pet travel usa to europe

Traveling with a Pet to Europe from USA

Wondering how to travel with your pet from USA to Europe in 2022? It may sound daunting at first, but it’s actually a pretty easy process.

If you’ve been following me on Instagram for a while you must have seen that my cat, Poofy, is a great travel cat. He travels with us on planes, goes on road trips and walks on a leash like a dog. But, we’ve only traveled with him around the US before as he was born in Colorado.

Unsurprisingly, when we moved to Europe for the first time in 2019 Poofy obviously came with us straight away, one of the most popular questions became: how did you move with a cat to Europe?

Let me tell you that if you’re comin g from the US to Europe transporting your pet couldn’t be easier. Here is how to do it.

How to Travel with a Pet from the US to Europe

Many people prefer to hire a company that specializes in pet transportation, but after I saw their prices I found it ridiculous. It’s so easy to transport pets on your own and arrange all the necessary paperwork for less than $400, that there’s no point in paying someone $1000-35000 to do it for you. It feels like a robbery to me.

Unless you have some exotic pets or breeds that are banned from some airlines or have to transport over 3 pets at once, there’s no point in hiring a company to do it for you.

Where Can My Pet Travel With Me in Europe?

Most EU countries have pretty straightforward rules, with the exception of Ireland, United Kingdom and Iceland. These countries require all pets to arrive in cargo instead of the cabin.

However, some airlines have banned 21 dogs breeds and 4 cat breeds as they’re more sensitive. If your pet is on this list below you might want to check directly to find out how to proceed.

I know that for instance, Lufthansa asks you to sign a form saying that you take full responsibility if your pet dies.

Potentially banned or problematic breeds:

Affenpinscher
American Bully
American Pit Bull Terrier
Belgian Malinois
Boston Terrier
Brussels Griffon
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
English Toy Spaniel/Prince Charles Spaniel
Japanese Chin/Japanese Spaniel
Shar-Pei/Chinese Shar-Pei
Staffordshire Bull Terrier/”Staffys”
Tibetan Spaniel
Exotic Shorthair

Can My Pet Travel in the Cabin with Me?

When you want to travel with your pet, the first thing you need to figure out it whether your pet will be able to travel with you in a cabin, or has to be shipped as cargo. This depends on the airline, size and type of your animal and country you’re traveling to. If you’re traveling to any of the countries from the list below (even when it’s just transit to your final destination), you can only ship your pet in cargo:

New Zealand
Republic of Ireland
South Africa
United Kingdom
United Arab Emirates

Pick an airline accordingly, as some as more pet-friendly than others. I can only speak for Delta, Alitalia and Lufthansa on long-haul flights, as I’ve flown my cat with them on several occasions, but I also heard that KLM is great for pet travel. KLM even has a special pet terminal in Amsterdam where you can go and visit your pet traveling in cargo.

If your pet is small enough (under 8kg / 17 lbs) avoid cargo at all costs. I heard multiple stories from people whose pets almost got lost and whose posts did get lost , unfortunately.

For any other destination, especially in continental Europe, small dogs, cats, and household birds can travel in the cabin for a one-way fee, usually collected at check-in.

They require a container and officially should remain in them for the duration of the flight, but it’s not a strict rule that’s being enforced if the animal behaves and doesn’t bother other passengers. I’ve actually never seen a dog even having a container, leave alone being inside it.

Poofy is actually better outside of the container but usually spends 50% of the time sleeping in it. If he had to be locked in a container all the time on a long flight, without a possibility of peaking out, he’d cry and bother people. This way he doesn’t even make a meow once and many people are later surprised that they never heard him during the flight.

Full Disclosure: The way your pet travels obviously depends on your pet, airline, staff and situation. If your cat is nervous, doesn’t walk on the leash, and isn’t used to people, don’t ever let him out of his container. Poofy is a bit special, unusually calm and never bothers anyone – in fact, everyone just wants to pet him.

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How to Book Your Pet’s Plane ‘Ticket’?

Each airline only allows a certain amount of pets in the cabin (either 2 or 4 depending on the aircraft), so the moment you book your flight call the airline and book your pet in. The agent will ask you about the weight of your pet, his age, and the dimensions of the kennel.

You’ll be required to pay a pet fee at the airport upon check-in. For US domestic flights the fee is usually around $125 each way, including stopovers.

Internationally, if your pet travels in the cabin or kennel in cargo is about $200, BUT only if you fly directly to a country of your destination. What does it mean?

If I’m flying to Italy, but I choose to have a layover in Germany it means that in Germany I’ll have to pay a pet fee again (it applies to both pets in the cabin and those traveling in cargo).

If it’s your first time flying with a pet I’d advise against international layovers, because paying a layover fee often gets complicated because you have to find a place where you can actually pay and it’s not at a check-in counter and definitely not at the gate and no one really knows who to pay. If you have a short layover you might miss your flight basically.

Another detail of traveling in-cabin with your pet is that pets cannot fly business or first class on most airlines. If you’re flying with a baby or toddle r on top of your pet (basically what we do every single time) technically your pet cannot “sit” in the bulkhead row where to bassinet is or at an emergency exit.

However, Lufthansa moved us to bassinet seats twice automatically in their system having a very surprised flight attendant, but Poofy just rode on the seat and the baby slept in the bassinet.

Pet Travel Requirements for International Travel : Plan at Least 30 days in Advance

There’s no quarantine for pets coming to/from the EU from/to the US, so you don’t have to worry about it. You can bring your pet home straight away.

Other rules are very straightforward: rabies vaccine, microchip, and USDA vet’s certificate.

Step 1: Microchip: 30+ Days Before Departure

Your pet must be 16 weeks old if traveling to the U.S. from other countries and must be at least 15 weeks old for European Union travel.

If your pet isn’t a microchip that will be your first step. It’s essential that the microchip is implanted before the rabies vaccine is given, so you cannot really do it all in one go. A rabies vaccine given prior to microchip insertion is invalid and your pet won’t be able to travel.

For Europe specifically, your pet must have an “ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15 digit microchip” . I’m saying officially because if you microchipped your pet before most vets will give it a pass without giving him a second microchip – we got a pass, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Poofy has been microchipped and vaccinated shortly after he turned 4 months, so we didn’t have to do it again.

Step 2: Rabies Vaccine: 21 Days Before Departure

Even if your pet is entering from a “rabies-free” country (US is considered rabies-free), it will still need a rabies vaccination after microchipping. The vaccination must be done more than 21 days before entering the country.

If your pet already has a rabies vaccine that’s valid you don’t need to get it again.

Step 3: Get a Veterinary Certificate: 10 Days or Less Before Departure

You will also need to arrange a Veterinary Certificate filled by the vet who’s USDA certified. Call your vet and ask if they have anyone, and if not they’ll point you to another place.

The Veterinary Certificate must be filled in by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of your flight out. Don’t leave it for the last minute (unless you decide to do what I did – keep reading), because after you get it you’ll have to overnight it to USDA to receive a stamp.

This EU Health Certificate is valid for 4 months, so you can travel within Europe freely with it.

My Experience Traveling with a Cat to Italy & later France

Our experience of moving with a cat from the US to Italy was pleasant and easier than we imagined. However, we’ve traveled with Poofy numerous times before, so we knew what to expect from the flying itself. He doesn’t mind traveling by plane and being in the car, and usually enjoys looking at his surroundings at the airport.

Basically, all we had to do was to schedule an appointment with an accredited vet 10 days before departure from the US. As we were traveling from Texas to New Hampshire and before and staying there for a week, we got an appointment in New Hampshire.

We gave the vet a paper needed for Italy downloaded from USDA website (link here) and that was it. The vet had to inquire about the number of his rabies vaccination with his old vet, but it was just a matter of a quick phone call.

Once we got his health certificate filled out it was a matter of getting the stamp from USDA. We could have overnight it to Albany, NY office, but as we were flying out to Milan from NYC (it was cheaper and the flight was direct) we decided to schedule an appointment and stop by on our drive.

They scheduled our appointment very easily and we spent about half an hour waiting for the paperwork to be checked and stamped. If you’re worried about not getting paperwork back on time do that – it’s so simple!

At the airport we processed to the check-in and apart from paying the pet fee, no one ever asked us to show his documents. We usually book a window and middle seats when we travel with Poofy, so he can enjoy some privacy, but this time we got upgraded to Delta Comfort seat and had to sit in an aisle and middle seats.

The cat didn’t seem to mind though and as usual, spread out on both of our laps and slept there for most of the flight, before crawling back to his carrier for more naps.

When we arrived in Italy, we took his carrier and just walked out. No one asked us for cat paperwork at the immigration (in fact, we went through the automated one), or when we were leaving customs. I heard it’s a common thing that you’re never asked to show any paperwork for your furry friend in Italy, but it’s better to be on the safe side and have it ready. Please don’t risk your cat or dog getting deported for not having the necessary paperwork!

Update 2022 : Poofy has been to Europe back and forth a few times and moved to France with us as well, and only once did we encounter issues as the checking agent didn’t know how to process a pet fee. It’s really a simple process, so don’t fear it!

Poofy has traveled around Italy, France, visited Poland, Switzerland and German. After his first trip to Europe he doesn’t need a USDA certificate anymore, because…

EU Pet Passport

If you’re just visiting Europe or staying for up to 4 months (assuming you’re American your tourist visa will be valid for just 3 months).

If you’re staying long-term you could and should get your pet an EU Pet Passport. It’s valid for life and handy to have especially if you’re traveling between US and Europe often. This is also the reason why we don’t need to get another USDA document now because Poofy has a European Passport.

In some countries, like Spain for example, anyone can walk in with their pet to a certified vet, pay the passport fee and get a passport. The vet will check your pet, and his documents and fill them in.

However, various countries won’t issue your pet a passport unless you’re a legal resident of this country or hold citizenship. Italy and Ireland are some of those countries.

We were unable to obtain Poofy’s passport in Italy due to our residency fiasco . We got another certificate of health from a local Italian vet stating that Poofy is good to fly (not a hard process, we walked in and it took 5 minutes honestly) and flew with him to Poland. Then we got him a passport thanks to my Polish citizenship.

Returning from Europe to USA with your Pet

You don’t need anything to get back into the USA from Europe with your pet as long as the rabies vaccine is still valid.

At first we were told not to use our Global Entry, but the next time we were told it’s fine to use Global Entry when you re-enter with your pet.

Do you have any questions about transporting your pet to another country? Ask ahead!

Ultimate Guide: Bringing Your Dog to Europe from US in 2024

August 3, 2023
Dog Travel Tips , Europe Pet Friendly Guides , Uncategorized

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You can bring your dog to Europe from the US in 2024. It’s easier in 2024 than before but it still requires careful preparation and adherence to each European country’s specific regulations . Generally, you will need a valid pet microchip for identification, up-to-date vaccinations (including rabies), and a pet health certificate from a veterinarian. Some countries may also impose quarantine periods or have breed-specific restrictions but that is very rare.

Additionally, you must check with your chosen airline for their pet travel policies and fees. By meeting all the necessary requirements, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for both you and your furry companion.

Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this blog article are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

How to Bring Your Dog to Europe From US

Step 1: you must decide where you want to go (which european country) and when.

The first thing is deciding where to go and when. This, we believe, is the first step because it determines the rest of how you plan and go about obtaining the required documents.

If you decide to go to Europe during the off-season (November – March), then plane tickets and accommodations will be much more affordable than during high season (late May – August). Shoulder season (April – mid June; late September – October) would be a great in-between option in terms of prices and crowds.

As a general rule of thumb, you should give yourself at least 3 months of planning before you leave for Europe with your dog.

Once you choose the country you plan on going to and when, then you can move onto the next step…

Step 2: Book a vet appointment as soon as possible

First, it is mandatory that your pet is microchipped and has their up to date vaccinations in order to travel to Europe. Please double check with your vet about this before booking any appointments. Note that previous vaccinations won’t be valid if given before the microchip.

After ensuring your pet is microchipped and has the necessary vaccines you will need to book an appointment with an accredited vet who can issue you an USDA-endorsed pet health certificate . Not all vets are able to do this. We recommend calling your vet’s office first and confirming before booking an appointment. You can also search this database as well to find an accredited vet.

Below is a script you can use when calling the vet:

“Hello, I plan on traveling to [European Country] on [Date you plan on traveling] and need a pet health certificate done for my pet. Does your office have any vets that are accredited and able to issue this for me?”

To clarify, an USDA-endorsed pet health certificate is a document that is given to you and your pet from a vet, after the vet has deemed your pet healthy enough for travel. You will need the hard copy of this form, embossed and signed by the USDA endorsement office when you fly. Meaning this document can not be shown electronically through your phone or computer. When you are checking into your flight, the airline will required the hard copy of this document. You may also need to show this document upon arrival at your designated country as well.

It is also important to note that if you do not have an European Union pet passport for your dog or pet then you will need to visit the vet and get your pet health certificate done within 10 days of your departure date (your flight date).

More Information About the USDA-Endorsed Pet Health Certificate

To meet your designated country’s requirements for an USDA-endorsed pet health certificate you must obtain this from an accredited veterinarian. They will assist in completing, signing, and dating the necessary certificate. Your veterinarian can then submit the certificate directly to the USDA Endorsement Office through the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) or provide you with the paperwork for you to submit to the office yourself. The USDA Endorsement office will then emboss and sign the hard copy and send it back directly to you so you can bring it to the airport. Please note that you will have to pay for shipping.

bodhi mini dachshund dog in paris, petfriendly hotels

Step 3: Book your flight and check airline requirements

Next is making sure you book flights for you and your pet! This step can be done simultaneously with Step 2; however we find that if you get your vet appointment date booked and figure out all that business with the USDA-endorsed pet health certificate then booking your flight becomes more seamless.

We are based in California so flying into a major European city such as Paris, Milan, etc would be the most efficient because they tend to have direct flights. We flew French Bee and loved it! Very straight to the point, cost efficient and we have not experience any delays or cancellations with them.

We listed below the airlines you can bring your dog and fly in cabin with them to Europe from US in 2023. You can click on the links to each airline to be taken directly to their pet policy page.

Aegean Airlines
TAP Air Portugal (We do not recommend flying with them. We experienced a lot of issues with this airline.)
United Airlines

It is also important to note that you will need to buy a soft carrier for your pet if you plan on traveling in cabin with them. We rated the top 5 best dog carriers for 2023 here if you want to check that out!

We recommend you review your airline’s pet policy in detail and understand the following:

their maximum weight allotment (usually has to be under 17-22 pounds, including the carrier)
their maximum carrier size & carrier requirements
the cost to fly your pet in cabin with you
if there are any additional paperwork needed to check your dog into the flight

Step 4: Ensure your pet and you are ready for travel

Lastly, once everything is squared away you can relax! Well, sort of. We recommend you train your pet for airline travel. Getting your pet used to the carrier, making sure they relieve themselves before the flight, and watching their food and water intake are all things you must do to ensure a smooth journey.

If you want a free guide on how to best prepare your dog for in cabin airplane travel then just sign up to our newsletter below & get it instantly.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can i take my dog to europe from the us without flying.

In 2023, flying to Europe from the US is one of the fastest ways to travel with your pet. However, there are other options if you prefer not to fly.

Ferry travel with pets is available on many large ships in US and Europe. You can sail for several hours or even days, with accommodations for both you and your pet. The ferries make stops in various countries during the journey.

You also have the option to charter a private yacht as well — but we believe this to be unnecessary and extremely pricey.

Can you bring a dog on a plane to Europe from US?

Yes! You can bring a dog on a plane to Europe. We’ve listed the airlines that allow in cabin pets to fly with their owners above. However, you must meet all the requirements and have the appropriate paperwork in order to do so.

An accredited vet needs to sign the form, and then the USDA endorsement office must endorse it within 48 hours before your pet arrives in Europe. The hard copy of the form must be on hand while traveling. If your pet is just passing through the EU, you don’t need to follow this rule.

Can dogs fly in the cabin from US to Europe?

Yes! In 2023 there are plenty of options if you want to bring your dog to Europe from the US via airplane. When flying to Europe from the USA with your dog, it’s best to choose European flag-carrier airlines as they are more likely to allow pets in the cabin with you. We’ve listed the 2023 airlines that allow pets in cabin above!

How much does it cost to fly a dog internationally?

It really all depends on when you’re traveling and where you’re traveling to. However, bringing your dog on a flight in the cabin usually costs around $125 to $250. Whereas transporting them in the cargo hold can usually be well over $1,000. For international pet shipping, licensed companies usually charge between $1,000 and $6,000. We’ve heard some destinations you have to pay upwards of $10,000 to transport your pet.

How hard is it to bring a dog to Europe?

We would say it’s not hard but it takes work. Before bringing your dog, cat, or ferret to any European Union country, your pet needs to have a microchip. Note that previous vaccinations won’t be valid if given before the microchip. Even if your pet’s rabies vaccination is still valid, it must be re-vaccinated for rabies after getting the microchip. Please also double check with the official USA website here as well as the EU official website here for up to date regulations, updates and changes.

Do dogs need a passport to fly internationally to Europe?

You do not need an EU pet passport for your dog unless you are traveling in Europe with your dog for more than 90 days. However, the European Union EU dog pet passport makes it easier for your dog to travel across Europe.

How much does it cost to travel with a dog in Europe?

