Aïsha · with Pixel (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, 7kg) “The science here is simpler than it sounds.” Meet all guides →
About this guide ↓
This guide was generated by Pawgo's AI using verified data from official sources. Aïsha is a fictional persona — the data is real.
Let's talk Kenya Airways, because the cabin question trips people up first. Dogs are not accepted in the cabin here, so your travel dog rides as cargo instead. The science here is simpler than it sounds: it means paperwork, a booking window, and the right crate. Pixel, my Cavalier, has done the cargo dance too, and it works when you prep early rather than the night before departure.
Kenya Airways'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 Kenya Airways handles your pet
Service dogs accepted in cabin only if certified and individually trained to assist person with disability (blind, mental/psychiatric disorder). Service dogs travel free, no kennel required if properly harnessed. On flights 8+ hours, documentation required that service dog will not need to relieve itself or owner must have items (nappies, medicine). Service dogs must sit at feet of passenger, not obstruct aisle, cannot occupy exit row seats. Advanced reservation required with PNR 'ESAN'. All other live animals rejected from cabin and hold; cargo only.
Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the to read the exact wording; the opens the source page.
Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate)150 kgverified 2026-07-20
Cargo: Crate must have/beIATA-compliant, live-animal labelverified 2026-07-20
Health & documents
Health certificate required✓ Yesverified 2026-07-20
Health certificate validity10 daysverified 2026-07-20
Health certificate · Validity days10 daysverified 2026-07-20
Kenya Airways requires cargo bookings to be made at least 48 hours before flight departure. Reserve the cargo space no later than two full days ahead of takeoff. Confirm the booking directly with the airline, not only through a travel agent. Missing the 48-hour cutoff can leave the dog without a confirmed cargo spot on the intended flight.
Frequently asked
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.
Kenya Airways handles dogs as cargo, and the details shift by route, crate size, and destination rules. Rather than guess, build a plan that fits your exact trip. Pawgo's plan-builder pulls the cargo booking window, health certificate timing, and entry requirements into one personalized plan you can actually follow. Enter your route, and let it map every step so nothing surprises you at check-in.
