Okay, real talk: SWISS lets snub-nosed dogs fly, and if you own a flat-faced little gremlin like I do, that word 'accepted' feels like winning the lottery. Mochi has strong opinions about airline lounges, so this matters. But 'accepted' comes with fine print nobody reads until they're sweating at the desk. Here's what nobody tells you about flying a squishy-faced pup on SWISS, before you book anything.
SWISS's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
How Swiss handles your pet Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedSWISS carries dogs and cats in the cabin or in the hold. verified 2026-07-15 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yespaniel, Lhaso Apso, Pekinese, Pit Bull, Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel. Cats British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, Scottish Fold. This restriction also applies to… verified 2026-07-15 Snub-nosed breeds list American Bulldog Staffordshire Bull Terrier Regulations for dangerous dog breeds The following breeds and crossbreeds are classified as dangerous dogs: American Bulldog American Bully (fundamentally prohibited due to potential snub-nosed characteristic) Caucasian… verified 2026-07-26 Minimum age 12 weeks Dogs and cats are only permitted to travel from the age of 12 weeks and above. verified 2026-07-15 Advance booking notice 3 hours …Bring your pet to the check-in desk in an appropriate transport container at least 2 hours but no more than 3 hours before departure. verified 2026-07-15 Advance booking required ✓ Yes You have booked your flight and registered your pet early (no later than 72 hours before departure via your travel agency, or no later verified 2026-07-13 Max pets per passenger 2 each passenger is permitted to take a maximum of two animals with them (in an approved transport container). verified 2026-07-15 Booking method make a reservation Please contact a Service Centre to make a reservation for your guide dog Certain conditions must be met for you to take your dog with you into the passenger cabin verified 2026-07-15 Min age weeks 12 weeks Dogs and cats are only permitted to travel from the age of 12 weeks and above. verified 2026-07-15 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWe do not accept animals that are pregnant either. verified 2026-07-15 Carrier size 55 × 40 × 23 cm The transport container must not exceed 118 cm (55 x 40 x 23 cm) so it can be stowed under the seat in front. verified 2026-06-15 Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg The following animals can travel in the cabin Dogs and cats weighing up to 8 kg (weight including travel carrier) verified 2026-07-15 Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier The transport container must not exceed 118 cm (55 x 40 x 23 cm) so it can be stowed under the seat in front. verified 2026-06-15 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedWe’ll check the availability and make the booking for you no later than 72 hours before departure. We shall inform you by email if it is not possible to make the booking for your pet. If your booking is successful, you… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yespaniel, Lhaso Apso, Pekinese, Pit Bull, Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel. Cats British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, Scottish Fold. This restriction also applies to… verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list American Bulldog Staffordshire Bull Terrier Regulations for dangerous dog breeds The following breeds and crossbreeds are classified as dangerous dogs: American Bulldog American Bully (fundamentally prohibited due to potential snub-nosed characteristic) Caucasian… verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Minimum age 12 weeks …(in one or two approved transport containers) Dogs and cats are only permitted to travel from the age of 12 weeks and above verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Advance booking notice 72 hours Travelling with Pets You can take your dog or cat with you in the cabin on your SWISS flight. We’ll check the availability and make the booking for you no later than 72 hours before departure. verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ Yes You have booked your flight and registered your pet early (no later than 72 hours before departure via your travel agency, or no later verified 2026-07-13 Hold: Booking method desk Contact our Service Centre Recommendation ‒ animals in the hold Bring your pet to the check-in desk in an appropriate transport container at least 2 hours but no more than 3 hours before departure verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ No118 cm; 55 x 40 x 23 cm). Animals other than dogs and cats are not permitted to travel in the hold. Certain species may be carried as freight. Find detailed information about which species this affects under “Extended… verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Carrier size 55 cm …transport container) or are travelling in a transport container exceeding the permitted size (max. 118 cm; 55 x 40 x 23 cm). verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier …transport container) or are travelling in a transport container exceeding the permitted size (max. 118 cm; 55 x 40 x 23 cm). verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedSWISS carries dogs and cats in the cabin or in the hold. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesSnub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are only accepted in the cabin as they are particularly susceptible to temperature and stress. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list American Bulldog Staffordshire Bull Terrier Regulations for dangerous dog breeds The following breeds and crossbreeds are classified as dangerous dogs: American Bulldog American Bully (fundamentally prohibited due to potential snub-nosed characteristic) Caucasian… verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: One-way fee 150 EUR Note: for tickets issued after 1 April 2021: For animals that are transported in the hold, a supplement of EUR 150 / CHF 170 / USD 170 / CAD 220 is charged for transfers via Geneva, Frankfurt, Vienna and Zurich verified 2026-07-07 Cargo: Minimum age 12 weeks Dogs and cats are only permitted to travel from the age of 12 weeks and above. