Iberia takes dogs in the cabin — the one line that matters when you fly with a snub-nosed sidekick like mine. Here's what nobody tells you upfront: the 8kg cabin ceiling and the breed paperwork can trip you before you reach the gate. Mochi has judged plenty of Madrid queues while I sorted this out. Read on before you book, not after.
Iberia'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 Iberia handles your pet CABIN: dogs, cats, fish, turtles and birds (except birds of prey) ≤8kg incl. carrier are accepted in the cabin with prior authorisation from the booking office. Brachycephalic breeds ARE explicitly accepted in cabin if they meet the cabin conditions — Iberia only refuses these breeds in the hold due to heat-stroke / respiratory risks. HOLD: Iberia does not accept brachycephalic breeds in the hold. CARGO: pets that cannot fit cabin/hold criteria can be transported as air cargo via the Woof Airlines partner / IAG Cargo. Booking deadline: 48 hours via the booking office. Source: iberia.com/us/fly-with-iberia/pets/.
Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted — via IAG Cargo
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedDogs, cats, ornamental fish, tortoises and birds (except poultry and birds of prey) may travel with you in the cabin if they do not exceed 8 kg in weight , including the pet carrier. verified 2026-07-14 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesBrachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats are not accepted for transport in the hold due to health risks related to stress and temperature. verified 2026-07-20 Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Chow Chow Bullmastiff Cane Corso Dogue de Bordeaux Brussels Griffon Affenpinscher Japanese Chin Shar Pei Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff anary Prey dog, Cane corso, Cavalier Spaniel, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Japanese Spaniel, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Mastiff, Miniature Pinscher,… verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking notice 2 hours Recovery Promise In the unlikely event that your animal does not fly as booked you will be notified within 2 hours of ATD. All recovery planned to arrive at its des verified 2026-07-14 Advance booking required ✓ YesPreferably, you must inform us at least 48 hours before the departure of your flight that you are travelling with your assistance dog, unless you book last minute, through our Booking offices verified 2026-07-14 Booking method make your pet's online How to make your pet's online booking in 4 easy steps: Go to our Search flights , open the passenger drop-down menu and select "Pet in cabin" verified 2026-07-20 Banned destinations ✗ YesPet entry/exit regulations in the United Kingdom Pets are not allowed in the cabin (PETC) on flights to London-Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh. verified 2026-07-20 Embargoed routes Pet Pet entry/exit regulations in the United Kingdom Pets are not allowed in the cabin (PETC) on flights to London-Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh verified 2026-07-20 Banned breeds list Pit Bull Terrier Staffordshire Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier Rottweiler Doberman Argentine Dogo Brazilian Mastiff Tosa Akita Iberia does not accept for carriage in either the hold or cabin the following dog breeds classified as dangerous: Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Doberman,… verified 2026-07-14 Advance notice hours 48 hours Reservations should be made through Iberia Booking Offices at least 48 hours in advance. verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per carrier 3 Three small, lightweight animals of the same species can be transported in a single carrier. verified 2026-07-14 Carrier size 45 × 35 × 25 cm The maximum carrier size is 45 cm (length) x 35 cm (width) x 25 cm (height), and the sum of these dimensions must not exceed 105 cm. verified 2026-07-14 Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg A maximum weight of 8 kg , including the carrier. verified 2026-07-14 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier The maximum carrier size is 45 cm (length) x 35 cm (width) x 25 cm (height), and the sum of these dimensions must not exceed 105 cm. verified 2026-07-14 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedThe Iberia Group (Iberia, Iberia Express and Iberia Regional Air Nostrum) allow cats and dogs to travel in the hold, with the exception of snub-nosed dogs and dangerous breeds . verified 2026-07-21 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesBrachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats are not accepted for transport in the hold due to health risks related to stress and temperature to prior authorization and aircraft limitations. verified 2026-05-27 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Chow Chow Bullmastiff Cane Corso Dogue de Bordeaux Brussels Griffon Affenpinscher Japanese Chin Shar Pei Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff anary Prey dog, Cane corso, Cavalier Spaniel, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Japanese Spaniel, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Mastiff, Miniature Pinscher,… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking notice 48 hours