It depends! If you are flying into Europe with your dog from the US then it can usually cost $100-250 extra.

However, if you’re traveling around Europe when you are already in Europe then the price can be much cheaper. Sites like Omio are pet friendly and offers affordable prices for pet friendly train rides. Dogs even get to ride for free on most trains (if your pet is in a pet carrier).

Also, if you have an European Union pet passport this allows your dog, cat, or ferret to travel effortlessly within the EU and even to non-EU countries (like UK, Switzerland, Iceland, etc). We highly recommend getting a European Union pet passport for your pet!

What is the weight limit for dogs to fly in cabin?

This will vary across different airlines. So make sure you double check with each airline’s pet policy. We link each airline and their pet policy above to make it easier for you to check!

Generally, however, we have found the weight limit for dogs/pets in the cabin to be 17-22 pounds or less. This includes the carrier’s and your pet’s weight.

Do dogs have to quarantine in Europe?

Good news! Pets traveling between Europe and the US do not need to go through quarantine, so you can bring your pet to your hotel or destination right when you land. The rules are simple: ensure your pet has a rabies vaccine, a microchip, and a health certificate from a USDA vet. That’s all you need to worry about!

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We hope you found this article helpful!

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Did this post help you sniff out some useful info for your furry friend?

If so, don’t be shy, give us a bark in the comments section! We love hearing from our fellow dog lovers on the go.

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How to Fly To Europe With a Pet In The Cabin

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Cheap fares to Europe are relatively easy to find, and more and more hotels are becoming pet friendly . But if you're planning on taking your pet with you to Europe, you'll need to choose your airline selectively. Some airlines don't allow pets in the cabin — and among the airlines that do allow pets in cabin, some charge significantly higher fees than others or require much smaller carrier dimensions.

This guide covers the current options for flying with your pet in cabin between the US and Europe. Policies for pets traveling as checked baggage, pets traveling as cargo, service animals and emotional support animals are different and aren't considered in this guide. Plus, since it's best to minimize transit time when traveling with pets, only airlines offering direct flights between the US and Europe are included.

If you want to jump to a summary of the airlines that allow pets in cabin on at least some flights between the US and Europe, click on "Comparison Table" in the table of contents below. Otherwise, details are given for each airline in individual sections below.

Direct flights to/from Moscow (SVO) : Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), Washington (IAD)

Pets allowed : Most types except "potentially dangerous" dog breeds, brachycephalic dog breeds (such as French bulldogs, because of potential respiratory trouble), rodents and reptiles

Maximum carrier dimensions : 125cm (about 49 inches) sum of length, width and height for hard-sided carriers, 135cm (about 53 inches) sum of length, width and height for soft-sided carriers

Maximum carrier weight : 8kg (about 17.6lbs)

Fee : 75 euros (about $92)

Direct flights to/from Madrid (MAD) : Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), seasonal destinations

Pets allowed : Dogs, cats, some birds, fish, aquarium turtles, hamsters, guinea pigs and small rabbits

Maximum carrier dimensions : 55cm by 35cm by 25cm (about 21 inches by 13 inches by 9 inches)

Fee : 150 euros (about $184) departing Europe, $165 departing the US

Direct flights to/from Paris (CDG) : Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Detroit (DTW), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), Seatle (SEA), Washington (IAD)

Direct flights to/from Paris (ORY) : New York (JFK)

Air France's long-haul Premium Economy, which allows pets (Photo by Brendan Dorsey / The Points Guy)

Pets allowed : Dogs (except Category 1 and Category 2 as defined by the French Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry ) and cats

Maximum carrier dimensions : 46cm by 28cm by 24cm (about 18 inches by 11 inches by 9 inches), must be soft-sided. Air France sells carriers on their website, although use of these carriers isn't required.

Fee : 125 euros (about $154)

Restrictions : Pets can't fly in the business class cabin.

Direct flights to/from Belgrade (BEG) : New York (JFK)

Pets allowed : Dogs and cats that aren't dangerous or aggressive

Maximum carrier dimensions : 40cm by 30cm by 24cm (about 15 inches by 11 inches by 9 inches)

Fee : 85 euros (about $104)

Air Tahiti Nui

Direct flights to/from Paris (CDG) : Los Angeles (LAX)

Pets allowed : Dogs and cats that weigh less than 5kg (about 11lbs)

Maximum carrier dimensions : 40cm by 35cm by 20cm (about 15 inches by 13 inches by 7 inches)

Fee : $150 when departing LAX, 150 euros (about $184) when departing CDG

Direct flights to/from Rome (FCO) : Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK)

Direct flights to/from Milan (MXP) : New York (JFK)

Alitalia's US flights are mostly on the Airbus A330-200, whose coach class, with armrest that cannot be fully lifted, is seen here. (Photo by Alberto Riva / The Points Guy)

Pets allowed : Dogs, cats, ferrets and canaries

Maximum carrier dimensions : Varies by aircraft, but generally 40cm long by 20cm wide by 24cm high (about 15 inches by 9 inches by 7 inches). Soft-sided carriers can be slightly taller.

Maximum carrier weight : 10kg (about 22lbs)

Fee : $200 when departing the US, 125 euros (about $154) when departing Europe

Austrian Airlines

Direct flights to/from Vienna (VIE) : Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (EWR, JFK), Washington (IAD)

Pets allowed : Dogs or cats

Maximum carrier dimensions : 118cm (about 46 inches) sum of length, width and height

Fee : 70 euros (about $86)

Brussels Airlines

Direct flights to/from Brussels (BRU) : New York (JFK) and Washington (IAD)

Pets allowed : Dogs and cats

Maximum carrier dimensions : 118cm (about 46 inches) sum of length, width and height, must be soft-sided. Brussels Airlines sells approved carriers at BRU for 45 euros (about $55), but passengers may provide their own if it meets the requirements.

Fee : 70 euros (about $86) when departing Europe, $90 when departing the US

Direct flights to/from Frankfurt (FRA) : Anchorage (ANC), Las Vegas (LAS), Minneapolis (MSP), New Orleans (MSY), Phoenix (PHX), Pittsburgh (PIT), Portland (PDX), Washington (BWI)

Pets allowed : Dogs (except fighting breeds and snub-nosed breeds) and cats (except snub-nosed breeds)

Maximum carrier dimensions : 55cm by 40cm by 20cm (about 21 inches by 15 inches by 7 inches)

Maximum carrier weight : 6kg (about 13.2lbs)

Fee : 99.99 euros (about $123) — or 94.99 euros (about $117) if booked more than 30 days before departure. Pets can be easily added while purchasing a flight on the Condor website.

Restrictions : Condor requires a pet passport when departing Germany, so arrange that in Europe before your return flight.

Delta Airlines

Direct flights to/from New York (JFK) : Amsterdam (AMS), Athens (ATH), Barcelona (BCN), Berlin (TXL), Brussels (BRU), Frankfurt (FRA), Lisbon (LIS), Madrid (MAD), Milan (MXP), Nice (NCE), Paris (CDG), Prague (PRG), Rome (FCO), Reykjavik (KEF), Venice (VCE), Zurich (ZRH)

Delta's Economy class on the new Airbus A350, now flying to Amsterdam (Photo by Zach Honig / The Points Guy)

Direct flights to/from Atlanta (ATL) : Amsterdam (AMS), Barcelona (BCN), Brussels (BRU), Düsseldorf (DUS), Frankfurt (FRA), Madrid (MAD), Milan (MXP), Munich (MUC), Paris (CDG), Rome (FCO), Stuttgart (STR)

Direct flights to/from Detroit (DTW) : Amsterdam (AMS), Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Paris (CDG), Rome (FCO)

Direct flights to/from Boston (BOS), Minneapolis (MSP), Salt Lake City (SLC), Seattle (SEA) : Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG)

Direct flights to/from Cincinnati (CVG), New York (EWR), Raleigh (RDU) : Paris (CDG)

Direct flights to/from Orlando (MCO), Portland (PDX) : Amsterdam (AMS)

No UK or Ireland destinations are included on the above lists since Delta doesn't transport any live animals in the cabin on these flights.

Maximum carrier dimensions and weight : Varies based on itinerary, but animals must fit into their carrier "without touching or protruding from the sides"

Fee : $200 when departing the US, 200 euros (about $246) when departing Europe

Restrictions : Pets can't be carried in International Business, International First and International Delta One cabins.

Direct flights to/from Zurich (ZRH) : Denver (DEN), Los Vegas (LAS), Orlando (MCO), San Diego (SAN), Tampa (TPA)

Maximum carrier dimensions : 55cm by 40cm by 23cm (about 21 inches by 15 inches by 9 inches), must be soft-sided

Fee : 70 euros (about $86) or 90 Swiss Franc (about $92). The fee includes a seat reservation.

Direct flights to/from Helsinki (HEL) : Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO)

Pets allowed : Dogs, cats, rabbits and rodents

Maximum carrier dimensions : 35cm by 30cm by 20cm (about 13 inches by 11 inches by 7 inches) for hard-sided, 56cm by 45cm by 25cm (about 22 inches by 17 inches by 9 inches) for soft-sided

Fee : $100 from the US to Europe, 75 euros (about $92) from Europe to the US

Restrictions : Pets can't be carried in the business class cabin on international flights.

Notes : The request to carry a pet in cabin can be completed online .

Direct flights to/from Madrid (MAD) : Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO)

Pets allowed : Various, must be approved by Iberia booking office. The only type of animal explicitly prohibited is weasels.

Maximum carrier dimensions : 45cm by 35cm by 25cm (about 17 inches by 13 inches by 9 inches)

Fees : $150 when departing the US, 150 euros (about $184) when departing Europe

Restrictions : Dogs that belong to a list of dangerous breeds or have a particular "build, muscle, height and weight" must wear a muzzle when out of their carrier for security check.

Direct flights to/from Amsterdam (AMS) : Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK), Salt Lake City (SLC), San Francisco (SFO), Washington (IAD)

With KLM, you can fly your pet to Europe on a 747 like this one (Photo by Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Maximum carrier dimensions : 46cm by 28cm by 24cm (about 18 inches by 11 inches by 9 inches)

Fee : $125 for flights departing the US, 125 euros (about $154) for flights departing Europe

Restrictions : Pets can't be carried in the business class cabin on transatlantic flights.

Direct flights to/from Warsaw (WAW) : Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK)

Maximum carrier dimensions : 55cm by 40cm by 20cm (about 21 inches by 15 inches by 7 inches) on longhaul aircraft, 45cm by 30cm by 20cm (17 inches by 11 inches by 7 inches) on other aircraft

Fee : 280 Polish Zloty (about $83) when departing Poland, 70 euros (about $86) when departing from other European countries, $100 when departing the US

Direct flights to/from Frankfurt (FRA) : Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Denver (DEN), Detroit (DTW), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (EWR, JFK), Orlando (MCO), Philadelphia (PHL), San Diego (SAN), San Francisco (SFO), San Jose (SJC), Seattle (SEA), Tampa (TPA), Washington (IAD)

Direct flights to/from Munich (MUC) : Boston (BOS), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (EWR, JFK), San Francisco (SFO), Washington (IAD)

Pets allowed : Dogs (non-dangerous breeds or dangerous breeds aged between four and six months) and cats

Maximum carrier dimensions : 55cm by 40cm by 23cm (about 21 inches by 15 inches by 9 inches)

Fee : $115-126 for flights departing the US, 100-110 euros (about $115-126) for flights departing Europe

Direct flights to/from Paris (ORY) : New York (EWR) until the end of Summer 2018

Maximum carrier dimensions : 45cm by 30cm by 24cm (about 17 inches by 11 inches by 9 inches)

Fee : $196 on flights departing the US, 125 euros (about $154) on flights departing Europe

Direct flights to/from Copenhagen (CPH) : Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), New York (EWR), San Francisco (SFO), Washington (IAD)

Direct flights to/from Stockholm (ARN) : Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (EWR)

Direct flights to/from Oslo (OSL) : New York (EWR)

Maximum carrier dimensions : 40cm by 25cm by 23cm (15 inches by 9 inches by 9 inches), carrier must be specifically designed for flight transport

Fee : $115 when departing the US, 95 euros (about $117) when departing Scandinavia. There may be an additional pet fee levied on connecting flights.

Restrictions : No pets can travel in business class.

Direct flights to/from Zurich (ZRH) : Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (EWR, JFK), San Francisco (SFO)

Direct flights to/from Geneva (GVA) : New York (JFK)

The economy cabin of a Swiss 777 (Photo by J Keith van Straaten / The Points Guy)

Maximum carrier dimensions : 55cm by 23cm by 40cm (about 21 inches by 9 inches by 15 inches), must be soft-sided

Fee : 103-126 Swiss Franc ($106-129), 90-110 euros ($111-135) or $103-126 — the exact price depends on route

Notes : Swiss' Airbus 330/340 doesn't have underseat storage in the First class cabin and only has underseat storage in the last row of the Business class cabin. For business and first class passengers with pets in seats without underseat storage, the "crew will stow the transport container in the cloakroom, in one of the overhead luggage compartments or under another passenger seat during take-off and landing." After a dog died in an overhead bin on United , I hope Swiss reconsiders their policy to store pets in the overhead bin.

TAP Portugal

Direct flights to/from Lisbon (LIS) : Boston (BOS), Miami (MIA), New York (EWR, JFK)

Direct flights to/from Porto (OPO) : New York (EWR)

Maximum carrier dimensions : 40cm by 33cm by 17cm (about 15 inches by 13 inches by 6 inches), must be soft-sided

Maximum carrier weight: 8kg (about 17.6lbs)

Fee : 150 euros (about $184)

Restrictions : No pets can travel in the executive cabin on long-haul flights.

Notes : The pet's documents may need to be emailed ahead of time to Portugal's Veterinary Directorate-General and a 40 euro (about $49) veterinary examination fee may be required at the port of entry.

Turkish Airlines

Direct flights to/from Istanbul (IST) : Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), Washington (IAD)

Pets allowed : Dogs (no dangerous breeds), cats and some caged birds

Maximum carrier dimensions : 55cm by 40cm by 23cm (21 inches by 15 inches by 9 inches)

Fee : Depends on the route, should be between $160 and $205

Restrictions : Dogs and cats as well as cats and birds can't be carried on the same flight. Dogs and birds can travel on the same flight as long as they're seated as far from each other as possible.

Ukraine International

Direct flights to/from Kiev (KBP) : New York (JFK)

Pets allowed : Dogs (except French / English bulldogs and dogs younger than six months on flights to the US) and cats

Maximum carrier dimensions : 55cm by 40cm by 20cm (about 21 inches by 15 inches by 7 inches), must be soft-sided

Fee : 100 euros (about $123) if paid more than 24 hours before departure, 200 euros (about $246) within 24 hours of departure or at check-in, 240 euros (about $295) at the gate

United Airlines

Direct flights : to various European cities from United hubs in Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (EWR), San Francisco (SFO) and Washington (IAD)

The Economy cabin on a United Boeing 777-300ER (Photo by The Points Guy)

Pets allowed : Varies based on route

Maximum carrier dimensions and weight : Varies based on itinerary

Restrictions : Pets aren't permitted in premium cabins on Boeing 747, 757, 767, 777 and 787 aircraft. Customers with pets in cabin must sit in a window seat when traveling in economy on Boeing 757-200 aircraft.

Comparison Table

Here's a table summarizing the fees, maximum carrier weight and maximum carrier size for the airlines in this guide that allow pets in cabin on at least some routes between the US and Europe.

Aeroflot, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Edelweiss, Finnair, LOT and Lufthansa have the lowest fees for a pet in cabin at around 70-75 euros (about $86-92) or $90-100. Delta has one of the highest pet in cabin fees at 200 euros (about $246) or $200.

Pet in cabin fees are typically assessed at check-in, although some airlines require advanced purchase. Either way, make sure to use a card that provides bonus spending for airline travel. Top choices are the The Platinum Card® from American Express ( 5x on airfare ), Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel).

Most airlines require that the carrier with the pet inside weighs no more than 8kg (about 17.6lbs). Alitalia is the only airline to allow slightly heavier pets in cabin on flights between the US and Europe with a maximum weight of 10kg (about 22lbs). Condor and OpenSkies limit the weight to 6kg (about 13.2lbs).

The maximum allowable carrier dimensions vary greatly across airlines. Aeroflot and Finnair allow the largest soft-sided carriers while Alitalia, SAS and TAP Portugal have the smallest allowable dimensions. Make sure that your carrier fits within the allowable dimensions for each airline you choose.

Airlines that Don't Accept Pets in Cabin

Lest you think that your favorite airline was forgotten, here's a list of airlines that don't accept pets in cabin on flights between the US and Europe: Air India, Air Lingus, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Eurowings, Icelandair, La Compagnie, LEVEL, Norwegian, Primera Air, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and WOW.

If some of these airlines seem out of place in this guide, it's because they operate at least one fifth-freedom route between the US and Europe. Note that due to importation regulations, no airlines accept pets in cabin on flights to the UK and Ireland.

TUI Fly — which flies directly between Miami (MIA) and Brussels (BRU) — deserves a special mention. Although the booking process offers an option to book an in-cabin pet on the MIA-BRU route for just 30 euros (about $37), I was unable to find any dates that showed availability for a pet in cabin.

Bottom Line

Some airlines don't accept pets in cabin on flights between the US and Europe and others have restrictions on animal types and breeds, but there are still plenty of options for traveling to or from Europe with small pets.

