Travel with pets on plane

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Oleh Sakura

8 Julai 2026

Travelling by air with your pet requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you are travelling within Malaysia or flying overseas, you must comply with your airline's pet policy, prepare the necessary travel documents, and ensure your pet is fit for the journey. Airlines have different requirements for pet travel, including approved travel methods, crate specifications, breed restrictions, health certificates, and permits. Some destinations may also require quarantine upon arrival.

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Check Your Airline's Pet Policy

**Pet Travel Check**

Before booking your flight, check your airline's pet policy, as rules vary between carriers. Each airline has its own requirements for the types of pets accepted, how they are transported, booking procedures, and travel restrictions. Most airlines do not allow pets in the passenger cabin, except for approved service dogs.

AirlinePet Policy

Malaysia Airlines

Accepts dogs, cats, and selected live animals as checked baggage or air cargo (MASkargo).

AirAsia

Does not allow pets on any flights.

EVA Air

Accepts dogs, cats, and rabbits as checked baggage on eligible international flights.

Singapore Airlines

Accepts pets on selected flights, subject to airline and destination requirements.

KLM

Allows pets to travel depending on their size, weight, and destination.

Always confirm your airline's latest pet policy before purchasing your ticket, as requirements may change depending on the route and destination.

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Book Your Pet's Travel Early

**Pet at Airport**

Book your pet's travel as early as possible, as most airlines limit the number of pets allowed on each flight. Contact your airline directly to reserve your pet's space, as some airlines do not accept online bookings. For example, Malaysia Airlines requires pet bookings through its Customer Service, while EVA Air requires reservations to be made at least 48 hours before departure.

Understand How Pets Travel

The way your pet travels depends on the airline, your pet's size, and its weight. Most airlines transport pets in a temperature-controlled cargo compartment. Pets are generally not allowed in the passenger cabin, except for approved service dogs. Larger pets may also be required to travel as air cargo instead of checked baggage.

Travel MethodDescription

Checked Baggage

Suitable for pets that meet the airline's weight and size requirements. Pets travel in the aircraft's temperature-controlled cargo compartment.

Air Cargo

Used for larger pets or when required by the airline or destination country.

Passenger Cabin

Generally only permitted for approved service dogs, depending on the airline's policy.

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Check Eligible Pets and Breed Restrictions

**Pets Policy**

Most airlines only accept domesticated pets for air travel. The types of pets allowed and any breed restrictions vary by airline, so always check the latest requirements before booking. Airlines may also refuse pets that could be at higher risk during air travel, including certain breeds and animals that are not fit to fly.

Commonly Accepted Pets

Pet TypeNotes

Dogs

Accepted by most airlines, subject to airline requirements.

Cats

Accepted by most airlines, subject to airline requirements.

Rabbits

Accepted by selected airlines, such as EVA Air.

Fish

Accepted by selected airlines, such as Malaysia Airlines, subject to approval.

Wild animals and exotic species are generally not accepted.

Common Breed Restrictions

Some airlines restrict or do not accept certain breeds due to safety concerns during air travel.

CategoryExamples

Restricted breeds

American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Japanese Tosa, Akita, Chow Chow

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds

Pug, Bulldog, French Bulldog, Boxer, Shih Tzu, Persian Cat, Himalayan Cat

In addition, airlines may refuse to transport pregnant pets, sick or injured animals, and very young pets that do not meet the minimum age requirements.

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Prepare the Required Travel Documents

**Pet Travel Docs**

Before travelling with your pet, ensure all required documents are complete. The exact requirements depend on your airline and destination, so check them well in advance to avoid delays or denied boarding.

DocumentPurpose

Veterinary health certificate

Confirms your pet is healthy and fit to travel. It is typically issued within 10 days before departure, depending on the airline and destination.

Vaccination records

Shows your pet's vaccinations are up to date.

Rabies vaccination certificate

Required by many countries for international travel.

Microchip identification

Required by some airlines and destination countries for pet identification.

Import permit

Required by some countries before your pet can enter.

Export permit

Required when taking your pet out of Malaysia, where applicable.

CITES permit

Required for protected animal species covered under CITES regulations.

Additional destination documents

Some countries may require extra health declarations, laboratory test results, or other supporting documents.

Obtain the Necessary Permits

Permit requirements vary depending on your destination and type of travel. If you are travelling internationally or between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah or Sarawak, you may need to obtain permits from the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Malaysia before departure.

Travel TypePermit Requirement

International travel

Import and export permits may be required, depending on the destination country's regulations.

Between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah or Sarawak

Veterinary permits issued by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Malaysia are generally required.

Road travel within Peninsular Malaysia

Permits are generally not required, but carrying your pet's vaccination records is recommended.

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IATA-Approved Travel Crate

**IATA Pet Crate**

Most airlines require pets to travel in a crate that complies with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations (LAR). Using an airline-approved crate helps keep your pet safe and comfortable throughout the journey.

RequirementDescription

Strong and durable

The crate should be made from sturdy materials that can withstand air travel.

Leak-proof

The base should prevent liquids from leaking during transport.

Adequate ventilation

The crate should provide sufficient airflow from multiple sides.

Appropriate size

Your pet should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Secure locking mechanism

The door should be securely fastened to prevent accidental opening.

"Live Animal" label

Attach the required labels and your contact information where required by the airline.

Food and water containers

Some airlines require attached containers that can be accessed without opening the crate.

Before travelling, take your pet to a licensed veterinarian for a health check to ensure it is fit for air travel. Most airlines require a valid health certificate issued shortly before departure, along with up-to-date vaccination records. If you are travelling internationally, additional vaccinations or health requirements may apply depending on your destination.

Understand Quarantine and Import Requirements

Quarantine and import requirements vary by destination. Before travelling, check your destination country's pet import regulations to determine whether quarantine is required. Make sure you have all the necessary permits, health certificates, and supporting documents to avoid delays or entry issues upon arrival.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Sakura

Sakura

Travel Writer

Lihat profil

She is a passionate writer who enjoys creating simple, helpful, and easy-to-understand content. With a strong interest in travel and practical guides, she aims to share useful information that helps readers plan better and travel with confidence. Through clear and straightforward writing, she hopes to make every journey feel less complicated and more enjoyable.

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Travel with pets on plane