Bookings must therefore be made at least 48 hours before the departure of the flight and you will need to tell us the breed of your dog or cat verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesPreferably, you must inform us at least 48 hours before the departure of your flight that you are travelling with your assistance dog, unless you book last minute, through our Booking offices verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Banned breeds list Pit Bull Terrier Staffordshire Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier Rottweiler Doberman Argentine Dogo Brazilian Mastiff Tosa Akita Iberia does not accept for carriage in either the hold or cabin the following dog breeds classified as dangerous: Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Doberman,… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Carrier size 35 × 25 cm The maximum carrier size is 45 cm (length) x 35 cm (width) x 25 cm (height), and the sum of these dimensions must not exceed 105 cm. verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg A maximum weight of 8 kg , including the carrier. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Crate must have/be ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier The maximum carrier size is 45 cm (length) x 35 cm (width) x 25 cm (height), and the sum of these dimensions must not exceed 105 cm. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedThe Iberia Group (Iberia, Iberia Express and Iberia Regional Air Nostrum) allow cats and dogs to travel in the hold, with the exception of snub-nosed dogs and dangerous breeds . verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesThe Iberia Group (Iberia, Iberia Express and Iberia Regional Air Nostrum) allow cats and dogs to travel in the hold, with the exception of snub-nosed dogs and dangerous breeds . verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Chow Chow Bullmastiff Cane Corso Dogue de Bordeaux Brussels Griffon Affenpinscher Japanese Chin Shar Pei Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff anary Prey dog, Cane corso, Cavalier Spaniel, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Japanese Spaniel, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Mastiff, Miniature Pinscher,… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking notice 48 hours Bookings must therefore be made at least 48 hours before the departure of the flight and you will need to tell us the breed of your dog or cat. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesBookings must therefore be made at least 48 hours before the departure of the flight and you will need to tell us the breed of your dog or cat. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Weather embargo None During the flight your pet will be stored in the aircraft's hold, where it will be safe and secure in a temperature-controlled environment. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 45 kg The maximum weight allowed is 45 kg (pet + carrier). verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Crate must have/be ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier It must not have any exterior or interior damage that could harm your pet and it must have adequate ventilation verified 2026-07-14 🐾 Hold/cargo pet transport on this airline is handled by IAG Cargo — book / learn more Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ Yesnce Dogs Before boarding, you must prove that your dog is an assistance dog by presenting these documents : The ID card, letter or official certificate stating the details of both the user and the dog , together with… verified 2026-07-17 Quarantine · Type home
quarantine 130.00 (dollars) cash each animal for the home quarantine. Schedule of public attention : Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesA health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ Yesthin Spain, but you do need to bring your pet's official health card . Vaccine requirements in Spain are limited to the rabies vaccine, which is mandatory in some autonomous communities and voluntary in others.… verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Booster required ✓ YesHas undergone rabies vaccination or re-vaccination rabies . And in addition to what has been stated above, you must add : If you are coming from EU or Schengen countries : you must provide proof that your pet has been… verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate required · Health certificate required ✓ YesCountries with restrictions on the entry of animals Argentina: You will need to show an animal health certificate to the authorities, issued by a licensed vet, stating that your pet is disease-free and has a rabies… verified 2026-06-19 Other rules Dangerous breeds banned ✗ YesDog breeds classified as dangerous Iberia does not accept for carriage in either the hold or cabin the following dog breeds classified as dangerous: Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire… verified 2026-07-20 Breed restrictions apply ✗ YesDog breeds classified as dangerous Iberia does not accept for carriage in either the hold or cabin the following dog breeds classified as dangerous: Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire… verified 2026-07-20 Assistance animals accepted ✓ YesTravel in the cabin Travel in the hold Transport by IAG