Kenya Airways Pet Travel Policy

Kenya Airways Pet Travel: What You Need to Know

I've been reviewing pet travel paperwork for years, and Kenya Airways' policies are straightforward once you understand them. The most common mistake I see is passengers assuming they can bring a pet without advance booking—you cannot. Here's exactly what Kenya Airways allows and what you need to do.

Can Your Pet Fly on Kenya Airways?

Kenya Airways accepts pets on most routes, but not in the cabin with you. Your pet travels either in cargo or checked baggage (if the airline offers this option). The only exception: certified service dogs for passengers with disabilities.

Here's what I tell my clients: if your pet is a regular companion animal (dog, cat, rabbit, bird), it will travel in the hold, not with you. This is standard across most African carriers. Plan accordingly.

Service Dogs (The Only Cabin Exception)

Certified service dogs only are allowed in the cabin, and they travel free.

• Must be individually trained to assist a person with a disability (blindness, mental/psychiatric disorder)
• Must be properly harnessed and sit at your feet—cannot obstruct the aisle or occupy exit row seats
• For flights 8+ hours: you must provide documentation that the dog will not need to relieve itself, or bring appropriate items (nappies, medication)
• Advance reservation required with PNR code 'ESAN'
• No kennel required if properly harnessed

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are not recognized as service dogs on Kenya Airways. Only task-trained service dogs are accepted in the cabin.

Cabin Travel for Regular Pets (Not Currently Allowed)

Kenya Airways does not permit regular dogs or cats in the cabin. All companion animals travel in cargo or checked baggage.

Cargo & Checked Baggage: The Standard Route

This is where your pet travels on Kenya Airways. The policies are similar for both cargo and checked baggage, with one key difference: cargo requires hard-sided IATA-compliant crates; checked baggage may have different specifications. Contact Kenya Airways to confirm which option is available for your route.

Minimum Age Requirements

• Cargo: 10 weeks old minimum
• Checked baggage: 10 weeks old minimum
• Your pet must be fully weaned

When I flew with Pixel (my 7kg Cavalier King Charles Spaniel), she was well past this age, but I've seen puppies rejected at check-in for being too young. Don't guess—verify your pet's age with your vet.

Temperature Restrictions (Critical)

Kenya Airways will refuse to transport your pet if temperatures exceed safe limits:

• Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) or higher at origin or destination
• Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) or lower

This is non-negotiable. If you're traveling during hot season in Kenya or to a cold climate, check the forecast before booking. Some airlines allow travel in colder conditions with a vet-issued acclimation certificate—ask Kenya Airways if this applies.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds Banned

Kenya Airways restricts snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. These breeds are not allowed in cargo or checked baggage:

• Bulldogs (all types: English, French, American)
• Pugs (all types)
• Boxers
• Boston Terriers
• Shih Tzus
• Pekingese
• Chow Chows
• Japanese Chins
• Lhasa Apsos
• Shar Peis
• Mastiffs (all types)
• Bull Terriers (all types)
• Staffordshire Bull Terriers
• American Pit Bull Terriers
• American Bullies (all breeds)
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• King Charles Spaniels
• English Toy Spaniels
• Affenpinschers
• Brussels Griffons
• Cane Corsos
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• Presa Canarios

Yes, Cavaliers like Pixel are on this list. I cannot fly her on Kenya Airways in cargo. If your breed is on this list, you'll need to explore alternative airlines or ground transport options.

Carrier & Crate Requirements

For Cargo Transport

• Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate required (soft-sided carriers not accepted)
• Ventilation openings on at least three sides (IATA LAR standard)
• Attached water bowl or trough (must be fillable from outside the crate)
• Absorbent mat or liner inside to manage accidents
• Live Animals labels required with orientation arrows on all sides

For Checked Baggage

• Attached water bowl or trough (fillable from outside)
• Adequate ventilation required
• Absorbent mat or liner inside
• Live Animals labels required with orientation arrows

The most common mistake I see is passengers buying a soft-sided carrier thinking it will work for cargo. It won't. IATA-compliant hard-sided crates are non-negotiable for cargo transport. Budget 150–400 USD for a proper crate depending on your pet's size.

Health Certificate & Documentation

You must have a vet-issued health certificate. This is checked at the airport, and without it, your pet will not be allowed to fly.

• Issued within 10 days of departure (some destinations require 7 days—verify with Kenya Airways)
• Get it as close to your departure date as possible
• Certificate must confirm your pet is fit to fly and free from infectious diseases
• Required for both cargo and checked baggage

Here's what I tell my clients: schedule your health certificate appointment 2 weeks before travel. This gives you a buffer if your vet finds any issues and time to reschedule if needed.

Sedation: Not Allowed

Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide, including Kenya Airways.

If your vet or the airline suggests sedation, get a second opinion. It's a safety risk.

Pregnant & Animals in Heat

• Visibly pregnant animals: Not accepted due to health risks during flight
• Animals in heat: We're still verifying this—contact Kenya Airways directly

If your pet is pregnant, confirm directly with Kenya Airways before booking. Don't assume they'll make an exception.

Advance Booking: Mandatory

You cannot show up at the airport with a pet without prior arrangement. Kenya Airways limits the number of pets per flight, so advance booking is required.

• Contact Kenya Airways at least 2–4 weeks before travel
• Confirm availability on your specific flight
• Provide pet details: species, breed, age, weight
• Arrange payment for pet transport fees (we're still verifying exact fees—contact the airline)

Key Numbers at a Glance

What You Need to Do

Before You Book

• Check if your pet's breed is on the brachycephalic restricted list
• Verify your pet is at least 10 weeks old
• Check weather forecasts—avoid travel if temperatures exceed 29.4°C at origin or destination
• Confirm your pet is not visibly pregnant

2–4 Weeks Before Travel

• Contact Kenya Airways to book your pet on your flight
• Confirm pet transport fees and payment method
• Ask which option is available: cargo or checked baggage
• Schedule a vet appointment for health certificate (2 weeks out)

1–2 Weeks Before Travel

• Purchase or confirm you have an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate (for cargo)
• Add absorbent mat/liner to the crate
• Ensure water bowl is attached and functional
• Order Live Animals labels if not included with crate
• Visit your vet for health certificate (within 10 days of departure)

At the Airport

• Arrive early—pet check-in may take extra time
• Have health certificate ready
• Confirm crate meets all requirements before handing over your pet
• Get a receipt and tracking information

Still Have Questions?

Kenya Airways' pet policies are clear, but specific details like exact fees, available routes, and checked baggage specifications vary. Contact Kenya Airways directly before booking:

• Visit their pet carriage page at kenya-airways.com
• Call their customer service team
• Ask about your specific route and pet type

For more guidance on pet travel, see our pet travel documents checklist, brachycephalic breed flying guide, and complete dog travel guide.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to ensure you haven't missed anything.

Data auto-verified from official Kenya Airways sources. Last updated: April 9, 2026. Policies subject to change—always confirm directly with the airline before booking.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 09, 2026