Flying with your dog requires careful preparation: according to IATA (International Air Transport Association) statistics, over 2 million pets fly around the world every year, yet 23% of owners cancel their trip due to a lack of clear information about the procedures. Understanding the rules for flying with your dog, the requirements for approved carriers, and the differences between cabin and hold travel will help you plan a safe journey that complies with international regulations.
Cabin vs hold travel: requirements and weight limits
The key distinction in flying with your dog comes down to how they travel: in the passenger cabin or in the climate-controlled hold. The choice depends primarily on the combined weight of your pet and their carrier.
Dogs allowed in the cabin: weight and size
Most European airlines allow dogs in the cabin provided the total weight (animal plus carrier) does not exceed 8–10 kg. Some airlines, such as Lufthansa, allow up to 8 kg, while Air France and KLM permit up to 8 kg on both European and intercontinental routes. The carrier must comply with maximum dimensions, generally 46x28x24 cm or 55x40x23 cm depending on the airline, and must fit completely under the seat in front of you.
Small breeds such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, and Toy Poodles typically fall within these limits. Your dog must be able to stand upright, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the carrier throughout the entire flight.
Dogs in the hold: when it is mandatory
Dogs that exceed the cabin weight limit must travel in the pressurised, climate-controlled hold. This applies to most medium and large breeds: Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Border Collies, and all the most popular dog breeds in Italy weighing more than 10 kg.
The cargo hold designated for animals maintains a temperature (15–20°C) and pressure similar to the passenger cabin. However, some airlines impose seasonal restrictions: during the summer months (June–September), many prohibit hold transport on routes where temperatures exceed 27°C, in order to prevent heatstroke.
Brachycephalic breeds: special restrictions
Breeds such as the Bulldog (English and French), Pug, Boxer, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, and Boston Terrier face severe restrictions or outright bans from many airlines. Their shortened airways make them vulnerable to respiratory stress during flight: British Airways, United Airlines, and Delta have completely banned the transport of numerous brachycephalic breeds following documented incidents.
If you own one of these breeds, always check the airline's specific policy before booking. Some airlines only allow transport in the cabin and only with a recent veterinary certificate confirming fitness to fly.
Crates and carriers: mandatory IATA standards
Your dog's carrier must comply with strict IATA standards, as set out in the Live Animals Regulations (LAR), an annually updated document that defines safety requirements for the air transport of live animals.
Technical requirements for an IATA-compliant carrier
An IATA-compliant carrier must have the following features:
- Sturdy construction in rigid plastic or fibreglass, with a secure metal bolt closure (no zips or velcro)
- Ventilation on at least three sides, with openings covering at least 16% of the total surface area
- Waterproof floor with absorbent material (pads, blankets)
- Sufficient interior dimensions: your dog must be able to stand without touching the roof, turn a full 360°, and lie down completely
- Sturdy handles for lifting
- Food and water bowls secured to the door, accessible from outside
To calculate the correct size: measure your dog while standing (A = length from nose to base of tail, B = height from the ground to the tip of the ear, C = shoulder width). The carrier must have a minimum length of A plus half the front leg, a height of B plus 5–10 cm, and a width of twice C.
Costs and where to buy
Certified IATA carriers cost:
- Small size (up to 8 kg): €35–80 (brands: Ferplast Atlas, Trixie Capri, Savic Trotter)
- Medium size (10–25 kg): €60–150 (Ferplast Atlas 40/50, Petmate Sky Kennel)
- Large size (25–45 kg): €120–300 (Petmate Sky Kennel Giant, Ferplast Atlas 70)
Purchase from specialist pet shops or online through sites such as Zooplus, Amazon, or directly from manufacturers. Always check for the "IATA compliant" or "LAR approved" label on the product.
Mandatory labelling
You must attach clear, permanent labels to the carrier showing:
- "LIVE ANIMAL" written on at least two sides
- Arrows indicating "THIS WAY UP"
- Owner's details: name, address, phone number, and destination
- A recent photo of your dog
- Feeding and watering instructions
Veterinary certificates and travel documents
The health documentation required for flying with your dog varies depending on the destination, but some documents are universally required.
