Flying with Your Pet on PrecisionAir: What You Need to Know

OK hear me out — I've flown Nala, my 22kg Australian Shepherd, on more airlines than I can count, and every single one has different rules. PrecisionAir is no exception. The good news? They do allow pets. The better news? I'm breaking down exactly what you need to do before you book that flight.

Here's the reality: PrecisionAir doesn't allow pets in the cabin. But they do accept pets in cargo and checked baggage, which means your furry friend can still travel with you — just not sitting next to you. Let me walk you through the specifics so you can plan with confidence.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pets: Not allowed
  • Cargo/checked baggage: Allowed
  • Minimum age: 10 weeks (fully weaned)
  • Carrier type (cargo): Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate only
  • Carrier ventilation: Required on at least 3 sides
  • Water bowl: Attached to carrier (required)
  • Absorbent liner: Required inside carrier
  • Health certificate: Required (valid for 10 days)
  • Temperature limits: -6.7°C to 29.4°C (20°F to 85°F)
  • Advance booking: Required — no walk-ups
  • Sedation: Prohibited by IATA regulations

Cabin Travel: Not an Option on PrecisionAir

I know, I know — it's disappointing. PrecisionAir doesn't allow pets in the cabin, so you won't be able to keep your dog or cat with you during the flight. This is different from some carriers like British Airways or Lufthansa, which do allow small cabin pets.

The upside? Your pet will travel in a climate-controlled cargo hold, which is actually safer than you might think. The hold is pressurized and temperature-regulated just like the cabin.

Cargo & Checked Baggage: Your Pet's Travel Options

PrecisionAir accepts pets in both cargo and checked baggage. Both options require the same carrier specifications and documentation, so the main difference is logistics and timing. Cargo is typically faster for pickup after landing, while checked baggage follows your luggage.

Carrier Requirements: Get This Right

This is where most people mess up, so pay attention. For cargo and checked baggage travel on PrecisionAir, your pet needs a hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate. Not a soft-sided carrier. Not a travel bag. A proper crate.

Here's what the crate must have:

  • Hard sides: Rigid plastic or metal construction
  • Ventilation: Openings on at least 3 sides (IATA requirement)
  • Attached water bowl: Must be fillable from outside the crate
  • Absorbent liner: Pad or mat inside to handle accidents
  • "Live Animals" labels: Required on the crate with orientation arrows
  • IATA compliance: Your crate must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR)

Trust me on this one — I learned the hard way that a crate that "looks fine" isn't good enough. Airlines inspect these before boarding. If your crate doesn't meet specs, you won't fly. Brands like Petmate Sky Kennel and Vari Kennel make IATA-approved crates that work across most airlines.

Health Certificate: Non-Negotiable

You absolutely need a vet-issued health certificate. This isn't optional, even if PrecisionAir's website doesn't explicitly mention it — it will be checked at the airport, and without it, your pet doesn't fly.

Key details:

  • Get it issued within 10 days of your departure date (some destinations require 7 days)
  • The certificate must confirm your pet is healthy and fit to fly
  • Schedule your vet appointment early — don't wait until the last minute
  • Check if your destination country has additional import requirements (some do)

I always book my vet appointment 3 weeks before travel. That gives me a buffer in case anything comes up, and I can get the certificate as close to departure as possible for maximum validity.

Age Restrictions

Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned to travel in cargo or checked baggage. Puppies and kittens younger than this aren't allowed. If you're adopting a young pet from abroad or relocating with a newborn litter, you'll need to wait.

Temperature Embargoes: Timing Matters

PrecisionAir won't accept pets in cargo when temperatures are extreme:

  • Too cold: Below -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Too hot: Above 29.4°C (85°F)

This is based on tarmac temperatures at both your origin and destination airports. During summer, this can be a real constraint. I've had flights cancelled because the forecast hit 86°F. If you're traveling to a hot destination, book early morning or evening flights when it's cooler.

If your vet provides an acclimation certificate confirming your pet can handle colder temperatures, you may be able to travel below the cold embargo. But this is rare and requires direct approval from PrecisionAir.

Breed Restrictions: Check Your Dog's Breed

PrecisionAir restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. This is an industry-wide standard, not unique to PrecisionAir.

Restricted breeds include:

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

If your dog is on this list, contact PrecisionAir directly before booking. Some airlines make exceptions with vet documentation, but don't assume. Read our complete brachycephalic breed flying guide for more details.

Pregnant & Animals in Heat: Not Allowed

PrecisionAir won't accept visibly pregnant animals or animals in heat. If your pet is pregnant, confirm directly with the airline — they may require a vet letter confirming the pregnancy status. Animals in heat are typically rejected outright due to stress and behavioral risks during flight.

Advance Booking: You Can't Just Show Up

This is critical: you must pre-book your pet before travel. You cannot show up at the airport with your dog or cat and expect to fly them. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight for safety and logistics reasons.

Contact PrecisionAir at least 2-3 weeks before your flight to arrange pet travel. Have your pet's details ready: breed, weight, age, and any health concerns.

Sedation: Absolutely Prohibited

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. If your vet suggests sedation, ask about calming supplements instead — but never sedate without explicit approval from both your vet and the airline (which won't happen).

What You Need to Do: Your Action Checklist

  • Check your pet's breed: If it's brachycephalic, contact PrecisionAir first
  • Verify age: Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old
  • Book your vet appointment: Schedule 3 weeks before travel for health certificate
  • Get a health certificate: Issued within 10 days of departure
  • Buy an IATA-compliant crate: Hard-sided with ventilation on 3+ sides, attached water bowl, and absorbent liner
  • Add "Live Animals" labels: Get these from your airline or online
  • Check temperature forecasts: Confirm tarmac temps won't exceed 29.4°C or drop below -6.7°C
  • Pre-book with PrecisionAir: Contact them 2-3 weeks before travel
  • Confirm destination requirements: Some countries have import permits or additional health requirements
  • Arrange ground transport: Plan how you'll get your pet from the airport to your final destination

Cost & Fees

We're still verifying PrecisionAir's specific pet cargo fees — contact them directly for pricing. Pet travel costs vary widely depending on your pet's weight and destination. Check our pet travel cost guide for what to expect across airlines.

Service Animals & ESAs

We're still verifying PrecisionAir's policies on service animals and emotional support animals — contact them directly. Service dogs typically travel at their handler's feet in the cabin, but policies vary by airline.

Final Thoughts

Flying with your pet on PrecisionAir is absolutely doable — it just requires planning and the right equipment. The biggest mistakes I see are people booking without checking breed restrictions, showing up without a health certificate, or using the wrong carrier. Don't be that person.

Start your planning now. Get that vet appointment booked. Buy the right crate. And contact PrecisionAir early. Your pet will arrive safe, and you'll have peace of mind knowing you did everything right.

For a comprehensive overview of pet travel requirements, check out our pet travel documents checklist and flying with a dog guide.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll help you navigate every step of flying with your pet.

Data last verified: January 2025. This guide is based on auto-verified information from official PrecisionAir sources. Pet travel policies change frequently — always confirm directly with PrecisionAir before booking.

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