Before leaving the US with your pet, be sure to get your pet's paperwork together . Depending on what paperwork you already have, your pet's current vaccinations and where you're traveling and transiting, you may need to start this process months ahead of your trip. Double check the regulations and entry requirements for pets for each country you'll be visiting or transiting — as well as the requirements for bringing your pet back home.

Remember that airlines may have special requirements regarding paperwork, health certificates and arrival time at the airport. Most, if not all, airlines require passengers to reserve their pet's space on board ahead of time and have limits on how many pets can be carried on board. And you'll almost certainly not be allowed to sit in bulkhead or exit row seats. Before booking your ticket, be sure to read the airline's website and call if you have any questions.

If you decide to fly with your pet, make sure to follow our tips for keeping your pet safe and happy while flying , and make sure you choose an appropriate pet carrier . Flights and travel can be stressful for your pet—- and you — so consider whether it's really the best decision to travel with your pet.

Flying to Europe with a Dog from the USA

Europe is the most dog-friendly part of the world to travel with a dog. It’s no wonder then that if you live in the USA, that you might want to consider taking your dog along with you on a European vacation . But how easy is it to fly to Europe with a dog from the USA? And what other considerations do you need to keep in mind when flying to Europe with a Dog?

Specifically travelling to the UK or France? Also check out my tips on flying a dog from USA to UK and my quick guide to flying a dog to France from the USA .

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you make a purchase using the links. See my full disclaimer .

Preparations Before Flying to Europe with a Dog

One of the first things you need to consider when you decide to take your dog to Europe, is the veterinary and paperwork preparations that are required. For dogs travelling to the European Union (the majority of countries in Europe), I list all the steps in this post , plus briefly cover the requirement for other non-EU countries.

Key Steps to Travel to Europe with a Dog

If you’re travelling directly from the USA to the EU (and most other European countries), the steps required are quite simple:

Microchip your dog
Vaccinate your dog against rabies
Complete an animal health certificate

Your dog is likely already already vaccinated against rabies, but if it doesn’t have a microchip, then it will need to be microchipped and then re-vaccinated. Note that the microchip needs to be ISO compliant and readable by standard microchip readers (or provide your own). If your dog is being vaccinated against rabies for the first time, the vaccine needs to be done at least 21 days before arriving in Europe.

If you aren’t travelling to the EU with your dog, carefully check the rules listed for your destination country. A good resource is the APHIS Pet Travel website – select your destination country.

Getting an EU Animal Health Certificate

The trickiest part is getting an EU animal health certificate (or “EU Annex IV”), or the alternative health certificate for your destination country.

This needs to be issued by a accredited veterinarian – double check whether your vet is accredited or search on this website . According to the APHIS website, this certificate is then valid for 30 days after it is issued, at least for some countries like France , but then needs to be certified within 10 days of your arrival in your destination.

Double check whether the longer 30 day (rather than 10 day period) applies for your destination country on the APHIS website, plus whether your vet is okay to issue it in up to 30 days before travel. Also consider that your airline may require a health certificate issued closer to the flight.

In any case, the certificate must be certified by a USDA APHIS Veterinary Services endorsement office within 10 days of your arrival in Europe. The certificate can usually be sent prior to the 10-day period, then it will be certified within 10 days of the your planned arrival date and returned to you (sometimes just in time!) There is a certification fee of $38 USD fee per certificate.

There are two options available for sending the paperwork to USDA: it can be submitted using the the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) or else you can ship the paperwork to the USDA Endorsement Office serving your state, using expedited mail including tracking.

Cost of an EU Animal Health Certificate

The amount charged in the United States for an EU animal health certificate varies widely. In recent years, I’ve heard reports ranging from $150 to $600 USD. If you are travelling on to the UK with your pet and need two sets of animal health certificates, the price is double this!

Generally prices charged are more expensive in larger cities, with veterinarians in smaller to mid-sized cities generally charging less. If you are quoted a high amount, I recommend getting a quote from multiple vets, though it’s always best to use a vet who is familiar with the process.

It can be expensive to visit Europe, so consider using a budget calculator to double check the human expenses (and add an extra category for your dog!)

Is a Worming Treatment Required?

There are also a handful of European countries that require your dog to have a worming treatment done by a veterinarian between 24 hours and 5 days of arriving in them: Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway, plus the UK, which has it’s own animal health certificate (see my separate guide to travelling to the UK with a dog from outside Europe ).

The worming treatment is generally done after you have the health certificate certified by USDA. Make an appointment to see your vet once you the certificate is returned, within the four day timeframe. The worming treatment is recorded on the certificate, including both the date and time.

Getting an EU Pet Passport

Due to the hassle of getting an animal health certificate endorsed by USDA, many people who travel to Europe multiple times with their pet get an EU pet passport . This can then be used in place of getting an EU animal health certificate. The only complication then is that you’ll need to get your pet’s rabies vaccines in Europe from now on, as only vets in the EU can add records to the passport.

Finding a Pet-Friendly Airline to Fly to Europe

The next important step is finding a pet-friendly airline to fly yourself and your dog to Europe. Unfortunately, some airlines that normally allow pets to fly in cabin, don’t allow this on Transatlantic flights, in particular American airlines .

Flying with a US Airline

If you are wanting to fly with your dog in the cabin, not all American airlines permit this on Transatlantic flights. American Airlines clearly states in their pet policy that they don’t allow pets in the cabin on Transatlantic flights, due to the flight duration.

One American airline that definitely allows pets in the cabin on flights to Europe is Delta . For pets in the cabin, there is no maximum weight, just a maximum kennel size that depends on the flight (check at the time of booking). A charge of $200 USD applies and a maximum of four pets are allowed in the cabin. Read their pet policy .

For awhile, United Airlines also didn’t allow pets in the cabin on Transatlantic flights, but they are once again allowing pets on flights to Europe, except to Ireland, Sweden and the UK. If you fly with your pet in the cabin with United Airlines, a charge of $125 USD applies. There’s no maximum weight, just a maximum kennel size. See their full pet policy for in-cabin pets .

If your pet is too large to fly in the cabin, there are currently limited options for pets to fly in the hold on US airlines. Delta Cargo has not accepted bookings for pets since 2020, while United Airlines no longer accepts bookings through United PetSafe , although are some exceptions for active-duty US military and US State Department Foreign Service personnel travelling on official orders. I believe American Airlines Cargo currently accepts pet bookings.

Another alternative is to fly with Air Canada . Air Canada permits pets in the cabin on flights to and from Europe, with no maximum weight, just a maximum kennel size. See their pet policy .

Additionally, Air Canada is one of the few airlines that accept pets in the cabin and as checked baggage on flights out of the UK, instead of only as cargo, as is the case with Delta. (Although pets still need to fly as cargo on flights to the UK.)

Flying with a European Flag-Carrier Airline

In general, the European flag-carrier airlines are most likely to allow your pet to fly in the cabin with you to Europe. Based on discussions with other travellers flying from the USA to Europe with their dog, the most commonly recommended airlines are Air France, KLM and Lufthansa.

All three airlines allow dogs to fly both in the cabin and in the hold on their Transatlantic flights. Here are some details about each airline.

European Airlines That Allow Dogs in Cabin

Air France: Dogs up to a maximum weight of 8kg (17lb), including carrier, are permitted in the cabin, with a fee equivalent to €200 (about $220 USD) charged. Note that pets are not permitted in business class on intercontinental flights. Dogs up to 75kg (165.3lb) are permitted in the hold, with a fee equivalent to €400 (about $440 USD) charged. It’s possible to buy travel containers for the cabin and hold directly off Air France for delivery to the USA. Read their full pet policy .

KLM: KLM also has a maximum weight of 8kg (17.6lb) for pets in the cabin and 75kg (165.3lb) for pets in the hold, including their carrier or crate. The charge for each pet depends on your departure and destination airport. Once again, pets are not permitted in business class on intercontinental flights, due to the seat design. Read their pet policy .

Lufthansa: Lufthansa also has a weight limited of 8kg (17.6lb) including carrier for pets in the cabin. For transport in the cabin, a fee of €100 ($110 USD) is charged to/from the East Coast, €110 USD ($120 USD) to/from the West Coast. Prices for pets in the hold depend on the crate size. Read their pet policy .

For information on the pet policies of more European airlines, check out my extensive guide, which details which European airlines allow pets in the cabin .

Flying with a European Business Class Airline

A recent addition to the list of dog-friendly airlines flying between the the USA and Europe, is business-class only airline, La Compagnie . This France-based airline offers up to two flights daily between New York and Paris, plus seasonal flights to Nice – perfect for flying a dog to France from the USA . Perks include full-flat seats (although read on…), complimentary high-speed wi-fi and fine cuisine.

The biggest advantage of booking your pet to fly on La Compagnie is that dogs and cats up to 33lbs (15kg) are allowed to fly with you in the cabin, far higher than the normal limits. They need to fly in an aerated pet carrier, with maximum dimensions of 21 ⅔ in x /13 ¾ in x / 9 ⅚ in (55 x 35 x 25 cm).

There’s a limit of one pet per passenger, with a maximum of three pets permitted on each flight. You’ll need to book your pet at least 48 hours in advance (online or via the call centre) and pay a fee equivalent to 10% of your own ticket.

The only downside? If flying with a pet, you can’t fully recline your seat. Plus they count as your item of cabin luggage, so you’ll only be able to bring a small personal item in addition into the cabin.

Flying with a European Budget Airline

Unfortunately, not many of the budget European airlines permit dogs to fly on Transatlantic flights, even if they permit dogs to fly on their flights within Europe. I found this to be problematic when I was flying one-way from Europe to the USA with my dog, and the flag-carrier airlines were mainly charging astronomical prices for one-way flights.

The main option I uncovered was XL Airways, a small airline that operated out of Paris, flying to and from New York, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco. However, XL Airways has now ceased operations, so there’s no budget airline options that I’m aware of.

Try to Minimise the Flight Duration

Another consideration to keep in mind is the length of a flight. When I last flew from Europe to the USA with my dog, I purposely organised my travels to fly from Paris to New York, to minimise the flight duration. This is especially important if you want to fly with your pet in the cabin.

In order to keep your flight duration to a minimum, consider taking a connecting flight on either end. For example, firstly fly from the West Coast to the East Coast, before flying on to Europe. Also consider taking a second flight within Europe to get to your final destination. This is also an option if you don’t find a pet-friendly airline that flies directly to your final destination.

Choose the Time of Day Carefully

If flying with your animal in the hold to Europe during the summer months, keep in mind temperature restrictions may apply. Perhaps consider taking an overnight flight that departs late in the day then arrives early in the morning in Europe. Read more of my tips for flying with a dog in summer .

What About Emotional Support Animals?

There are now limited options to fly in the cabin of a plane with your dog as an emotional support animal. Generally your pet will now need to fly as a pet, either in the cabin if they are less than the weight limit (if applicable) or in the hold, and pay the appropriate fees.

Some European airlines previously allowed emotional support animals to travel in the cabin on flights to and from the USA, but not always on other flights in Europe. However, these policies have generally also disappeared.

Prefer to cruise rather than fly? Find out more about the kennels aboard the Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossings

Preparing Your Dog for Their Flight to Europe

Preparing your pet for a long flight to Europe can be daunting, even if you have previously flown with your pet. Based on my experience flying with my dog multiple times on long flights, these are my tips:

Adjust your pet’s meal times if required, feeding them at least a few hours before the flight, not immediately before it, in case of an upset stomach. Don’t give them too much to drink either.
Take your dog to a pet relief area as close to the flight as possible, either immediately before boarding or before going through security. This is especially problematic at European airports which tend not to have designated pet relief areas. Generally you need to take your pet outside the terminal building to some grass.

This is a little easier to handle if your dog has been trained to use puppy pads. Some other travellers travelling with a pet in the cabin report using the plane’s bathroom to give their dog a break mid-flight. My dog isn’t trained at this (although is fine to hold on for 8 hours, if given minimal fluids), plus those bathrooms are tiny!
On the flight, dogs travelling in the hold should have a water container attached to their crate. In the cabin, feel free to give your dog some fluids, but don’t give them too much. Some other travellers use ice cubes.
Get your dog used to their crate or carrier ahead of time, regardless of whether they are travelling in the cabin or hold. Hopefully your dog just falls asleep and sleeps for most of the flight. To aid with this, either give them a big walk beforehand or fly overnight, when they’d normally be sleeping.

If your dog is travelling in the hold, sedation is not usually recommended. (Sedatives can affect your dog differently at altitude, plus there is no-one to assist if something goes wrong.) If you are concerned, speak to your veterinarian ahead of time, allowing time to test treatments. Most dogs cope better than you expect.

See also my guide to flying with your dog in the cabin in Europe and my tips for flying with a dog .

Returning to the USA with Your Dog

The process to return to the USA with your dog was previously quite simple. For full details, see this post . However, this has been complicated by the temporary restrictions in the USA on importing dogs from high-risk rabies countries, with has no end date yet for these restrictions.

Most countries in Europe are not high-risk rabies countries, so you still should be fine. The only European countries that are listed as high-risk for rabies are: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. See the latest list .

Returning from Non High-Risk Rabies Countries

If you only visit countries that aren’t high-risk for rabies, you technically don’t require a rabies vaccination certificate to fly back to the USA. However, your airline may require a rabies certificate, such as United Airlines.

Your airline may also require a health or fit-to-fly certificate, that you you can get from any vet within Europe. Check with your individual airline about their requirements. Also double check if there are any state specific requirements.

European Airlines that Allow Dogs in the Cabin

Returning from High-Risk Rabies Countries

If you do visit a high-risk rabies country in Europe, you are fine to return to the USA, as long as your dog has a microchip, a valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificate and is at least 6 months old. They also need to be healthy on arrival and fly into one of the approved ports of entry .

If your dog does not have a valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificate, including if it expired while you were overseas, you will need to apply for a CDC Dog Import Permit . This includes if your dog visited any high-risk rabies countries in the last six month, not just if they are flying out of one back to the USA.

Returning from Italy

While most European countries don’t have any requirements for pets being exported out of the country, one exception is Italy. Pets flying out of Italy to countries outside of the EU, including to the USA, require a Pet Export Certificate.

You will need to visit a local veterinarian to obtain a certificate of good health, then within 48 hours visit the local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale), who will check your pet’s health and rabies certificates and issue an export certificate, for a small fee. For full details, see this US embassy website .

About the Author

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.

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How to Fly to Europe with Your Dog from the USA

41 thoughts on “Flying to Europe with a Dog from the USA”

Excellent breakdown here. More folks fly with their pooches these days.

Thanks Ryan!

I heard airlines weren’t allowing dogs and cats on intercontinental flights anymore. Guess the rules have changed again. I think they banned all other support animals, which is good!!

Nice breakout! We’re moving to England with our pup and have completed most of these steps. Now to just make it through customs…

All the best with your move! Customs in Europe is usually fairly easy, but the UK checks are strict!

Thanks!!What about ? cat!? I am not sure is same traveling with cat ! I will be traveling with my cat at spring from Austin, TX to Zagreb Croatia! What l need to do here before travel.thanks!

Zee – Most of the same regulations apply for both cats and dogs. (Rules for more exotic pets vary by airline.) The main difference is that cats don’t require the worming that some dogs requires for countries like the UK. Enjoy your trip!

How did your trip turn out?? I plan to do the same trip to Zagreb.

We traveled to Europe for a month leaving our Irish setter, Snacks Mc Reilly, at our trainer’s pet lodge. He was less traumatized than we were. We are almost 70, yet dream of returning to Europe one more time. We continue to think about the Pilgrimage to Santiago. How beautiful to imagine walking the Camino with Snacks! The reality is, we live in Spokane, Washington, the Pacific Northwest. We are thinking the flights there and back would be both unusual and cruel. Shared thoughts and experiences would be most welcome, informing us of the truth, either way.

It would be amazing to walk the camino with your dog, but it’s not an easy decision to put them into the hold. For a long flight like that (or two flights), I would probably hold off unless you’re going to be in Europe for quite a while (longer than a month). Though it also depends on the age of your dog and whether they’ve flown before and how they’ve handled it.

Thanks for all the tips. However, american airlines does allow pets on flights to europe, not sure if they might have changed their policies since this was written.

Thanks Melinda! I will go over this and review the options, once the current travel lockdowns are over. A number of the US airlines have restrictions but have changed them multiple times, so it’s hard to keep up.

That’s what I’m wondering!! I heard recently, they weren’t allowing dogs, I guess that includes cats on international flights and had banned all other crazy animals in the USA.

I am getting ready to move from the USA to Italy for four years. I am taking my almost three year old; 125 pound Great Dane with me. He has never flown before. Any tips from seasoned fliers that have traveled with large dogs before? Thank you

I don’t have personal experience, so I recommend asking in my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogfriendlytravelrtw . You may run into issues with maximum weights/sizes for dogs and their crates on some airlines, especially flying as checked baggage rather than cargo. To determine the size crate required, see: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/live-animals/pets/

I just completed a round-trip from the west coast USA to Athens, with a stop in Frankfurt. This blog and the reader comments helped me immensely, so I wanted to share my experience with others.

