Pakistan International Airlines does accept dogs in cabin — but the booking window is where most travelers stumble before they even pack a carrier. Paperwork surprises rarely happen at the airport; they happen weeks before, when the reservation deadline quietly closes. Here's exactly what PIA's cabin and cargo pet policies look like, so you can move forward with eyes open.
Pakistan International Airlines's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
How Pakistan International Airlines handles your pet
Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Hover the to read the exact wording; the opens the source page.
In the cabin Not accepted
In the hold / cargo Accepted
Cabin policy
Hold & cargo policy
Hold: Pets accepted Accepted“Pets in Checked Baggage Pets can travel as checked baggage if they meet the necessary requirements set by PIA.”
Hold: Advance booking required Yes“If you are flying to or from the USA, application of local rules may mean that you do not need to comply with all or part of the requirements set out in this Article 5.1.2. If you ask us, we will tell you how the…”
Hold: Sedation allowed No“Please ask us about any concerns you may have about the suitability of your Baggage before you arrive at the airport; 8.3.2(d) Items attracting any form of duty if you are travelling as an unaccompanied child under the…”
Hold: Carrier size89 × 58 × 101 cm“Carrier Guidelines For pets traveling as checked baggage, carriers must not exceed the dimensions of 35” X 23” X 40” (89 cm x 58 cm x 101 cm).”
Hold: Crate must have/bewater bowl, a carrier“Carrier Guidelines For pets traveling as checked baggage, carriers must not exceed the dimensions of 35” X 23” X 40” (89 cm x 58 cm x 101 cm).”
Cargo: Pets accepted Accepted“Pets in Cargo Animals who don't meet the requirements to travel as checked baggage may be transported as cargo instead.”
Health & documents
In the hold / cargo Accepted
Cabin policy
Advance booking notice72 hours“…through our local office in accordance with the advance time limits specified in those Articles (namely: 72 hours before flight departure in the case of Articles 7.3.2(a) and (b), and 96 hours before flight”
Advance booking required Yes“5 apply to you, your booking for your reservation must be made through our local office in accordance with the advance time limits specified in those Articles (namely: 72 hours before flight departure in the case of…”
Hold & cargo policy
Hold: Pets accepted Accepted“Pets in Checked Baggage Pets can travel as checked baggage if they meet the necessary requirements set by PIA.”
Hold: Advance booking notice96 hours“…in those Articles (namely: 72 hours before flight departure in the case of Articles 7.3.2(a) and (b), and 96 hours before flight departure in the case of Article 7.3.2(c)), otherwise it may not be possible to accept…”
Hold: Advance booking required Yes“If you are flying to or from the USA, application of local rules may mean that you do not need to comply with all or part of the requirements set out in this Article 5.1.2. If you ask us, we will tell you how the…”
Hold: Carrier size89 × 58 × 101 cm“Carrier Guidelines For pets traveling as checked baggage, carriers must not exceed the dimensions of 35” X 23” X 40” (89 cm x 58 cm x 101 cm).”
Hold: Crate must have/bewater bowl, a carrier“Carrier Guidelines For pets traveling as checked baggage, carriers must not exceed the dimensions of 35” X 23” X 40” (89 cm x 58 cm x 101 cm).”
Cargo: Pets accepted Accepted“Pets in Cargo Animals who don't meet the requirements to travel as checked baggage may be transported as cargo instead.”
Cargo: Advance booking notice96 hours“…in those Articles (namely: 72 hours before flight departure in the case of Articles 7.3.2(a) and (b), and 96 hours before flight departure in the case of Article 7.3.2(c)), otherwise it may not be possible to accept…”
Health & documents
Carrier fit certificate required Yes“1 Before boarding the aircraft for carriage you must be reasonably satisfied that you are medically fit to fly cation) it is your responsibility to ensure that all such precautions are in fact taken before, during and…”
PIA requires cabin pet reservations at least 72 hours before departure — this must be arranged through a local PIA office, not online. Miss that window and the booking cannot be made at all. Contact the local office as soon as flights are confirmed. No third-party booking platform substitutes for this direct reservation step.
Frequently asked
- How far in advance must I book my pet on Pakistan International Airlines?
- Add your pet to the booking at least 72 hours before departure — do it when you book the ticket, not at the airport.
- What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity?
- If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays.
- What happens if I forget a document?
- At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
PIA's pet policies are manageable once you know the booking deadlines and documentation requirements in advance. Pixel always reminds me that a calm travel day starts weeks earlier. Use Pawgo's personalized plan to map out every step for your specific route and pet — the plan handles the timeline so nothing falls through the cracks.
Glossary
- ISO chip
- ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard.
- FAVN
- Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations.
- Brachycephalic
- Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk.
- AVIH
- Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.