Koda flies cargo, so a snub-nosed rule matters here. Korean Air accepts dogs in cabin, cargo, and hold, which sounds open until you hit the breed and crate details. Fourteen cargo trips taught me one thing: read the fine print before you book, not at the counter. This guide strips Korean Air down to what a big-dog cargo traveler actually needs to decide.
Korean Air'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 Korean Air handles your pet Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Minimum age 8 weeks Pets in the Cabin Korean Air allows dogs, cats, and pet birds that are at least 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin. verified 2026-08-27 Max pets per passenger 3 A total of three pets is allowed on the aircraft per passenger. verified 2026-06-15 Min age weeks 8 weeks Dogs, cats, and pet birds over eight weeks old verified 2026-05-31 Max per flight 3 A total of three pets can accompany each passenger per flight (one in the cabin and two as checked baggage). verified 2026-07-20 Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets allowed flown by Korean Air in the cabin Small dogs, cats and household birds. Pets must be odorless, clean, healthy, harmless and mannerly. Sedated or pregnant pets will not be permitted. verified 2026-07-10 Season restrictions June through September To ensure the safe transportation of pets, checked pet transport is restricted on Boeing 737 and Airbus A321 aircraft for all international flights and during the warm season (June through September) for domestic flights verified 2026-06-16 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets or pets with a strong odor verified 2026-06-15 Carrier size 32 × 32 × 19 cm Cabin (7 kg (15 lb) or less) Pet conditions 8 weeks or older Total weight of the pet and pet carrier must be 7 kg (15 lb) or less Pet carrier Up to 32 cm (12 verified 2026-08-29 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, ventilated, absorbent liner, live-animal label Cabin (7 kg (15 lb) or less) Pet conditions 8 weeks or older Total weight of the pet and pet carrier must be 7 kg (15 lb) or less Pet carrier Up to 32 cm (12 verified 2026-08-29 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedNumber of animals you can transport: You can transport one animal per passenger on-board and two in the cargo hold verified 2026-07-08 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesDuring the months of July through September, certain snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not permitted in the cargo compartment on domestic flights operated with narrow-body aircraft. verified 2026-08-14 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Chow Chow Cane Corso Dogue de Bordeaux Brussels Griffon Affenpinscher Japanese Chin Shar Pei Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff Pets that are restricted from traveling Transport restrictions Ferocious dogs as stated in the Enforcement Rule of the Animal Protection Act or pets with violent tendencies Pets that have been given drugs, such as… verified 2026-08-13 Hold: Minimum age 16 weeks 16 weeks of age or older if checked in the cargo hold verified 2026-08-27 Hold: Advance booking notice 48 hours …of accompanying pets After purchasing a flight ticket, please check if transportation is allowed at least 48 hours before for international flights and 24 hours before for domestic flights verified 2026-06-29 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ Yes=== [section 1] === How to request the Traveling with Pets service in advance The Traveling with Pets service is subject to prior reservation and approval verified 2026-07-07 Hold: Max pets per passenger 2 You can transport one animal per passenger on-board and two in the cargo hold. verified 2026-05-31 Hold: Cold-weather embargo -7°C …the outside of the carrier. Transporting your pet in temperatures above 29 degrees Celsius (84°F) or below -7 degrees Celsius (19°F) can adversely affect your pet’s health. verified 2026-08-09 Hold: Min age weeks 16 weeks 16 weeks of age or older if checked in the cargo hold verified 2026-05-31 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets that are restricted from traveling Transport restrictions Ferocious dogs as stated in the Enforcement Rule of the Animal Protection Act or pets with violent tendencies Pets that have been given drugs, such as… verified 2026-08-28 Hold: Season restrictions June through September To ensure the safe transportation of pets, checked pet transport is restricted on Boeing 737 and Airbus A321 aircraft for all international flights and during the warm season (June through September) for domestic flights verified 2026-06-16 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoSedated or pregnant pets will not be permitted. