Malaysia Airlines – Pet Policy

View Official Policy Page ↗

Quick Reference Table

All pets shipped are subject to airline, IATA, and import/export rules. Brachycephalic breeds and some aggressive breeds are never accepted.

General Policy Overview

• PETS IN CABIN: Only certified/trained service dogs for people with disabilities allowed in cabin with advance notice. No cats, pets, or emotional support animals.
• PETS AS CHECKED BAGGAGE: Dogs, cats, and fish accepted as checked baggage on most routes (max 32kg including carrier, 204cm max dimensions). Not accepted on flights to/from Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, London, Brunei. Route/temperature limits apply.
• PETS AS CARGO: All pets exceeding checked baggage limits or traveling to restricted countries must go as manifest cargo booked through MASkargo. All birds, reptiles, and other non-standard species not accepted.
• BREED RESTRICTIONS: No snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dog/cat breeds or certain aggressive types permitted. See official website for full breed ban list.

Pet-Specific Guidance

• Dogs: Only certified service dogs allowed in cabin after prior application. For all other dogs: cargo/checked if qualifying, snub-nosed breeds not allowed, health vet papers always required.
• Cats: Not accepted in cabin; checked or cargo only, with all documents and allowed breed/health status. Brachycephalic cats are not accepted.
• Fish: Allowed only as checked baggage or manifest cargo, with correct leak-proof container and health/import docs.
• Rabbits / Other Pets: Not specifically mentioned; contact airline/MASkargo directly for case-by-case acceptance and rules.
• Birds / Reptiles: Not accepted on passenger or cargo flights.

Container, Weight & Size Rules

• IATA-compliant crate (hard-sided, leak-proof, secure, and labeled); no wheels.
• Max allowed for checked pets: combined 32kg and ≤204cm. Otherwise, ship as cargo. Baggage charge based on total weight of pet + crate.
• Pets never included in free baggage allowance; all are charged as excess baggage or via air cargo rates.

Required Documentation

• Veterinary health certificate (within validity date)
• Rabies vaccination proof (for dogs/cats)
• Import/export permits and CITES where needed
• Booking confirmation for checked/cargo pet and airwaybill for manifest cargo
• For service animals: training certificate and advance notice

Woofly Tips

• Book as early as possible — capacity and pet approval required in advance
• Snub-nosed breeds should never attempt to fly on Malaysia Airlines — always check latest ban list
• Check all route/temperature restrictions, especially for pets traveling on long-haul or via multiple countries
• Submit all documents and crate specifications in advance to the airline or MASkargo, and keep physical/hard copies handy during travel
• For all non-standard or exotics, directly contact MASkargo or an IPATA agent