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Advance booking notice 72 hours …transport of animals in the hold You have booked your flight and registered your pet early (no later than 72 hours before departure via your travel agency, or no later than 24 hours* before departure by calling the… verified 2026-07-28 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ Yes You have booked your flight and registered your pet early (no later than 72 hours before departure via your travel agency, or no later verified 2026-07-13 Cargo: Heat embargo 1.60°C …hinges and latches must protrude above and below the door openings on the horizontal projections by at least 1.60 cm. verified 2026-06-28 Cargo: Banned breeds list Dogo Argentino re classified as dangerous dogs: American Bulldog American Bully (fundamentally prohibited due to potential snub-nosed characteristic) Caucasian Ovcharka (Caucasian Shepherd Dog) Dogo Argentino Karabash/Kangal… verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWe do not accept animals that are pregnant either. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Carrier size 8 cm …animals travel in the hold Dogs and cats that do not belong to snub-nosed breeds and weigh more than 8 kg (weight including transport container) or are travelling in a transport container exceeding the permitted… verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier …animals travel in the hold Dogs and cats that do not belong to snub-nosed breeds and weigh more than 8 kg (weight including transport container) or are travelling in a transport container exceeding the permitted… verified 2026-07-15 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ Yescarriage in advance and present the original versions of your pet’s documents. These include the import, export and transit papers and its health and vaccination certificates. The owner must pay for the return flights… verified 2026-07-15 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ Yesy dogs to Newark (EWR) providing your dog has not stayed in a high-risk region (rabies) within the previous six months before entering the USA. It is still possible to carry animals as air freight to other destinations.… verified 2026-07-15 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 12 weeks roved transport containers) Dogs and cats are only permitted to travel from the age of 12 weeks and above. verified 2026-07-15 Other rules Minimum age 12 weeks Pets must be at least 12 weeks old to fly with Swiss. verified 2026-05-27 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWe do not accept animals that are pregnant either. verified 2026-07-15 Assistance animals accepted ✓ YesThe following animals can travel in the cabin Dogs and cats weighing up to 8 kg (weight including travel carrier) Larger dogs if they are trained assistance dogs (e.g. guide dogs for visually impaired passengers). verified 2026-07-15 Service & assistance animals Esa note Emotional support dogs are not classified Emotional support dogs are not classified as assistance dogs and new bookings will no longer be accepted after this date verified 2026-07-15 Fee waived ✓ YesWe carry two (2) assistance dogs free of charge. verified 2026-07-15 Recognized ✓ Yesrther information about the carriage of dogs in the cabin (under 8 kg) Further information about the carriage of dogs in the hold (over 8 kg) Conditions for bringing your dog on board It must be at least four months old… verified 2026-07-15 Cabin allowed ✓ YesRefusal of carriage SWISS can refuse carriage in line with US DOT regulations if the dog represents a direct threat to the health or safety of others causes a significant disturbance on board or in the gate area of the… verified 2026-07-15 Esa recognized ✗ NoEmotional support dogs are not classified as assistance dogs and new bookings will no longer be accepted after this date verified 2026-07-15 Forms required ✓ Yesder 8 kg) Further information about the carriage of dogs in the hold (over 8 kg) Mandatory forms In order to travel with an assistance dog on SWISS, you must download the relevant form from the US Department of… verified 2026-07-15 Breed restrictions assistance dog It is a dog, regardless of breed Definition of an assistance dog It is a dog, regardless of breed or type verified 2026-07-15 Advance notice hours 48 hours …form from the US Department of Transport (DOT) before your flight and submit it to SWISS no later than 48 hours before your flight Download the US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form The link will be opened… verified 2026-07-23 Documentation required ✓ YesFurther information about the carriage of dogs in the cabin (under 8 kg) Further information about the carriage of dogs in the hold (over 8 kg) Mandatory forms In order to travel with an assistance dog on SWISS, you… verified 2026-07-15 Recognized organizations Assistance Dogs Europe Assistance Dogs International International Guide Dog Federation Mandatory forms a training certificate from a training institution that holds accreditation from the following organisations Assistance Dogs International (ADI), Assistance Dogs Europe (ADEu), International Guide Dog… verified 2026-07-15 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedSWISS carries dogs and cats in the cabin or in the hold. verified 2026-07-15 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✓ NoSnub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are only accepted in the cabin as they are particularly susceptible to temperature and stress. verified 2026-07-07 Snub-nosed breeds list brachycephalic Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are only accepted in the cabin as they are particularly susceptible to temperature and stress Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are only accepted in the cabin as they are particularly… verified 2026-06-26 Minimum age 12 weeks Dogs and cats are only permitted to travel from the age of 12 weeks and above. verified 2026-07-15 Advance booking notice 72 hours in the hold You have booked your flight and registered your pet early (no later than 72 hours before departure via your travel agency, or no later than 24 hours* before departure by calling the… verified 2026-07-28 Advance booking required ✓ Yesnditions as excess baggage in the aircraft’s air-conditioned cargo hold. Check booking for you no later than 72 hours before departure. We shall inform you by email if it is not possible to make the booking for your… verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per passenger 2 each passenger is permitted to take a maximum of two animals with them (in an approved transport container). verified 2026-07-15 Min age weeks 12 weeks Dogs and cats are only permitted to travel from the age of 12 weeks and above. verified 2026-07-15 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWe do not accept animals that are pregnant either. verified 