The science here is simpler than it sounds: West
Air China accepts dogs in the cabin, which puts your Cavalier or spaniel right beside you for the flight. Pixel rides happier that way too, and the paperwork follows one clean track. Read the checklist below before you book, because the small details decide whether your dog boards without a single hiccup at the counter.
West Air China'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 West Air China 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
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets may travel in the cabin on select domestic, international, and regional flights with West Air through its “Worry-Free Pet Travel” program. verified 2026-07-14 Minimum age 8 weeks Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey. verified 2026-08-15 Advance booking notice 24 hours Passengers must book pet transportation at least 24 hours before departure by calling +86 898 95373, using West Air’s official WeChat account, the Hainan… verified 2026-07-14 Sedation allowed ✗ NoWest Air does not accept pets that are pregnant, recently gave birth, have undergone surgery within 48 hours, are sedated, emit strong odors, or show signs of illness. verified 2026-07-14 Advance notice hours 24 hours Passengers must book pet transportation at least 24 hours before departure by calling +86 898 95373 verified 2026-07-14 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPets are not permitted in airport VIP or first-class lounges. verified 2026-08-15 Carrier size 36 × 30 × 20 cm Carrier Guidelines For pets traveling in the cabin without occupying a seat, carriers must not exceed 14" x 12" x 8" (36 x 30 x 20 cm) and must fit completely under the seat in front of the passenger. verified 2026-07-14 Crate must have/be ventilated, absorbent liner, a carrier Carrier Guidelines For pets traveling in the cabin without occupying a seat, carriers must not exceed 14" x 12" x 8" (36 x 30 x 20 cm) and must fit completely under the seat in front of the passenger. verified 2026-07-14 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Minimum age 8 weeks Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey. verified 2026-08-15 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoWest Air does not accept pets that are pregnant, recently gave birth, have undergone surgery within 48 hours, are sedated, emit strong odors, or show signs of illness. verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWest Air does not accept pets that are pregnant, recently gave birth, have undergone surgery within 48 hours, are sedated, emit strong odors, or show signs of illness West Air does not accept pets that are pregnant,… verified 2026-06-27 Hold: Crate must have/be ventilated, absorbent liner imensions when expanded, but must compress to the maximum size limits. All carriers must be leak-proof, chew-resistant, ventilated, and lined with absorbent material. … Browse pet-friendly spots worldwide: Hotels All… verified 2026-08-15 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets in Cargo Pets that are not eligible for cabin transportation may be transported as cargo, subject to West Air’s cargo acceptance rules. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Minimum age 8 weeks Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey. verified 2026-08-15 Cargo: Advance booking notice 24 hours Passengers must book pet transportation at least 24 hours before departure by calling +86 898 95373, using West Air’s official WeChat account, the Hainan… verified 2026-08-13 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWest Air does not accept pets that are pregnant, recently gave birth, have undergone surgery within 48 hours, are sedated, emit strong odors, or show signs of illness West Air does not accept pets that are pregnant,… verified 2026-06-27 Cargo: Crate must have/be absorbent liner For pets occupying a seat, carriers must not exceed 22" x 12" x 8" (55 x 30 x 20 cm). Soft-sided carriers may slightly exceed these dimensions when expanded, but must compress to the maximum size limits. All carriers… verified 2026-08-06 Other rules Minimum age 8 weeks Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey. verified 2026-08-13 Dangerous breeds banned ✗ YesThe following dog breeds and their mixes are not accepted for cabin transportation: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa Inu, Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff), Dogo Argentino, Malinois, and other aggressive or fighting… verified 2026-08-13 Breed restrictions apply ✗ YesThe following dog breeds and their mixes are not accepted for cabin transportation: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa Inu, Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff), Dogo Argentino, Malinois, and other aggressive or fighting… verified 2026-08-13 Assistance animals accepted ✓ Yesand over, pregnant passengers, disabled passengers (except those traveling with service dogs), and adults traveling alone with infants or children are not eligible to transport pets in the cabin. Pets are not permitted… verified 2026-08-15 Service & assistance animals Recognized ✓ YesUnaccompanied minors, passengers aged 60 and over, pregnant passengers, disabled passengers (except those traveling with service dogs), and adults traveling alone with infants or children are not eligible to transport… verified 2026-07-25 Cabin allowed ✓ YesUnaccompanied minors, passengers aged 60 and over, pregnant passengers, disabled passengers (except those traveling with service dogs), and adults traveling alone with infants or children are not eligible to transport… verified 2026-07-25 Advance notice hours 24 hours Passengers must book pet transportation at least 24 hours before departure by calling +86 898 95373, using West Air’s official WeChat