Flying with Your Pet on JetSMART: What You Need to Know

I've flown with Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever, three times internationally, and I learned the hard way that every airline has different rules. JetSMART does allow pets to travel with you—both in the cabin and as cargo—but the requirements are specific and non-negotiable. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to do before you book.

Can Your Pet Fly on JetSMART?

Dogs: Yes, dogs are allowed in the cabin on JetSMART. However, your dog must be at least 13 weeks old and meet strict carrier and weight requirements.

Cats: Yes, cats are allowed in the cabin. Kittens must be at least 8 weeks old.

Cargo/Checked Baggage: Both dogs and cats can travel as cargo or checked baggage, but this is optional—not all pets are suitable for this method. Minimum age is 10 weeks for both species.

Service Dogs: We're still verifying JetSMART's specific service dog policy—contact JetSMART directly to confirm exemptions and documentation requirements.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin Carrier Dimensions (Dogs): 38cm L × 35cm W × 22cm H maximum
  • Cabin Carrier Dimensions (Cats): ~46cm L × 28cm W × 28cm H (industry standard)
  • Maximum Combined Weight (Cabin): 10kg (pet + carrier together)
  • Minimum Age (Cabin): Dogs 13 weeks; Cats 8 weeks
  • Minimum Age (Cargo/Checked): 10 weeks for both
  • Health Certificate Validity: 10 days before departure
  • Heat Embargo Threshold: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold Embargo Threshold: -6.7°C (20°F)

Cabin Travel: The Right Carrier Matters

When I flew Cooper to Spain, I made the mistake of buying a hard-sided carrier. JetSMART requires soft-sided carriers for cabin travel—they need to fit under the seat in front of you, and hard cases won't compress.

For Dogs: Your carrier must not exceed 38cm long, 35cm wide, or 22cm high. Combined weight (dog + carrier) cannot exceed 10kg. This is tight for larger breeds like mine, which is why cargo was my only option with Cooper.

For Cats: Carriers follow the industry standard of approximately 46cm long, 28cm wide, and 28cm high. Combined weight limit is also 10kg.

Essential carrier features:

  • Soft-sided material (collapsible)
  • Mesh ventilation on multiple sides
  • Absorbent liner or mat inside (required by JetSMART)
  • Secure closures that won't pop open during turbulence

Pro tip: Test your carrier at home before the flight. Your pet should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If they can't, the airline will refuse boarding.

Breed Restrictions: Check Your Dog's Breed

JetSMART restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds in both cabin and cargo due to respiratory risks during flight. This includes:

  • Bulldogs (all types: English, French, American)
  • Pugs (all types)
  • Boxers
  • Boston Terriers
  • Shih Tzus
  • Pekingese
  • Chow Chows
  • Mastiffs (all types)
  • Pit Bulls and related breeds (American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier)
  • Japanese Chin
  • Shar Pei
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Brussels Griffon
  • Cane Corso
  • Dogue de Bordeaux
  • Presa Canario
  • American Bully (all breeds)

If your dog is on this list, they cannot fly on JetSMART. No exceptions. I recommend confirming your breed directly with JetSMART before booking—some mixed breeds or lesser-known varieties may have ambiguous classifications.

Cargo and Checked Baggage: For Larger Pets

This is where Cooper traveled. Cargo is the only option for dogs over 10kg or those that don't fit cabin dimensions.

Cargo Requirements:

  • Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate only (soft carriers are not accepted)
  • Attached water bowl that can be filled from outside the crate
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides per IATA standards
  • Absorbent liner inside to manage accidents
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the crate
  • Minimum age: 10 weeks

Temperature matters: JetSMART will not accept pets for cargo if tarmac temperatures exceed 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination, or drop below -6.7°C (20°F). Summer flights to hot destinations and winter flights to cold regions may be embargoed. If your destination is borderline, ask your vet about an acclimation certificate—this may allow travel in slightly cooler conditions.

When I booked Cooper's cargo flight, I learned that the crate had to be purchased weeks in advance. IATA-compliant crates are not cheap, and they're specific to your pet's size. Measure your dog carefully and allow extra space for movement.

Health Certificates: Non-Negotiable

This is the document that will make or break your trip. You must have a vet-issued health certificate, and it must be dated within 10 days of your departure. Some destinations require 7 days, so don't wait.

What the certificate must include:

  • Your pet's name, age, breed, and microchip number
  • Vaccination records (especially rabies)
  • Vet's signature and clinic stamp
  • Confirmation that your pet is fit to fly

I made the mistake of getting Cooper's certificate 12 days before departure on my first trip. The airline accepted it, but I was stressed. Now I schedule my vet appointment 8 days before departure to be safe.