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Carrier size 115 cm For cabin travel, the carrier's height should not exceed 45" (115 cm), and for economy class, the height should be less than 8" (20 cm). verified 2026-08-13 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 45 kg Total weight of the pet and pet carrier must be 45 kg (99 lb) or less verified 2026-08-27 Hold: Crate must have/be IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier For cabin travel, the carrier's height should not exceed 45" (115 cm), and for economy class, the height should be less than 8" (20 cm). verified 2026-08-13 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedGo to top Contact For further details, please contact Cargo Marketing Team === [section 1] === Pets permitted on board Dogs, cats, and pet birds over eight weeks old 16 weeks of age or older if checked in the cargo hold… verified 2026-07-16 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesDuring the months of July through September, certain snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not permitted in the cargo compartment on domestic flights operated with narrow-body aircraft. verified 2026-08-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Chow Chow Cane Corso Dogue de Bordeaux Brussels Griffon Affenpinscher Japanese Chin Shar Pei Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff Pets that are restricted from traveling Transport restrictions Ferocious dogs as stated in the Enforcement Rule of the Animal Protection Act or pets with violent tendencies Pets that have been given drugs, such as… verified 2026-08-29 Cargo: Advance booking notice 48 hours …at least 24 hours prior to flight departure. For international flights, reservation must be made at least 48 hours prior to flight departure. verified 2026-08-03 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ Yes=== [section 1] === How to request the Traveling with Pets service in advance The Traveling with Pets service is subject to prior reservation and approval verified 2026-07-07 Cargo: Max pets per passenger 1 Number of animals you can transport: You can transport one animal per passenger on-board and two in the cargo hold Number of animals you can transport: You can transport one animal per passenger on-board and two in the… verified 2026-06-01 Cargo: Heat embargo 29°C …written in English and attached to the outside of the carrier. Transporting your pet in temperatures above 29 degrees Celsius (84°F) or below -7 degrees Celsius (19°F) can adversely affect your pet’s health. verified 2026-08-13 Cargo: Nursing allowed ✓ Yes(International Animal Transport and Quarantine Office Regulations) According to IATA LAR, the females in heat(oestrus), females with suckling young, unweaned animals (dogs/cats) and the animals under 3 months in age are… verified 2026-08-29 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets that have been given drugs, such as stabilizers or sleeping pills verified 2026-06-15 Cargo: Season restrictions June through September To ensure the safe transportation of pets, checked pet transport is restricted on Boeing 737 and Airbus A321 aircraft for all international flights and during the warm season (June through September) for domestic flights verified 2026-06-16 Cargo: Animals in heat accepted ✗ No(International Animal Transport and Quarantine Office Regulations) According to IATA LAR, the females in heat(oestrus), females with suckling young, unweaned animals (dogs/cats) and the animals under 3 months in age are… verified 2026-08-10 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets or pets with a strong odor verified 2026-06-15 Cargo: Carrier size 84 cm Sum of length x width x height 291 cm (114 in) or less (up to 84 cm (33 in) high) verified 2026-08-30 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 5 kg …Magazines, Periodicals, Books, Catalogues, Braille-Type Equipment and Talking Books for the Blind 50% of normal GCR shall apply to the above commodities and the minimum charge will be either the minimum… verified 2026-08-12 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Sum of length x width x height 291 cm (114 in) or less (up to 84 cm (33 in) high) verified 2026-08-30 Health & documents Health certificate validity 10 days A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, microchip, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) at least 30 days before… verified 2026-08-09 Health certificate required ✓ Yesto be considered before dispatch Necessary arrangements and check in advance A health certificate issued by the vetarinary authority of the exporting country confirming the anim verified 2026-08-29 Health certificate validity 30 days …the animal's microchip number and the result of the rabies antibody test The injection is to be taken 30 days prior to the planned dispatch so that the immune system is developed against th verified 2026-08-30 Microchip · Required ✓ YesJamaica, The United Kingdom Import of cats and dogs aged 90 days or older◎ A microchip implant and a rabies-neutralizing antibody test are mandatory for cats and dogs aged 90 days or older originating from countries… verified 2026-08-28 Quarantine · Type Quarantine station regulation of Destination) Required Documents Quarantine Certificate (Issued by Quarantine station, usually a local office is located near the airport) When applying for a Quarantine verified 2026-08-28 Quarantine · Required ✓ YesAcceptance Check Lists Quarantine Regulations of