Iberia – Pet Policy
| Pet Type | Cabin | Checked Baggage / Cargo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Yes (≤8 kg incl. carrier; max 45x35x25 cm; certain breeds/routes excluded; see policy) | Yes (all sizes eligible if not accepted in cabin; IATA crate; snub-nosed/dangerous breeds special restrictions) | Advance booking required; banned breeds in hold; check full breed, doc, and destination rules |
| Cat | Yes (same as dog, same restrictions on size/route/breed) | Yes (as for dogs) | Brachycephalic cats restricted; see docs above |
| Bird | Yes (small birds, no raptors/exotics/wild; max 2/cage, special container) | Yes (with carrier & doc restrictions; some birds banned or only as cargo) | Check for route/health/CITES rules and bans on certain birds |
| Rabbit, Rodent, Ferret | No (never accepted as cabin pets) | Yes (only in cargo with IATA crate, advance booking, and documentation) | Subject to cruelty laws, transit/entry rules, booking requirements |
| Reptile | No | Cargo only, by arrangement (with CITES/import docs as needed) | Never standard pet; always cargo |
| Fish | Yes (small: max 1l in water, leakproof container, in-cabin) | Yes (larger quantities as cargo; full import/export documents) | Each route/country has health/safety rules, paperwork |
Important Guidelines
- Only one carrier per passenger in cabin; book pet travel as far in advance as possible.
- PETS must be healthy, 3+ months old (15 weeks for US/some int'l); rabies vaccine issued 21+ days prior to departure. Microchip required for EU and many countries.
- Cabin pets: ≤8 kg (carrier + animal), max 45x35x25 cm; IATA crate required for pets in hold/cargo.
- Banned/dangerous breeds (see airline list) must travel as cargo with reinforced crate and pre-approval; snub-nosed breeds (Pug, Bulldog, Boxer, Persian, Exotic Shorthair, etc.) forbidden in hold/cargo in summer/warmer months or embargoed for animal safety.
- No pets accepted in cabin on routes to UK, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, Iceland, Hong Kong, and some other countries.
- Documentation: Rabies/vaccine certificate, health certificate (within 5–10 days of flight), import/export papers, CITES/USDA/EU Pet Passport where required.
Woofly Tips
- Prepare, check, and carry all required paperwork (both originals and digital copies) for every stop/country—authorities and Iberia may ask at every segment.
- Confirm space and approval for cabin pets at booking—each flight has a quota and some aircraft, especially regional types, may not accommodate pets at all.
- Snub-nosed or dangerous breeds require extra care: avoid hot weather, arrange for special crates, and get written airline approval in advance.
- Puppies/kittens: too young, pregnant, sick, or weaned less than 21 days NOT accepted—reschedule if in doubt.
- Contact Iberia Cargo for unusual pets (e.g. reptiles, fish in bulk, exotics) for specific route logistics and legal guidance.
- Never sedate your pet for travel without direct veterinary advice and written confirmation it is safe for the animal in flight.
- Label all containers with the owner’s name, contact number, and destination address. Carry extra cable ties for hold/crate doors as required in IATA crate standards.
Last updated: July 27, 2025