Important: Even if JetSMART's website doesn't explicitly mention health certificates, they will be checked at the airport. Don't risk being denied boarding at check-in.

Pre-Booking is Mandatory

You cannot show up at the airport with a pet and expect to fly. JetSMART limits the number of pets per flight, and you must book your pet in advance—typically when you purchase your ticket or shortly after.

Maximum pets per passenger: 1 pet carrier in the cabin (industry standard). If you're traveling with multiple pets, contact JetSMART to discuss options.

When I booked Cooper's cargo flight, I had to call the airline directly. Online booking didn't have a pet option for cargo. Allow extra time for this process—don't assume it's automated.

Important Restrictions

Sedation is prohibited. IATA regulations forbid sedating pets during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. Even if your vet suggests it, do not sedate your pet unless explicitly instructed by both your vet and JetSMART in writing.

Pregnant animals are not accepted. If your pet is visibly pregnant, JetSMART will refuse to transport them due to health risks during flight.

Animals in heat: We're still verifying JetSMART's policy on this—contact them directly.

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

8-10 Weeks Before Departure

  • Confirm your pet's breed is not restricted on JetSMART
  • If traveling by cargo, purchase an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate
  • If traveling by cabin, purchase a soft-sided carrier that meets JetSMART's dimensions
  • Acclimate your pet to the carrier at home

4-6 Weeks Before Departure

  • Contact JetSMART to pre-book your pet (don't assume online booking covers this)
  • Confirm all carrier requirements and fees
  • Check weather forecasts for your destination—watch for heat/cold embargoes

2 Weeks Before Departure

  • Schedule a vet appointment for the health certificate
  • Ensure your pet's vaccinations (especially rabies) are current
  • Confirm your pet's microchip is registered and functional

8 Days Before Departure

  • Visit your vet and obtain the health certificate
  • Make copies (keep one for your records)
  • Verify the certificate is dated within 10 days of departure

3-5 Days Before Departure

  • Prepare the carrier with absorbent liners
  • For cargo: ensure water bowl is attached and functional
  • For cargo: apply "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows
  • Pack familiar items (blanket, toy) to reduce stress
  • Exercise your pet thoroughly the day before travel

Day of Departure

  • Arrive at the airport early (check-in times for pets are often longer)
  • Have health certificate, booking confirmation, and ID ready
  • For cabin: keep your pet calm and hydrated before boarding
  • For cargo: say goodbye calmly—pets sense anxiety

Temperature Embargoes: Plan Around the Weather

JetSMART will not transport pets if tarmac temperatures are too extreme. This caught me off guard when I tried to book Cooper's flight to Buenos Aires in January (summer in the Southern Hemisphere). The heat embargo kicked in, and I had to reschedule.

Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) or above at origin or destination

Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) or below at origin or destination

Check the weather forecast for your destination airport at least 2 weeks out. If temperatures are borderline, ask your vet about an acclimation certificate—this may allow travel in slightly cooler conditions for cargo pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with my pet in the cabin if they're over 10kg? No. The 10kg combined weight limit (pet + carrier) is strict. Larger pets must travel as cargo.

What if my pet doesn't fit the carrier dimensions? They cannot fly on JetSMART. Measure carefully before purchasing a carrier.

Do I need an import permit for my destination country? We're still verifying JetSMART's specific requirements—contact them directly. However, some countries (like Australia and New Zealand) require import permits regardless of airline. Check your destination's regulations.

What if my flight is cancelled? We're still verifying JetSMART's pet rebooking policy—contact them directly.

Can I bring a pet on a connecting flight? This depends on your itinerary and whether you're collecting your pet between flights. Contact JetSMART directly.

Final Tips from My Experience

Flying with a pet is stressful, but it's manageable with planning. Here's what I wish I'd known before my first trip with Cooper:

  • Call the airline early. Don't rely on websites. Pet policies have nuances that aren't always listed online.
  • Get the health certificate as close to departure as possible. A 10-day window is tight, and you don't want to waste validity.
  • Invest in a quality carrier. A cheap carrier will fall apart or fail inspection. It's worth the money.
  • Acclimate your pet to the carrier weeks in advance. A stressed pet is harder to manage at the airport.
  • Avoid peak travel times. Fewer pets per flight means less chaos and better care for your animal.

For more detailed guidance, check out our flying with a dog guide, documents checklist, and brachycephalic breed guide.

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Data auto-verified from official JetSMART sources. Last updated: January 2025. Always confirm directly with JetSMART before booking, as policies may change.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 30, 2026