Arrival country Required Documents Adequacy of Cage or Pen (Size, Material) Forbidden Items by CITES (Co Restriction on transporting brachycephalic(snub-nosed) dogs and… verified 2026-06-04 Quarantine · Pre-approval required ✓ Yesdogs Travelers bringing five or more cats and/or dogs to Korea must submit an advance notification form to the Animal, Plant and Fisheries Quarantine and Inspection Agency (QIA) and obtain prior approval for the use of… verified 2026-08-16 Quarantine · Approved facility required ✓ Yesantine and Inspection Agency (QIA) and obtain prior approval for the use of an animal quarantine facility. ◎ Additionally required documentation Cats imported from Australia and cats verified 2026-08-16 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Required ✓ Yesed for your destination country (if Korea is your destination, the results of a rabies titer test is required). Pets that are restricted from traveling Transport restrictions Ferocious dogs as stated in the Enforcement… verified 2026-08-27 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Approved laboratory required ✓ YesThe rabies-neutralizing antibody test must be administered by an internationally approved laboratory or by the competent authority of the exporting country from 30 days to 24 months verified 2026-08-28 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Waiting period after test days 180 days antibody-related scores are recorded An elapsed time of between 180 days and 2 years after the blood test is required In the event that the period of 180 days has not passed at… verified 2026-08-28 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesFor pets traveling from a third country other than Andorra, Croatia, Ireland, Lichtenstein, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, or the Vatican A health certificate issued by a certified veterinarian is required (valid for… verified 2026-08-04 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ Yesd per product code Product code Remark AV 1 All other living animals, including dogs, birds, cats, etc AV 2 Livestock sold in units of position, including horses, cattle, pigs, etc. AV 3 Tropical fishes, corals,… verified 2026-08-28 Rabies vaccination · Waiting period after vaccination 180 days …lab and the required rabies antibody-related scores are recorded An elapsed time of between 180 days and 2 years after the blood test is required In the event that the period of 180 days has not passed at… verified 2026-08-28 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 16 weeks = [section 1] === Pets permitted on board Dogs, cats, and pet birds over eight weeks old 16 weeks of age or older if checked in the cargo hold Number of animals you can transport verified 2026-08-28 Health certificate valid within days · Health certificate valid within days 10 days A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, microchip, proof of rabies vaccination verified 2026-07-20 Other rules Minimum age 16 weeks They must be at least 16 weeks of age or older depending on the destination requirements. verified 2026-07-20 Dangerous breeds banned ✗ YesDog : 6 months or older (Purpose of commercial and personal pet) Cat : 6 months or older (Purpose of commercial) ※ Depending on the quarantine standards at the point of origin, pet cats have different age requirements… verified 2026-07-20 Breed restrictions apply ✗ YesFerocious dogs Tosa and its mixed breeds Pit Bull Terrier and its mixed breeds (including American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier) Rottweiler and its mixed… verified 2026-08-28 Assistance animals accepted ✓ YesApplication form : ◎ application form to import animals to the Republic of Korea (see appendix) - 4 - For more information on bringing cats and dogs to Korea, visit the Animal, Plant and Fisheries Quarantine and… verified 2026-08-08 Service & assistance animals Fee waived ✓ Yes=== [service animals] === Disability Assistance Disability AssistanceService animals Flying with your service dog free of charge Service dogs accompanied by visually-impaired or hearing-impaired passengers can travel… verified 2026-08-28 Recognized ✓ YesIf the required documentation is not provided at least 48 hours prior to departure, or if the documentation provided does not meet the requirements of the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities… verified 2026-07-21 Cabin allowed ✓ YesService dog pet policy All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. verified 2026-08-27 Forms required ✓ YesAfter requesting a service dog travel, complete and submit the two forms below to the email provided by the Korean Air Booking Center at least 48 hours verified 2026-08-16 Breed restrictions brachycephalic Restriction on transporting brachycephalic(snub-nosed) dogs and cats Brachycephalic(snub-nosed) dogs and cats, which are susceptible to breathing… verified 2026-08-29 Advance notice hours 2 hours nternational Air Transport Association recommends feeding your pet a light meal at least 2 hours before departure to keep them healthy, and generally no additional food is needed for another 12 verified 2026-08-30 