We flew Lufthansa with our 4kg dog in the cabin. We did not feed her any breakfast the morning of our departure, but took her out for a walk and pee as usual. Check-in was easy and quick with the USDA signed health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate. No one measured our travel crate at check-in, nor did they weigh it or our dog. Our flight + wait around to board time was 13 hours from SFO to Frankfurt. On the flight, I gave our dog a 1/2 a Trazadone and offered her tiny sips of water, which she refused to drink. Upon landing for our connection, we had a 2.5 hour layover. Not enough time to leave the airport and return because the security line at customs was backed up. Our dog would not go pee on the marble floor of the airport. We boarded our flight from Frankfurt to Athens, and I gave her another 1/2 Trazadone and offered her water, which she accepted. I took out a pee pad and placed it at my feet on this flight, and snuck her out of her carrier and gave her the “go pee” command. She refused. So, back in the carrier she went for the rest of the flight, and I took her outside as soon as we landed and collected our luggage. She finally peed, after a full 19 hours of travel. (There is a green grassy area just in front of the Sofitel at the arrivals exit door in Athens.) During both flights, I kept her on my lap in her carrier and pet her the whole time. They flight attendants were strict about my keeping her in her carrier- but I snuck her out when they darkened the cabin and she slept under a blanket on my lap for about 3 or 4 hours of the journey. The same thing took place on our return home other than (a) they weighed our dog and carrier upon check-in and (b) the USDA agent asked to see her rabies certificate as we exited the airport in our home town. Yes, our dog once again held her pee and poop for 19 hours! Overall, flying with her was MUCH easier than I expected, and the paperwork/verification was a breeze.

That’s great to hear, thanks for sharing! It’s surprising how long they can hold on, if there’s no grass to go on.

Hi Anne, how were you able to get the USDA Health Certificate? Were you able to do it online or you had to go to an APHIS office to get it? Headed to France in November, your comment has been very helpful!

This is a solid article. Thank you so much for putting it together. We are putting our place on the market and just going to travel Europe with pups in tow. 🙂

Thanks Uric, wishing you lots of fun!

Great article! My boyfriend and I have 2 golden retrievers, we don’t want to feel confined to road trips, thinking of Italy sometime this coming year…

Thanks Josselyn, enjoy planning your trip!

Great article! We also have a long-haired miniature dachshund. He’s one year old and has traveled with us in cabin inside the USA. We are now preparing for a trip with him to Italy. Before departing overseas, we are stopping to visit family in various US states. Can we get the USDA vet visit and certification done in one US state but then fly out of a different state?

I’m pretty certain that’s allowed, as some states don’t have a USDA office and many people take a domestic flight before an international flight. If you have any doubts, check with the USDA beforehand.

Hey Shandos,

thanks for the reply. The USDA was very informative and the answer is yes, you can get the certificate in one state and fly out of anywhere in the USA. Another question. In Italy were you able to get a Pet European Passport without being resident? From all i’m reading you have to be a resident.

I’ve recently had a comment left from someone who was also told that. Previously you didn’t need to be a resident, but since Brexit and an influx of Brits trying to get EU pet passports, some countries have cracked down on the rules (France and now Italy). It’s still worthwhile trying.

Hi! Thanks for all the info. If I fly into Spain with all my proper documentation, will I be able to then fly to Italy & spend 10 days with my dog there before returning to Spain? I think the answer is yes but thought asking you might be a good idea. Thanks!

Yes, that will be fine, assuming it’s within 4 months of you arriving in Spain. Just ask the customs official in Spain to stamp your dog’s paperwork when you arrive.

we just found out that KLm does not allow hold pets on their 787-9 or 787-10 planes any recommendation, we bought a small home in Holland and had planned to take our dog with us when we spend 4-5 months of the year there. have any info on cargo flights for dogs ?

I’m not fully across the airlines that allow dogs to fly in cargo across the Atlantic. I believe some of the US airlines don’t allow pets in cargo at the moment, but I recommend checking with other European airlines, such as Lufthansa. The downside will be a possible transit stop.

I just wanted to thank you so much for this information! It saved me days of research and trial and error. Thank you for all your work.

Glad I could help! I remember how little I knew before I first flew internationally with my dog.

Thank you so much, this is very very helpful! I am at my wits end trying to get my dog the EU passport. I have done the USDA certification for Italy a few times now and it is such a hassle with the 10 day limit for Italy and the costs. I’m hoping the EU passport alleviates these issues. However, the vets in Italy at the Azienda Sanitaria Locale say they won’t issue one if my dog has a US microchip. Is this true? Do you know any other way to get the EU passport?

My dog got issued one in France, but this was prior to Brexit when French vets started restricting issuing them unless you had residency. I wasn’t sure if vets in Italy were okay issuing them – can they actually tell the microchip is from the US? I wasn’t aware of that. Perhaps try a different vet in Italy? I’ve heard recent stories of Spanish vets issuing them, plus German vets tend to be okay, except they usually insist on a new rabies vaccine.

Thanks Shandos, I’ll share here if I find any useful information! Really appreciate you and your site and helpfulness 🙂

I am planning to flying from NYC in January 2024 to Portugal with my dog in Cargo. I will be spending at least a month in Southern Portugal. in the Algarve, then flying back to NYC in February. I read that I may not be able to fly with my dog at all during this time of year. Is this true?

Some airlines have restrictions on flying with dogs during the hot summer months, or when it’s very cold. However, I haven’t heard about it applying in New York City. This is airline dependent, so I recommend asking the airline.

Thank you so much for this article. I need to go to the UK for 3 months for work. We need to take our small dog. We can’t fly our dog in the cabin to the UK. I was advised to fly to Paris, France, with our dog in the cabin. Do we need health certificates for the EU and UK? Can we take a train to the UK if we fly to Paris? How long is our certificate good for in the UK if we can’t get an EU passport in France? All of this is so confusing. Do you recommend another way? Any insight you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Yes, you’ll need health certificates for both the EU and the UK. You won’t be able to take the train to the UK (no dogs on the Eurostar across the channel) – instead it’s easiest to take a pet taxi that goes on the Channel Tunnel, or there are a few pet-friendly ferries (Dieppe to Newhaven, Hook of Holland to Harwich, Amsterdam to Newcastle). Once you are in the UK, there is no issue with expiry date of the certificate, as long as you stay in the UK. You may need new certificates for the return trip, depending on what route you take.

Two other options to consider, in addition to flying to Paris, is to fly to Amsterdam (particularly if you want to take one of the ferries from the Netherlands) or to fly to Dublin, although not as many airlines fly to Dublin with pets in the cabin. However, from Dublin there’s plenty of dog-friendly ferries across to Wales, then the trains in the UK are pet-friendly.

Shandos thank you for all the great info. I am in the US and would like to travel around Europe for a few months with my wee Westie. If I rent/lease a car what should I expect when entering a country with my pup by vehicle? Thanks!

If you’re driving between countries in the Schengen zone, don’t expect any checks at the border, either on your own passport or your dog’s paperwork. However, do check in advance with your rental company which countries you can drive in (particularly in the east where not all countries are in the EU there may be restrictions). Plus, many countries have a “vignette” sticker to drive on the motorways, so check what’s on the car and whether you need to buy one for cross-border excursions. Your rental car company should be able to help you out.

Simple Flying

How to take your pets to europe from the usa.

After getting divorced or losing a family member, moving house ranks right up there in terms of stressful life events. Now imagine that instead of just moving across town, you are relocating to an entirely different country and need to include your pets in the move.

As if packing and arranging a container for your household goods were not stressful enough, you now have to figure out how you will take your pets with you as well! Having done this myself, taking two West Highland White Terriers from New Jersey to Barcelona, I can vouch for the amount of planning that needs to go into getting all the paperwork together and the flights booked.

Fast forward to 2020, and the rules have changed slightly for importing animals into the European Union from the United States of America. With this in mind, I decided that now would be the ideal time to document exactly how to arrange to take your pets with you to Europe from America. The catalyst for this guide is my friend David, who decided that he wanted to move from California to Spain after retiring. Since a friend of mine was moving from the US to Spain, it presented the ideal opportunity to document the journey from start to finish.

Let me first say that you need to begin the process around a month before you are ready to fly. If your vet is not familiar with the export paperwork needed, find one who has done it before as it is important that they know all the things that need to be done and in which order. Once you have found the right veterinarian, verify that he or she has the correct (ANNEX II) form for importing your pet into Europe.

Get Your Pet Microchipped

The very first thing you need to do is have your pet microchipped with a European-compliant chip. Standard US microchips use a different system than their European counterparts and cannot be read by European chip reading machines. Your vet should know this and order a European ISO 15-digit microchip, either 11784 or 11785. The chips are easily available online and can be bought from pet companies such as HomeAgain and PetTravel.

The next step is to make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date, especially the rabies vaccination, as this cannot be more than one year old; these must be administered at least 21 days before your departure. Note that you must do everything in the above order, with your pet being chipped before receiving the rabies vaccine. The next step in the process is time-sensitive and needs to be done 12 to 15 days before leaving the country.

Have Your Vet Complete the ANNEX II Form

Once this has been done, you have to get it certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Visit the USDA website to find the nearest USDA office in your state, and then decide if you want to take the paperwork to the office or use an overnight mail delivery service. Be sure to read all the requirements and include the correct payment along with a prepaid return envelope with your address on it. When you get the paperwork back from the USDA, you have 10 days to travel to Europe. Please pay close attention to the date on the USDA endorsement, as you will probably be taking an overnight flight and arriving in Europe the following day.

Feeling Overwhelmed? Consider a Pet Relocation Specialist!

Alternatively, you can use a pet relocation specialist to handle all the paperwork for you, as my friend David did. They have done this for hundreds of people relocating worldwide from the United States, and know exactly what they are doing. In David’s case, he used a company called All-Pet Travel , based in Tucson, Arizona.

The person who handled all the paperwork for David was pet travel expert Debbie Rodgers, who did a fine job from start to finish. To know more about All-Pet Travel and the services they provide, Simple Flying contacted Debbie to ask her a few questions.

Simple Flying: Firstly, could you explain a little about the service you provide?

Debbie: We are experts at relocating pets around the world. We assist owners with preparing pets properly for flight, lead the veterinary process to ensure the requirements are in order, prepare the export documents for the veterinarian’s review and signature, take the documents through the USDA accreditation process, make the flight arrangements when necessary, and provide clearance services if needed.

Simple Flying: Why should people use a service like yours rather than just arranging the paperwork themselves?

Debbie: This would be the same as selling your own home or planning your own wedding. Sure, it can be done, but it’s better to have a professional involved. I have relocated around five or six veterinarian’s pets worldwide, including to Hawaii and Australia.

Simple Flying: Do you just have one office in Arizona?

Debbie: Yes, we are physically located in Tucson, AZ.

Simple Flying: Can you arrange all the paperwork for a client no matter where they live in the USA?

Debbie: Yes, I assist people all over the country. I rarely have a Tucson client.

Simple Flying: Realistically, how long in advance should a person start preparing for their pet's move?

Debbie: This depends on where the pet is relocating to. For instance, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan take six to eight months, Europe is usually one month in advance, with Hawaii being at least two to three months in advance.

Simple Flying: Are some airlines better than others when it comes to transporting your pet, and if so, why?

Debbie: Yes, we like United Airlines. They have always done an outstanding job for us and the pets we have sent. All the airlines are hyper-vigilant these days with making sure they do the best for the pets in their care. In this age of instant social media, they don’t want negative posts.

Simple Flying: When is the best time of year to transport your pet, and should you try to avoid very hot or freezing weather?

Debbie: We can safely relocate pets all year round, but there are some restrictions in very hot or very cold weather. Arizona and Nevada are restricted after May 15th (until September 15th or so), and there are minimum temperatures to contend within the winter. During these times, ground transport may be necessary for those locations.

Simple Flying: We have heard stories about animals getting lost in transit or running free on the runways. How often do things like this happen?

VisualDebbie: In the 15+ years I have been relocating pets; I have never had a death. In that time, though, I have had four pets with “incidents.” Two chewed through their kennels and were waiting at the door when the guys opened it. One broke free on the tarmac in Frankfurt but was fortunately caught safely. The last one tried to bust out in flight but was unsuccessful, although he did tear a claw trying.

Simple Flying : What is the most difficult move you have had to arrange so far?

Debbie: My “favorite” so far was from 2014, bringing a cat home for a Peace Corps volunteer, that had to return to the US urgently and couldn’t bring her cat with her at the time. I found a veterinarian in Dar es Salaam to fly to Njombe, take a taxi three hours to a small village, collect the cat, take the taxi back to Njombe, fly back to Dar es Salaam, properly “vet” the cat, and then fly it to Los Angeles by way of Amsterdam. We cleared the cat on arrival in Los Angeles, gave her a much-needed break, and then flew her home to Las Vegas. I will never forget the joy the owner had when she got her baby back.

Choosing an Airline

Most major airlines have dedicated pet programs, with employees trained to make sure your pet arrives at its location safely. Visit the airline’s website to read its policies regarding transporting pets. Usually, if your pet is a small dog or cat, it will be able to travel in the cabin under your seat, providing it is in a suitable pet carrier.

Larger animals will be placed in a climate-controlled compartment in the aircraft hold. Please bear in mind that some airlines will not transport pets during the height of summer, and many refuse to take short-nosed breeds like pugs and bulldogs that can be susceptible to breathing difficulties. Also, be sure to make your booking well in advance to ensure that both you and your pets can fly on the same aircraft.

TIP: Rather than flying out of the airport closest to your home, you might want to depart from an airport that has a direct flight to your destination, thereby alleviating the risk of your pet being lost when having to change from one plane to another.

In David’s case, he chose to have someone drive him and the animals to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), rather than use the more convenient Ontario International Airport (ONT) and change planes in Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Buying the Correct Transport Crate

Again, follow the airline’s guidelines when it comes to which type of crate is suitable. As a general rule, it needs to be made of hard plastic, be well ventilated, and fitted with a locking metal gate. The crate must also be large enough for your pet to stand up in without its head touching the top while being big enough for your pet to turn around comfortably.

Most crates also come with a water bowl that slots securely on to the front gate. You may have read somewhere that it is okay to sedate your pet to make the journey less stressful – I can tell you that it is a big mistake! If the airline staff sees your animal as unresponsive or not behaving normally, they can refuse to fly your pet, leaving you stranded at the airport.

Tip: Make sure your destination address and contact telephone number are written on the crate or taped to it. Along with this, add your dog’s name by writing something like "Hi, my name is Benny," this way, the person looking after your pet can interact with it.

It is also a good idea to have live animal stickers fastened to the crate so that the ground crew knows they are taking care of someone’s pet and to make sure it is placed in a pressurized cargo hold. Most airlines will provide you with the stickers, but if not, you can buy them online or from your nearest PetSmart store.

Another thing you can do to make sure your pet is comfortable is to put a favorite toy in the crate together with a potty pad and something they can lie down on, like a towel or some old T-shirts.

At the Airport

When traveling with pets, be sure to arrive at the airport at least four hours before your flight. This way, you will have plenty of time to take your dog for a walk so that they can do their business.

All airports in the United States that handle more than 10,000 passengers per year are required by law to have specially designated pet relief areas outside every terminal building. If you are on your own, you will probably need to hire a porter to help you take your pet or pets to the airline check-in desk.

Once you and your pets have been checked in, the crates will be taken to a special TSA desk, where you will have to remove the animals so that the crates can be X-rayed. Before putting animals back in their crates, now is a good time to ensure they have enough water in their bowls.

TIP: Bring a bottle of water from home that you can refill from a water fountain at the airport if necessary.

After the TSA officers have determined that everything is above board, the crates will be returned to the check-in desk, where they will be picked up and taken to the aircraft. Please note that following the TSA inspection, you will not be allowed to handle the crate again until you arrive at your destination.

David Chose to Fly with Iberia

In David’s case, he decided to fly with Spain’s national airline, Iberia , as they had a direct flight from Los Angeles to Madrid. At the Iberia check-in desk, everything went well, with the airline staff telling David exactly what he needed to do.

Looking forward to flying on one of Iberia’s new A350 aircraft, David was a little disappointed when he found out that the original plane had been swapped for an older Airbus A330. However, the good news was that he had two economy seats, one for him and one for his cat.

Tip: Once you are comfortably seated, ask one of the flight attendants to check with the captain that your pet is on the aircraft. By doing this, you accomplish two things: firstly, it reminds the captain that he or she has live animals onboard, and secondly, it gives you peace of mind knowing that your pet or pets are safe aboard the aircraft.

In David’s case, as soon as he sat down, a member of the Iberia crew came to let him know that Mira and Benny were safely aboard and that the captain was aware of the two dogs. During the 11-hour flight, two of the Iberia flight attendants, Johanna and Adrianna, came to David to ask how Fat Man (the cat) was doing, which David said was very nice of them.

On arrival in Madrid, David was surprised to find that both Mira and Benny were waiting for him at the Iberia desk in the arrivals hall. The animals were there a good 10 minutes before luggage started arriving at the carousel. Again, getting the two dogs from the arrivals hall to the car hire desk required airport porters' help, which Iberia staff arranged after making a couple of telephone calls.

Get Your European Pet Passports

Once you have settled into your new home, take all the paperwork you have from the United States to a veterinarian in the town or city where you will be living. During the visit, the vet will scan your pet’s microchip, make sure that all the vaccinations are in order, and then issue each animal with a blue European pet passport. This passport allows you to travel anywhere in Europe with your pet, including the United Kingdom, although this might change following Brexit.

