Kenya Airways – Pet Policy (Updated July 21, 2025)
Quick Reference Table
| Pet Type | Cabin | Cargo | Checked Baggage | Docs/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Service dog only | Yes | No | Trainer cert (cabin), IATA crate/health cert/cargo booking |
| Cat | No | Yes | No | IATA crate/health cert/cargo booking |
| Bird | No | Yes* | No | CITES/wildlife docs (check species, route) |
| Reptile | No | Yes* | No | CITES/wildlife docs/advance consult KQ Cargo |
| Fish | No | Yes* | No | Health/vet docs & water container, advance consult |
| Rabbit | No | Maybe (not specified, must request with KQ Cargo) | No | Health certificate, IATA crate, ask KQ Cargo |
*Subject to further regulation, permits, and confirmation with KQ Cargo.
General Policies
- PETS IN CABIN: Not allowed, except for fully trained service dogs assisting passengers with a disability. Emotional support animals are not accepted.
- PETS AS CHECKED BAGGAGE: Not permitted.
- PETS AS CARGO: All other pets (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, fish, possibly rabbits) must go as manifest cargo. Booking required directly with KQ Cargo. IATA-compliant crates mandatory.
- BREED/SPECIES RESTRICTIONS: Confirm with airline. Brachycephalic breeds and some birds/reptiles/fish may be restricted or banned.
Pet-Specific Travel Tips
- Dog: Only certified/trained service dogs allowed in cabin. All others via cargo (IATA crate, health docs, early booking). Snub-nosed breeds: confirm in advance.
- Cat: Not allowed in cabin. Cargo travel requires crate and full health/vet/export paperwork.
- Bird: Only possible as cargo with advance clearance; CITES/wildlife docs may be required, and some species/routes banned.
- Reptile: Must travel as cargo, only with full legal and health documentation. Some species forbidden.
- Fish: Cargo only, with water-tight container. Check all export/import restrictions.
- Rabbit: Cargo options not guaranteed—case by case, requires vet cert and agreement with airline.
Required Documents
- Service dogs (cabin): Proof of training, medical/legal documentation, advance notification.
- All pets (cargo): Health certificate, vaccination record, import/export permit, IATA container, any CITES or wildlife permits required for birds/reptiles/exotics. Advance booking with KQ Cargo is essential.
Woofly Extra Tips
- Book cargo space early! Space and approval are not guaranteed.
- Snub-nosed pets should have a veterinary check and may face further travel barriers.
- Always check latest entry rules for destination country.
- Email all vet/permit paperwork ahead to KQ Cargo to speed up approval.
Last Updated: July 21, 2025