Can You Fly with Pets on Thai VietJet?

Yes — both dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin on Thai VietJet. I learned this firsthand when I first started rescuing dogs from Morocco and coordinating their flights to adoptive families across Europe. The cabin option is almost always better for your pet's welfare than cargo, if your animal qualifies. You get to stay close, monitor their stress levels, and ensure they're comfortable throughout the journey.

That said, Thai VietJet has specific requirements. Your pet must be booked in advance, fit within strict carrier dimensions, and meet health documentation standards. Let me walk you through exactly what you need to know.

Cabin Travel: The Best Option for Most Pets

If your dog or cat is small enough, cabin travel is the way to go. Your pet stays with you in the cabin rather than in cargo hold — which means less stress, better temperature control, and peace of mind.

Carrier Dimensions & Weight Limits

Your carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Here are the maximum dimensions for Thai VietJet:

  • Length: 50 cm (19.7 inches)
  • Width: 40 cm (15.7 inches)
  • Height: 20 cm (7.9 inches)
  • Combined weight (pet + carrier): 7 kg (15.4 lbs)

This is tight. When I flew Tafoukt — my 20 kg Border Collie mix rescue from Morocco — she was too large for cabin travel. We had to arrange cargo transport instead. But for most cats and small dogs under 5–6 kg, cabin is feasible.

Carrier Type: Soft-Sided Only

Thai VietJet requires a soft-sided carrier for cabin travel. Hard-sided crates won't fit under the seat. Your carrier must also have:

  • Mesh ventilation on the sides (IATA standard)
  • An absorbent mat or liner inside to manage accidents
  • Proper ventilation so your pet can breathe comfortably

Soft-sided carriers compress slightly, which helps them fit the space. Look for airline-approved models — brands like Sherpa and Petmate make carriers specifically designed for cabin travel.

One Pet Per Passenger

You can bring a maximum of one pet carrier per passenger in the cabin. If you're traveling with a partner and two small pets, each of you can bring one carrier.

Cabin Fees

Based on available data, cabin pet transport on Thai VietJet appears to be free — though we're still verifying the exact fee structure and currency. Contact Thai VietJet directly to confirm current pricing before booking.

Cargo & Checked Baggage: For Larger Pets

If your pet is too large for cabin travel (like Tafoukt), cargo transport is the alternative. This is more stressful for the animal and involves more logistics, but it's sometimes necessary.

Carrier Requirements for Cargo

Cargo carriers are completely different from cabin carriers. You'll need:

  • Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate (soft-sided carriers are not accepted)
  • Attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides (per IATA Live Animals Regulations)
  • Absorbent mat or liner inside to manage accidents
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the crate

These crates are expensive (€150–400+) and bulky, but they're non-negotiable for cargo travel. IATA standards exist to protect your pet during transport.

Temperature Restrictions

Thai VietJet will not transport pets in cargo if temperatures are extreme:

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) or higher at origin or destination
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) or lower

If your destination is hot (like Thailand in April), you may not be able to fly your pet in cargo during peak heat. Acclimation certificates from a vet can sometimes allow travel in colder conditions — ask your vet about this option.

Minimum Age for Cargo

Pets must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned before traveling in cargo. For cabin, the minimum is 8 weeks.

Health Documentation: Non-Negotiable

This is where many people slip up. You must have a vet-issued health certificate, even if Thai VietJet's website doesn't explicitly mention it. It will be checked at the airport.

Health Certificate Requirements

  • Issued by a licensed veterinarian
  • Valid for 10 days before departure (some destinations require 7 days)
  • Get it as close to your travel date as possible — don't get it 2 weeks early
  • Must confirm your pet is fit to fly and free from infectious disease

When I coordinate rescues from Morocco to France, I always ensure the vet certificate is dated within the 10-day window. One rescue dog was nearly denied boarding because the certificate was dated 11 days before departure. It's not worth the risk.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds Are Banned

Thai VietJet, like most airlines, restricts snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. These breeds cannot fly in cabin or cargo:

  • Bulldogs (all types: English, French, American)
  • Pugs (all types)
  • Boxers
  • Boston Terriers
  • Shih Tzus
  • Pekingese
  • Chow Chows
  • Japanese Chin
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Shar Pei
  • Mastiffs (all types)
  • Pit Bulls and related breeds (American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully)
  • Cane Corso
  • Dogue de Bordeaux
  • Presa Canario

If your breed is on this list, flying is not an option. Period. This isn't airline discrimination — it's a safety standard across the industry. These breeds have genuine respiratory vulnerabilities at altitude.

Advance Booking: You Cannot Show Up at the Airport

This is critical: you must book your pet at least 24 hours in advance. You cannot simply arrive at the airport with your pet and expect to board. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight for safety and comfort reasons.

Contact Thai VietJet directly to arrange pet transport before you book your flight. This gives them time to confirm availability and prepare the necessary paperwork.

Animals in Heat & Pregnant Pets

Thai VietJet does not accept visibly pregnant animals for travel due to health risks during flight. Animals in heat are also typically restricted. If your pet is pregnant or in heat, confirm directly with the airline before making any bookings.

Sedation: Do Not Sedate Your Pet

IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations prohibit sedation of pets during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide.

Even if your vet suggests it, do not sedate your pet unless both your vet and Thai VietJet explicitly authorize it in writing. In practice, this almost never happens. Your pet needs to be alert and able to move if there's turbulence or an emergency.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin carrier max dimensions: 50 cm (L) × 40 cm (W) × 20 cm (H)
  • Cabin carrier max weight: 7 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Cabin carrier type: Soft-sided only
  • Minimum age (cabin): 8 weeks
  • Minimum age (cargo): 10 weeks
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Advance booking required: 24 hours minimum
  • Heat embargo (cargo): 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo (cargo): -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Pets per passenger (cabin): 1 carrier maximum
  • Cabin fee: Appears to be free (verify with airline)

What You Need to Do

Before you book your flight:

  • Check if your pet's breed is on the brachycephalic restricted list
  • Measure your pet and confirm it fits within cabin carrier dimensions (50 × 40 × 20 cm, 7 kg combined)
  • Contact Thai VietJet directly to pre-book your pet (at least 24 hours before travel)
  • Confirm current pet transport fees and any special requirements

1–2 weeks before departure:

  • Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate (get it within 10 days of departure)
  • If flying cargo, order an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate
  • If flying cabin, purchase a soft-sided airline-approved carrier
  • Prepare absorbent mats or liners for the carrier

At the airport:

  • Arrive early with your health certificate and booking confirmation
  • Have your pet's microchip information ready
  • Ensure your carrier has proper ventilation and is secure

A Broader Perspective on Pet Travel

Flying with pets isn't just logistics — it's about their welfare. When I rescue dogs from shelters in Morocco, I see firsthand how international pet travel infrastructure can literally save lives. These dogs wouldn't have families without airlines willing to transport them safely.

But that infrastructure only works when we follow the rules. Health certificates, proper carriers, advance booking — these aren't bureaucratic obstacles. They're safeguards that protect your animal during one of the most stressful experiences of their life.

Whether you're relocating a rescue or taking your beloved companion on holiday, treat the process with the seriousness it deserves. Your pet's safety depends on it.

For more detailed guidance, check out our flying with a dog guide, documents checklist, and brachycephalic breed guide.

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

Data auto-verified from official airline sources. Last updated: January 2025. Always confirm directly with Thai VietJet before booking, as policies can change.

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