Flying with Your Pet on Shandong Airlines

I still remember the first time I flew Tafoukt—my 20kg Border Collie mix rescued from a Moroccan shelter—across the Mediterranean. The anxiety was real. Not because of her, but because I wasn't sure I had everything right. That's why I'm writing this: to give you the clarity I wish I'd had.

Shandong Airlines (SC) operates across Asia and beyond, and if you're planning to travel with your dog or cat, you need to understand their specific policies. This guide breaks down exactly what's allowed, what's required, and what you need to do before you board.

Can You Bring Your Pet on Shandong Airlines?

Yes—but with conditions. Shandong Airlines allows both dogs and cats to travel, but not all pets travel the same way. Your options depend on your pet's size and the airline's capacity limits.

Cabin Travel (In the Cabin with You)

This is the ideal option if your pet qualifies. Traveling in the cabin means your pet stays with you throughout the flight—no cargo hold, no separation anxiety.

The reality: Shandong Airlines does not currently allow pets in the cabin. This is a firm policy. If cabin travel is important to you, you'll need to explore Air France, British Airways, or other carriers with cabin pet programs.

However, if you're flying with a service dog, the rules may differ—contact Shandong Airlines directly to confirm, as we're still verifying their service animal policies.

Checked Baggage Travel (In the Hold)

This is your primary option with Shandong Airlines. Your pet travels in a secure, temperature-controlled cargo hold beneath the aircraft. It's not glamorous, but it's safe when done correctly.

Checked Baggage Carrier Requirements

Your carrier is everything. A poorly designed crate can stress your pet and potentially violate airline regulations. Here's what you need:

  • Hard-sided crate only — soft carriers are not accepted for checked baggage
  • Ventilation on at least three sides — your pet needs airflow, not a sealed box
  • Attached water bowl — must be accessible from outside the crate so ground crew can refill it
  • Absorbent liner inside — accidents happen during flights; this protects your pet and the crate
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows — required by IATA regulations; these tell handlers which way is up

The crate doesn't need to be IATA-certified for checked baggage (though it's a good idea), but it must meet these basic standards. I learned this the hard way when I first transported rescue dogs—a crate that looked fine at home wasn't adequate for air travel.

Temperature Restrictions

This is critical: Shandong Airlines will not accept your pet if tarmac temperatures exceed 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination. Similarly, if temperatures drop below -6.7°C (20°F), your pet cannot travel unless you have an acclimation certificate from your vet.

Why? Cargo holds aren't heated or cooled during ground operations. A hot tarmac can become lethal within minutes. Plan your travel around seasons and times of day.

Age Requirements

Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned. Younger animals lack the physiological resilience for air travel.

Cargo Travel (Dedicated Pet Cargo Service)

We're still verifying whether Shandong Airlines offers a dedicated pet cargo service separate from checked baggage. Contact the airline directly to ask about this option—it may provide additional protections and monitoring for your pet.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Dogs

If you have a snub-nosed breed, pay attention. Shandong Airlines restricts brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. These 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 Chin
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Shar Pei
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Brussels Griffon
  • Affenpinscher
  • Cane Corso
  • Dogue de Bordeaux
  • Presa Canario

If your breed is on this list, do not assume you're banned—contact Shandong Airlines to discuss your specific dog. Some airlines make exceptions for individual animals with health clearances from vets. Read our brachycephalic breed flying guide for more context.

Health Certificates & Documentation

This is non-negotiable: You must have a vet-issued health certificate dated within 10 days of your departure. Some destinations require it within 7 days, so get it as close to travel as possible.

Your vet should confirm:

  • Your pet is in good health and fit for air travel
  • Vaccinations are current (especially rabies)
  • No signs of illness or injury
  • Microchip information (if applicable)

Even if Shandong Airlines doesn't explicitly ask for this certificate, you will be checked at the airport. I've seen travelers denied boarding because their paperwork was incomplete. Don't be that person.

For international travel, you may also need import permits for your destination country. Check with the destination's agricultural or customs authority—this varies by country.

Advance Booking: The 48-Hour Rule

You cannot show up at the airport with your pet and expect to board. You must book your pet at least 48 hours in advance. This gives Shandong Airlines time to arrange proper handling and ensure they don't exceed their per-flight pet limit.

Call the airline or contact them through their website to pre-book. Have your pet's details ready: breed, weight, age, and health certificate information.

Pregnant and Animals in Heat

Shandong Airlines does not accept visibly pregnant animals for travel. The stress and pressure changes during flight pose serious health risks. If your pet is pregnant, postpone travel until after she's given birth and recovered.

Animals in heat: we're still verifying this policy. Contact the airline directly if your pet is in heat.

No Sedation

Do not sedate your pet before flying, even if you think it will help them stay calm. IATA regulations (which virtually all airlines follow) prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. If your pet is extremely anxious, discuss anxiety management with your vet—there may be other options—but sedation is not one of them.

Fees & Costs

We're still verifying Shandong Airlines' specific pet travel fees. Cabin pets are not allowed, so there's no cabin fee. For checked baggage or cargo, fees vary by route and pet size. Contact Shandong Airlines directly for pricing.

For context on typical pet travel costs, see our pet travel cost guide.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Minimum age (checked baggage): 10 weeks
  • Maximum heat temperature: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Minimum cold temperature: -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days from issue
  • Advance booking required: 48 hours minimum
  • Cabin pets allowed: No
  • Checked baggage pets allowed: Yes

What You Need to Do

Before you book your flight:

  • Check if your pet's breed is on the brachycephalic restriction list; if so, contact Shandong Airlines
  • Verify tarmac temperatures at your origin and destination airports for your travel dates
  • Confirm your pet is at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned
  • Check if your destination country requires import permits

2-3 weeks before departure:

  • Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate (get it within 10 days of travel)
  • Ensure your pet's vaccinations are current
  • If traveling internationally, apply for any required import permits

At least 48 hours before departure:

  • Call Shandong Airlines to pre-book your pet
  • Confirm all fees and final requirements
  • Obtain your health certificate from your vet
  • Prepare your carrier: hard-sided, ventilated on three sides, with water bowl and absorbent liner
  • Attach "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows

Day of travel:

  • Arrive early; check in your pet as soon as possible
  • Bring all documentation: health certificate, import permits, booking confirmation
  • Say goodbye calmly—your pet will sense your anxiety

A Perspective on Pet Travel & Rescue

I've transported dozens of rescue dogs across borders—from Morocco to France, from shelters to families. Air travel isn't just for purebred pets or the wealthy. It's infrastructure that saves lives. Every time I fly with a rescue, I'm reminded that the rules exist for good reasons: to keep animals safe during one of the most stressful experiences of their lives.

Shandong Airlines' policies—the carrier requirements, the temperature restrictions, the health certificates—aren't bureaucratic obstacles. They're safeguards. Respect them, and your pet will arrive safely.

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

Still Have Questions?

For details we're still verifying—service animal policies, dedicated cargo services, specific fees, or route-specific restrictions—contact Shandong Airlines directly. Their customer service team can provide the most current information.

Data last verified: This guide is auto-verified from official airline sources and industry standards. Policies change; always confirm directly with Shandong Airlines before booking.

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