Health certificate
All airlines require a veterinary health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of departure (some airlines accept 14 days). The certificate must confirm:
- Fitness for air travel
- Freedom from infectious or parasitic diseases
- Up-to-date vaccinations (especially against rabies)
- For brachycephalic breeds: an explicit declaration of respiratory fitness
The cost of the certificate ranges from €30–80 depending on the vet and the complexity of the examination.
European pet passport
For travel within the European Union, your dog needs a European Pet Passport (EU Regulation 576/2013), issued free of charge by your local authority veterinarian following microchipping and rabies vaccination. The passport contains:
- Identification details for both the dog and the owner
- Microchip number (mandatory since 2011, replacing the tattoo)
- Vaccination record, especially for rabies (valid from 21 days after administration, lasting 1–3 years)
- Antiparasitic treatments (mandatory for the United Kingdom, Ireland, Finland, and Malta)
Make sure your dog's vaccinations are up to date before planning your trip.
Health certificates for non-EU countries
Destinations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates require specific international health certificates, which often take a long time to obtain (up to 4 months for Australia and New Zealand). These certificates must be:
- Completed on the official forms of the destination country
- Endorsed by the local health authority and the Ministry of Health
- Translated into English or the local language
- Accompanied by a rabies antibody titre test (serological test, cost €80–150)
Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country at least 3–4 months before departure to find out the exact requirements.
Pet-friendly airlines: policies and costs
Policies on flying with dogs vary significantly between airlines. Here is an overview of the main carriers operating in Italy.
European airlines: a detailed comparison
Lufthansa: Accepts dogs up to 8 kg in the cabin (carrier max 55x40x23 cm). Cost: €50–70 for European routes, €150–300 for intercontinental. Hold: accepts dogs up to 75 kg (including carrier). Cost: €100–150 for Europe, €200–400 for long-haul. Brachycephalic breeds banned from the hold.
Air France/KLM: Cabin up to 8 kg (carrier 46x28x24 cm). Cost: €40–125 depending on destination. Hold: dogs up to 75 kg. Cost: €100–200 for Europe, €200–300 for intercontinental. The "Flying Blue" programme allows miles to be earned for pets as well.
Alitalia (ITA Airways): Cabin up to 10 kg (carrier 40x20x24 cm). Cost: €40 for domestic flights, €75 for Europe, €200 for intercontinental. Hold: up to 75 kg. Cost: €100 domestic, €150 Europe, €300 long-haul.
British Airways: Hold only (no animals in the cabin except guide dogs). Accepts dogs from 6–45 kg. Cost: €100–300 depending on weight and destination. Total ban on brachycephalic breeds.
Low-cost airlines: important limitations
Most low-cost airlines do not accept animals in the cabin or the hold:
- Ryanair: No animals accepted (certified guide dogs only)
- EasyJet: No animals accepted (assistance dogs only)
- Wizz Air: No animals accepted
- Vueling: Dogs up to 8 kg in the cabin on certain flights. Cost: €25–40. Telephone booking required
If you are flying with a low-cost carrier, the only alternative is to use a specialist cargo service such as IAG Cargo or Lufthansa Cargo, at significantly higher costs (€300–1,000).
Non-European airlines: specific rules
Emirates: Does not accept animals in the cabin (falcons only in the Middle East). Hold: dogs up to 32 kg. Cost: €250–600 depending on destination. Quarantine required for many destinations.
Delta Airlines: Cabin up to 9 kg. Cost: $125–200 per sector. Hold: dogs up to 45 kg. Cost: $200–500. Brachycephalic breeds banned from May to September.
United Airlines: PetSafe programme for hold travel with temperature monitoring. Cabin: up to 9 kg. Cost: $125. Hold: $200–400 depending on weight and destination.
Practical preparation: how to make the journey safe
In addition to documents and a carrier, preparing your dog behaviourally and physically is essential for a smooth journey.
Getting your dog used to the carrier
Begin training at least 4–6 weeks before the flight. Positive reinforcement techniques work best:
- Weeks 1–2: Leave the carrier open at home with comfortable blankets and treats inside. Reward every spontaneous interaction
- Weeks 3–4: Encourage your dog to enter for meals. Close the door for short periods (5–10 minutes), gradually increasing the duration
- Weeks 5–6: Transport your dog in the closed carrier for short car trips (10–30 minutes), then on walks in new places
Never force your dog: positive association reduces stress during air travel by 60–70%, according to veterinary behavioural studies.