Cargo Assistance dogs There is a specific procedure for guide dogs. verified 2026-07-20 Service & assistance animals Esa note emotional support dogs are NOT considered Therapy or emotional support dogs Therapy or emotional support dogs are NOT considered to be assistance dogs and are therefore subject to the same acceptance conditio verified 2026-07-14 Fee waived ✓ YesTo travel with your assistance dog free of charge on board any of our flights, you must: verified 2026-07-14 Recognized ✓ YesTherapy or emotional support dogs Therapy or emotional support dogs are NOT considered to be assistance dogs and are therefore subject to the same acceptance conditions as those for pets. verified 2026-07-14 Cabin allowed ✓ YesTo travel with your assistance dog free of charge on board any of our flights, you must: verified 2026-07-14 Esa recognized ✗ NoTherapy or emotional support dogs are NOT considered to be assistance dogs and are therefore subject to the same acceptance conditions as those for pets. verified 2026-07-14 Max pets per passenger 2 In these cases, we allow a maximum of two dogs per person. verified 2026-07-14 Advance notice hours 48 hours If you don't inform us at the time of purchase or booking, you must do so at least 48 hours before the departure of the flight so that we can confirm that everything is in order to travel with your dog. verified 2026-07-14 Documentation required ✓ YesFlights operated by Iberia for LEVEL LEVEL accepts pets and assistance dogs in the cabin, meaning they can fly with you provided they meet the requirements and you provide the necessary documentation verified 2026-07-14 Recognized organizations Assistance Dogs International International Guide Dog Federation If you are unable to present the documentation described in the previous point, you may choose one of these options : ID or certificate issued by the school that trained the dog , provided that this entity is a member… verified 2026-07-14 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted — via IAG Cargo
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedDogs, cats, ornamental fish, tortoises and birds (except poultry and birds of prey) may travel with you in the cabin if they do not exceed 8 kg in weight , including the pet carrier. verified 2026-07-14 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesBrachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats are not accepted for transport in the hold due to health risks related to stress and temperature e down comfortably. verified 2026-06-27 Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Chow Chow Bullmastiff Cane Corso Dogue de Bordeaux Brussels Griffon Affenpinscher Japanese Chin Shar Pei Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff anary Prey dog, Cane corso, Cavalier Spaniel, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Japanese Spaniel, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Mastiff, Miniature Pinscher,… verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking notice 4 hours trictions apply Freight and Document Cut Off Live Animals are required to be checked in 4 hours to departure* Arrival Collection Times Animal arr verified 2026-07-14 Advance booking required ✓ YesPreferably, you must inform us at least 48 hours before the departure of your flight that you are travelling with your assistance dog, unless you book last minute, through our Booking offices verified 2026-07-14 Booking method make your pet's online How to make your pet's online booking in 4 easy steps: Go to our Search flights , open the passenger drop-down menu and select "Pet in cabin" verified 2026-07-20 Banned destinations ✗ YesPet entry/exit regulations in the United Kingdom Pets are not allowed in the cabin (PETC) on flights to London-Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh Pet entry/exit regulations in the United Kingdom Pets are not allowed in… verified 2026-06-02 Embargoed routes Pet Pet entry/exit regulations in the United Kingdom Pets are not allowed in the cabin (PETC) on flights to London-Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh verified 2026-07-20 Advance notice hours 48 hours Reservations should be made through Iberia Booking Offices at least 48 hours in advance. verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per carrier 3 Three small, lightweight animals of the same species can be transported in a single carrier. verified 2026-07-14 Carrier size 45 × 35 × 25 cm The maximum carrier size is 45 cm (length) x 35 cm (width) x 25 cm (height), and the sum of these dimensions must not exceed 105 cm. verified 2026-07-14 Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg A maximum weight of 8 kg , including the carrier. verified 2026-07-14 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier The maximum carrier size is 45 cm (length) x 35 cm (width) x 25 cm (height), and the sum of these dimensions must not exceed 105 cm. verified 2026-07-14 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedThe Iberia Group (Iberia, Iberia Express and Iberia Regional Air Nostrum) allow cats and dogs to travel in the hold, with the exception of snub-nosed dogs and dangerous breeds . verified 2026-07-21 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesBrachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats are not accepted for transport