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Can You Fly with Pets on KLM?
Yes. KLM allows dogs and cats to travel with you on flights, either in the cabin with you or in checked baggage (hold). Service animals have separate rules and generally travel free. However, not all aircraft allow pets in the hold — this is a critical restriction you need to know before booking.
Pets cannot travel in the hold on Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-10, Airbus A321neo aircraft, or German Airways flights. Additionally, pets cannot travel in the hold on KLC flights longer than 2 hours. If you're flying to the United Kingdom, there's a government embargo: pets cannot travel as passenger baggage (cabin or hold), though there are no restrictions departing the UK.
Key Numbers at a Glance
- Cabin pet fee: EUR 70–500 per one-way flight (varies by route)
- Checked baggage pet fee: EUR 70–500 per one-way flight (varies by route)
- Cabin carrier max dimensions: 46cm L × 28cm W × 24cm H
- Cabin carrier max weight: 8kg (pet + carrier combined)
- Checked baggage carrier max dimensions: 122cm L × 81cm W × 89cm H
- Checked baggage carrier max weight: 75kg (pet + carrier combined)
- Minimum pet age: 15 weeks (cabin & checked baggage); 10 weeks (cargo)
- Advance booking required: At least 48 hours before departure
- Cabin pets per passenger: 1 maximum
- Checked baggage pets per passenger: Up to 3
- Health certificate validity: 10 days from issue date
Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet in the Cabin
If your pet is small enough, you can keep them with you in the cabin. This is often the least stressful option for both you and your pet.
Size and Carrier Requirements
Your pet and carrier combined must not exceed 8kg. The carrier itself must fit under the seat in front of you, with maximum dimensions of 46cm long × 28cm wide × 24cm high.
KLM prefers soft-sided carriers for cabin travel — they compress slightly and fit more easily under seats. Your carrier must have adequate ventilation (mesh sides are standard) and an absorbent liner or mat inside to manage any accidents during the flight.
Breed Restrictions for Cabin Travel
KLM restricts certain brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds in the cabin due to breathing difficulties at altitude. Restricted dog breeds include: Affenpinscher, American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all types), Brussels Griffon, Bull Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all types), Pekingese, Pug (all types), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Tibetan Spaniel.
Restricted cat breeds include: British Shorthair, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, and Scottish Fold.
If your pet is a restricted breed, you may still be able to travel in checked baggage or cargo — see those sections below. Always confirm with KLM before booking.
Age Requirements
Your pet must be at least 15 weeks old to travel in the cabin. Younger animals are not permitted.
Health and Documentation
You must provide a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of your departure date. This certificate confirms your pet is fit to fly. Get it as close to your travel date as possible — some destinations may require it within 7 days, so don't wait.
If you're traveling to the United States, your dog must be microchipped as of 1 August 2024. Check destination-specific requirements well in advance.
Booking and Fees
You must book your pet at least 48 hours before departure. You can only bring one pet per passenger in the cabin. Fees range from EUR 70 to EUR 500 per one-way flight depending on your departure airport and destination.
Important Restrictions
Do not sedate your pet. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel — a sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide.
Pregnant animals are not accepted for cabin travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is visibly pregnant, contact KLM directly to discuss alternatives.
Checked Baggage (Hold) Travel
If your pet is too large for the cabin or is a restricted breed, checked baggage travel may be an option — but only on certain aircraft. Remember: pets cannot travel in the hold on Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-10, Airbus A321neo, German Airways flights, or KLC flights longer than 2 hours.
Carrier Requirements
Your carrier must be larger and more robust than a cabin carrier. Maximum dimensions are 122cm long × 81cm wide × 89cm high, with a maximum combined weight (pet + carrier) of 75kg.
The carrier must have:
- Adequate ventilation on at least three sides (per IATA standards)
- An attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
- An absorbent mat or liner inside to manage accidents
- "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows clearly displayed on the crate
Breed Restrictions for Checked Baggage
Brachycephalic breeds are banned from checked baggage on KLM. Restricted breeds include: Affenpinscher, American Bully, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all types), Bull Mastiff, Cane Corso, Chow Chow, Great Dane, Japanese Spaniel, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all types), Neapolitan Mastiff, Pekingese, Pug (all types), Shih Tzu, Shar Pei, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Tibetan Spaniel.
For cats, restricted breeds are: Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, and Persian.
Age, Health, and Booking
Your pet must be at least 15 weeks old. A health certificate issued within 10 days of departure is required. You must book at least 48 hours in advance.
You can check up to 3 pets per passenger in the hold. Fees range from EUR 70 to EUR 500 per one-way flight depending on route.
Temperature Embargoes
KLM will not accept pets in checked baggage if tarmac temperatures exceed 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination, or fall below -6.7°C (20°F). If you have a vet-issued acclimation certificate, travel in colder conditions may be possible — contact KLM directly.
Cargo Travel (Limited Availability)
Cargo travel is available but with significant restrictions. Brachycephalic breeds are banned from cargo. Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old.
Cargo carriers must be hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates only — soft-sided carriers are not accepted. The crate must have ventilation on at least three sides, an attached water bowl, absorbent lining, and "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows.
The same temperature embargoes apply: no travel above 29.4°C or below -6.7°C (unless you have a vet acclimation certificate). A health certificate issued within 10 days of departure is required. Advance booking is essential.
Specific fees, weight limits, and booking procedures for cargo are not publicly listed — contact KLM's cargo department directly for a quote.
Service Animals and Assistance Dogs
Service animals have a separate policy and generally travel free. Your service animal must wear clearly visible identification such as a vest or harness. If you're traveling to the United States, your service dog must be microchipped as of 1 August 2024.
Documentation is required — contact KLM in advance to confirm what you need to provide.
Special Circumstances
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
If you're traveling through Shanghai Pudong, your pet must remain in its carrier and will undergo X-ray screening. Prepare for this additional step.
Snub-Nosed Pets
Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) pets can travel in the cabin or as cargo but not in the hold due to breathing difficulties. If you have a flat-faced pet, cabin or cargo are your only options.
What You Need to Do
- Check aircraft type: Confirm your flight isn't a Boeing 787-9, 787-10, Airbus A321neo, or German Airways flight if you plan hold travel. Check KLC flight duration if applicable.
- Verify destination rules: Check if your destination (especially the UK) has pet import restrictions.
- Book your pet: Contact KLM at least 48 hours before departure to reserve your pet's spot.
- Get a health certificate: Visit your vet within 10 days of departure (closer is better) and obtain a signed health certificate.
- Microchip if traveling to the US: If your dog is heading to the United States, ensure it's microchipped.
- Prepare the right carrier: For cabin, use a soft-sided carrier (46×28×24cm max, 8kg max). For checked baggage, use a hard or soft carrier (122×81×89cm max, 75kg max) with water bowl, ventilation, absorbent liner, and "Live Animals" labels.
- Avoid sedation: Do not sedate your pet — it's prohibited by IATA.
- Check breed restrictions: If your pet is a brachycephalic breed, confirm with KLM which travel options are available.
- Plan for temperature: If traveling in extreme heat or cold, check embargoes and consider alternative dates or contact KLM about acclimation certificates.
Cost Considerations
Pet travel on KLM costs EUR 70–500 per one-way flight depending on your departure airport and destination. This is in addition to your own ticket. See our full pet travel cost guide for budgeting across multiple airlines.
Need Help Planning?
Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll help you navigate KLM's rules, find the best travel option for your pet, and prepare all required documents.
Data auto-verified from official KLM sources as of 10 April 2026. Pet policies change — always confirm directly with KLM before booking.
Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 23, 2026