggage or cargo.

This policy reflects a growing airline trend, especially on longer routes. While it might feel distant, remember that checked baggage and cargo travel are regulated by the same international safety standards (IATA Live Animals Regulations) that govern cabin pets on other carriers. Your animal will be monitored, temperature-controlled, and handled by trained staff.

Checked Baggage: The Standard Option for Most Pets

Most pet owners traveling with EVA Air will use the checked baggage option. This is straightforward: your pet travels in the cargo hold alongside your luggage, but with dedicated climate control and monitoring.

What pets are allowed: Dogs, cats, and rabbits. No weight limit is specified, though animals over 50kg require pre-approval from EVA Air.

Age requirements: Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned. Puppies and kittens younger than this are too vulnerable for the stress of air travel.

Carrier specifications: You'll need a hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate. This isn't optional—soft carriers won't be accepted for checked baggage. The crate must have:

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

Think of the crate as a small room for your pet during the flight. It needs to be spacious enough for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A cramped crate adds stress; a properly sized one becomes a safe den.

Temperature Restrictions: When You Cannot Fly

This is critical. EVA Air, like most airlines, will not accept pets for checked baggage or cargo travel when temperatures are extreme:

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

These thresholds exist because animals cannot regulate their body temperature effectively in pressurized cargo holds during extreme weather. If your departure or destination airport experiences temperatures outside this range, your pet won't be allowed to fly that day. Plan your travel dates carefully, especially if you're moving to or from hot climates like Morocco or the Middle East.

If you have a cold-acclimated pet (bred or raised in cold climates), your veterinarian can issue an acclimation certificate that may allow travel in colder conditions. This is worth discussing with your vet if you're relocating from a northern region.

Cargo Service: For Larger Shipments

EVA Air also offers dedicated cargo service for pets, typically used for larger animals or when you're shipping multiple pets. The requirements are similar to checked baggage but more formal:

• Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates only
• Water bowl and absorbent liner required
• Ventilation on at least three sides
• Minimum age: 10 weeks, fully weaned
• Same temperature embargoes apply

Cargo requires advance booking and coordination with EVA Air's cargo department. This route is less common for individual pet owners but worth exploring if you're relocating with multiple animals or need specialized handling.

Health Certificates: Non-Negotiable

You absolutely must have a veterinary health certificate. This is not a suggestion—it will be checked at the airport, and without it, your pet will not be allowed to board.

Certificate requirements:

• Issued by a licensed veterinarian
• Valid for 10 days from the date of issue (some destinations require 7 days—check your specific route)
• Get it as close to your departure date as possible
• The certificate must confirm your pet is healthy and fit for air travel

I always schedule my vet appointment 5-7 days before departure. This gives me a buffer in case the vet finds any health concerns, and ensures the certificate is fresh. Don't wait until the last minute.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Animals

If your pet is a brachycephalic breed—snub-nosed animals like Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats, or Shih Tzus—you need to check directly with EVA Air. These breeds face respiratory challenges at altitude and are restricted by most airlines, including EVA Air.

The full list of restricted breeds is extensive and includes:

• All Bulldog varieties (English, French, American)
• Pugs and related breeds
• Boxers
• Boston Terriers
• Shih Tzus
• Persian and related cat breeds
• Mastiffs and Pit Bull types
• Many others—contact EVA Air directly if your breed is in question

If your rescue dog or cat is a brachycephalic mix, get written confirmation from the airline before booking. Some animals with partial brachycephalic features may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Animals in Special Conditions: Pregnancy, Heat, and Sedation

Pregnant animals: EVA Air will not accept visibly pregnant animals. The stress and pressure changes of flight pose serious health risks. If your pet is pregnant, postpone travel until after she's given birth and recovered.

Animals in heat: We're still verifying EVA Air's specific policy on this—contact them directly to confirm.

Sedation: Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA regulations prohibit it across all commercial airlines. A sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. If your vet or the airline suggests sedation, get a second opinion. The only exception is if both your vet and EVA Air explicitly instruct you to sedate for medical reasons—extremely rare.