in the hold due to health risks related to stress and temperature verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Chow Chow Bullmastiff Cane Corso Dogue de Bordeaux Brussels Griffon Affenpinscher Japanese Chin Shar Pei Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff anary Prey dog, Cane corso, Cavalier Spaniel, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Japanese Spaniel, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Mastiff, Miniature Pinscher,… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking notice 48 hours …for the Transport of pets . How do I request this service At any time Request your assistance at least 48 hours before your flight to avoid longer waiting times at the airport. verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesPreferably, you must inform us at least 48 hours before the departure of your flight that you are travelling with your assistance dog, unless you book last minute, through our Booking offices verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 45 kg …, submit the required documentation and meet the following conditions : The maximum weight allowed is 45 kg (pet + carrier) A maximum weight of 8 kg , including the ca verified 2026-06-22 Hold: Crate must have/be ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier In order for your pet to travel in the cabin, you must provide documentation and the conditions must be checked at the check-in desk . One of our members of staff will check them and fill out the official International… verified 2026-07-28 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedThe Iberia Group (Iberia, Iberia Express and Iberia Regional Air Nostrum) allow cats and dogs to travel in the hold, with the exception of snub-nosed dogs and dangerous breeds . verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesThe Iberia Group (Iberia, Iberia Express and Iberia Regional Air Nostrum) allow cats and dogs to travel in the hold, with the exception of snub-nosed dogs and dangerous breeds . verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff it Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Doberman, Argentine Dogo, Brazilian Mastiff, Tosa and Akita. Acceptance of other breeds will depend on their build, muscle, height… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking notice 48 hours Bookings must therefore be made at least 48 hours before the departure of the flight and you will need to tell us the breed of your dog or cat. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesBookings must therefore be made at least 48 hours before the departure of the flight and you will need to tell us the breed of your dog or cat. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Weather embargo None During the flight your pet will be stored in the aircraft's hold, where it will be safe and secure in a temperature-controlled environment. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 45 kg The maximum weight allowed is 45 kg (pet + carrier). verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Crate must have/be ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier It must not have any exterior or interior damage that could harm your pet and it must have adequate ventilation verified 2026-07-14 🐾 Hold/cargo pet transport on this airline is handled by IAG Cargo — book / learn more Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesCountries with restrictions on the entry of animals Argentina : You will need to show an animal health certificate to the authorities, issued by a licensed vet, stating that your pet is disease-free and has a rabies… verified 2026-07-14 Iberia requires cargo bookings for a dog at least 48 hours before departure. Reserve the hold spot two full days ahead, not at check-in. Use those 48 hours to declare the breed of the dog to Iberia, since the airline asks for it at booking. Miss the 48-hour window and the hold slot may not exist on the flight.
The Iberia Group excludes snub-nosed dogs and dangerous breeds from the hold. Confirm the dog's breed before selecting hold travel, because a brachycephalic breed will be refused there. Route a flat-faced dog into the cabin instead, within the weight limit. Check the breed restriction against Iberia, Iberia Express, and Iberia Regional Air Nostrum, since the exclusion covers the whole group.
Frequently asked
What is the cabin weight limit on Iberia? In the cabin, your pet plus its carrier must not exceed 8 kg. Heavier pets (up to 45 kg) travel in the hold. Can snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds fly Iberia? Snub-nosed breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats are not accepted in the hold. What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity? If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays. What happens if I forget a document? At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
So that's Iberia with a flat-faced dog: doable, but only if you nail the breed declaration and that cabin ceiling before you pay. Don't guess and hope. Build a personalized plan for your exact route and dog on Pawgo's plan-builder, and let it flag the snub-nosed rules and booking deadlines for you. Trust me — a plan beats a customs-window surprise every single time.
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.
