Philippine Airlines Pet Travel Policy

Flying with Your Pet on Philippine Airlines: What You Need to Know

I've moved internationally three times with Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever, and I've learned that flying with pets requires precision, planning, and knowing exactly what your airline allows. Philippine Airlines (PR) offers pet travel options, but they're not one-size-fits-all. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to get your furry friend safely on board.

Key Numbers at a Glance

• Cabin Pet Fee: PHP 2,500 per direction (FurPal service)
• Cabin Weight Limit: 10kg maximum (pet + carrier combined)
• Cabin Carrier Dimensions: 45.7cm L × 27.9cm W × 27.9cm H (must fit under seat)
• Minimum Age: 12 weeks old (cabin); 10 weeks (cargo/checked baggage)
• Health Certificate Validity: 10 days before departure
• Heat Embargo Threshold: 29.4°C (85°F) — no cargo travel above this
• Cold Embargo Threshold: -6.7°C (20°F) — no cargo travel below this

Cabin Travel: The FurPal Service

Philippine Airlines offers cabin pet travel through their FurPal service. This is the most comfortable option for your pet — they stay with you in the cabin rather than in cargo.

Who Qualifies?

• Small dogs and cats only
• Maximum 10kg (including carrier)
• At least 12 weeks old and fully weaned
• Not a brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed

Cooper wouldn't qualify for cabin travel — at 28kg, he's well over the limit. But if you have a small dog or cat, this is your best option. The pet stays in the cabin with you, which means less stress and better monitoring during the flight.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel

Your carrier must be soft-sided and fit these exact dimensions:

• Length: 45.7cm (18 inches) maximum
• Width: 27.9cm (11 inches) maximum
• Height: 27.9cm (11 inches) maximum

The carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you. I recommend measuring your carrier before booking — this is non-negotiable. The carrier also needs:

• Mesh ventilation on all sides
• An absorbent liner or mat inside (for accidents)
• Soft sides (hard-sided carriers won't fit under the seat)

FurPal Booking & Cost

Cost: PHP 2,500 per direction. If you're flying round-trip, budget PHP 5,000 total.

How to Book: Contact Philippine Airlines reservations directly by phone. You cannot book this online. This is important — FurPal has limited availability per flight, so book as early as possible. Don't wait until check-in.

Cargo Travel: For Larger Pets

If your pet is over 10kg or you prefer cargo transport, Philippine Airlines offers cargo options through PAL Cargo. This is how Cooper travels — in a climate-controlled cargo hold separate from the cabin.

Who Can Travel via Cargo?

• Dogs, cats, and other pets
• Minimum 10 weeks old and fully weaned
• Not a brachycephalic breed
• Must be booked in advance

Cargo Carrier Requirements

Cargo carriers are completely different from cabin carriers. They must be hard-sided and IATA-compliant. This is non-negotiable — soft-sided carriers are not accepted.

Your cargo crate must include:

• Hard-sided construction (plastic or wood, IATA-approved)
• Ventilation openings on at least three sides
• An attached water bowl or trough (accessible from outside)
• An absorbent mat or liner inside
• Live Animals labels with orientation arrows on all sides

When I shipped Cooper to his new home, I invested in a proper IATA crate. It cost more upfront, but it's reusable and gives me peace of mind. The water bowl attachment is crucial — airline staff need to hydrate your pet during layovers without opening the crate.

Temperature Restrictions

This is critical: Philippine Airlines will not transport pets in cargo if temperatures are outside safe ranges:

• Heat Embargo: No travel if tarmac temperature exceeds 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination
• Cold Embargo: No travel if temperature drops below -6.7°C (20°F)

I learned this the hard way — I once had to reschedule Cooper's flight because summer heat hit 30°C. Check the forecast for both your departure and arrival cities before booking. If you're traveling to a hot climate, book early morning or late evening flights when it's cooler.

Cargo Booking & Fees

We're still verifying specific cargo fees — contact Philippine Airlines directly for pricing. Cargo fees vary based on weight, distance, and crate size. Budget significantly more than cabin travel.

Checked Baggage Option

Philippine Airlines also allows pets to travel as checked baggage. Fees are calculated at 200% of excess baggage rates for containers up to 203cm, and 300% for larger containers.