As far as David’s trip was concerned, it could not have gone any better, with him singing the praises of Iberia for the way they took care of him and his animals.

Did you find this article interesting, and has it helped explain how to bring your pet to Europe from the USA? Please let us know what you think in the comments.

Pet Transport to Europe

What to know about transporting dogs & cats to europe, moving to europe with pets, more europe pet photos.

Do you have a move to a European country on the horizon that includes bringing pets along? Organizing pet transport to Europe involves research, preparation, and time. The more you prepare beforehand, the smoother the process of moving pets to Europe can be!

Of course, pet shipping to Europe is complex since most countries impose different rules based on where you’re starting your journey. However, dog transport to Europe requires they be microchipped before the rabies vaccination regardless of where you travel.

Also, when moving to Europe with your dog, you do not have to travel on the same flight, but you should arrange to fly within five days of your pet if possible.

In the months before your move, discuss your pet's health with your trusted veterinarian and spend time helping your pet feel comfortable with the travel crate. Especially for dogs and cats, if they see the crate as a safe place, they are likely to experience less stress and anxiety during their trip.

PetRelocation has experience with pet travel to Europe from the USA and elsewhere. Whether you need to move dogs to Europe to be with your family or take an extended trip overseas with your cat, our team can help ensure the pet transport goes as smoothly as possible.

Request Support

Learn more about the basic requirements for pet relocation to Europe below, or search for your country's requirements here . If you have further questions, let a PetRelocation Specialist walk you through the process.

Regulations for Shipping Pets to Europe

Attention: Precise animal transport to Europe regulations vary from country to country, so double-check with the appropriate authorities or your PetRelocation Consultant to find the most current and accurate information available.

Each pet shall be identified through a microchip. No other form of identification is acceptable. This is perhaps the most important regulation to follow when moving pets to Europe.

The microchip should comply with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785. Most European countries currently accept AVID-9 and AVID-10 in addition to ISO. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is administered.

Rabies Vaccination and Certificate

All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate signed by the vet. The Rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old at the time of the final health exam.

Further details regarding the rabies vaccine:

Pets may travel with a current one-year vaccine (known as a “primary” vaccine).
Pets may travel with a 3-year vaccine administered less than a year ago (otherwise, it may be considered a booster).

If you have questions, please ask your PetRelocation Specialist about possible exceptions. The right pet transport services to Europe can help you understand the timeline and requirements better.

It is suggested that all pets have full vaccinations, as well:

Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus (DHLPP) and Bordetella.
Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (FVRCP).

These should be valid at the time of import and administered no less than two weeks before the export date for maximum effectiveness.

EU Health Certificate

This will be provided by your PetRelocation Specialist. This is the standard Health Certificate to be filled out by your accredited veterinarian and must be signed in a different color than the certificate's printing (usually blue ink). This certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue by the official veterinarian until the date of the checks at the EU point of entry.

For further movements within the EU, this certificate will be valid for four months from the date of issue or until the date of expiration of the rabies vaccination, whichever date is earlier. USDA Endorsements The following forms must be sent to your local USDA for their stamp of approval. Please contact your PetRelocation Specialist to learn more about how to manage this.

Microchip Implantation Record
Rabies Certificate
EU Vet Health Certificate

Airline Health Certificate

Your vet should have these in stock, but it’s a good idea to call ahead and ask. Your vet must complete this international health certificate within 10 days of departure.

The EU Five-Day Rule

Pet owners must fly within five days of their pet for the move to be considered “non-commercial.” If you cannot meet this Five Day Rule, the move can still be carried out, but it will be considered a commercial move, which increases costs and changes the EU import requirements and timeline.

Please check with your PetRelocation Specialist if you have questions about the EU Five-Day Rule and how to manage your pet transport to Europe best.

Additional Details All original documentation listed above must travel with the pets. For us to successfully clear customs, we will need the following documents supplied before the pet’s arrival:

Copy of pet owner's passport
A signed letter of transfer from your company on letterhead
A copy of your plane/e-ticket/boarding pass showing your arrival within five days of your pet
If this is a military move: move orders, APO address, rank, and office

Your agent may also need a Letter of Authorization, Power of Attorney, or a Proforma Invoice form.

Find more information about individual EU country requirements here .

Choosing Pet Transport Service to Europe

Moving to a new country with a pet can feel overwhelming. Not only are you concerned with your own travel, but you want to ensure your furry friend also has a safe and comfortable trip.

Choosing the right relocation services can give you the peace of mind that your pet's transport to Europe will be seamless. A PetRelocation Specialist can help you understand the timeline and requirements for moving to Europe with pets. Additionally, they can provide other travel tips such as finding pet-friendly airlines.

With pet transport services, no detail is overlooked to ensure your move to the European Union goes off without a hitch.

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Traveling With a Dog to Europe: 10 Vet-Approved Tips

By Jessica Kim

Updated on Apr 9, 2024

dog inside a carrier held by a man at the airport

Vet approved

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Maja Platisa

In-House Veterinarian, DVM MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Traveling to Europe with your dog is a great way to create fun memories and make your travel experience unique. However, there’s no denying that it takes extra time and planning to ensure your dog is ready to travel. You’ll have to make sure that you obtain all the necessary travel documents and work with airline companies and hotels that can accommodate dogs.

It can feel overwhelming as you’re trying to figure out how to travel with your dog to Europe. So, we’ll go over the basics of what you need to do to ensure that you and your dog can travel together.

The 10 Tips for Traveling With a Dog to Europe

1. research the destination country’s travel policy.

Before you start booking flights, make sure to familiarize yourself with your destination country’s pet travel laws. If you’re going to a country that is a member of the European Union, you can start your research by viewing the European Union’s travel requirements for pets. Just keep in mind that while most countries in the European Union have similar travel policies, some can have slightly differing requirements for the types of vaccinations your dog will need.

2. Get Your Dog Microchipped

In order to enter a European Union country, your dog must be microchipped. It’s most convenient to use an ISO-compliant microchip, as customs officials will have scanners for these types of microchips. If your dog hasn’t been microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip, you can either bring your own scanner for your dog’s current microchip or have your veterinarian implant a second one.

Microchipping is still important even if a country doesn’t require it. Traveling can be stressful for dogs, and they’re often more prone to wandering off and getting lost. So, getting your dog microchipped and updating the information associated with the microchip is a standard practice for pet travel.

3. Schedule a Veterinarian Appointment

One of the most significant documents you’ll have to obtain is a pet health certificate. You can start to apply for this certificate by visiting a federally-accredited veterinarian, which is a veterinarian that’s authorized to endorse pet health certificates. A federally-accredited veterinarian can conduct a physical exam and make sure that your dog gets all the vaccines, tests or treatments that are required by the country you’re entering.

Keep in mind that some European countries have varying waiting periods for dogs that can enter their country after they’ve gotten a specific vaccine. So, it’s extremely important to schedule a veterinarian appointment as soon as possible in case your destination country requires a waiting period.

4. Receive a USDA Endorsement

Many countries require a health certificate that’s endorsed by the USDA. You can obtain a USDA endorsement by having an accredited veterinarian complete, sign, and date a health certificate. The veterinarian will submit the health certificate to the USDA or provide sufficient paperwork so that you can submit it yourself. The processing period can vary, and it can take several weeks for the paperwork to be processed and endorsed.

5. Book Flights With the Right Airlines

Make sure to read through each airline company’s pet travel policy because they can differ from one another. For example, some companies don’t allow dogs to travel in cargo, and others won’t allow pets on flights that last over a certain number of hours. It’s also important to find out if a company has breed restrictions and won’t allow certain dog breeds on their flights.

It’s best to contact an airline company directly to get the most updated information on their pet travel policies. A representative will be able to walk you through all the documents you need to obtain and ensure that your dog is able to travel with them.

6. Find a Pet-Friendly Hotel

It can take some time to find a pet-friendly hotel abroad, so try to begin your search as soon as you can. Pet-friendly hotels will have their own rules and regulations with dogs on their premises. Most won’t allow unleashed dogs in shared spaces, and some won’t allow dogs to remain unattended in their rooms. As with airline companies, it’s best to contact pet-friendly hotels directly to get their most updated pet policies, as they can change at any time.

7. Purchase an Airline-Approved Travel Crate

Once you’re ready to book a flight with an airline, check to make sure that you have a dog crate that’s compliant with the airline’s requirements. Dogs traveling in-cabin must remain in their crates throughout the duration of the flight, and they must be stowed beneath your seat. So, it’s important to find a crate that’s both comfortable for your dog and in compliance with the airline’s dimension and size requirements.

If you’re looking for a new travel dog crate, it’s best to start your search by asking your airline company if they have any specific recommendations. You must also get your dog acclimated and comfortable inside the crate, so it’s important to start or brush up on crate training at least a few weeks before your flight departure date.

8. Be Prepared at Customs

Make sure that you have all your paperwork in one place so that you can enter and exit customs with ease. You should have your dog’s endorsed health certificate on hand, and it’s also helpful to have their microchip ID written on any travel documents so that the customs officer can view and verify them quickly.

If your dog is traveling in cargo, you’ll receive a tracking number, also known as an air waybill number, after you’ve checked them in. Make sure to keep this number in a safe spot, as you’ll need it to claim your dog in customs.

9. Consider Getting an EU Pet Passport

If you plan to be abroad in Europe for a long time and will travel to different countries, you may want to consider getting an EU Pet Passport. An EU Pet Passport is an official health document that enables dogs to travel through EU countries with just one health document rather than having health documents for each individual country. The purpose of this passport is to make traveling with dogs easier, but it’s not necessary, especially if you only plan to visit one country.

An EU Pet Passport cannot be issued in the US , and you’ll have to schedule an appointment with an accredited veterinarian in an EU country to obtain one.

10. Take It Easy on the First Few Days in Europe

Traveling can be very stressful for dogs , so it’s important to take it easy once you arrive in Europe. Make sure to spend the rest of the day with your dog, check on their condition, and look for any signs of illness. It’ll also be helpful to map any vet clinics near your hotel in case of any emergencies.

It’ll take a few days for your dog to adjust to being in a new country, so try not to engage in any over strenuous and over stimulating activities right away.

When traveling to Europe with dogs, it’s best to have as much time as possible on your side.

Getting a USDA endorsement on health certificates can take several weeks, and some countries have vaccination waiting periods. So, make sure to contact a federally-accredited veterinarian and start the process of getting a health certificate right away. If you have any questions about pet travel , it’s best to contact the USDA or the embassy of your destination country to obtain the most accurate and updated information.

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/microchips-reunite-pets-families/microchipping-faq
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/pet-travel-info-and-guidance-document/pet-travel-guidance
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/eu/pet_travel-european_union_pet_passports

Featured Image Credit: Monika Wisniewska, Shutterstock

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International & Connection Pet Travel

* For aircraft that have only one class cabin, a maximum of 4 kennels per aircraft is allowed. **Live animals are prohibited on all flights operating outside of the U.S. except Canada. To make sure your pet is taken care of, prior arrangements are necessary with all the carriers involved. If a pet has to transfer from a Delta flight to a Delta Connection, the Delta flight must be confirmed at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time of the Delta Connection flight. That way we have enough time to make transfer arrangements between the two carriers and ensure your pet is safely delivered. Find More Information on Shipping Your Pet »

Pets to Hawaii

Though Hawaii is part of the United States, Hawaii takes extra care when bringing live animals into the state due to its unique ecosystems. Hawaii requires that all live animals shipped or brought into the state have health and rabies inoculation certificates dated no more than 10 days before travel begins. On Delta flights to Hawaii, pets will not be accepted as carry-on baggage.

Please note, Hawaiian quarantine facilities are located in Honolulu only; therefore, Delta cannot accept pets on nonstop flights to any other Hawaiian city. Delta does not participate in the Neighbor Island Dog and Cat Entry Program. Also as of October 1, 2016, Delta and Delta Cargo will no longer accept warm blooded animals on flights with an average flight time of greater than 12 hours.

Hawaii Quarantines

All cats and dogs are subject to a 120-day quarantine in Hawaii. If specific pre- and post-arrival requirements are met, your pet may qualify for a shorter (30-days or less) quarantine. Costs are charged to the pet owner and must be paid in full upon arrival. Payment methods include cashier's check, traveler's check, money order, personal check, or cash.

Seeing-eye dogs (and other service animals) are accepted with certain provisions, including making advanced arrangements and verifying availability and cost. For further information, visit the Hawaii Department of Agriculture or call 808-483-7151 .

International Pet Travel

If you’re traveling internationally with your pet, be prepared by knowing the strict regulations governing international pet travel. Remember to make arrangements in advance and note that Delta and Delta Cargo have a temporary embargo on all pet shipments effective until further notice. The embargo applies to all live, household animals (small dogs, cats and household birds) transported in the cargo hold underneath the aircraft throughout the domestic and international network. Exceptions apply for customers traveling with service animals and those in the U.S. Military or U.S. State Department Foreign Service Offices .

Take these steps before traveling to be fully prepared:

Contact the embassy or consulate of the destination country to determine pet travel regulations
Obtain all necessary paperwork (such as health certificates and documentation ) regarding your pet's travel
Contact your local veterinarian to ensure your pet is in compliance with foreign health regulations
Check with the CDC about the importation of pets into the United States
Check with APHIS about international animal export regulations
Terminal handling charges, customs clearance fees, veterinarian service, and/or kennel storage fees are in addition to shipping rates and will be charged to the shipper or pet owner upon arrival at destination airport
All fees and charges must be paid in full prior to the release of your pet

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a temporary ban on dogs traveling from Egypt for the protection of public health. The CDC will review this suspension periodically and Delta will provide updates as they become available. To ensure the protection and safety of our customers and their animals, Delta will place a temporary embargo on pet travel to and from Egypt.

When traveling to or from the United Kingdom, Delta will not accept any live animals as checked or carry-on baggage.

For pets traveling in the cabin to the Republic of Ireland, customers must notify the Department of Agriculture in advance at [email protected] , opens in a new window . Find additional information at the Republic of Ireland Pet Travel Portal .

For pets traveling to or from other countries in the European Union, a Veterinary Certificate for domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets entering the European Community for Non-Commercial Movement (Regulation (EC) No. 998/2003) is required. There is also another restriction concerning your pet. Only a microchip implant, and no longer tattoos, will be accepted as a means of identification. If your travel originates in Aruba, Bermuda, Canada, Japan, Cayman Islands, or the USA, parts 1 through 4 must be completed for movement into the European Union and requires 30 days of preparation for your pet. If your travel originates in any other country, parts 1 through 5 must be completed. These regulations require a minimum of four months preparation for your pet.

Service Dogs Traveling to London (Heathrow & Gatwick) or Manchester

Delta will transport service dogs to London (Heathrow & Gatwick) and Manchester with the proper documentation and compliance to the UK regulations for transporting animals. In order for a customer to transport their service dog, they must:

Contact the appropriate Animal Reception Center in the city they are traveling to for more information and instruction on what will be needed to enter the United Kingdom. After booking, customers must contact the Animal Reception Center directly to plan for the arrival of their pet and to ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed in advance for the UK Customs clearance of your service dog.
Provide a pre-approval letter from the Animal Reception Center in the city you are traveling to, indicating that your service dog has the appropriate documentation, has met the appropriate health requirements and has the proper micro-chip implant. Delta will ask for this documentation in order to process your request for transport of your service dog. Failure to present this pre-approval letter will result in denial of the service dog until the letter is provided.
Pay all appropriate fees and charges related to UK acceptance of service dogs. A current list of charges can be provided by the Animal Reception Center for the city you are traveling to. For more information, please contact one of the appropriate Animal Reception Centers listed below.

For questions regarding transporting a service dog, please contact Delta at 1-800-221-1212 and ask to speak to the CRO Desk.

CRO Desk at Airport

Pets are not allowed in the cabin or as accompanied or excess baggage to/from Hong Kong. Special permit/import permit or quarantine permit is required for all animals and birds (including dogs & cats) applied before arrival in Hong Kong and they must be shipped as cargo covered by an air bill.

Pets are not allowed as checked baggage to or from South Africa due to concerns of animal safety and customs regulations. This restriction does not apply to service animals. South Africa recognizes service dogs and allows them in the cabin. All animals must travel as manifested cargo on an air waybill. Military exceptions do not apply.

Australian law does not allow pets as carry on or checked baggage. The only exception is for Service Animals with correct documentation. All pets must enter or depart via cargo.

New Zealand law does not allow pets as carry on or checked baggage. The only exception is Service Animals with correct documentation. All pets must enter or depart via cargo.

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Traveling with Pets

CDC is extending its temporary suspension of dog importation from high-risk dog rabies countries until July 31, 2024. This suspension includes dogs arriving from countries without high risk of rabies if the dogs have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months. Learn about the current rules: What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States

Photo Credit: Audilis Sanchez, CDC

Taking your dog or cat on a flight abroad? Make sure you have your pet’s documents when traveling internationally and returning home to the United States. Leave yourself plenty of time before the trip to take care of your pet’s required medical care and paperwork. Remember to start the process early.

