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

I remember the first time I flew Tafoukt from Morocco to Paris—a 14kg rescue mix who'd spent her early life in a shelter. The anxiety wasn't about her; it was about getting every detail right. SilkAir's pet policies are straightforward once you understand them, but they require planning. Whether you're relocating a rescue dog like I did, moving with a family cat, or traveling with a beloved companion, this guide covers everything you need to know.

SilkAir does not allow pets in the cabin. However, they do accept pets in cargo and checked baggage. This is an important distinction—it means your pet travels separately from you, which requires different preparation than cabin travel on pet-friendly airlines like Air France.

Cabin Travel: Not Available on SilkAir

SilkAir's policy is clear: no pets are permitted in the cabin. There is no cabin pet fee because the service simply isn't offered. This is different from many European carriers that allow small dogs and cats to travel at your feet or under the seat.

If cabin travel with your pet is essential for your journey, you may want to explore alternative airlines. However, if you're flexible, cargo or checked baggage travel on SilkAir is a viable option—it just requires more advance planning.

Cargo Travel: Your Primary Option

Cargo is SilkAir's main pet transport method. This is actually how many international rescue relocations happen—I've coordinated several dogs from Moroccan shelters to French families using cargo services. It's safe, regulated, and designed specifically for animal welfare.

Cargo Carrier Requirements

  • Hard-sided crate only — soft carriers are not accepted for cargo
  • IATA-compliant — your crate must meet International Air Transport Association Live Animals Regulations (LAR)
  • Ventilation on at least three sides — required by IATA standards
  • Attached water bowl — must be accessible from outside the crate for refilling during layovers
  • Absorbent liner inside — essential for managing accidents during the flight
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows — required on all sides of the crate

When I shipped Tafoukt, the hard-sided crate felt intimidating at first, but it's actually more protective than soft carriers. The rigid structure protects your pet during handling, and the ventilation requirements ensure proper airflow throughout the journey.

Age & Health Requirements for Cargo

  • Minimum age: 10 weeks — your pet must be fully weaned
  • Health certificate required — issued by a vet within 10 days of departure (some destinations require 7 days; check your specific route)
  • No sedation allowed — IATA regulations prohibit sedating pets during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies
  • Brachycephalic breeds banned — snub-nosed breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, and Shih Tzus are not accepted due to respiratory risks
  • Pregnant animals not accepted — visibly pregnant pets cannot travel due to health risks

Temperature Embargoes for Cargo

This is critical: SilkAir will refuse to transport pets if temperatures are too extreme.

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) — if tarmac temperatures at origin or destination exceed this, your pet cannot fly
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) — cold-weather travel may be possible with an acclimation certificate from your vet, but confirm with SilkAir first

Summer travel from hot climates requires careful timing. I always book early morning or late evening flights when possible to avoid peak heat hours.

Advance Booking for Cargo

You must pre-book your pet before arrival at the airport. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight for safety and welfare reasons. Don't assume you can arrange this at check-in—contact SilkAir's cargo department well in advance.

Checked Baggage Travel

SilkAir also accepts pets in checked baggage, though this is less common than cargo for larger animals. The requirements are similar to cargo:

  • Hard-sided crate (soft carriers not accepted)
  • Attached water bowl
  • Absorbent liner inside
  • "Live Animals" labels required
  • Ventilation on at least three sides
  • Minimum age: 10 weeks
  • Health certificate required (within 10 days of departure)
  • Temperature embargoes apply (29.4°C heat limit, -6.7°C cold limit)
  • No sedation allowed
  • Brachycephalic breeds banned
  • Pregnant animals not accepted
  • Advance booking required

The main difference between checked baggage and cargo is handling priority. Cargo typically receives more specialized care, while checked baggage follows standard baggage protocols. For international moves, cargo is usually the safer choice.

Health Certificates & Documentation

This is non-negotiable: you must have a vet-issued health certificate. Even if SilkAir's website doesn't explicitly mention it, you will be denied boarding without one.

  • Issued within 10 days of departure (some destinations require 7 days—verify your specific route)
  • Get it as close to departure as possible to maximize validity
  • Your vet must sign and stamp it
  • Check destination country requirements — some countries have additional import permits or quarantine rules

For international relocations, especially to France or other EU countries, there may be additional requirements like microchipping, rabies vaccination records, or import permits. Research your destination thoroughly.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds

SilkAir restricts the following breeds due to respiratory risks during flight:

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

If your pet is on this list, contact SilkAir directly to confirm—some airlines make exceptions, though most maintain strict bans for animal welfare reasons.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pets allowed: No
  • Cargo pets allowed: Yes
  • Checked baggage pets allowed: Yes
  • Minimum age (cargo/checked baggage): 10 weeks
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days from issue
  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Cabin fee: Not applicable (no cabin pets)
  • Cargo/checked baggage fee: Contact SilkAir directly

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

  • Contact SilkAir cargo department immediately — book your pet's space well in advance (at least 2-4 weeks for international flights)
  • Schedule a vet appointment — get your health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
  • Verify destination requirements — check import permits, quarantine rules, and vaccination requirements for your destination country
  • Purchase an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate — ensure it has proper ventilation, attached water bowl, and space for absorbent liner
  • Acclimate your pet to the crate — spend 1-2 weeks letting them get comfortable with it
  • Confirm temperature embargoes — check weather forecasts for your travel dates and adjust if necessary
  • Arrange ground transportation — plan how your pet will get to the airport and be collected at the destination
  • Prepare travel documents — gather health certificate, microchip records, vaccination proof, and any import permits
  • Label the crate clearly — use "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on all sides
  • Include comfort items — familiar bedding or toys inside the crate (within IATA guidelines)

A Perspective on Pet Travel & Rescue

When I first started coordinating rescues from Morocco to France, I realized that international pet travel infrastructure—even the regulations that seem strict—exists to protect animals. SilkAir's cargo policies, while more complex than cabin travel, are designed with animal welfare in mind. The temperature embargoes, carrier requirements, and health certificates aren't bureaucratic obstacles; they're safeguards.

Many rescue dogs and cats around the world depend on airlines like SilkAir to reach safe homes. The process requires patience and planning, but it works. Tafoukt made the journey safely, and so have dozens of other rescues I've helped relocate.

Still Have Questions?

We're still verifying some details about SilkAir's specific fees, booking procedures, and any route-specific restrictions. Contact SilkAir directly for the most current information on:

  • Exact cargo and checked baggage pet fees
  • Booking procedures and required forms
  • Specific embargoed routes
  • Service animal policies (if applicable)

For comprehensive guidance on international pet relocation, check out our pet travel documents checklist and pet travel costs guide. If your pet is a brachycephalic breed, read our brachycephalic breed flying guide for alternatives.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll help you navigate every step of flying with your pet, whether it's cargo, checked baggage, or finding an airline that offers cabin travel.

Data auto-verified from official SilkAir sources. Last updated: January 2025. Policies subject to change—always confirm directly with the airline before booking.

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