SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) – Pet Policy
| Pet Type | Cabin | Checked Hold / Cargo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Yes (≤8 kg incl. soft carrier 40x25x23 cm; max two same-species cohabiting pets per carrier; not in SAS Business/charter) | Yes (max 50 kg animal+crate; no snub-nosed breeds in hold; max two dogs up to 14kg each or 3 dogs <6 months/litter per crate; one dog per crate to USA) | Book 24h+ in advance; health certificate for <14 wks; snub-nosed breeds hold-ban; all US-bound dogs must be 6m+, CDC form/microchip from April 2025 |
| Cat | Yes (same as dog) | Yes (same as dog rules) | All doc rules apply; vet and import certificates mandatory |
| Bird | No | No | Cargo only; specialist freight forwarder and permits |
| Rabbit / Reptile / Fish | No | No | Cargo only if accepted; contact airline/cargo handler for rules |
Important Guidelines
- Only cats/dogs accepted in cabin or checked hold (weight and carrier limits apply); advance booking and payment required for all pet spots.
- Pets <8 kg (carrier+animal; carrier max 40x25x23 cm) travel in-cabin; one carrier per pax; two same-species pets allowed if cohabiting and under weight limit.
- No pets in SAS Business or on charter flights; no animals under 8 weeks, nursing, or under 14 weeks without extra vet certificate.
- Snub-nosed dog breeds (bulldog, pug, Pekingese, crosses) banned from cargo hold (as of Jan 2024). Other snub-nosed breeds only in cabin or, if in hold, in oversized, well-ventilated containers.
- Puppies/kittens must be 8+ weeks old; those under 14 weeks require a vet certificate declaring fitness to fly.
- For travel to US (from April 2025): dogs must be at least 6 months, microchipped, with CDC import form; high-risk rabies country entry subject to port-of-entry and vaccine status (see CDC page).
- SAS strictly limits total pets per flight and requires booking changes/cancellations to be made before travel; all fees are one-way and vary by route.
Woofly Tips
- Book pet spots early—requests must be placed within 24h of booking and confirmed at least 24h before departure; pet quotas fill quickly.
- Acclimate your animal to its SAS-compliant carrier/crate and check fit before the journey. Non-compliance is grounds for denied boarding.
- Bring printed and digital copies of all required animal documents (EU passport, microchip, vet certificates, booking, CDC form for US, etc.) for each segment and transfer airport.
- Review SAS’s snub-nosed breed policies every trip, especially for hold transport—rules get updated with new health and animal safety research.
- For travel to/via China, UK, UAE, or other countries requiring pets as cargo: organize with a freight forwarder and begin paperwork weeks ahead.
- Service animals and small dogs/cats are allowed in SAS lounges except in Norway; animals must be in carriers and always with their owner.
- Never sedate your pet before travel unless authorized by a veterinarian (flight sedation can be dangerous).
Last updated: July 25, 2025