LAM Mozambique Pet Travel Policy

Flying with Your Pet on LAM Mozambique

I've been flying with Pixel, my 7kg Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, for years, and I see the same mistakes at my clinic every week. Pet owners arrive at the airport unprepared, missing documents, or with carriers that don't meet airline standards. Here's what you need to know about traveling with your dog or cat on LAM Mozambique (TM).

Can Your Pet Fly in the Cabin?

Yes, both dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin on LAM Mozambique. This is the best option for small pets — they stay with you, avoid cargo stress, and you can monitor them throughout the flight.

Here's what I tell my clients: cabin travel is only for pets under 8kg (pet + carrier combined). Pixel weighs 7kg, so with his soft-sided carrier (about 1kg), he just fits. If your pet is heavier, you'll need to consider cargo or checked baggage instead.

Cabin Carrier Requirements

The most common mistake I see is people buying the wrong carrier. LAM Mozambique follows industry standards, and your carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.

Cabin Carrier Dimensions & Specifications

• Maximum combined weight: 8 kg (pet + carrier)
• Maximum length: 45 cm (18 inches)
• Maximum width: 35 cm (11 inches)
• Maximum height: 25 cm (10 inches)
• Type required: Soft-sided carrier (hard-sided won't fit under the seat)
• Ventilation: Mesh sides required for airflow
• Interior: Absorbent mat or liner (required to manage accidents)

When I flew Pixel to Portugal last year, I used a soft-sided carrier with mesh panels. It compressed just enough to slide under the seat, and the absorbent pad inside saved us when he got nervous during takeoff.

Cargo & Checked Baggage Travel

If your pet is too large for cabin travel, LAM Mozambique allows both cargo and checked baggage transport. These are separate from your luggage and handled in the hold.

Cargo/Checked Baggage Carrier Requirements

• Type required: Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate (soft-sided not accepted)
• Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides
• Water bowl: Attached, fillable from outside the crate
• Interior: Absorbent mat or liner (required)
• Labeling: "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on all sides
• Minimum age: 10 weeks (fully weaned)

Temperature restrictions apply: LAM Mozambique will not transport pets in cargo if tarmac temperatures exceed 29.4°C (85°F) or drop below -6.7°C (20°F). In Mozambique's warm climate, this matters — check seasonal temperatures before booking.

Health Certificates & Documentation

This is non-negotiable. I've seen perfectly prepared pets turned away because the health certificate was dated wrong.

Health Certificate Checklist

• Required: Yes, for all pets (cabin, cargo, and checked baggage)
• Issued by: Licensed veterinarian
• Validity window: Must be issued within 10 days of departure
• Timing tip: Get it as close to your flight date as possible — don't do it 10 days early
• What it covers: Health status, vaccinations (especially rabies), and fitness to fly

Here's what I tell my clients: book your vet appointment 2 weeks before travel, then schedule the certificate for 3-5 days before departure. This gives you a buffer if anything needs follow-up, and the certificate stays valid.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds

LAM Mozambique restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. This applies to cabin, cargo, and checked baggage.

Restricted Breeds Include

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

If your breed is on this list, contact LAM Mozambique directly before booking. Some airlines make exceptions with additional vet documentation, but don't assume.

Important Restrictions & Rules

Do Not Sedate Your Pet

IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. Don't do it, even if you think it will help your pet stay calm.

Advance Booking Required

You cannot show up at the airport with a pet without prior arrangement. LAM Mozambique limits the number of pets per flight.

• Cabin: Book at least 24 hours in advance
• Cargo/Checked baggage: Pre-booking required (contact airline for specific timeline)
• Maximum per passenger: 1 pet carrier in cabin (some airlines allow 2 small pets in one carrier — verify with LAM)

Animals in Heat & Pregnant Pets

LAM Mozambique does not accept visibly pregnant animals for travel due to health risks. Animals in heat are also typically restricted. If either applies to your pet, contact the airline directly.

Minimum Age Requirements

• Cabin travel: 8 weeks minimum (fully weaned)
• Cargo/Checked baggage: 10 weeks minimum (fully weaned)

Fees & Booking

The data shows cabin pet fees are available, but we're still verifying the exact amount and currency with LAM Mozambique. Contact the airline directly for current pricing. Cargo and checked baggage fees are also not yet published — ask when you book.

Key Numbers at a Glance

What You Need to Do

Before You Book

• Check if your breed is on the brachycephalic restricted list
• Weigh your pet + proposed carrier to confirm it's under 8 kg (cabin) or appropriate for cargo
• Measure your carrier against LAM's dimensions
• Confirm your pet is at least 8 weeks old (cabin) or 10 weeks old (cargo/checked)
• Check if your pet is pregnant or in heat — contact LAM if yes
• Contact LAM Mozambique to book your pet and confirm current fees

2-3 Weeks Before Travel

• Schedule a vet appointment for health certificate
• Ensure all vaccinations (especially rabies) are current
• If traveling to a specific country, check that country's import requirements (some require additional permits)

3-5 Days Before Travel

• Get your health certificate issued (within 10-day window)
• Prepare your carrier: soft-sided for cabin, hard-sided IATA-compliant for cargo
• Add absorbent mat/liner inside
• For cargo: attach water bowl and "Live Animals" labels
• Practice: let your pet spend time in the carrier to reduce stress

Day of Travel

• Arrive early (check LAM's specific pet check-in time)
• Have health certificate ready at check-in
• Confirm your pet is in the carrier and secure
• For cabin: keep carrier under seat during flight
• Avoid feeding your pet 2-3 hours before flight (reduces nausea)

Practical Tips from My Experience

When I flew Pixel to Portugal, I learned a few things the hard way:

• Carrier comfort matters: Use a soft-sided cabin carrier with mesh panels so Pixel could see out. He was calmer knowing I was nearby.
• Absorbent pads are essential: Even calm pets can have accidents. The pad saved my carrier from damage.
• Get the health certificate early: My vet was booked solid the week before my flight. Don't wait.
• Double-check dimensions: I measured Pixel's carrier three times before booking. It fit, but barely.
• Contact the airline directly: Every airline has quirks. LAM's pet policy is clear, but call to confirm fees and any recent changes.

Still Have Questions?

We're still verifying some details with LAM Mozambique directly, including exact cabin pet fees, cargo booking procedures, and whether service dogs are exempt from carrier requirements. Contact LAM Mozambique at their official website or call ahead to confirm the latest policies.

For a comprehensive overview of pet travel costs, requirements, and international regulations, check out our pet travel documents checklist and pet travel costs guide. If you're flying with a brachycephalic breed, read our brachycephalic breed flying guide for additional safety information.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — it will generate a custom checklist based on your pet's breed, destination, and airline.

Data Accuracy Note

This guide is based on LAM Mozambique's official policies and industry-standard IATA Live Animals Regulations. Data was last verified in January 2025. Airlines update policies regularly, so always confirm directly with LAM Mozambique before booking. Pet travel rules vary significantly by destination country — if you're traveling internationally, check the import requirements for your destination as well.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 23, 2026