Garuda Indonesia – Pet Policy
Quick Reference Table
| Pet Type | Cabin | Checked Baggage / Hold | Cargo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Only qualified service dogs (advance approval needed) | Yes, direct domestic flights <2hrs, ≤32kg total | Yes (all routes) | Health cert, rabies cert, crate req. No snub-nosed in heat/extremes |
| Cat | No | Yes, same as above | Yes | IATA crate, vet docs, ≤32kg for baggage, else cargo |
| Rabbit/Guinea Pig/Hamster/Ferret | No | Yes, direct short domestic (<2hrs), ≤32kg | Yes | All docs, crate, route restrictions apply |
| Bird | No | No | Yes (cargo only) | CITES/wildlife docs, approved crate, book early |
| Reptile | No | No | Yes (manifest cargo only) | Permits, crate, agent booking, temp rules enforced |
| Fish | No | No | Yes (manifest cargo only) | Sealed tank, export/import docs, quarantine/permits |
Pets and animals not meeting all requirements may be refused. CITES and national wildlife laws strictly enforced, especially for birds/reptiles.
Overview: General Pet Policy
- PETS IN CABIN: Only trained service dogs accepted with advanced notice and paperwork. All other animals must fly in hold or as manifest cargo (no in-cabin option).
- PETS AS CHECKED BAGGAGE: Domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and ferrets accepted as checked baggage on direct domestic flights under 2 hours, in IATA crate, with combined weight ≤32kg. No international baggage option; cargo only.
- PETS AS CARGO: All pets on longer or international flights must use air cargo with airwaybill. Birds, reptiles, fish, and exotics only via manifest cargo booked by agent, with all required legal, vet, and import/export documents.
- BREED RESTRICTIONS: Extra caution and crate size required for snub-nosed (brachycephalic) pets; climate and seasonal refusal possible. Aggressive, dangerous, or prohibited species may be banned.
- DOCUMENTS: Health certificate (≤10 days), rabies (where applicable), all import/export/CITES, airwaybill, and shipper's certification for live animal. Additional acclimation certificate for cold weather.
- TEMPERATURE & ROUTE RESTRICTIONS: Shipments not accepted if temperatures above 29.4°C (85°F) or below 7.2°C (45°F); not accepted on ATR72-600; certain airports/routes may ban animals.
Woofly Animal Travel Tips
- Book with Garuda Indonesia Cargo or with a licensed pet agent/handler; confirm all transport and route eligibility prior to ticket purchase.
- Always use IATA-compliant hard crate that is leak-proof, lockable, ventilated, and large enough for your pet’s comfort.
- Have complete health, vaccination, and import/export documents for both origin and destination countries. Additional documents for CITES/wildlife species.
- Plan for possible acclimation certificate in winter and avoid travel in temperature extremes.
- For exotics, birds, or restricted animals, check country and airport rules well in advance—many require permits or outright ban certain species.
- For service dogs, notify the airline at least 48 hours ahead and bring certified training evidence and entry docs.
Required Documents
- Veterinary health certificate (issued within 10 days)
- Rabies vaccination record (dogs, cats, ferrets)
- IATA Live Animal Checklist (cargo, baggage)
- Airwaybill for manifest cargo
- Shipper’s Certification for Live Animal (all species)
- Import/export/CITES/wildlife permits (as required)
- Acclimation certificate (if below 7°C/45°F)
Last updated: July 21, 2025