KLM – Pet Policy
| Pet Type | Cabin | Checked Baggage / Hold | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Yes (≤8 kg incl. soft kennel; must fit under seat in Economy/Europe Business; not permitted in Premium Comfort or intercontinental Business Class) | Yes (up to 3 dogs/cats per passenger in hold if route/aircraft permits; IATA crate; snub-nosed breeds not allowed in hold; route/season rules apply) | All dogs to US: CDC Dog Import Form and ≥6 months old from Aug 1, 2024; book early; all vaccination/vet/import docs required |
| Cat | Yes (same as dog; ≤8 kg, carrier rules above) | Yes (same as dog; snub-nosed/fighting breeds not allowed in hold) | All vaccination/passport/import rules apply |
| Bird | No | No | Only as specialized cargo with all permits |
| Rabbit | No | No | Cargo only |
| Reptile/Fish | No | No | Cargo only; not standard airline pet booking |
Important Guidelines
- Book your pet’s flight as soon as your own ticket is confirmed; notify KLM Customer Service to ensure a place, as only limited pets per aircraft are allowed.
- Carrier for cabin: soft/leakproof/ventilated, max 46x28x24 cm, must go under seat; max 8 kg (pet + carrier); for hold/cargo: hard IATA crate (sized for animal comfort, secure, leak and escape proof).
- Snub-nosed/flat-faced breeds and certain fighting breeds are not accepted in hold. In hot weather, transport in hold is further restricted—get written airline confirmation before booking.
- From August 1, 2024, all dogs entering the US need the CDC Dog Import Form and must be at least 6 months old; microchip and rabies vaccination required for most international journeys.
- No pet transport as cabin/hold baggage is available on certain aircraft or to specific countries (e.g., UK, Ireland, UAE, South Africa, Australia, Hong Kong, and others); always check KLM’s latest route-specific restrictions before booking.
- Birds, rabbits, reptiles, and fish are only accepted as manifest cargo with prior arrangement, specialized handling, and documentation.
- Consult KLM’s full list of prohibited breeds and verify route/destination laws; authorities may restrict import/export of certain animals regardless of airline acceptance.
Woofly Tips
- Bring your pet’s paperwork (health/passport/vaccination certificates, import/export permits, booking confirmation) in both paper and digital form—check-in staff and customs may inspect at any station.
- Acclimate your animal to its travel carrier weeks before your journey; a calm, comfortable pet is more likely to be accepted (and less stressed during travel).
- Check for heat/cold season restrictions if your animal travels in the hold—airport conditions may lead to embargoes on certain dates or routes.
- Always confirm connecting flights if your itinerary includes partner airlines or multiple stopovers—pet acceptance rules are stricter on codeshare segments.
- KLM’s booking for pets in cabin/hold closes 48 hours before departure; last-minute applications are rarely accepted for animals other than recognized service dogs.
- Service dogs are transported free of charge in the cabin with full documentation—notify the airline well in advance.
Last updated: July 25, 2025