First Stop—Your Vet’s Office

If you are traveling internationally, tell your veterinarian about your plans as soon as possible. Together, you can make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel and meets the requirements for your destination country and for your return to the United States. Requirements may include

Blood tests
Vaccinations
Microchips for identification
Health certificates

Airlines and countries often have different requirements, so make sure you know what the specific ones are.

Research How to Fly with Your Pet

Talk to your vet about your travel plans and your dog’s rabies vaccination. Photo credit: David Heaberlin, CDC

Give yourself plenty of time to do your homework before your trip. A great place to start is the Pet Travel website of the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Different airlines have different rules about whether and how a pet can travel. Depending on the airline, your pet may be able to travel on your flight either in the cabin or in the cargo hold. Confirm this ahead of time with your airline.

On airlines that allow pets to travel, only small dogs and cats that can fit in special carriers under the seat are allowed in the cabin. Their owners must care for them during any layovers. Some airlines may not allow them in the cabin and will transport them as cargo in a heated and ventilated hold. Cats and dogs may travel and rest better this way, since it is quieter and darker, according to the International Air Transport Association.

photo of a woman walking through airport with a dog

Research how to fly with your pet. Photo credit: Misty Ellis, CDC

Another way for your pet to travel is on a separate flight as an air cargo shipment. If this is your preference, or a requirement based on your dog’s size or the destination country’s rules, then get your pet used to the shipping kennel ahead of time. Make sure the door latches securely to avoid any mishaps in transit. Ask your veterinarian for advice about when to give food and water. If a pet is traveling as an air cargo shipment , you must make arrangements for pickup at the final destination.

Some US carriers don’t allow pets to be shipped between May and September, the hottest months for animals to travel in the Northern Hemisphere. No matter what time of year, safety is always a concern when pets travel by airplane. If absolutely necessary for a dog or cat to travel in cargo, it must be in a sturdy container with enough room to stand and sit, to turn around normally while standing, and to lie down in a natural position. For more information, visit the US Department of Agriculture pet travel website .

When waiting for a connecting flight, you may have to care for a pet traveling with you in the cabin, while the airline staff or ground handlers care for a pet traveling in cargo. Check with your airline(s) beforehand to see what is required.

Consider Your Pet’s Comfort

photo of a woman checking arrivals and departures screen

Consider your pet’s comfort when traveling. Photo credit: Misty Ellis, CDC

Loading and unloading can be the most stressful part of travel for animals. Consider these tips:

Get your pet used to its carrier before the flight.
Purchase flights with fewer connections or layovers.
Pick departure and arrival times to avoid extreme heat or cold. For example, planning a nighttime arrival to a hot destination may be better for your pet.
Consult with your veterinarian. The International Air Transport Association discourages the use of sedatives or tranquilizers because they could harm animals while in flight.
Walk your pet before leaving home and again before checking in.
If your pet is allowed in the cabin, check in as late as possible to reduce stress.
If your pet will be transported as cargo, check in early so it can go to the quiet and dimly lit hold of the plane.

Cruise Ships and Travel by Sea

Different cruise ships have different rules about whether a pet or service animal can travel with you and what documents they require. Confirm this ahead of time with your cruise ship. If you travel with your pets internationally on a cruise ship or other maritime vessel, you will be required to meet federal entry requirements to enter or re-enter the United States with your pets. Note that CDC has temporarily suspended the importation of dogs arriving from countries that CDC considers high risk for dog rabies , including dogs that have visited a high-risk country in the past 6 months.

Requirements for Dogs Leaving the United States

CDC does not have requirements for dogs leaving the United States. However, if you plan to return to the United States with your dog, the dog will be required to meet the same entry requirements as dogs arriving from foreign countries (see below). If you plan to take your dog to a country at high risk for dog rabies , be sure to review the importation requirements before leaving the United States, because your dog may not be allowed to return to the United States due to the current temporary suspension , which applies to dogs that live in the United States and have traveled to high-risk countries, even if only for a short visit.

Visit the US Department of Agriculture website for pet entry requirements in foreign countries.

Requirements for Dogs Arriving in the United States

A CDC public health officer checks the rabies vaccination certificate of a dog in a kennel just arrived into the United States. Photo credit to Derek Sakris, CDC.

Meet the requirements for dogs entering the United States. Photo credit: Derek Sakris, CDC

Whether returning or coming to the United States, all dogs must appear healthy . There is a temporary suspension for dogs imported from countries that CDC considers high risk for dog rabies .

Some states may require vaccinations and health certificates. Check with your destination state’s health department before you leave on your trip.

Some airlines, cities, or states restrict certain breeds, so be sure to check before you travel.

The US Department of Agriculture has additional restrictions for some dogs arriving in the United States, such as working dogs and dogs intended for resale or adoption.

Requirements for Cats Arriving in the United States

Cats aren’t required by CDC to have a rabies vaccination certificate to enter the United States. However, most states and many other countries require them for cats, and CDC recommends that all cats be vaccinated against rabies. Be sure to check your destination’s requirements and ask your veterinarian before traveling.

Other kinds of pets

If your pet is not a cat or dog, there may be different requirements. Some animals , such as primates (monkeys and apes) or African rodents , won’t be allowed back into the United States. Even if they originally came from the United States, they can’t be brought back here as pets.

With careful planning, your pet can stay healthy and safe while traveling. Photo credit: Audilis Sanchez, CDC

Illness or Death of a Pet During Travel

Despite all precautions, pets sometimes get sick or even die on an airplane. Public health officials are required to make sure an animal didn’t die of a disease that can spread to people. They may have to do an animal autopsy or conduct other tests, at your cost, to figure out the cause of death. The animal’s remains often cannot be returned to you after this testing.

Think of Different Options

Make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel by air. If you have any doubts, consider leaving your pet with a trusted friend, family member, or boarding kennel during your trip, or taking another mode of transportation.

With careful planning, your pet will arrive both at its destination and return home healthy and safe.

Information on Dog Importation for US Rescues, Shelters, and Adoption Agencies
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International Air Transport Association- Traveler’s Pet Corner
Animal Transportation Association
International Pet and Animal Transportation Association
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Department of Agriculture
National Agricultural Library
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American Veterinary Medical Association
CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People website
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21 Best Airlines To Fly To Europe With Pets & Animals From America To Europe

Blog , Pets , Travel
January 12, 2020
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My Top 21 List of The Best Airlines To Fly To Europe With Dogs, Cats & Other Animal Fur or Feathered Friends

Friends, this is the list you’ve been waiting on. It’s taken me all day to assemble my top 21 list of the best airlines to fly to Europe with dogs or your other fur, feather, rodent, or reptile friends. No matter what kind of animal lover you are, this list of transatlantic airlines is complete with pricing, links to each airline’s policies and procedures.

There are two sections in the blog post below. First, the North American to Europe airlines that I have personally flown on with Bentley. Then below the first section, you’ll see other airlines that you can consider to fly your pets from the US, Canada, South America, and other smaller destinations to Europe.

Whether you’re a dog, cat, bird, iguana, peacock, pig, or anything else doesn’t matter to me, but it might matter to the airline.

Here is the list of the best airlines to fly to Europe with dogs and Bentley is the proof:

1. American Airlines Flies Pets In Cabin or Cargo To Europe | #1 Best Airlines To Fly Pets To Europe

My favorite and most pet-friendly airlines, American Airlines, provides the best service, and I’ve never had an issue with Bentley flying with me. His passport information and records are attached to my frequent flier. For shorter flights, pets are invited to fly in the cabin with their owners. They must be kept in a small carrier under the seat for some entire flight.

Please note that American airlines do not allow checked pets through travel through desert climates during various times of the year. Click to read American Airlines’ most recent 2020 rules and regulations for flying with pets, dogs, or cats.

Price: $125 – $200
Animals: Cats, dogs, service animals

2. JetBlue, The Only Airline To Offer Pets Travel Rewards & Perks

JetBlue is the only airline that offers furry passengers pet perks travel rewards programs! The JetPaws program provides pet-parent travelers with a carrier bag, a list of tips for managing your pet while traveling, and 300 TrueBlue points.

The pet fee is $125 each way and can be added in the Extras section during booking.
Only one pet per customer is allowed.
A limited number of pets are allowed on each flight, so it’s best to book early.
We know you much you love to spoil your pet, but they’re not allowed in Mint.
Pets are NOT accepted on interline/codeshare bookings, regardless of booking source (jetblue.com, travel agency, partner airline’s website, etc.).
Pets are not allowed on flights to Jamaica, Barbados, St Lucia, the Cayman Islands, or Trinidad & Tobago. We use JetBlue when flying from New York to the Dominican Republic.
TrueBlue members earn 300 extra points per segment for adding a pet to their booking.

Click here to read the Jet Blue 2020 Pet Travel Rules skinny & ensure your pet travels in luxurious ease.

3. Alitalia, Best Airlines To Travel To Europe or Italy With Pets

Bentley loves Alitalia for our Italian trips. Depending on your pet’s size and breed, it determines if they can fly in the cabin or cargo. Either way, Alitalia is easy to book pet travel, and they are friendly on check-in. To ensure your pet is comfortable, I love that they check your pet’s travel carrier to ensure that you’ve given them a blanket to sleep on. Alitalia even prepared a video for your information – click below to watch it:

Price: $200 each way to North America or 40 Euros on Domestic trips – the price schedule depends on the pet’s type and weight – click here to view.
Animals: Cats, dogs, ferrets, birds, service animals

Read all of the Alitalia airline’s most recent 2020 rules and prices – click here.

4. Delta, Be Careful When Traveling With Animals When In Partnership With Other Airlines

Flying both people and pets to over 60 countries worldwide, Delta is a popular choice for most Americans flying abroad. They even allow household birds on domestic flights. The rules are roughly the same with larger pets that must fly cargo, and smaller pets can fly in a Delta black pet carrier or any other carrier of your choice. Boyd and I prefer the Delta one because they are cheap and inconspicuous, meaning everyone will not stop to ask your dog’s breed or name.

CAUTION WHEN YOUR DELTA ITINERARY PARTNERS WITH ANOTHER AIRLINE WHEN FLYING DELTA WITH PETS

Must Read My Traveling With Pets Delta Horror Story: I loved flying Delta when I lived north of Atlanta. As a matter of fact, on my recent European flight, I even went back to Atlanta to take Delta to Glasgow, Scotland. Little did I realize that being rerouted on Virgin Airlines would be “my forever virgin traveling with pets through Scotland nightmare.” If you haven’t already – watch my vlog or read the blog about how Scottish airport authorities wanted to take my little pink poodle named Bentley indefinitely.

Prices for pet travel varies with Delta. Hopefully, they will make some changes to this and their new considerations to follow suit with airlines like Southwest Airlines, eliminating most baggage fees. Currently, the cost to fly with your pet on Delta depends on your destination and ranges from $75 to $200, with Brazil being a $75 charge while flights in America remain a steep $125 each way! Read more about flying with dogs or other animals and the Delta Airlines flying with pets policy – click here.

Price: $75-200 each way
Animals: Cats, dogs, service animals, household birds domestically

5. Air France, Best Airlines When Traveling With Pets To Europe

Being in partnership with Delta makes Air France another natural choice when we fly anywhere in Europe. I highly encourage any of you flying from North America to Europe to pass through Charles De Gaulle International Airport or an Italian airport vs. any other European airport I’ve visited. Air France onboard cats and dogs for both international and domestic destinations. If Paris or any other European vacation is on your Must See Bucket List, this airline can help.

Fly your pets on Air France range from €30 to €200. The cost depends on your type and sized pet and along with your final destination. Click here to read the Air France Pet Policy and all of the booking and flight details when flying with animals on Air France.

Snub-nosed dogs and cats, such as Boxers, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, and Persian or Burmese cats, are permitted for transport by freight on flights provided by Air France.
From 15 July 2019: Because they have a hard time breathing in flight, Pug, Bulldog, and Boston Terrier snub-nosed dog breeds are no longer permitted for transport by freight.
Price: €30 and up
Animals: Cats, dogs (see notes on dog types above), service animals.

6. Lufthansa Airlines, Most Economical For Best Airlines To Travel To Europe With Pets

Flying with Lufthansa Airlines with Bentley was easy. Lufthansa will even allow two pets in the same in-cabin carrier as long as they fit comfortably. The best part is. They don’t try to price gouge with additional fees. The prices start at €55, making their prices one of the most affordable ways to travel with animals from North America to hundreds of destinations worldwide.

Lufthansa Airlines flying and traveling with pets policy has a restriction on flight itineraries with multiple airlines. Click here to read the full Lufthansa Airlines policy and pay close attention to the section that reads:

“ All the regulations mentioned here apply exclusively to flights operated by Lufthansa. On code-share flights, please make sure that you check the airline’s regulations operating the flight concerned. If you are traveling with several airlines, please ensure you have confirmation from all the airlines concerned that they will transport your pet.”

Price: €55 and up
Animals: Cats, dogs, rabbits, hares, service animals.

7. British Airways, Cost Totally Dependant On Your Pets Weight, Yet Most Expensive

British Airways has a reasonable policy that I wish they and other airlines would adopt to ticket all airline passengers. British Airways flying with animals cost depends on your pet’s weight after the base cost, which is a steep $196!!!

To travel in the cabin, your cat or dog must be under 13.2 pounds. Larger pets must fly in cargo. Please read my Tips For Flying Pets To Europe post for the skinny on the best and safest way to ensure your pet is not quarantined like my traveling poodle Bentley was. Please, folks, mind the gap – pay attention! Your pets need you as much as you need them!

At the moment here is the British Airlines statement regarding ESA Animals (Emotional Support Animals):

Emotional Support Dog Statement on British Airways Travel Site

Emotional dogs can only be accepted in the cabin on direct flights to or from the United States of America. If your journey is not to or from the USA or includes a connection onto a non-USA trip, your emotional support dog will need to travel in the hold.

You need to contact us at least 14 days before your flight, as we need additional information to ensure your emotional support dog can travel safely in the cabin.

You must also contact the UK Animal Reception Centre at least 72 hours before the scheduled departure of your flight to the UK to check your dog meets Pet Travel Scheme requirements. They will issue a pre-approval letter for UK entry that must be presented at check-in, along with your approval from us, for you and your dog to board your flight to the UK.

As I’ve stated many times before, my solution is Fly through Paris or Italy to the UK. Double-check each airline. Make sure you get everything in writing. Review my flying from America to the UK Checklist before you take off.

For the complete British Airways Traveling With Pet Policy – click here.

Price: $196 in cabin and cargo
Animals: Cats, dogs, service animals.

8. Air Europa, Travel With Your Aquarium Turtles, Guinea Pig, Hamster or Rabbit

In addition to the out of control kids treating the aircraft seats like a jungle gym, you could also be sitting next to a rodent on Air Europa. Recently, Bentley and I flew from Madrid, Spain, back to Miami on an Air Europa flight filled with kids who seemed to have NO parent supervision. Even the flight attendants were annoyed and embarrassed to other passengers as they tried to herd the kids like little sheep back to their seats.

With a flight full, the kids continue running around on the aircraft as though it was a racetrack or playground for nine hours! The flight attendant stated she would take traveling with pets any day of the week. From dogs, cats, birds (except birds of prey), fish, aquarium turtles, and some rodents (hamsters, guinea pigs, or small rabbits), Air Europa was super easy and pet-friendly.. Keep in mind that you could be travel with herds of out of control kids in addition to the rodents allowed aboard.

Can I repeat it? Be mindful that this airline seems to transport lots of families from Europe to America. Many of those families seriously let their kids run wild. I think even Bentley wanted to growl at the rambunctious kids, but he didn’t. He just circled in his rare pet carrier. I got no sleep nor work done on a nine-hour flight. That, too, is rare.

If you’re traveling with pets to Europe – click here to read Air Europa’s pet travel policy.

From 01 November 2019, for long-haul flights , only dogs and cats will be allowed to be transported, except in the business cabin, where it is not permitted to transport animals of any kind.
It is 2, provided that they are of a similar size, and none exceeds 14 kg. Must be accustomed to being together.
It is three if they are from the same litter and no older than six months old.
Price: $25-165

Airlines That I Have Not Flown With My Dog, Bentley, The Pink Travel Poodle

To provide both you with a complete list of airlines that useful to fly animals with ease, some of the other airlines I’ve read about:

9. Air Canada, Canada’s Largest Airlines For Traveling With Pets

Although I have not personally flown on Air Canada with Bentley, their websites appear to b extremely pet-friendly, although you are limited in ticket holders and age. You can’t fly on Air Canada with your pet in their Premium Economy cabin (aka the cheapest airline ticket). Your unaccompanied minor cannot take his/her pet to visit grandma or dad. If you need a medical device that requires under-seat storage, your service animal may not accompany you. As usual, if you’re in a bulkhead row seat, ask to be reassigned; otherwise, your fur baby will need to leave at home.

Click here to read Air Canda’s traveling with animals policy here.

Are an unaccompanied minor
Are seated in an exit or bulkhead row
Require the use of a medical device that needs to be stowed underneath the seat
Are traveling in our Premium Economy cabin
Your pet cannot travel with you in the cabin if you:
Price: $50 and up
Animals: Cats, dogs, service dog

10. Air India, Get Your Pets Vaccinated For US Standards Before Traveling To India

Get your pets USDA and India paper documents and valid vaccinations; they’re welcome to fly on Air India flights. Here is the link on how to export pets to and from India. There are some restrictions, and the pet cannot be considered carry-on luggage. An additional fee must be paid to fly with a pet, and prices vary depending on which country you’re flying to.