This option uses the same carrier requirements as cargo (hard-sided, IATA-compliant, water bowl, absorbent liner, Live Animals labels). The same temperature embargoes apply.

Health Certificates & Documentation

This is non-negotiable for all travel methods: You must have a vet-issued health certificate.

Health Certificate Requirements

• Issued by a licensed veterinarian
• Valid for 10 days before departure (get it as close to your flight as possible)
• Must confirm your pet is healthy and fit to fly
• Required even if not explicitly mentioned on PR's website — it will be checked at the airport

Don't skip this. I've seen travelers denied boarding because their certificate was dated 11 days before departure. Schedule your vet appointment 2-3 days before your flight to ensure the timing is perfect.

Brachycephalic Breeds Are Restricted

Most airlines, including Philippine Airlines, restrict snub-nosed breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. Restricted breeds include:

• Bulldogs (all types: English, French, American)
• Pugs (all types)
• Boston Terriers
• Shih Tzus
• Pekingese
• Boxers
• Mastiffs (all types)
• Pit Bulls and related breeds (American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier)
• Chow Chows
• Japanese Chins
• Persian cats

If your pet is on this list, contact Philippine Airlines directly to confirm whether they can travel. Some airlines make exceptions with additional vet documentation.

Important Restrictions

No Sedation Allowed

Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. Your vet will not recommend it, and the airline will not allow it.

Pregnant Animals Not Accepted

If your pet is visibly pregnant, Philippine Airlines will not accept them for travel. The stress and pressure changes during flight pose serious health risks. If you're unsure, ask your vet.

Animals in Heat

We're still verifying Philippine Airlines' specific policy on animals in heat — contact them directly to confirm.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

8-10 Weeks Before Departure

• Confirm your pet meets age and weight requirements
• Check if your breed is restricted (brachycephalic list)
• Research destination country import requirements (some countries have quarantine rules)
• Book your flight

6-8 Weeks Before Departure

• Contact Philippine Airlines reservations to pre-book your pet (FurPal cabin service requires advance booking)
• If traveling via cargo, contact PAL Cargo for pricing and availability
• Purchase or confirm your carrier meets airline specifications
• For cargo: order IATA-compliant crate and Live Animals labels

3-4 Weeks Before Departure

• Schedule a vet appointment for health certificate (must be within 10 days of departure)
• Confirm carrier dimensions fit airline requirements
• Set up absorbent liners and water bowls in carriers

2-3 Days Before Departure

• Visit your vet and obtain health certificate
• Confirm weather at origin and destination (check heat/cold embargoes)
• Pack pet supplies: food, water, medications, comfort items
• Confirm your reservation with Philippine Airlines

Day of Departure

• Arrive extra early (at least 3 hours for international flights)
• Have health certificate and booking confirmation ready
• For cargo: hand off your pet to the cargo team and get a receipt
• For cabin: board with your pet in the soft-sided carrier

Assistance Animals (Service Dogs)

If you're traveling with a service dog or emotional support animal, a separate policy applies. You'll need proper documentation. Contact Philippine Airlines directly for specific requirements — policies vary significantly from pet travel rules.

Final Tips from My Experience

I've shipped Cooper three times internationally. Here's what I've learned:

• Book early. FurPal has limited spots per flight. Don't assume availability.
• Get the health certificate as close to departure as possible. A certificate dated 9 days before is safer than one dated 2 days before.
• Invest in a quality IATA crate if you're doing cargo. It's reusable and worth every peso.
• Check temperatures. Heat embargoes are real. I've been rescheduled twice because of this.
• Call the airline, don't email. Pet policies change, and phone reservations are the only way to guarantee your spot.
• Confirm everything at check-in. Even with a booking, verify your pet is on the manifest.

Next Steps

Pet travel with Philippine Airlines is absolutely doable, but it requires planning. Start with a call to their reservations team — they'll confirm current policies, availability, and pricing specific to your route.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we can help you navigate destination requirements, quarantine rules, and create a step-by-step timeline for your specific journey.

Data Note: This guide is auto-verified from official Philippine Airlines sources and industry standards. Last updated: April 10, 2026. Policies change — always confirm directly with the airline before booking.

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