Nepal Airlines Pet Travel Policy

Flying with Pets on Nepal Airlines: What You Need to Know

OK hear me out — taking your furry adventure buddy on an international flight is totally doable, but you need to know the rules first. I learned this the hard way when I tried to book Nala (my 22kg Australian Shepherd) on a flight without checking the fine print. Nepal Airlines has specific policies for dogs and cats, and they're not the same across all travel modes. Let me break down exactly what you're working with.

Cabin Travel: The Reality Check

Here's the thing: Nepal Airlines does not allow pets in the cabin. I know, it's disappointing. But before you panic, there are other options. The airline does accept pets as excess baggage on their A330 aircraft, which means your pet travels in the hold (pressurized and temperature-controlled, just like cargo). This is actually safer than you might think — it's the same environment as cargo pets experience.

Since cabin travel isn't available, you'll need to decide between checked baggage or cargo. Both options require advance booking, so don't show up at the airport hoping for the best.

Checked Baggage vs. Cargo: Which Route for Your Pet?

Checked baggage is available for both dogs and cats on Nepal Airlines. This is your most straightforward option if you're traveling with your pet. You'll need to book at least 24 hours in advance for dogs (we're still verifying the exact timeline for cats — contact Nepal Airlines directly).

Cargo is also accepted for both species. Cargo travel is typically used for larger animals or when you're not traveling with your pet yourself. Both options require the same health documentation and carrier standards.

Carrier Requirements: Get This Right

Your pet's carrier is non-negotiable. Here are the exact specs:

• For checked baggage or cargo: Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate only (soft-sided carriers won't work)
• Ventilation: Must have openings on at least three sides per IATA Live Animals Regulations
• Water bowl: An attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate (this is critical — staff need to hydrate your pet during transit)
• Absorbent liner: A mat or liner inside to handle accidents during travel
• Live Animals labels: Required on all sides with orientation arrows showing which way is up

Trust me on this one — I've seen pets denied boarding because their crate didn't meet specs. Get an IATA-certified crate. It's not optional.

Age Requirements: Your Pet Must Be Old Enough

Your pet needs to be at least 10 weeks old for checked baggage or cargo travel. They must also be fully weaned. If you're traveling with a younger animal, you'll need to wait or explore alternative arrangements.

Health Certificates: Non-Negotiable Documentation

This is where most people slip up. You must have a vet-issued health certificate — and it's not optional even if Nepal Airlines doesn't explicitly list it on their website. It will be checked at the airport, and without it, your pet won't fly.

Timeline: Get your certificate issued within 10 days of departure (some destinations require 7 days, so check your specific route). Don't wait until the last minute. I always get Nala's certificate 5-7 days before travel to be safe.

Your vet will need to confirm:

• Your pet is healthy and fit to fly
• Vaccinations are current (especially rabies)
• No signs of illness or injury

Temperature Restrictions: Watch the Weather

Nepal Airlines follows industry-standard temperature embargoes for pet travel:

• Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) — if it's hotter than this at the origin or destination, your pet cannot travel
• Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) — if it's colder than this, travel is restricted (though acclimation certificates from your vet may allow exceptions)

This is why summer travel with pets can be tricky. If you're flying during hot months, book early morning or late evening flights when tarmac temperatures are cooler.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds Are Banned

If you have a flat-faced breed, you need to read this carefully. Nepal Airlines restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. This includes:

• Dogs: Bulldogs (all types), Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, French Bulldogs, Mastiffs (all types), Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Terriers, and many others
• Cats: Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, Himalayans, British Shorthairs, Burmese, Scottish Folds

If your breed is on this list, contact Nepal Airlines directly to confirm — some airlines make exceptions, but don't assume yours will. Check out our brachycephalic breed flying guide for more details.

Pregnant Animals: Not Allowed

If your pet is visibly pregnant, Nepal Airlines will not accept them for travel. This is an industry-wide standard due to health risks during flight. If you're unsure about your pet's status, get a vet confirmation before booking.

Sedation: Don't Even Think About It

IATA regulations (which Nepal Airlines follows) prohibit sedation of pets during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. Even if your vet suggests it, don't do it unless both your vet and the airline explicitly approve it in writing. This applies worldwide — it's not negotiable.

Key Numbers at a Glance

• Minimum age: 10 weeks (fully weaned)
• Health certificate validity: 10 days from issue date
• Advance booking required: 24 hours for dogs; contact airline for cats
• Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
• Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)
• Cabin pets allowed: No (hold/excess baggage only on A330)
• Carrier type (checked/cargo): Hard-sided IATA-compliant only
• Max pets per passenger: 1 carrier (industry standard)

What You Need to Do: Your Pre-Flight Checklist

• Step 1: Contact Nepal Airlines at least 2-3 weeks before travel to confirm pet availability and book your pet's spot
• Step 2: Schedule a vet appointment 7-10 days before departure for a health certificate
• Step 3: Purchase or confirm you have an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate with proper ventilation, water bowl, and absorbent liner
• Step 4: Check temperature forecasts for your origin and destination — if either exceeds 29.4°C, consider rescheduling
• Step 5: Confirm your pet's breed isn't on the brachycephalic restricted list (or get written approval from Nepal Airlines if it is)
• Step 6: Arrive at the airport early — pet check-in has its own procedures and timelines
• Step 7: Keep your health certificate and booking confirmation with you at all times

Pro Tips from My Experience with Nala

When I flew Nala internationally, I learned a few things the hard way. First, acclimate your pet to the crate weeks in advance. Leave it open in your home, put treats inside, let them nap in it. A stressed pet is harder on everyone.

Second, exercise your pet before the flight — a tired dog is a calmer dog. I always take Nala for a long hike or beach run before heading to the airport. She sleeps through the flight instead of pacing.

Third, pack familiar items — a blanket that smells like home, a favorite toy. It won't fit in the crate with them, but it helps you feel less anxious, and that matters.

Finally, document everything. Take photos of your pet's crate setup, your health certificate, your booking confirmation. If anything goes wrong, you'll have proof.

Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals

We're still verifying Nepal Airlines' specific policies for service animals and ESAs — contact them directly for the most current information on whether these animals travel at your feet or require standard pet booking.

Questions? Contact Nepal Airlines

Nepal Airlines' pet policies are detailed, but every situation is unique. Before you book, reach out to their customer service team directly. They can confirm current availability, answer breed-specific questions, and lock in your pet's spot. Don't rely on outdated information — call them.

Ready to plan your adventure? Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll help you navigate every step of flying with your pet.

Data last verified: January 2025. This guide is based on auto-verified information from official Nepal Airlines sources. Policies change, so always confirm directly with the airline before booking.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 21, 2026