Can You Fly with Pets on ANA?

Yes, All Nippon Airways (ANA) accepts dogs and cats for travel in three ways: cabin, checked baggage (hold), and cargo. However, ANA does not allow pets in the cabin with you — they must travel either checked or in cargo. This guide covers everything you need to know to travel safely with your pet on ANA.

ANA's pet policies are based on IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards and vary depending on your pet's size, breed, age, and your destination. Planning ahead is essential — pets cannot simply be added at check-in.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin travel: Not allowed for pets
  • Checked baggage/Cargo: Maximum 45 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Carrier dimensions (cabin standard): 45.7 cm L × 27.9 cm W × 27.9 cm H
  • Carrier weight limit: 8 kg (pet + carrier) for cabin reference; 45 kg for checked/cargo
  • Minimum pet age: 8 weeks (cabin), 10 weeks (checked/cargo)
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Advance booking required: At least 48 hours before departure (phone only)
  • Pet fees (one-way): Area 1 (North America, Latin America, Hawaii): USD 400 / JPY 40,000 / CAD 400 / EUR 300; Area 2 (Europe, Africa, Middle East): USD 250 / JPY 25,000 / CAD 250 / EUR 200; Area 3 (Asia, Oceania, Russia east of Urals): JPY 5,000
  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)

Cabin Travel: Not Available

ANA does not allow pets in the cabin, even small dogs or cats. If you want your pet to travel with you on the same flight, you'll need to book them in checked baggage or cargo instead — they will not be in the cabin with you.

This is different from some other airlines that allow small pets under the seat. If cabin travel with your pet is important, you may want to compare policies with other carriers.

Checked Baggage & Cargo: What's Allowed

Both checked baggage and cargo options are available for dogs and cats on ANA. The policies are nearly identical for both options. Here's what you need to know:

Pet Carrier Requirements

Carrier type: Both hard-sided and soft-sided carriers are accepted. Hard-sided crates are more durable for cargo; soft-sided may be easier to transport.

Carrier dimensions: ANA specifies a maximum combined weight of 45 kg (pet + carrier). Specific length/width/height limits for checked/cargo carriers are still being verified — contact ANA directly for exact dimensions for your pet's size.

Ventilation: Your carrier must have adequate ventilation. IATA requires ventilation openings on at least three sides for cargo travel. Mesh panels or grilles are standard.

Water bowl: A water bowl or dispenser is required inside the carrier. For Frankfurt departures specifically, ANA requires a saucer-type dispenser or nozzle-type water bowl.

Absorbent liner: Line the carrier with an absorbent mat or pad to manage accidents during the flight.

Live Animals label: Your carrier must display "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on at least two sides (top and one side). These are IATA-required and help handlers know which way is up.

IATA compliance: Your carrier must be IATA-compliant. Look for carriers labeled as meeting IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) standards.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Dogs Banned

ANA bans brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dog breeds from both checked baggage and cargo due to respiratory risks during flight. These breeds struggle to breathe normally and are at higher risk of heat stress and respiratory distress in the cargo hold.

Restricted dog breeds include: Affenpinscher, American Bully (all breeds), American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer (all breeds), Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all breeds including English, French, American), Bull Terrier (all breeds), Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all breeds), Pekingese, Presa Canario, Pug (all breeds), Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Tibetan Spaniel.

For cats in cabin: Brachycephalic cat breeds (British Shorthair, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, Scottish Fold) are restricted from cabin travel. However, brachycephalic cat restrictions do not apply to checked baggage or cargo — only dogs have breed bans for those options.

If your dog is on this list, ANA will not accept them for travel. Check the full list above or contact ANA to confirm your specific breed.

Age Requirements

Minimum age for checked baggage/cargo: Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned. Younger puppies and kittens are not accepted.

Minimum age for cabin (reference): 8 weeks, though cabin travel isn't available on ANA anyway.

Health & Medical Requirements

Health certificate (mandatory): You must obtain a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of your departure date. This certificate confirms your pet is healthy and fit to fly. Do not get it more than 10 days in advance — it may be rejected at check-in.

Schedule your vet appointment early, as some vets book up quickly. The certificate must be signed by a licensed veterinarian and include your pet's microchip number (if applicable), vaccination records, and health status.