Feeding and hydration before the flight
IATA guidelines and veterinary recommendations suggest:
- Last full meal 4–6 hours before check-in (reduces nausea and the need to defecate)
- Water available until 2 hours before the flight
- For flights over 12 hours: provide ground staff with dry food in separate portions with written feeding instructions
- Avoid changing your dog's diet in the 7 days leading up to travel (risk of gastrointestinal upset)
If your dog follows a BARF diet or has specific dietary needs, bring enough of their usual food for the entire stay, especially for destinations where it may not be available.
Medication and sedation: what you need to know
Sedating your dog for air travel is generally inadvisable and prohibited by many airlines. Sedatives can cause:
- Respiratory depression worsened by cabin pressurisation
- Difficulty regulating body temperature
- Disorientation and paradoxical reactions (agitation instead of calm)
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and IATA guidelines explicitly advise against sedation. If your dog suffers from severe anxiety, consult a veterinary behaviourist for alternatives such as calming pheromones (Adaptil), natural supplements (L-theanine, valerian), or preventive behavioural therapy.
Always carry any regular medication (if your dog is on long-term treatment) in your hand luggage, together with a veterinary prescription written in English.
Check-in and airport procedures
Arrive at check-in at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic ones. Bring:
- All health documents in the original
- A copy of your pet transport booking (written confirmation from the airline)
- The correctly labelled carrier
- Lead and muzzle (required throughout the airport)
Some airports (Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino) offer dedicated "pet relief" areas for pre-boarding needs. Make use of them: your dog may need to hold on for many hours ahead.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to fly with a dog?
Costs vary considerably: for cabin transport, expect to pay €40–125 for European flights and €150–300 for intercontinental routes. Hold transport costs €100–200 for European sectors and €200–600 for long-haul. On top of these costs, factor in: a veterinary certificate (€30–80), a European pet passport if needed (free to obtain but vaccinations are required, approximately €50–100), an IATA carrier (€35–300 depending on size), and possible serological tests for non-EU destinations (€80–150). Total budget: €250–1,200 for a complete trip.
Which dog breeds cannot travel by plane?
Brachycephalic breeds face the greatest restrictions: English and French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Boston Terriers, Bullmastiffs, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are banned from the hold by many airlines (British Airways, United, Delta, Lufthansa). Some airlines permit transport only in the cabin and only with a specific veterinary certificate. Breeds considered dangerous (Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino) may be prohibited by certain airlines or destination countries. Always check the airline's specific policy and the laws of your destination country before booking.
Does my dog need a microchip to fly?
Yes, a microchip is mandatory for all air travel within the European Union since 2011 (EU Regulation 576/2013), and for most non-EU countries as well. The microchip must comply with ISO standard 11784/11785 (frequency 134.2 kHz). If your dog has a non-compliant microchip or only a tattoo, you will need to have a compatible microchip implanted before travelling. The number must match exactly what is recorded in the European pet passport and all health certificates. Without a microchip, your dog will not be allowed to board and may be turned back at the destination border.
Can I feed my dog during the flight?
Your dog should not eat during the flight, but must always have access to water. For short flights (under 4 hours), feeding is not necessary. For long flights (over 8–12 hours), airlines require you to provide dry food in separate portions with written instructions: ground staff will administer it during technical stopovers. Water must always be accessible via a bowl secured to the carrier door. Avoid wet or fresh food, which can spoil. If your dog has particular dietary requirements or food allergies, bring sufficient quantities of their usual food for the entire journey and stay.
Flying with your dog requires careful planning, but it is entirely achievable when you follow IATA rules and airline procedures. Start your preparations at least 2–3 months before departure, especially for non-European destinations, and always consult your vet to assess whether your dog is fit to fly. For further advice on managing behaviour in stressful situations, read our guide on how to manage your dog's anxiety and barking — techniques that are equally useful for reducing travel stress.