I have not had the pleasure of flying Air India or going to India yet, so I’ll leave you with the Air India Airlines pet travel policies and guidelines to ensure your pet is safe. FYI: I take Bentley many places, but I’m not sure India will be one of them. From what I hear, the smells may wear his sniffer out.

Price: Varies
Animals: Cats, dogs, birds, service animals

11. Swiss International Airlines, Take Your Pet With You On Any Route

The only airline that claims, “you can take your pet with you on any route.” In Swiss International approved pet carriers, passengers can travel with up to two pets that don’t appear dangerous or threatening. In addition to dogs, cats, birds, iguanas, and reptiles, Swiss International allows hares and rabbits to travel too! Just don’t assume you won’t pull your hare (I mean hair) out! Haha.

Bring on Roger Rabbit and your new puppy! Just be sure to r ead Swiss International Airlines’ pet travel policy – click here.

Price: $60 and up
Animals: Cats, dogs, hares, rabbits, service dogs

12. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Takes Pet Treatment & Transportation Seriously

KLM is in partnership with Air France, which is also in partnership with Delta Airlines. Known for transporting zoo animals and delicate fish, I hope KLM is an affordable solution for my tour of the Dutch Netherlands.

Seeing the fields of tulips in Holland and all over the Dutchlands is on my bucket list. I do envision taking KLM to Holland for that bucket list trip. I think Bentley’s little nose will take in the aroma much like he does when in Scotland. KLM offers a range of travel options to accommodate pets. KLM suggests starting the booking for you and your pet with a phone call. Traditionally, depending on their size, both cats and dogs are welcome to fly in the cabin and cargo.

Cargo: Yes – Pets larger than 18 pounds are typically considered cargo.

13. Frontier Airlines, Critters Are Part of The Family | Best Airlines To Travel To Europe With Pets

While it’s weird that I often see Frontier Airlines pop in when shopping for flights here on my cheapest site for airline tickets.

I have never really considered Frontier a front runner on traveling with my dog on international flights. I mean, they claim dogs and cats are welcome. Plus, with a fee of only $75, you don’t have to break the bank to tour with your pet pal, no matter how small the pet may be.

Here are a few Frontier Airlines policy links that I’ll be using:

General Traveling With Pet Policy.
(ESA) Emotional Support Animal Forms for Frontier Airlines.
The following species are never accepted : Large birds (e.g., parrots, macaws, cockatoos, birds of prey), rodents (including mice, rats, squirrels), beavers, ferrets, reptiles (including snakes), amphibians, spiders, and insects (and please, no lions, tigers, or bears).
Only domesticated dogs and cats may be carried to or from international destinations.

A few things to know about your pet’s health certificate:

Within 30 days of entry into Puerto Rico
Within ten days of entry into the U.S.
Within 15 days of entry in the Dominican Republic
Within 14 days of entry into Costa Rica
Within five days of entry into Mexico
Animals: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, service animals

14. TAP Air Portugal, Pet Travel To Lisbon Made Easy | Portugal’s Best Airlines To Travel To Europe With Pets

Have you seen the German DW Documentary on Lisbon? Well, I have, and I want to go before Lisbon is taken over by developers. When I mark Lisbon off my travel bucket list, I will most likely fly TAP Air Portugal. Dogs and cats are both welcome to fly in the cabin or the cargo, as long as the owner provides valid documentation, and the carrier is deemed safe.

Before you book or fly, read TAP Air Portugal Pet Policy to make traveling with your fur friends uneventful.

Price: €35 and up

15. Japan Airlines, Considers Elite-Air Conditioned Cargo The Only Option For Pets

Unfortunately, Japan Airlines does not allow pets in the main cabin of their planes. Each pet is kept in air-conditioned rooms, which are safely secured in the cargo hold. Upon landing, your traveling pet will be delivered directly to you by an agent following the flight. Japan Airlines considers this elite service.

My 8-lb traveling poodle would not go for this, nor would I. As with other airline pet travel cautions, Japan Airlines has a list of advisories when using their cargo service for pets. The biggest thing I have been cautioned on and taken heed to is the animal’s stress as they try to adapt to a new environment. Flying Japan Airlines to visit my good friend Maria Rock in her new home in Japan is not an option.

Read the Japan Airlines full pet travel policy and advisories before booking your flight to Japan.

Price: Unspecified
Animals: Dogs, cats, small birds (that eat seeds, fruit, and insects), rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, marmots, squirrels, chinchillas, service animals

16. Turkish Airlines considers Parakeets & Pet Allergies | Turkey’s Best Airline To Travel To Europe With Pets

Turkish Airlines allows cats, dogs, and small singing birds, such as parakeets and canaries, on its flights. Can you imagine a bird singing to you from America to Turkey?

So, what happens if you’re like me and you’re allergic to cats or other animals traveling with you? I usually take a Benadryl. Turkish Airlines allows passengers to prove that they are allergic to animals with a medical report before a flight. Pets are then accepted in the cabin according to specific conditions:

In case a passenger states his/her allergy and passenger with a pet request to travel on the same flight, the passenger making the first reservation will be confirmed.
In case a passenger with an assistance dog and a passenger stating his/her allergy request to travel on the same USA flight, assistance dogs always take precedence regardless of reservation order. (According to US Documentation of Transportation rules)
Excluding USA flights and except search & rescue dogs, in case a passenger with an assistance dog and a passenger stating his/her allergy request to travel on the same flight, the order of reservation will be considered.

Pretty cool, huh? I could also see where those situations could become a little “hare”y! Read all about Turkish Airlines traveling with pets policy and regulations – click here.

Price: 70 TRY and up

17. Aeroflot, Take Pets To Russia With Skipper’s Help | Russia’s Best Airlines To Travel To Europe With Pets

By far, Aeroflot has the most detailed pet travel policy I’ve seen to date. It’s hilarious, so I’ll quote the funny parts. Quoting, “PJSC “Aeroflot” accepts domestic and tamed pets such as cats, dogs, and birds for carriage and service dogs of the Federal Executive Authority Canine Service as a particular type of non-standard baggage. Such transportation is charged at a special baggage rate. Other animals such as polecats, ferrets, meerkats, fennec foxes, lorises, pygmy hedgehogs, mini-lop rabbits, marmosets, etc. will only be accepted for carriage if they are tamed.”

The following animals will not be accepted for carriage as non-standard baggage on Aeroflot:

brachycephalic dog breeds: Bulldog (English, French, American), Pug, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Boxer, Griffon (Belgian, Brussels), Boston Terrier, Bordeaux Mastiff, Japanese Chin;
rodents (guinea pigs, rats, chinchillas, chipmunks, squirrels, gerbils, dormice, marmots, ground squirrels, jerboas, etc.);
reptiles (tortoises/turtles, iguanas, geckos, chameleons, snakes, lizards, frogs, etc.);
arthropods (insects, arachnids, crustaceans, etc.);
fish and fish seed, marine and river animals that must be transported in water;
animals and birds that are not tamed (taken from wild nature), large predators that are representatives of wild fauna in their natural habitat, such as bears, large primates (gibbons, orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, etc.), wild cats such as caracal, serval cat, ocelot, jungle cat, fishing cat, Amur leopard cat, manul, Andean cat, kodkod, etc., large predators of the cat family: ounce, jaguar, lion, tiger, panther, lynx, puma;
sick or experimental animals/birds;
animals whose weight, together with the skipper, exceeds 50 kg.

Only adult and legally capable passengers are allowed to transport domestic animals or birds. Domestic and tamed pets/ birds as a special type of non-standard baggage shall be transported in a skipper (cage) either in the cabin or in the baggage hold . Soft pet carriers of the closed type can be used as a skipper for transportation in the aircraft cabin.

Leave it to the Russians to think of every type of wild type pet known to humankind. However, they did forget to list mini horses, pigs, quail, lovebirds, peacocks, and what other animals have Americans tried to take on airplane trips lately?

Read the full Aeroflot pet travel flight policy rules and regulations before you book your next flight to Russia,

Price: $87 and up, depending on the size of the carrier
Animals: The list is quite extensive

18. Iberia, Take Your Tortoise On The Trip To Spain, Leave Your Weasels At Home

Iberia is one of Spain’s most significant international airlines flying globally to America and throughout Europe. You can’t fly with your weasels, aka ferrets, pine martens, etc. However, cats, dogs, birds, and tortoises are welcome aboard.

You can request the pet travel service through your Iberia office or travel agency to guarantee your travel reservations for you and your pets.

Before you book, read the latest Iberia pet flight rules and regulations – click here.

Price: Starting at €120
Animals: Cats, dogs, birds, tortoises, service animals

19. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), Pets Have No Business In Parts Of SAS Planes

While small dogs and cats are welcome to travel with you in parts of the SAS cabins, they have no business in the SAS Business class cabin. The number of pets allowed on each flight is limited. Contact SAS Customer Service to reserve a space for your pet with at least 24 hours before departure, or your fur friend will be grounded like a Boeing 737.

Full details ofo SAS Scandinavian Airlines Pet Travel Policy – click here.

Price: $60 – $140

20. Aer Lingus, Good Luck Traveling To Ireland With Pets | Ireland’s Best Airlines To Travel To Europe With Pets

Traveling locally or transatlantic doesn’t matter. With much luck of the Irish, Aer Lingus has you and your pet covered. Considering Scotland is a rock toss over the pond to Ireland, I will most likely forever take a boat or ferry to Ireland, but my mom has taken a plane from Scotland to Dublin, so nothing is really out of the question.

Price: €40 for regional flights, €160 international
Animals, Cats, dogs, rabbits (on domestic flights only), service animals

21. CopaAirlines, South America’s Best Airlines To Travel To Europe With Pets

Living in Miami, so close to South America, Brazil, and several other South American countries are definitely on my travel bucket list. I’ve been to Guatemala, Panama, and several other South American countries so far, but the next time I go, I will consider pet-friendly airline – CopaAirlines.

Besides that, arrive at the airport a bit earlier than expected, and you’re set to fly! Read more about flying with animals and the CopaAirlines policy in detail here .

P.S. Virgin Atlantic, not included in this list to fly your pets from America to Europe for good reason.

Don’t be in the same predicament I was wondering if you would ever see your pet again. Watch my day of horror when landing on a Virgin Atlantic flight from Orlando, Florida, to Glasgow, Scotland, UK. Enough said?

Check out our pet fashion , for every day and elegant clothes for holidays and occasion. Click here

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Do you ship animals! See details about joining IPATA and becoming a globally recognized company who promotes humane animal transport.

Need to ship a pet? You’re in the right place! Search from a list of trusted IPATA member pet shipping experts from all over the world.

View IPATA members (Including airlines) who provide goods and services to the pet transportation industry.

Shipping a Dog, Cat or Other Pet?

There is no single checklist because every pet is different and unique. But IPATA can help. Here are some FAQs to get you started.

Do I have to join IPATA to ship my pet?

How do I select a kennel, or crate, to ship my pet by air?

Can pets travel by bus, train or on ocean vessels?

Why does an airline refuse to fly pets when it is too hot or cold?

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Is tranquilization okay for my pets?

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There is no legitimate pet shipping company with “IPATA” or “ipata” in their name.

If you see a company using the IPATA name, please report it to [email protected] For more information on pet scams go to https://www.ipata.org/pet-scams

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Now Arriving at J.F.K.: Horses From Iceland and Dogs From the West Bank, New York Times 3/19/2024

The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) Presents Brachycephalic Program at the IATA World Cargo Symposium - Hong Kong, IPATA 3/18/2024

The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) Past President, Simon Jackson Spoke on the Gold Standard Delivery in Pet Shipping at the IATA World Cargo Symposium in Hong Kong, IPATA 3/17/2024

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Watch CBS News

Flying with pets? Here's what to know.

By Anne Marie Lee

Edited By Alain Sherter

Updated on: April 6, 2024 / 10:08 AM EDT / CBS News

Thinking of taking your dog or cat with you the next time you fly? For a growing percentage of the 90.5 million pet owners in the U.S., the answer is yes. But while the notion of boarding a plane with your pet may seem simple, the rules and restrictions around traveling with an animal can be confusing.

Eight major U.S. airlines allow pets to fly in-cabin as carry-ons. But flying with your pet takes research and planning, as pet policies vary from airline to airline, are steeped in restrictions, and are limited to specific countries and cities. You'll also have to pay an extra fee for your pet ranging from $95 to $200, depending on the airline and where you're flying. And restrictions often change.

For example, American Airlines recently revised its policies so passengers flying with pets may also bring one full-size carry-on or personal item. But the carrier prohibits carry-on pets on transatlantic and transpacific flights. Here's what you need to know when considering taking your fur baby with you on a plane.

Cargo, check-in or carry-on?

Most airlines offer three options for transporting animals: cargo, check-in or carry-on. But if your pet is larger than a bread box, your options are limited to the cargo or baggage check-in options, with very few exceptions.

Given that large canine breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are among the most popular dogs in the country, the size restriction for in-cabin pet travel can be a major frustration for those who would rather not fly at all if that means putting their pet in cargo.

A 2023 Forbes Adviser survey of 10,000 U.S. dog owners found that 33% of respondents fly with their pets, while 37% listed not being able to bring their dog on a plane as their biggest annoyance. (You can learn more about the differences between cargo, check-in and carry-on options here , including warnings about the dangers involved when pets travel in the cargo hold.)

Carry-on pets

Even for pet owners whose animals are small enough to fly as a carry-on, traveling is no breeze.

"When I fly with him I have to go to the desk," Margaret Rauch, 44, told CBS MoneyWatch, referring to her 15-pound poodle mix, Soda. The New York City resident has taken Soda on dozens of flights to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where Soda, now 4, was being fostered by a friend after being found as a stray puppy in 2021.

In addition to calling the airline in advance to register her dog for a flight, Rauch has to check in at the counter whenever she's traveling with Soda, so the airline agent can confirm her dog and pet carrier conform to the in-cabin pet requirements and that the flight hasn't already met its pet maximum.

Rauch, who said she would never consider putting Soda in cargo, applauded American Airlines' new policy, while noting that in her experience the one carry-on rule was rarely enforced.

"I feel the price is already high for what I get. Even with AA's rule change, I lose the underseat space," she said. "My dog creates no extra work for anyone."

Despite the added preparation, paperwork and hassle involved in flying with Soda — not to mention the unfriendly looks she occasionally detects from fellow passengers at the sight of her pet carrier — Rauch said, "It's absolutely worth it."

Asked how the experience could be improved, she pointed to early boarding for pet owners as something that would help.

"If you can get in early, get a seat and settle down, that is an accommodation I don't expect to see anytime soon but I think it makes sense," Rauch said.

Safety and comfort

For the many Americans who see their pets practically as family members, one of the most challenging aspects of flying is ensuring their animal's comfort and safety.

"The increasing humanization of pets, which involves treating them as part of the family rather than as mere animals, has increased the demand for pet travel services that are of high quality and can be customized to meet the specific needs of each pet," LinkedIn reported in December.

Among other tips, the U.S. Department of Transportation and animal experts recommend that you not feed your pet four to six hours before a flight and limit their water intake. Others also suggest keeping bottled water on hand at all times. Additionally, most airlines require certain vaccination and vet certification that your pet is healthy enough to fly. Individual countries also have their own requirements for pets to enter.

Not surprisingly, some airlines do better than others at handling pets. One of the best-rated carriers for pet travel is Alaska Airlines, which has repeatedly topped rankings, such as NerdWallet's Most pet-friendly airlines of 2024. In recent years, the airline also has maintained one of the industry's lowest incident ratings, according to Veterinarians.org. United Airlines and Delta are among the airlines with the highest incident rates, according to the pet information website.

On Rauch's first plane trip with Soda traveling home to New York, a layover in Miami led to the flight sitting on the tarmac for two hours. Calming treats are something that helps keeps her dog relaxed on flights. She also withholds Soda's food and limits his water intake up to five hours before a flight, which is also helpful given that he doesn't like using pet relief areas, which she said generally smell of urine and can be overwhelming for dogs. Flights between New York City and St. Croix are generally under six hours.

"I'm not sure how I'd handle a flight to Singapore," Rauch said.

Here's a rundown of U.S. airlines' pet travel policies, along with fees and and restrictions:

Alaska Airlines

Pet fee: $100

Pets allowed: Dogs and cats are the only pets allowed in-cabin on international trips and flights to Hawaii. Domesticated rabbits and small household birds are allowed as carry-on on domestic flights.

Destinations: Domestic and international, with additional requirements and documentation required for pets traveling to Hawaii or internationally .

See Alaska's full pet policy here .

American Airlines

Pet fee: $150

Pets allowed: Dogs, cats

Destinations:

Within the 48 contiguous U.S.
The U.S. and Canada*
Puerto Rico

*Additional special restrictions may apply. See American's full pet policy here .

Pet fee: $75-$200, depending on destination

Pets allowed: Dogs, cats, household birds

Pet friendly destinations:

U.S., Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico
International destinations with the exception of Australia, U.K., Republic of Ireland and others .

Pets are not permitted on flights to Hawaii. See Delta's full pet policy here .