Documentation required ✓ YesRelated: Selecting a pet carrier that is airline compliant Forms required Proof of microchip, rabies vaccination, permits, tests and health certificate required for your destination country must be pr Related:… verified 2026-07-20 In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Burmese British Shorthair Scottish Fold Pets that are restricted from traveling Transport restrictions Ferocious dogs as stated in the Enforcement Rule of the Animal Protection Act or pets with violent tendencies Pets that have been given drugs, such as… verified 2026-08-13 Minimum age 8 weeks Dogs, cats, and pet birds over eight weeks old verified 2026-08-27 Max pets per passenger 3 A total of three pets is allowed on the aircraft per passenger. verified 2026-06-15 Booking method counter Check in Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its carrier at least 30 minutes before normal check in times. verified 2026-07-20 Min age weeks 8 weeks Dogs, cats, and pet birds over eight weeks old verified 2026-05-31 Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets that have been given drugs, such as stabilizers or sleeping pills verified 2026-06-15 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets or pets with a strong odor verified 2026-06-15 Carrier size 45 × 19 cm …and pet carrier must be 7 kg (15 lb) or less Pet carrier Up to 32 cm (12.5 in) wide x 45 cm (17.5 in) deep x 19 cm (7.5 in) high (up to 19 cm high i Pets t verified 2026-08-27 Max weight (pet + crate) 7 kg Korean Air allows dogs, cats, and pet birds that are at least 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin. Each passenger may transport one pet, as long as the total weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 15 lbs (7 kg) verified 2026-08-26 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier …and pet carrier must be 7 kg (15 lb) or less Pet carrier Up to 32 cm (12.5 in) wide x 45 cm (17.5 in) deep x 19 cm (7.5 in) high (up to 19 cm high i Pets t verified 2026-08-27 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedNumber of animals you can transport: You can transport one animal per passenger on-board and two in the cargo hold verified 2026-07-08 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesDuring the months of July through September, certain snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not permitted in the cargo compartment on domestic flights operated with narrow-body aircraft. verified 2026-08-14 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Burmese British Shorthair Scottish Fold Pets that are restricted from traveling Transport restrictions Ferocious dogs as stated in the Enforcement Rule of the Animal Protection Act or pets with violent tendencies Pets that have been given drugs, such as… verified 2026-08-13 Hold: Minimum age 16 weeks Pets in Checked Baggage Pets transported as checked baggage must be at least 16 weeks old Pets in Checked Baggage Pets transported as checked baggage must be at least 16 weeks old verified 2026-07-10 Hold: Advance booking notice 24 hours At least 24 hours prior to the flight departure Check pet transportation request results If transportable You will receive a notification (KakaoTalk message, text message, or email). verified 2026-08-16 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesPet Reservations Once your ticket is purchased, you must request approval for pet transportation at least 48 hours before an international flight and 24 hours before a domestic flight. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Max pets per passenger 2 You can transport one animal per passenger on-board and two in the cargo hold. verified 2026-05-31 Hold: Cold-weather embargo -7°C Transporting your pet in temperatures above 29 degrees Celsius (84°F) or below -7 degrees Celsius (19°F) can adversely affect your pet’s health verified 2026-07-24 Hold: Min age weeks 16 weeks 16 weeks of age or older if checked in the cargo hold verified 2026-05-31 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoSedated or pregnant pets will not be permitted. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoSedated or pregnant pets will not be permitted. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Carrier size 84 cm For pets traveling as checked baggage, the carrier's maximum linear dimension is 114" (291 cm) with a height restriction of 33" (84 cm). verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 5 kg If your pet and carrier's combined weight is between 11 lbs (5 kg) and 70 lbs (32 kg), they qualify to travel as checked baggage. