Air travel with a dog is an exciting prospect for many dog owners. Is it even possible? What documents are needed? And how do I ensure that my dog travels safely? In this guide, we will go through all the essential matters you need to know before booking a flight with your four-legged friend.
EU pet passport and mandatory documents
When travelling within EU countries, your dog must have a valid EU pet passport. The passport is obtained from a veterinarian and records the dog’s identification mark, that is, the microchip, rabies vaccination, and any parasite treatments. The microchip is mandatory – without it, the passport will not be issued.
Rabies vaccination is an absolute requirement for travel. The vaccination must be valid, and at least 21 days must have passed after the first vaccination before travelling. The dog must be at least 15 weeks old before it can fly.
If you are travelling outside the EU or returning from outside the EU, you need an EU animal health certificate instead of a pet passport, which must be obtained from an official veterinarian no more than 10 days before travel. Always check the destination country’s own regulations well in advance – some countries have stricter requirements, including breed-specific restrictions.
In the cabin or in the hold – what determines this?
The way your dog travels on the flight depends primarily on its size. You may fly with your dog in the cabin if the combined weight of the dog and the carrier bag is no more than 8 kg. In this case, the carrier bag is placed under the seat in front. Larger dogs travel in the hold in their own transport crate, and the weight limit varies by airline – for example, with Finnair, the limit is 75 kg for the dog and crate combined.
The carrier bag or crate must be:
- Closed and tight, but well ventilated
- Spacious enough for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down
- Leak-proof at the bottom (we recommend an absorbent mat)
- Compliant with the airline’s size requirements
For small dogs travelling in the cabin, a cabin-approved carry-on seat is an excellent choice – it meets the most common airline size requirements and offers your pet a comfortable travel experience.
Airline requirements – always check in advance
Each airline has its own rules for transporting pets. Here are a few examples:
- Finnair: Cats, dogs, pet rabbits, turtles, and hedgehogs allowed. Maximum 8 kg in the cabin. On European flights, the pet fee is about 40 € one way.
- airBaltic: Only cats and dogs. Maximum 8 kg in the cabin, carrier bag max 55 × 40 × 23 cm. Price 70 € one way.
- KLM: Cats and dogs in the cabin, carrier bag max 46 × 28 × 24 cm. Travel in the hold also possible.
- Ryanair: Pets are generally not allowed on flights.
Important: A pet spot must always be reserved in advance, as there is a limited number of pets allowed on each flight. Book as soon as you have purchased your flight ticket.
How to prepare for the flight day with your dog
Good preparation reduces stress for both you and your dog. Here are practical tips:
- Acclimate your dog to the carrier bag well before the trip – let it sleep and eat there at home
- Do not feed your dog 4–6 hours before the flight, but offer water as usual
- Take your dog out for a thorough walk before going to the airport
- Bring along familiar toys or a blanket that smells like home
- Arrive at the airport early – especially for hold travel, the recommendation is at least 2 hours before the flight
- Keep documents easily accessible: pet passport, vaccination certificates, and any other papers required by the destination country
Safety above all
Your dog’s safety is always the priority. Crash-tested transport solutions offer the best protection during the journey – whether it is a flight or transfer to the airport by car. When the transport crate meets international safety standards, you can travel with peace of mind.
Differences between countries – check before travelling
Although travelling within the EU with a pet passport is relatively straightforward, it is always wise to check the destination country’s own rules:
- United Kingdom: The EU pet passport is no longer valid – you need an animal health certificate
- Ireland: Prohibits entry of animals from outside the EU
- Hong Kong, UAE, Australia: Transporting pets with passengers on flights is not possible at all
Always contact the consulate or embassy of the destination country if you are uncertain about the requirements. It is better to be sure than to be disappointed at the airport.
Summary: checklist before the flight
- ✓ EU pet passport or animal health certificate in order
- ✓ Microchip installed and rabies vaccination valid
- ✓ Pet spot reserved with the airline in advance
- ✓ Carrier bag or transport crate the right size and approved
- ✓ Destination country’s rules checked
- ✓ Dog accustomed to the carrier bag
- ✓ Arrival at the airport on time
With careful preparation, air travel with a dog is entirely possible and even pleasant. The most important thing is that both you and your dog travel safely.
