Can You Fly with Pets on Malaysia Airlines?

Yes, Malaysia Airlines allows dogs and cats to travel with you. You have three options: in the cabin with you, in checked baggage (hold), or as cargo. Each option has different rules, costs, and requirements, so it's important to understand which works best for your pet and your journey.

This guide covers everything you need to know based on Malaysia Airlines' official policies, including carrier specifications, health documentation, breed restrictions, and booking procedures.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 40cm (L) × 25cm (W) × 20cm (H)
  • Cabin carrier weight limit: 7 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Cabin pet fee: Approximately USD 100–150 one-way (varies by route)
  • Minimum age for cabin travel: 16 weeks
  • Minimum age for checked baggage: 10 weeks
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Advance booking required: 7 days (168 hours) before departure
  • Heat embargo threshold: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo threshold: −6.7°C (20°F)
  • Maximum pets per passenger (cabin): 1 pet

Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet in the Cabin

This is the most comfortable option for your pet. Your dog or cat travels in the cabin with you, rather than in the hold.

Who Can Travel in the Cabin?

  • Dogs and cats only
  • Minimum age: 16 weeks old
  • Maximum one pet per passenger
  • Breed restrictions apply: Bulldogs and Pugs are banned. If you have a brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed, check with Malaysia Airlines before booking—respiratory breeds face restrictions due to health risks during flight.
  • Pregnant animals are not accepted
  • Your pet must be in good health (see health certificate requirements below)

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel

Your pet's carrier must meet these exact specifications:

  • Maximum dimensions: 40 cm long × 25 cm wide × 20 cm high
  • Maximum combined weight: 7 kg (pet + carrier together)
  • Type: Soft-sided carriers are preferred and fit under the seat
  • Ventilation: Mesh sides or adequate ventilation openings required
  • Interior: Absorbent mat or liner to manage accidents

Measure your carrier carefully before booking. If your pet or carrier exceeds these limits, cabin travel is not an option—you'll need to consider checked baggage or cargo instead.

Cabin Travel Costs

Expect to pay approximately USD 100–150 one-way, depending on your route. Confirm the exact fee when you book, as prices vary by destination.

Cabin Travel Booking

You must book your pet at least 7 days (168 hours) in advance. Do not assume you can add your pet at the airport—advance booking is mandatory. Contact Malaysia Airlines directly to arrange cabin pet travel.

Checked Baggage Travel: Pet in the Hold

If your pet is too large for the cabin or you prefer this option, checked baggage travel places your pet in a pressurized, temperature-controlled hold.

Who Can Travel in Checked Baggage?

  • Dogs and cats only
  • Minimum age: 10 weeks old (must be fully weaned)
  • Brachycephalic breeds face restrictions—check with the airline
  • Pregnant animals are not accepted

Carrier Requirements for Checked Baggage

Checked baggage carriers must be more robust than cabin carriers:

  • Type: Hard-sided or soft-sided crate (specific dimensions not published—contact the airline)
  • Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides (IATA standard)
  • Water bowl: Attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside
  • Absorbent liner: Required to manage accidents
  • Labeling: "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the crate

Temperature Restrictions (Embargoes)

Malaysia Airlines will not accept pets in checked baggage if temperatures are extreme:

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

If your destination is experiencing extreme heat or cold, your pet may be refused travel. Plan accordingly, especially for summer or winter travel to tropical or arctic regions.

Checked Baggage Booking

Advance booking is required. Contact Malaysia Airlines to arrange checked baggage pet travel and confirm availability.

Cargo Travel: Shipping Your Pet

For larger pets or long-distance relocations, cargo is an option. Your pet travels as cargo, not with passenger luggage.

Who Can Travel as Cargo?

  • Dogs and cats only
  • Minimum age: 16 weeks old
  • Brachycephalic breeds are banned
  • Pregnant animals are not accepted

Carrier Requirements for Cargo

Cargo carriers must meet strict IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR):

  • Type: Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate only (soft-sided not accepted)
  • Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides
  • Water bowl: Attached water bowl or trough
  • Absorbent liner: Required
  • Labeling: "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows
  • IATA compliance: Crate must meet all IATA LAR specifications

Temperature Restrictions for Cargo

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) or higher
  • Cold embargo: −6.7°C (20°F) or lower

If your destination is experiencing extreme temperatures, cargo shipment may be delayed or refused.