Sedation is prohibited: Do not sedate your pet before or during the flight. IATA regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies even if your vet suggests it. Only follow sedation instructions if explicitly approved by both your vet and ANA in writing.

Pregnant animals not accepted: ANA does not accept visibly pregnant animals due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, contact ANA directly to discuss options.

Import permits & government certificates: We're still verifying whether ANA requires government-endorsed import permits or additional documentation for specific destinations. Your destination country may have its own requirements. Check with the destination country's customs authority and ANA before booking.

Temperature Restrictions (Heat & Cold Embargoes)

ANA will not accept your pet if temperatures exceed safe limits at either the origin or destination airport:

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) — ANA refuses pets when tarmac temperatures reach or exceed this threshold
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) — ANA refuses pets in extreme cold

If you're traveling during summer to hot destinations (like United States or United Arab Emirates) or winter to cold regions, check the forecast and contact ANA to confirm your pet can travel. Some airlines allow travel in colder conditions with a vet's acclimation certificate — ask ANA if this applies.

Booking Your Pet's Flight

Advance booking required: You must book your pet at least 48 hours before departure. Do not wait until check-in — ANA limits the number of pets per flight.

Booking method: Pet bookings are phone only. You cannot book online. Call ANA's cargo/pet department directly to arrange your pet's travel. Have your flight details, pet's information (name, breed, age, weight), and health certificate ready.

Maximum pets per passenger: You can book a maximum of 1 pet per passenger in checked baggage or cargo.

Pet Travel Costs

ANA charges a one-way pet fee based on your travel region:

  • Area 1 (North America, Latin America, Hawaii): USD 400 or JPY 40,000 or CAD 400 or EUR 300
  • Area 2 (Europe, Russia west of Urals, Africa, Middle East): USD 250 or JPY 25,000 or CAD 250 or EUR 200
  • Area 3 (Russia east of Urals, Asia including Japan, Oceania): JPY 5,000

These fees are in addition to your own ticket. Round-trip travel requires booking and paying for both legs separately. For a detailed breakdown of pet travel costs, see our pet travel costs guide.

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

  • ☐ Verify your pet's eligibility: Check that your dog or cat is not a restricted breed (especially if brachycephalic), is at least 10 weeks old, and is not visibly pregnant
  • ☐ Get a health certificate: Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate to be issued within 10 days of departure (not earlier)
  • ☐ Check temperature embargoes: Confirm that forecasted temperatures at origin and destination are within safe ranges (above -6.7°C / 20°F and below 29.4°C / 85°F)
  • ☐ Prepare a carrier: Obtain an IATA-compliant hard-sided or soft-sided carrier with proper ventilation, absorbent liner, and water bowl (saucer or nozzle type for Frankfurt)
  • ☐ Add Live Animals labels: Apply "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows to your carrier
  • ☐ Book at least 48 hours ahead: Call ANA's pet/cargo department by phone to book your pet's travel. Have your flight details and pet information ready
  • ☐ Confirm destination requirements: Check if your destination country requires import permits or additional documentation
  • ☐ Arrive early for check-in: Plan to arrive extra early on travel day to check in your pet and complete paperwork
  • ☐ Bring all documents: Have your health certificate, booking confirmation, and any import permits ready at the airport

Special Considerations

Frankfurt departures: If departing from Frankfurt, your pet's water bowl must be a saucer-type dispenser or nozzle-type — not a standard bowl.

Assistance animals: Service dogs and other assistance animals have a separate policy from regular pets. ANA requires documentation for assistance animals. We're still verifying the full details — contact ANA directly if you're traveling with a service animal.

International travel: Your destination country may have its own pet import requirements, quarantine rules, or vaccination mandates. Research your destination's regulations well in advance. For example, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand have strict import rules.

Need More Help?

For a comprehensive overview of pet travel documents, see our pet travel documents checklist. If you're flying with a brachycephalic breed and need alternatives, check our brachycephalic breed flying guide.

For personalized guidance on your specific trip, get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo.

Data last verified: April 10, 2026. This guide is based on official ANA pet travel policies extracted from verified sources. Always confirm current policies directly with ANA before booking, as policies can change.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 09, 2026