PLUNA Pet Travel: What You Need to Know

I've been reviewing pet travel paperwork for years, and I can tell you that PLUNA's policies are straightforward—but only if you know where to look. Here's what I tell my clients: PLUNA does not allow pets in the cabin, but dogs and cats can travel via cargo or checked baggage. The most common mistake I see is people assuming their pet can fly with them. That's not an option here.

When I flew with Pixel, my 7kg Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, to visit family, I had to arrange cargo transport. It wasn't ideal, but the process was clear once I understood the rules. Let me walk you through exactly what PLUNA requires.

Cabin Travel: Not Available

PLUNA does not permit pets in the cabin. There are no exceptions for small dogs or cats, and no cabin pet fees because the service simply isn't offered. If you were hoping to keep your pet with you during the flight, you'll need to arrange cargo or checked baggage transport instead.

Cargo & Checked Baggage: Your Options

Both cargo and checked baggage transport are available for dogs and cats on PLUNA. The requirements are nearly identical, so the choice often comes down to your flight schedule and budget. Here's what differs:

  • Cargo: Your pet travels in the pressurized cargo hold. You can book this independently of your own ticket.
  • Checked baggage: Your pet travels with your luggage. You must be on the same flight.

Both require advance booking—you cannot show up at the airport with your pet. Airlines limit the number of animals per flight, so reserve your spot early.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Minimum age: 10 weeks (fully weaned)
  • Cold embargo: Below −6.7°C (20°F) — acclimation certificates may allow exceptions
  • Heat embargo: Above 29.4°C (85°F) — no exceptions
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Carrier type: Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate required
  • Cabin fees: Not applicable (no cabin pets)
  • Cargo/checked baggage fees: We're still verifying this—contact PLUNA directly

Carrier Requirements for Cargo & Checked Baggage

The most common mistake I see is people buying the wrong crate. For cargo and checked baggage, PLUNA requires hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates only. Soft-sided carriers are not accepted.

Your Crate Must Have:

  • Hard sides — plastic, wood, or metal. No soft-sided carriers.
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides — this is an IATA requirement, not optional.
  • An attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate. Your pet needs access to water during transport.
  • An absorbent mat or liner inside to manage accidents. Most pets are stressed during travel.
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the outside. These tell handlers which way is up.

When I prepared Pixel's crate, I made sure the water bowl was secure and the absorbent liner covered the entire floor. The "Live Animals" labels went on the top and sides—not the bottom.

Health Certificate: Non-Negotiable

Here's what I tell every client: get a health certificate, even if PLUNA's website doesn't explicitly require it. I see rejections at the airport every week because people skip this step. It will be checked.

  • Issued by a licensed veterinarian — your vet must examine your pet within 10 days of departure.
  • Valid for 10 days — get it as close to your flight as possible. Some destinations require 7-day validity, so don't wait.
  • Must confirm your pet is fit to fly — the vet certifies health status and vaccinations.

Schedule your vet appointment at least 2 weeks before travel. If your vet is busy, you might not get an appointment in time.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds Banned

PLUNA restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. This is an industry-wide safety standard.

Restricted Breeds Include:

  • Dogs: Pug, French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Lhasa Apso, Chow Chow, Shar Pei, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel (including Cavalier King Charles), Affenpinscher, Brussels Griffon, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bully, Mastiff (all breeds), Cane Corso, Dogue de Bordeaux, Presa Canario, and others.
  • Cats: Persian, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, British Shorthair, Burmese, Scottish Fold.

If your pet is on this list, contact PLUNA directly before booking. Some airlines make exceptions with additional vet documentation, but don't assume.

Temperature Restrictions

PLUNA will not transport pets if temperatures exceed safe thresholds:

  • Heat embargo: Above 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination. No exceptions.
  • Cold embargo: Below −6.7°C (20°F). Your vet can issue an acclimation certificate to allow travel in colder conditions.

If you're flying during summer or to a hot destination, book early morning or late evening flights when tarmac temperatures are lower. Check the weather forecast at both airports before booking.

Animals You Cannot Transport

  • Pregnant animals — PLUNA does not accept visibly pregnant pets due to health risks.
  • Sedated animals — IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel. A sedated pet cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. Do not sedate your pet unless both your vet and the airline explicitly approve it.
  • Animals under 10 weeks old — they must be fully weaned.
  • Animals in heat — we're still verifying PLUNA's specific policy. Contact them directly.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

4–6 Weeks Before Travel

  • Confirm your pet's breed is not restricted. If it is, contact PLUNA for exceptions.
  • Check temperature forecasts at origin and destination. Avoid travel if heat embargo applies.
  • Measure your pet and purchase an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate. Test the fit.
  • Order absorbent liners and "Live Animals" labels online.

2 Weeks Before Travel

  • Schedule a vet appointment for the health certificate. Book early—vets get busy.
  • Confirm your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations (rabies, DHPP for dogs; FVRCP for cats).
  • Contact PLUNA to pre-book your pet. Provide breed, weight, and crate dimensions.
  • Ask PLUNA about cargo vs. checked baggage fees and payment methods.

10 Days Before Travel

  • Visit your vet for the health certificate examination. Get it issued within 10 days of departure.
  • Confirm the certificate lists your pet's microchip number (if applicable) and vaccination dates.

3–5 Days Before Travel

  • Prepare the crate: install absorbent liner, attach water bowl, add "Live Animals" labels.
  • Acclimate your pet to the crate. Leave the door open, place treats inside, let them explore.
  • Confirm your PLUNA booking and provide final pet details.
  • Pack a copy of the health certificate and any other documents PLUNA requested.

Day of Travel

  • Arrive at the airport early. Allow extra time for pet check-in procedures.
  • Bring the original health certificate and booking confirmation.
  • Do not feed your pet 2–3 hours before travel (reduces nausea).
  • Say goodbye calmly—pets pick up on anxiety.

International Travel: Additional Requirements

If you're flying internationally, your pet may need import permits, additional health certificates, or quarantine documentation depending on the destination. Check our documents checklist and contact the destination country's agricultural authority. This is separate from PLUNA's requirements.

Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals

We're still verifying PLUNA's policy on service dogs and emotional support animals. Contact PLUNA directly to confirm whether your service animal can travel in the cabin or if special documentation is required.

Still Have Questions?

PLUNA's website is no longer active, so you'll need to contact them directly for current fees, specific booking procedures, and any policy updates. When you call, have your pet's breed, weight, and travel dates ready.

For more guidance, explore our flying with a dog guide, brachycephalic breed guide, and pet travel costs guide.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to ensure you haven't missed anything.

Data auto-verified from official airline sources. Last updated: January 2025. PLUNA ceased operations; this guide reflects historical policy standards. Always confirm current policies directly with your airline before booking.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 23, 2026