Flying with Your Pet on Pakistan International Airlines: The Complete Guide

OK hear me out — I've flown Nala, my 22kg Australian Shepherd, across continents, and every single time I'm grateful I did my homework beforehand. Pakistan International Airlines (PK) does accept pets, but the rules are specific, and getting them wrong means a stressful airport experience or worse, your pet not boarding. Let me walk you through exactly what you need to know.

Can Your Pet Fly with Pakistan International Airlines?

Yes — both dogs and cats are allowed on PK flights. But here's the thing: dogs cannot travel in the cabin. They can only fly checked baggage or cargo. Cats, on the other hand, can travel in the cabin with you, which is a game-changer for anxious kitties.

This is a crucial distinction. If you're traveling with a dog, you won't have your pup sitting under the seat in front of you like you might on other airlines. Your dog will be traveling in the hold, which means you need to be extra prepared with the right equipment and documentation.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin cats: Maximum 8 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 45.7 cm long × 27.9 cm wide × 27.9 cm high (roughly 18" × 11" × 11")
  • Minimum age: 8 weeks for cabin, 10 weeks for cargo/checked baggage
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Dog checked baggage fees: $110 to United States; $5–35 for other routes
  • Temperature embargo: No travel when tarmac temps exceed 29.4°C (85°F) or drop below –6.7°C (20°F)

Cabin Travel: Cats Only

If you're bringing a cat, this is your option. Cats under 8 kg (including carrier) can fly in the cabin with you on PK.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Cats

Soft-sided carriers are required — they need to fit under the seat in front of you. Here are the exact dimensions:

  • Maximum length: 45.7 cm (18 inches)
  • Maximum width: 27.9 cm (11 inches)
  • Maximum height: 27.9 cm (11 inches)
  • Combined weight (cat + carrier): 8 kg maximum

Your carrier must have mesh ventilation on the sides — your cat needs to breathe. Inside, you'll need an absorbent liner or mat to handle any accidents during the flight. Trust me on this one: a good absorbent pad saves you from a messy situation at 35,000 feet.

One cat per passenger is the standard limit.

Age & Health Requirements

Your kitten must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned. You'll need a vet-issued health certificate dated within 10 days of departure — don't cut this close. Get it as close to your flight as possible, but not earlier than 10 days out. The airline will check this at the airport, and without it, your cat doesn't board.

Breed Restrictions

Certain cat breeds are restricted due to respiratory risks. The industry-standard restricted list includes:

  • British Shorthair
  • Burmese
  • Exotic Shorthair
  • Himalayan
  • Persian
  • Scottish Fold

If your cat is one of these breeds, confirm directly with PK before booking — some airlines make exceptions.

What You Cannot Do

Do not sedate your cat. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel. A sedated animal can't maintain balance or respond to emergencies. Your vet might suggest it, but the airline won't allow it. If your cat is anxious, work with your vet on behavioral strategies instead.

Checked Baggage & Cargo: Dogs and Larger Pets

Dogs travel in checked baggage or cargo on PK. This is where things get more complex, but it's totally doable if you prepare properly.

Carrier Requirements for Checked Baggage & Cargo

Hard-sided IATA-compliant crates are required — soft carriers won't work. Your crate must have:

  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides
  • An attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
  • An absorbent liner inside to manage accidents
  • Live Animals labels with orientation arrows on the outside

This is non-negotiable. When I flew Nala internationally, I invested in a proper IATA-certified crate — it's not cheap, but it's the only way to ensure your dog's safety and the airline's compliance.

Age & Health Requirements

Your puppy must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned. Like cats, you need a vet-issued health certificate dated within 10 days of departure. No exceptions.

Temperature Restrictions

This is critical: PK will not transport pets when tarmac temperatures exceed 29.4°C (85°F) or drop below –6.7°C (20°F). If you're traveling during summer or winter, check the forecast at both your origin and destination airports. If temperatures are borderline, your pet might be refused boarding.

If you're traveling in cold weather and have a vet-issued acclimation certificate, you may be able to travel in colder conditions — contact PK directly about this.

Breed Restrictions

Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dog breeds are banned from cargo travel across the industry. The restricted list includes:

  • Bulldogs (all types: English, French, American)
  • Pugs (all types)
  • Boston Terriers
  • Boxers
  • Shih Tzus
  • Pekingese
  • Chow Chows
  • Pit Bulls and related breeds (American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier)
  • Mastiffs (all types)
  • Japanese Chin
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Shar Peis
  • Lhasa Apsos
  • Affenpinschers
  • Brussels Griffons
  • Cane Corso
  • Dogue de Bordeaux
  • Presa Canario

If your dog is on this list, check our brachycephalic breed guide for alternative airlines that might work for you.

Fees

PK charges for pet travel. To the United States, expect to pay $110. For other routes, fees range from $5–35. Always confirm the exact fee for your specific route when booking.

Advance Booking is Mandatory

You cannot show up at the airport with a pet and expect to board. Pre-book your pet with PK before your flight — airlines limit the number of pets per flight, and spots fill up. Contact PK directly to arrange this; don't assume it's automatic when you book your ticket.

What You Need to Do: Your Pre-Flight Checklist

  • 10 days before departure: Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate. Get it issued as close to your flight as possible, but within the 10-day window.
  • 2 weeks before: Contact PK directly to pre-book your pet. Confirm the exact fee for your route and any breed restrictions.
  • 2 weeks before: If traveling with a dog, purchase or confirm you have an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate with water bowl attachment and ventilation on three sides.
  • 1 week before: Prepare your carrier with absorbent liners. For dogs, ensure Live Animals labels are visible.
  • 1 week before: Check weather forecasts for both airports. If temperatures are near the embargo thresholds (29.4°C or –6.7°C), contact PK to confirm your pet can travel.
  • 3 days before: Confirm your pet's booking with PK. Have your health certificate ready.
  • Day of travel: Arrive early. Bring your health certificate, booking confirmation, and any other documentation PK requested.

Special Considerations

Pregnant or Heat Animals

PK does not accept visibly pregnant animals for travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is in heat, confirm directly with the airline — policies vary.

Service Animals

We're still verifying PK's specific service animal policy — contact Pakistan International Airlines directly for details on whether service dogs travel at the handler's feet or require a carrier.

Sedation

Do not sedate your pet. IATA regulations prohibit it, and PK follows these rules. A sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies.

Pro Tips from My Experience with Nala

When I flew Nala internationally, I learned a few things the hard way:

  • Get the health certificate early. Vet offices get busy, and you don't want to scramble last-minute.
  • Use a quality IATA crate. Cheap crates can have ventilation issues. Invest in one that meets all requirements.
  • Practice crate time. Before the flight, get your dog comfortable spending hours in the crate. This reduces stress on travel day.
  • Avoid peak summer/winter travel if possible. Temperature embargoes are real, and rebooking is a nightmare.
  • Bring extra absorbent pads. Accidents happen, and you want backups.

What About Connecting Flights?

If you're connecting through another airline after PK, that airline's pet policy applies to the next leg. Check their rules separately — they might be stricter or have different requirements.

Questions? Contact Pakistan International Airlines Directly

For specifics on service animals, exact fees for your route, or any policies we're still verifying, reach out to PK directly. They're the source of truth, and they'll give you the most current information.

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

Data auto-verified from official Pakistan International Airlines sources. Last updated: January 2025. Always confirm current policies directly with the airline before booking.

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