account, the Hainan Add a… verified 2026-08-15 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedna West Air China West Air No Reviews Share Website West Air is a low-cost airline based in China and a subsidiary of Hainan Airlines. Pets may travel in the cabin on select domestic, international, and regional flights… verified 2026-07-20 Minimum age 8 weeks Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey. verified 2026-08-15 Advance booking notice 24 hours …reservations are required for pets traveling in the cabin. Passengers must book pet transportation at least 24 hours before departure by calling +86 898 95373, using West Air’s official WeChat account, the Hainan… verified 2026-08-13 Sedation allowed ✗ NoWest Air does not accept pets that are pregnant, recently gave birth, have undergone surgery within 48 hours, are sedated verified 2026-07-14 Advance notice hours 24 hours Passengers must book pet transportation at least 24 hours before departure by calling +86 898 95373 verified 2026-07-14 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWest Air does not accept pets that are pregnant, recently gave birth, have undergone surgery within 48 hours, are sedated verified 2026-07-14 Carrier size 20 cm Carrier Guidelines For pets traveling in the cabin without occupying a seat, carriers must not exceed 14" x 12" x 8" (36 x 30 x 20 cm) and must fit completely under the seat in front of the passenger. verified 2026-08-15 Crate must have/be ventilated, absorbent liner, a carrier Carrier Guidelines For pets traveling in the cabin without occupying a seat, carriers must not exceed 14" x 12" x 8" (36 x 30 x 20 cm) and must fit completely under the seat in front of the passenger. verified 2026-08-15 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Minimum age 8 weeks Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey verified 2026-06-27 Hold: Advance booking notice 24 hours Passengers must book pet transportation at least 24 hours before departure by calling +86 898 95373, using West Air’s official WeChat account, the Hainan… verified 2026-08-13 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesPassengers must book pet transportation at least 24 hours before departure by calling +86 898 95373, using West Air’s official WeChat account, the Hainan Airlines app or mini-program, or at designated airport counters… verified 2026-08-13 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoWest Air does not accept pets that are pregnant, recently gave birth, have undergone surgery within 48 hours, are sedated, emit strong odors, or show signs of illness. verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWest Air does not accept pets that are pregnant, recently gave birth, have undergone surgery within 48 hours, are sedated, emit strong odors, or show signs of illness. verified 2026-07-28 Hold: Crate must have/be ventilated For pets occupying a seat, carriers must not exceed 22" x 12" x 8" (55 x 30 x 20 cm). Soft-sided carriers may slightly exceed these dimensions when expanded, but must compress to the maximum size limits. All carriers… verified 2026-08-06 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets in Cargo Pets that are not eligible for cabin transportation may be transported as cargo, subject to West Air’s cargo acceptance rules. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Minimum age 8 weeks Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey. verified 2026-08-15 Cargo: Advance booking notice 24 hours Passengers must book pet transportation at least 24 hours before departure by calling +86 898 95373, using West Air’s official WeChat account, the Hainan… verified 2026-08-13 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesPassengers must book pet transportation at least 24 hours before departure by calling +86 898 95373, using West Air’s official WeChat account, the Hainan Airlines app or mini-program, or at designated airport counters… verified 2026-08-13 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWest Air does not accept pets that are pregnant, recently gave birth, have undergone surgery within 48 hours, are sedated, emit strong odors, or show signs of illness West Air does not accept pets that are pregnant,… verified 2026-06-27 Cargo: Crate must have/be ventilated, absorbent liner For pets occupying a seat, carriers must not exceed 22" x 12" x 8" (55 x 30 x 20 cm). Soft-sided carriers may slightly exceed these dimensions when expanded, but must compress to the maximum size limits. All carriers… verified 2026-08-06 Other rules Minimum age 8 weeks Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey. verified 2026-08-13 Pet transport must be booked at least 24 hours before departure. Reserve by calling +86 898 95373, through West Air's official WeChat account, or via the
Hainan Airlines app or mini-program. Complete the reservation the day before at the latest. A same-day request will be refused. Confirm the booking reference before arriving at the airport counter.
Frequently asked
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.
West Air refuses pets that are pregnant, recently gave birth, underwent surgery within the past 48 hours, are sedated, emit strong odors, or show signs of illness. Schedule any procedure so recovery clears the 48-hour window before departure. Do not sedate the dog for travel. Present a healthy, alert animal at check-in to avoid an on-the-spot rejection.
Dogs travel two ways on West Air China, and the right one depends on your dog's size and your route. The science here is simpler than it sounds once you see it laid out. Build your personalized plan in Pawgo's plan-builder for your exact itinerary, and it maps every certificate, booking call, and deadline for the real trip you're taking.
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.