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Crate must have/be IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier For pets traveling as checked baggage, the carrier's maximum linear dimension is 114" (291 cm) with a height restriction of 33" (84 cm). verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedCats/Dogs are accepted for air transport only for KE ONLINE routes verified 2026-08-27 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesDuring the months of July through September, certain snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not permitted in the cargo compartment on domestic flights operated with narrow-body aircraft. verified 2026-08-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Burmese British Shorthair Scottish Fold Restriction on transporting brachycephalic(snub-nosed) dogs and cats Brachycephalic(snub-nosed) dogs and cats, which are susceptible to breathing difficulties or death during air flight due to their anatomical… verified 2026-08-29 Cargo: Minimum age 16 weeks === [section 1] === Pets permitted on board Dogs, cats, and pet birds over eight weeks old 16 weeks of age or older if checked in the cargo hold verified 2026-07-05 Cargo: Advance booking notice 48 hours For international flights, reservation must be made at least 48 hours prior to flight departure. verified 2026-08-02 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ Yes=== [section 1] === How to request the Traveling with Pets service in advance The Traveling with Pets service is subject to prior reservation and approval verified 2026-07-07 Cargo: Cold-weather embargo -7°C Transporting your pet in temperatures above 29 degrees Celsius (84°F) or below -7 degrees Celsius (19°F) can adversely affect your pet’s health verified 2026-06-24 Cargo: Nursing allowed ✗ No(International Animal Transport and Quarantine Office Regulations) According to IATA LAR, the females in heat(oestrus), females with suckling young, unweaned animals (dogs/cats) and the animals under 3 months in age are… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets that have been given drugs, such as stabilizers or sleeping pills verified 2026-06-15 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets or pets with a strong odor verified 2026-06-15 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 45 kg Cargo hold (45 kg (99 lb) or less) Pet conditions 16 weeks or older Total weight of the pet and pet carrier must be 45 kg… verified 2026-08-28 Cargo: Crate must have/be ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier We use the latest aircraft with temperature controls and ventilation systems to carry live animals safely and healthily all over the world. Type of Live Animals All live animals listed on the IATA Live Animal Regulation… verified 2026-08-27 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ Yesto be considered before dispatch Necessary arrangements and check in advance A health certificate issued by the vetarinary authority of the exporting country confirming the animal's microchip number and the result of… verified 2026-08-29 Health certificate validity 30 days …the animal's microchip number and the result of the rabies antibody test The injection is to be taken 30 days prior to the planned dispatch so that the immune system is developed against the verified 2026-08-28 Quarantine · Required ✓ YesAcceptance Check Lists Quarantine Regulations of Arrival country Required Documents Adequacy of Cage or Pen (Size, Material) Forbidden Items by CITES (Convention verified 2026-08-28 Health certificate validity 10 days A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, microchip, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) at least 30 days before… verified 2026-08-09 Health certificate · Validity days 84 days …requires that the dogs are vaccinated 28 days before traveling and it should be 3 months(12 weeks or 84 days) after their date of birth.) The proof of injection against rabies must be obta Restriction o verified 2026-08-27 Other rules Minimum age 16 weeks They must be at least 16 weeks of age or older depending on the destination requirements. verified 2026-07-20 Korean Air requires confirmation that transport is allowed at least 48 hours before an international flight. Contact the airline no later than 48 hours ahead to verify the pet booking on your route. For domestic segments, the window shrinks to 24 hours. Do not assume approval is automatic. Call, get the transport confirmed, and record who confirmed it before travel.
Snub-nosed breeds cannot travel in the Korean Air cargo hold. This ban includes mixed breeds crossing a snub-nosed breed with a non-snub-nosed breed, due to respiratory risk during flight. Confirm the dog's breed classification before booking cargo. A part-snub-nosed mix still falls under the ban. Choose an alternate carrier or cabin option if the breed qualifies as snub-nosed.
The Korean Air cabin pet fee is 224 USD for the 5 Day or Less Release Program. Direct airport release costs 165 USD instead. Confirm which release program applies to the destination before paying. Budget 224 USD when the shorter release program is required. Verify the fee at booking, because the release option determines which of the two amounts applies.
Korean Air can work for a big dog if the breed clears the snub-nosed rule and the 48-hour window is respected. Rules shift by route and destination, so do not lock a booking on general advice. Build your actual trip in Pawgo's plan-builder and get a personalized plan for your dog, your breed, and your exact departure. That plan is what saves you at the counter.
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.