2026-07-15 Carrier size 55 × 40 × 23 cm The transport container must not exceed 118 cm (55 x 40 x 23 cm) so it can be stowed under the seat in front. verified 2026-06-15 Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg The following animals can travel in the cabin Dogs and cats weighing up to 8 kg (weight including travel carrier) verified 2026-07-15 Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier The transport container must not exceed 118 cm (55 x 40 x 23 cm) so it can be stowed under the seat in front. verified 2026-06-15 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedSWISS carries dogs and cats in the cabin or in the hold. verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yespaniel, Lhaso Apso, Pekinese, Pit Bull, Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel. Cats British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, Scottish Fold. This restriction also applies to… verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Minimum age 12 weeks …(in one or two approved transport containers) Dogs and cats are only permitted to travel from the age of 12 weeks and above verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Advance booking notice 72 hours Travelling with Pets You can take your dog or cat with you in the cabin on your SWISS flight. We’ll check the availability and make the booking for you no later than 72 hours before departure. verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesChecklist for the transport of animals in the hold You have booked your flight and registered your pet early (no later than 72 hours before departure via your travel agency, or no later verified 2026-07-24 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWe do not accept animals that are pregnant either verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Carrier size 23 cm 118 cm; 55 x 40 x 23 cm). Animals other than dogs and cats are not permitted to travel in the hold. verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier 118 cm; 55 x 40 x 23 cm). Animals other than dogs and cats are not permitted to travel in the hold. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedSWISS carries dogs and cats in the cabin or in the hold. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yespaniel, Lhaso Apso, Pekinese, Pit Bull, Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel. Cats British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, Scottish Fold. This restriction also applies to… verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: One-way fee 150 EUR Note: for tickets issued after 1 April 2021: For animals that are transported in the hold, a supplement of EUR 150 / CHF 170 / USD 170 / CAD 220 is charged for transfers via Geneva, Frankfurt, Vienna and Zurich verified 2026-07-07 Cargo: Minimum age 12 weeks Dogs and cats are only permitted to travel from the age of 12 weeks and above. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Advance booking notice 72 hours …transport of animals in the hold You have booked your flight and registered your pet early (no later than 72 hours before departure via your travel agency, or no later than 24 hours* before departure by calling the… verified 2026-07-28 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ Yes You have booked your flight and registered your pet early (no later than 72 hours before departure via your travel agency, or no later verified 2026-07-13 Cargo: Heat embargo 1.60°C …hinges and latches must protrude above and below the door openings on the horizontal projections by at least 1.60 cm. verified 2026-06-28 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWe do not accept animals that are pregnant either. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Carrier size 8 cm …animals travel in the hold Dogs and cats that do not belong to snub-nosed breeds and weigh more than 8 kg (weight including transport container) or are travelling in a transport container exceeding the permitted… verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier …animals travel in the hold Dogs and cats that do not belong to snub-nosed breeds and weigh more than 8 kg (weight including transport container) or are travelling in a transport container exceeding the permitted… verified 2026-07-15 Other rules Minimum age 12 weeks Pets must be at least 12 weeks old to fly with Swiss. verified 2026-05-27 SWISS requires the pet booking at least 3 hours before departure. Contact the SWISS Service Centre to add the animal to the flight; the cabin slot is not confirmed at the airport counter. Book the pet on the same reservation before travel. Leaving it to check-in risks refusal. Reserve the spot the moment the flight is chosen, not the morning of departure.
SWISS marks snub-nosed breeds as required documentation, and the restriction extends to listed breeds including Pekinese, Shih Tzu, Pit Bull, Shar Pei, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Tibetan Spaniel, plus cat breeds such as Persian, Himalayan, and Scottish Fold. Confirm the exact breed against the SWISS list before booking. Prepare the required paperwork for the flat-faced category to avoid a denied boarding.
Frequently asked
How many pets can I bring on SWISS? SWISS allows 2 in the cabin, per passenger. Each pet needs its own carrier. What is the cabin weight limit on SWISS? In the cabin, your pet plus its carrier must not exceed 8 kg. Can snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds fly SWISS? Snub-nosed breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats are not accepted in the cabin, not accepted in the hold. How far in advance must I book my pet on SWISS? Add your pet to the booking at least 3 hours before departure — do it when you book the ticket, not at the airport. What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity? If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays. What happens if I forget a document? At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
So yeah, SWISS is one of the good ones for us flat-faced-dog people, but 'accepted' is only step one. The three-hour booking window and the breed list will trip you up if you wing it. Don't guess. Build your actual trip in Pawgo's plan-builder, get a personalized plan for your route and your specific pup, and walk to that counter knowing you've already won the paperwork fight.
Glossary
ISO chip ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard. FAVN Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations. Brachycephalic Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk. AVIH Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
