Can You Fly with Pets on Vietnam Airlines?

Yes, Vietnam Airlines allows pets to travel with you. You have three options: cabin travel (your pet stays with you), checked baggage (your pet travels in the hold), or cargo (dedicated pet shipping). Each option has different rules, so choosing the right one depends on your pet's size, age, and your destination.

The airline accepts both dogs and cats, though certain breeds are restricted due to health and safety concerns. Advance booking is mandatory — you cannot simply show up at the airport with a pet.

Cabin Travel: Keep Your Pet With You

If your pet is small enough, traveling in the cabin means your furry companion stays in the passenger area with you throughout the flight.

Who Can Travel in the Cabin?

  • Dogs and cats are both allowed in the cabin
  • Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned
  • Maximum one pet per passenger
  • Pregnant animals are not accepted — confirm with the airline if your pet is pregnant

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel

Your pet's carrier is crucial. It must fit under the seat in front of you and meet these specifications:

  • Maximum dimensions: 45.7 cm (18 inches) long × 27.9 cm (11 inches) wide × 27.9 cm (11 inches) high
  • Maximum combined weight: 8 kg (pet + carrier together)
  • Carrier type: Soft-sided carriers are preferred and required to fit under the seat
  • Ventilation: Mesh sides for adequate airflow
  • Interior: Absorbent mat or liner to manage accidents

Measure your pet and carrier carefully before booking. If your dog or cat exceeds these limits, you'll need to use checked baggage or cargo instead.

Breed Restrictions in the Cabin

Vietnam Airlines restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds in the cabin due to respiratory risks during flight. These breeds include:

  • Dogs: Bulldogs (all types), Pugs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Mastiffs, Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Chow Chows, Shar Peis, and others with flattened faces
  • Cats: Persian cats

If your breed is on this list, check with Vietnam Airlines directly — some restrictions may vary by route or aircraft type. See our brachycephalic breed guide for more details.

Cabin Booking & Fees

  • Advance booking required: At least 24 hours before departure
  • Booking method: Phone only — you cannot book online
  • Fees: Route-dependent; USD for international flights, VND for domestic routes
  • No sedation allowed: IATA regulations prohibit sedating your pet during air travel

Checked Baggage: Pet in the Hold

If your pet is too large for the cabin or you prefer this option, checked baggage allows your pet to travel in the aircraft's pressurized hold.

Who Can Travel as Checked Baggage?

  • Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old (older than cabin travel)
  • Brachycephalic breeds are restricted — same restrictions as cabin
  • Pregnant animals are not accepted
  • Advance booking is required

Carrier Requirements for Checked Baggage

Checked baggage carriers must be more robust than cabin carriers:

  • Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides (IATA requirement)
  • Water bowl: Attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside
  • Live Animals label: Required on the crate with orientation arrows
  • Absorbent liner: Inside the carrier to manage accidents

Temperature Restrictions

Vietnam Airlines will not accept pets in checked baggage if temperatures are extreme:

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

If your destination is very hot or cold, check the weather forecast before booking. A vet can issue an acclimation certificate to allow travel in colder conditions.

Cargo: Dedicated Pet Shipping

For larger pets or long-distance moves, cargo offers a dedicated pet shipping service with specialized handling.

Cargo Requirements

  • Minimum age: 10 weeks old
  • Advance booking: At least 48 hours before departure
  • Brachycephalic breeds: Restricted (same as cabin and checked baggage)
  • Pregnant animals: Not accepted
  • Fees: USD for international shipments, VND for domestic

Cargo Carrier Specifications

  • Carrier type: Hard-sided IATA-compliant crates only (soft-sided not accepted)
  • Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides
  • Water bowl: Attached, fillable from outside
  • Live Animals label: Required with orientation arrows
  • Absorbent liner: Inside the crate
  • IATA compliance: Crate must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR)

Cargo carriers are more expensive than checked baggage but offer better protection and climate control for larger animals.

Health & Documentation Requirements

Regardless of which travel method you choose, your pet needs proper documentation:

Health Certificate

  • Required: Yes, for all travel methods
  • Issued by: A licensed veterinarian
  • Validity: 10 days from issue date (get it as close to departure as possible)
  • What it covers: Confirms your pet is healthy and fit to fly

Even if Vietnam Airlines doesn't explicitly ask for it, you will be checked at the airport. Don't risk being denied boarding — get this certificate every time.

Additional Documentation

Depending on your destination country, you may need:

  • Import permits
  • Vaccination records (especially rabies)
  • Microchip information

Requirements vary by country. Check with your destination's customs authority or use our documents checklist to ensure you have everything.

Important Restrictions & Rules

No Sedation

IATA regulations prohibit sedating pets during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. Do not sedate your pet unless explicitly instructed by both your veterinarian and the airline (which is extremely rare).

Pregnant & Heat Animals

Vietnam Airlines does not accept visibly pregnant animals. If your pet is pregnant or in heat, contact the airline directly to confirm whether an exception can be made.

Assistance Animals

Service animals and emotional support animals have separate policies. Documentation is required. Contact Vietnam Airlines directly for specific requirements.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin carrier max dimensions: 45.7 × 27.9 × 27.9 cm (18 × 11 × 11 inches)
  • Cabin carrier max weight: 8 kg (pet + carrier)
  • Minimum age (cabin): 8 weeks
  • Minimum age (checked/cargo): 10 weeks
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days
  • Cabin booking advance notice: 24 hours (phone only)
  • Cargo booking advance notice: 48 hours
  • Heat embargo threshold: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo threshold: -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Max pets per passenger (cabin): 1

What You Need to Do

  1. Confirm your pet's eligibility: Check breed restrictions and age requirements. If your pet is brachycephalic, call Vietnam Airlines first.
  2. Measure your pet and carrier: Ensure they meet size and weight limits for your chosen travel method.
  3. Book in advance: Call Vietnam Airlines at least 24 hours before departure for cabin travel, 48 hours for cargo. Online booking is not available.
  4. Get a health certificate: Visit your vet within 10 days of departure (closer is better). This is non-negotiable.
  5. Check destination requirements: Research import permits, vaccinations, and quarantine rules for your destination country.
  6. Prepare the carrier: Ensure it has proper ventilation, absorbent lining, and (for checked/cargo) an attached water bowl and Live Animals labels.
  7. Arrive early at the airport: Pet travel requires extra processing time. Arrive 3 hours before international flights.
  8. Never sedate your pet: This is prohibited by IATA and dangerous.

Practical Tips for Flying with Your Pet on Vietnam Airlines

  • Practice with the carrier: Let your pet spend time in the carrier before the flight so they're comfortable.
  • Avoid peak travel times: Fewer pets per flight means less stress for your animal. Ask about quieter flight times when booking.
  • Pack essentials: Bring food, water, medications, and comfort items (toys, blanket) in your carry-on.
  • Check weather: Avoid booking during extreme heat or cold. Temperature embargoes can cancel your pet's travel.
  • Microchip your pet: In case of loss during travel, a microchip is your best protection.
  • Get pet insurance: Some policies cover flight-related incidents. See our cost guide for more information.

Need More Help?

Vietnam Airlines pet policies can be complex, especially for international travel. Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll help you navigate every step, from booking to destination requirements.

This guide reflects Vietnam Airlines' pet policy as of April 2026. Policies change, and destination countries have their own rules. Always confirm directly with the airline and your destination's customs authority before booking. Data is auto-verified from official sources.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 11, 2026