Booking and Advance Notice

You cannot simply show up at the airport with your pet. EVA Air requires advance booking, and most airlines limit the number of pets per flight.

Advance notice required: At least 48 hours before departure. Contact EVA Air directly to arrange your pet's travel. Don't assume it's included in your regular ticket—it's a separate arrangement.

When you book, have ready:

• Your pet's name, age, and weight
• Breed and any identifying marks
• Your flight details
• Confirmation that your pet meets all health and age requirements

Costs: What to Budget

For cats traveling in the cabin (if you're on a different airline), the fee is typically $125 USD one-way, though this varies by route. For dogs on EVA Air, since cabin travel isn't available, checked baggage fees apply.

Dog checked baggage fees: We're still verifying the exact rates—contact EVA Air directly. The airline uses a formula based on excess baggage rates: 2x the excess baggage rate for animals under 32kg, and 4x for animals 32-42kg.

Budget for this as a separate line item in your travel costs. It's not cheap, but it's the cost of ensuring your animal travels safely.

A Note on Rescue Animals and International Pet Travel

I've relocated dozens of rescue dogs from shelters across Morocco and North Africa to families in France and beyond. The infrastructure for international pet travel—health certificates, IATA crates, temperature monitoring—exists partly because of these rescue networks. It's not perfect, but it works.

If you're adopting a rescue animal internationally or relocating a shelter dog, the same rules apply. The animal's age, health, and breed all matter. But here's what I've learned: a rescue animal that's been through the stress of shelter life is often more resilient than you'd expect. Proper preparation and a calm demeanor from you make all the difference.

Key Numbers at a Glance

• Cabin travel for pets: Not allowed (except service animals)
• Checked baggage/cargo: Allowed for dogs, cats, rabbits
• Minimum age: 10 weeks, fully weaned
• Maximum weight: No limit (pre-approval required over 50kg)
• Carrier dimensions: Hard-sided, IATA-compliant (specific dimensions vary by crate type)
• Health certificate validity: 10 days from issue date
• Temperature embargo (cold): Below -6.7°C (20°F)
• Temperature embargo (heat): Above 29.4°C (85°F)
• Advance booking required: At least 48 hours
• Cat cabin fee (other airlines): $125 USD one-way (reference only)

What You Need to Do: Your Pre-Travel Checklist

• Contact EVA Air 48+ hours before departure to book your pet's travel and confirm all policies for your specific route
• Schedule a vet appointment 5-7 days before departure to obtain a health certificate valid for 10 days
• Confirm your pet's breed is not restricted (especially if brachycephalic)
• Purchase or arrange an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate with ventilation, water bowl, and absorbent liner
• Check temperature forecasts for your departure and arrival airports—if outside -6.7°C to 29.4°C range, reschedule
• Verify your pet is at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned
• Confirm your pet is not pregnant or in heat
• Get written confirmation from EVA Air that your pet meets all requirements before you travel to the airport
• Arrive early on travel day and allow extra time for pet check-in procedures

Still Have Questions?

EVA Air's policies are clear, but every route and situation is unique. Before you book your flight, contact EVA Air directly to confirm all details for your specific pet and destination. Ask about:

• Exact fees for your pet's weight and route
• Specific crate dimensions they require
• Whether your pet's breed is restricted
• Temperature conditions on your travel dates
• Any destination-specific import requirements

For a comprehensive overview of international pet travel, check out our flying with a dog guide and documents checklist. If your pet is a brachycephalic breed, read our brachycephalic breed guide for breed-specific advice. And to understand the full cost picture, see our pet travel costs guide.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to ensure nothing is missed.

Final Thought

Flying with a pet requires patience, planning, and respect for the animal's experience. EVA Air's policies—no cabin travel, strict health requirements, temperature embargoes—exist to protect animals, not to inconvenience you. When you accept that and prepare accordingly, the journey becomes manageable. Tafoukt's first flight was stressful for both of us, but she arrived safe, calm, and ready for her new life. Yours will too.

---

Data auto-verified from official EVA Air sources. Last updated: April 11, 2026. Policies subject to change—always confirm directly with the airline before booking.

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