Cargo Travel Costs

Cargo fees vary significantly by weight and destination, typically ranging from USD 200–500+. Request a quote from Malaysia Airlines based on your pet's weight and destination.

Cargo Booking

Advance booking is required. Contact Malaysia Airlines cargo services to arrange pet shipment.

Health Documentation: The Non-Negotiable Requirement

All pets traveling on Malaysia Airlines—whether in cabin, checked baggage, or cargo—require a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian.

Health Certificate Rules

  • Validity: Must be issued within 10 days of your departure date
  • Timing: Get it as close to your travel date as possible
  • Content: The certificate must confirm your pet is healthy and fit to fly
  • Microchip: Your pet should have a microchip and valid pet passport where applicable
  • Vaccinations: Rabies vaccination is recommended

Do not skip this step. You will be denied boarding without a valid health certificate, even if you've booked your pet in advance.

Important Restrictions & Rules

Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breeds

Malaysia Airlines has specific restrictions on flat-faced breeds due to respiratory risks during flight:

  • Cabin: Bulldogs and Pugs are banned
  • Checked baggage & cargo: Brachycephalic breeds face restrictions (specific list not published)

If you have a Persian cat, Bulldog, Pug, or similar breed, contact Malaysia Airlines directly before booking. For more information, see our brachycephalic breed flying guide.

Sedation is Prohibited

Do not sedate your pet before flying. IATA Live Animals Regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. Only sedate your pet if explicitly instructed by both your veterinarian and Malaysia Airlines.

Pregnant Animals

Visibly pregnant animals are not accepted for travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, contact Malaysia Airlines to discuss your options.

What You Need to Do: Step-by-Step Checklist

  • ☐ Confirm your pet is eligible: Check age, breed, and health status against the requirements above
  • ☐ Choose your travel method: Cabin, checked baggage, or cargo
  • ☐ Get a health certificate: Visit your vet within 10 days of departure
  • ☐ Measure and prepare your carrier: Ensure it meets Malaysia Airlines' dimensions and includes ventilation and absorbent liner
  • ☐ Book your pet in advance: Contact Malaysia Airlines at least 7 days before departure
  • ☐ Confirm the fee: Ask for the exact cost based on your route
  • ☐ Check destination regulations: Some countries have import requirements (microchip, passport, vaccinations)
  • ☐ Arrive early at the airport: Allow extra time for pet check-in procedures
  • ☐ Bring all documentation: Health certificate, booking confirmation, and any import permits

Destination-Specific Considerations

Malaysia Airlines flies to many countries, each with different pet import rules. Before booking, research the requirements for your destination country. Some countries require import permits, quarantine periods, or additional vaccinations. Check with your destination's agricultural or customs authority.

Comparing Travel Options

If you're unsure which option is best, consider:

  • Cabin: Best for small pets under 7 kg. Your pet stays with you. Higher cost per weight. Requires 16-week minimum age.
  • Checked baggage: For larger pets. Pressurized hold. Allows 10-week minimum age. Subject to temperature embargoes.
  • Cargo: For very large pets or relocations. Most expensive. Requires IATA-compliant hard crate. Subject to temperature embargoes.

For detailed cost comparisons, see our pet travel costs guide.

General Requirements & Tips

  • Your pet must have a microchip and valid pet passport where applicable
  • Rabies vaccination is recommended and often required by destination countries
  • Soft-sided carriers for cabin travel fit under the seat and are easier to transport
  • Absorbent liners are essential—accidents happen during flight stress
  • Book early: pet spaces are limited per flight
  • Avoid peak travel seasons if possible—more flights mean more options

Contact Malaysia Airlines

For specific questions about your pet's travel, contact Malaysia Airlines directly. Policy details not covered in this guide (such as specific routes, exact fees, or special circumstances) should be confirmed with the airline before booking.

Need personalized help? Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to ensure you've covered all requirements for your specific pet and destination.

Data Accuracy Note

This guide is based on Malaysia Airlines' official pet policy data, last verified on April 10, 2026. Policies can change, and destination country regulations vary. Always confirm current requirements directly with Malaysia Airlines and your destination country's authorities before traveling. For additional resources, see our pet travel documents checklist and flying with a dog guide.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 10, 2026