Frontier Airlines

Pet fee: $99

Pets allowed: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and household birds

Destinations: Domestic flights and international flights to and from the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

See Frontier's full pet policy here .

Pet fee: $125

Destinations: Domestic and international. See exceptions for international flights here .

See JetBlue's full pet policy here .

Southwest Airlines

Pet fee: $125 per pet carrier on the U.S. mainland; $35 per pet carrier between Hawaiian Islands

Destinations: Domestic U.S. flights only. For travel to Puerto Rico, specific requirements may apply . For Hawaii travel, see rules and regulations here.

See Southwest's full pet policy here .

Spirit Airlines

Pets allowed: Dogs, cats, birds (with the exception of flights to or from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) or rabbits (with the exception of flights to or from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands).

Destinations: Domestic flights including Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

See Spirit's full pet policy here .

United Airlines

Destinations: Domestic and international flights with a list of exceptions. United does not allow pets to fly to, from or through certain states and countries. View the list here .

See United's full pet policy here .

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American Airlines' Pet Policy: A Brief Guide

Traveling by aircraft is a daunting task for any pet owner. On February 20th, 2024, American Airlines implemented an increase of $25 to the carry-on pet fee, totaling the expense to $150. The US-based legacy carrier only accepts seven kennels on mainline American flights, excluding service animals, and five kennels on American Eagle services, including one in first class, guaranteeing space, though not particularly abundant.

This fee will be used to deep clean the cabin to remove dog and cat dander, body fluids, and any 'accidents' the animal may have to safeguard against the spread of germs and bacteria. Any pet-related damage to the cabin will also be fixed using money from those fees.

Airlines must consider passengers' liability because of the increased risk of a bite, scratch, or other injury or allergic reactions from a carry-on pet. The Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, along with the airlines, has adopted protocols to reduce the severity and likelihood of an event.

To push back at the rising costs, fraudulent service animals have increased significantly on flights, endangering legitimate service animals. Air Access Carrier Act of 1986 Title 14 CFR Part 382 Subpart A Subsection 382.3 defines a service animal to mean a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform a task for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability.

How Strict is American Airlines with pet carry-on size?

The Animal Welfare Act of 1966 Title 7 U.S.C. 54-2143 sets the Standards and Certification Process for Humane Handling, Care, Treatment, and Transportation of Animals, while Title 9 CFR Part 3 explains the requirements of Humane Handling, Care, Treatment, and Transportation of Dogs and Cats.

American Airlines must be strict with its pet carry-on policy for the health and safety of the animal. Therefore, carry-ons are restricted to only cats and dogs that meet the size, age, and destination requirements. Carriers must follow the FAA baggage rules, Title 14 CFR part 121, section 121.589 , which states that a carry-on bag cannot surpass the under-seat dimensions of any aircraft. The carry-on bag must not exceed 22x14x9 in or 56x36x23 cm.

In accordance with the law, American Airlines' carry-on pet policy states that pets must be small enough to fit comfortably inside the closed/zippered carrier. American Airlines only allows one pet carrier as a carry-on if it can be safely stored under the seat for the duration of the flight.

>Photo<

On March 28th, 2024, American Airlines eased up on the above pet policy so that passengers are approved a carry-on bag in addition to their four-legged companion. The public believes this is the airline's strategy to combat the rising number of pet owners who exploit lawfully protected service animals' rights. If requirements are not met, then the animal will not be allowed on the aircraft. American Airlines provides the carry-on kennel guidelines.

Cargo & Checked Pet Kennel Guidelines

How stressful is flying for dogs and cats.

Traveling is stressful, and even more so for some when it comes to being at altitude. Flying can be just as stressful for cats and dogs and even endanger their health. For instance, turbulence can easily knock out a 200 lb adult male, so death is that much more likely to occur with a kitten or puppy of just a few pounds. Cargo pets have a higher risk of injury and death than pets in the cabin of the aircraft.

Commercial aircraft cargo bays have erratically fluctuating temperatures and pressure changes. Pets in cargo result from a once healthy animal to one plagued with health issues, stress-induced anxiety, and behavioral problems.

When loading and unloading carriers, baggage handlers are supposed to follow the 'Last On and First Off' rule but will leave the animals unattended. Manhandling the kennels has resulted in missing animals because the carrier becomes damaged or opened. Unfortunately, handlers routinely leave animals out on the tarmac in direct sunlight, leading to dehydration, heat stroke, and/or heat-induced death.

To help reduce stress in pets, American Airlines established Pet Embark, which provides transportation services for animals in a secure area of the cargo hold. Oxygenated, temperature-controlled, and pressurized pets are better cared for. Travelers must investigate their airline's pet policy information before flying.

American Airlines

IATA/ICAO Code: AA/AAL

Airline Type: Full Service Carrier

Hub(s): Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Miami International Airport, New York JFK Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Year Founded: 1926

Alliance: oneworld

CEO: Robert Isom

Country: United States

Airline Group: American Airlines Group

Region: North America

Loyalty Program: AAdvantage

American Airlines' Pet Policy: A Brief Guide

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Passports, travel and living abroad
Travel abroad

Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad

Travelling to an eu country or northern ireland.

When travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, your pet needs:

a microchip
a valid rabies vaccination
an animal health certificate , or a valid pet passport that’s accepted in the country you’re travelling to
tapeworm treatment for dogs if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta

These requirements also apply to assistance dogs.

Check the rules of the country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel.

If you have a pet passport

You cannot use a pet passport issued in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland).

You can only use a pet passport if the country you’re travelling to accepts passports for pets coming from Great Britain. The passport must have been issued in one of the following places:

an EU country
Faroe Islands
Liechtenstein
Northern Ireland
Switzerland
Vatican City State

You should check if it’s accepted before you travel and find out if you need any other supporting documents .

If it is not accepted, you’ll need an animal health certificate instead.

Travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland

If you have a pet passport issued in Northern Ireland, contact your vet for advice before travelling.

Read the rules about taking pets to Northern Ireland on the NIDirect website before you travel.

Arriving in an EU country or Northern Ireland

You’ll need to go through a travellers’ point of entry when you arrive in an EU country or Northern Ireland.

You may need to show your pet’s animal health certificate or a valid pet passport, containing proof of their:

rabies vaccination
tapeworm treatment (if required)

Repeat trips to an EU country or Northern Ireland

Your pet will need a new animal health certificate for each trip to an EU country or Northern Ireland.

Your pet will not need a repeat rabies vaccination so long as its rabies vaccinations are up to date.

Your dog will need tapeworm treatment for each trip if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.

Travelling with more than 5 pets

You cannot take more than 5 pets to an EU country or Northern Ireland unless you’re attending or training for a:

competition
sporting event

You’ll need written evidence of registration for the event when you travel.

All your pets must:

be attending the event or training
be over 6 months old
meet all the other requirements for pet travel to that country

Exporting pets for commercial purposes

Read the Border Operating Model if you want to export pets to an EU country or Northern Ireland for commercial reasons such as change of ownership.

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IMAGES

Traveling with Cats from USA to Europe on an Airplane Cabin
What You Need To Know About Pet Transport to Europe
New Rules For Pet Travel In Europe- Post Brexit
Ultimate Pet Travel Checklist
How To Bring Your Dog Into The US From Europe in 2021
Pet Transport Pro

COMMENTS

Traveling with a Pet to Europe from USA
Your pet must be 16 weeks old if traveling to the U.S. from other countries and must be at least 15 weeks old for European Union travel. If your pet isn't a microchip that will be your first step. It's essential that the microchip is implanted before the rabies vaccine is given, so you cannot really do it all in one go.
Everything you need to know about traveling with pets to Europe
Having an EU pet passport eliminates this step and allows Poppy to travel freely to EU countries — as well as Switzerland, Norway and much of the Balkans — for the next three years. This is a great cost-cutting measure for travelers who frequently visit Europe with a pet. Getting an EU passport for Poppy in Spain was much easier than I ...
Ultimate Guide: Bringing Your Dog to Europe from US in 2024
It really all depends on when you're traveling and where you're traveling to. However, bringing your dog on a flight in the cabin usually costs around $125 to $250. Whereas transporting them in the cargo hold can usually be well over $1,000. For international pet shipping, licensed companies usually charge between $1,000 and $6,000.
Pet travel from the United States to Germany
The date of departure from the United States. Whether the pet will be traveling alone, as cargo, or with a person in the cabin of the plane. Note: If you're traveling with a pet bird or exotic animal, you may need to work with additional agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1.41 MB) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Pet Travel
Find out if your pet qualifies to travel. Your animal doesn't qualify for pet travel and is subject to different import regulations and export regulations if you: Don't see your pet listed below. Are exporting semen or embryos from any animal. Have a pet that's considered livestock or poultry, like pigs or chickens.
How to Fly To Europe With a Pet In Cabin
Pets allowed: Dogs and cats. Maximum carrier dimensions: 40cm by 33cm by 17cm (about 15 inches by 13 inches by 6 inches), must be soft-sided. Maximum carrier weight: 8kg (about 17.6lbs) Fee: 150 euros (about $184) Restrictions: No pets can travel in the executive cabin on long-haul flights.
Flying to Europe with a Dog from the USA
In general, the European flag-carrier airlines are most likely to allow your pet to fly in the cabin with you to Europe. Based on discussions with other travellers flying from the USA to Europe with their dog, the most commonly recommended airlines are Air France, KLM and Lufthansa. All three airlines allow dogs to fly both in the cabin and in ...
Rules and Tips for Travelling to Europe With Pets
EU Points of Entry for Travelers with Pets. Travelers with pets from Part 2 listed and unlisted countries will have to pass through a designated travelers' point of entry in the EU. Pet animals entering an EU country from a territory or a third country listed in Part 1 are not required to pass through a travelers' point of entry.
EU rules on travelling with pets and other animals in the EU
Pets travelling without their owner. As a rule, pets must travel with their owners; however, you may give written permission to another person to accompany your pet for you (this written declaration is described above). You must however be reunited your pet within 5 days of its relocation. If your pet is travelling unaccompanied, it will have ...
How To Take Your Pets To Europe From The USA
During the visit, the vet will scan your pet's microchip, make sure that all the vaccinations are in order, and then issue each animal with a blue European pet passport. This passport allows you to travel anywhere in Europe with your pet, including the United Kingdom, although this might change following Brexit.
Pet Transport to Europe
PetRelocation has experience with pet travel to Europe from the USA and elsewhere. Whether you need to move dogs to Europe to be with your family or take an extended trip overseas with your cat, our team can help ensure the pet transport goes as smoothly as possible. ... Additional Details All original documentation listed above must travel ...
Traveling With a Dog to Europe: 10 Vet-Approved Tips
The 10 Tips for Traveling With a Dog to Europe. 1. Research the Destination Country's Travel Policy. Image Credit: Kampus Production, Pexels. Before you start booking flights, make sure to familiarize yourself with your destination country's pet travel laws. If you're going to a country that is a member of the European Union, you can ...
International Pet Travel
1 Large or. 2 Medium or. 2 Small or. 1 Small and 1 Medium. 100 lbs. (45kg) * For aircraft that have only one class cabin, a maximum of 4 kennels per aircraft is allowed. **Live animals are prohibited on all flights operating outside of the U.S. except Canada. To make sure your pet is taken care of, prior arrangements are necessary with all the ...
Traveling with Pets
Traveling with Pets. Print. CDC is extending its temporary suspension of dog importation from high-risk dog rabies countries until July 31, 2024. This suspension includes dogs arriving from countries without high risk of rabies if the dogs have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months. Learn about the current rules: What Your Dog Needs ...
Animal Airways
Enjoy a simple, straight-forward travel experience with your pet. We help you choose an airline and the most suitable route for your family and pet. Global: +44 20 3051 4087 . Animal Airways ... Per Courier USA-Europe Animal Airways to open an Italian branch Animal Airways cultivates new line of expertise Partners. Ready To Start ?
21 Best Airlines To Fly To Europe With Pets
3. Alitalia, Best Airlines To Travel To Europe or Italy With Pets. Bentley loves Alitalia for our Italian trips. Depending on your pet's size and breed, it determines if they can fly in the cabin or cargo. Either way, Alitalia is easy to book pet travel, and they are friendly on check-in. To ensure your pet is comfortable, I love that they ...
USDA APHIS
USDA APHIS | Home Landing Page
IPATA
Pet shipping experts dedicated to moving your dog, cat or other pets in a safe and humane way. ... Pet shippers who are members of IPATA must follow ethical guidelines in pet travel and relocating animals worldwide. ... TX 75765 USA Tel: +1 (903) 769-2267
Traveling with pets
Booking pet tickets. All you have to do is select "Travel with a pet" as a traveler during booking on united.com. Or, you can go to My Trips to add a pet to an existing trip. You cannot add a pet to your trip on the United app. Book now. There is a $125 fee each way for traveling with your pet. There is also a $125 fee for each layover of ...
Returning to the U.S. with Pets
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has implemented a temporary suspension for dogs entering the United States, specifically those that do not have a current U.S. rabies vaccine and are returning from 113 high-risk rabies countries, as designated by the CDC. Check the summary of most recent changes.
Pets and International Travel
Tel: 202-485-8000 or 1-800-333-4636 and then press 5. Fax: (202) 663-3636. Note: The office suspended in-person counter service during the COVID-19 pandemic and is only offering mail-in service at this time. You should expect delays processing your request for authentication services.
Flying with pets? Here's what to know.
Pet fee: $125. Pets allowed: Dogs, cats, birds (with the exception of flights to or from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) or rabbits (with the exception of flights to or from Puerto Rico ...
American Airlines' Pet Policy: A Brief Guide
Within & Between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central & South America, Caribbean, Europe, and the UK $200 per kennel $150 to/from Brazil Carry-On Pet
Pet Travel
Last Modified: March 30, 2024. Print. Animals entering the United States may be subject to regulation by APHIS and other Federal agencies. Depending on your destination State, your pet may need to meet State entry requirements in addition to Federal entry requirements. Pet owners are responsible for meeting all Federal and State requirements.
Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad
Travelling with more than 5 pets. You cannot take more than 5 pets to an EU country or Northern Ireland unless you're attending or training for a: competition. show. sporting event. You'll ...
Pet Travel From the United States to the Ivory Coast
If your pet is traveling through (transiting) a country in the European Union (EU) on the way to a third, non-EU country, you will also need a transit health certificate for your pet for the EU. The transit health certificate will be the same as if your pet's final destination was the EU country. Use the information and steps above under ...
Bring a Pet Dog into the United States
If you have questions about CDC requirements, contact CDC-INFO or call them at 404-718-3660. This page will guide you through the requirements for bringing privately owned, pet dogs into the United States from another country, including U.S. returning dogs. If you're bringing dogs into the United States for commercial sale or adoption ...
Take a Pet from One U.S. State or Territory to Another
When you travel with a pet, your destination State or Territory may have animal health requirements, such as obtaining a health certificate, updating vaccinations, diagnostic testing, or administering treatments. As soon as you know your travel details, contact your local veterinarian to help with the pet travel process.

Traveling with a Pet to Europe from USA

How to Travel with a Pet from the US to Europe

Where Can My Pet Travel With Me in Europe?

Can My Pet Travel in the Cabin with Me?

How to Book Your Pet’s Plane ‘Ticket’?

READ MORE: How to Travel with a Cat & Leash Train Your Cat

Pet Travel Requirements for International Travel : Plan at Least 30 days in Advance

Step 1: Microchip: 30+ Days Before Departure

Step 2: Rabies Vaccine: 21 Days Before Departure

Step 3: Get a Veterinary Certificate: 10 Days or Less Before Departure

My Experience Traveling with a Cat to Italy & later France

EU Pet Passport

Returning from Europe to USA with your Pet

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Ultimate Guide: Bringing Your Dog to Europe from US in 2024

How to Bring Your Dog to Europe From US

Step 2: Book a vet appointment as soon as possible

More Information About the USDA-Endorsed Pet Health Certificate

Step 3: Book your flight and check airline requirements

Step 4: Ensure your pet and you are ready for travel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you bring a dog on a plane to Europe from US?

Can dogs fly in the cabin from US to Europe?

How much does it cost to fly a dog internationally?

How hard is it to bring a dog to Europe?

Do dogs need a passport to fly internationally to Europe?

How much does it cost to travel with a dog in Europe?

What is the weight limit for dogs to fly in cabin?

Do dogs have to quarantine in Europe?

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Bottom Line

Flying to Europe with a Dog from the USA

Preparations Before Flying to Europe with a Dog

Key Steps to Travel to Europe with a Dog

Getting an EU Animal Health Certificate

Cost of an EU Animal Health Certificate

Is a Worming Treatment Required?

Getting an EU Pet Passport

Finding a Pet-Friendly Airline to Fly to Europe

Flying with a US Airline

Flying with a European Flag-Carrier Airline

Flying with a European Business Class Airline

Flying with a European Budget Airline

Try to Minimise the Flight Duration

Choose the Time of Day Carefully

What About Emotional Support Animals?

Preparing Your Dog for Their Flight to Europe

Returning to the USA with Your Dog

Returning from Non High-Risk Rabies Countries

Returning from High-Risk Rabies Countries

Returning from Italy

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Simple Flying

Get Your Pet Microchipped

Have Your Vet Complete the ANNEX II Form

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Choosing an Airline