Pets in Cargo Complete Guide to Shipping Dogs and Cats Safely by Air

Air travel is one of the most common methods of international pet relocation. There are three main air transport options:

• Manifest cargo: This is the most regulated option. Dogs and cats are booked through the airline’s cargo division and handled under dedicated procedures.
• In-cabin: Small pets travel with their owners in carriers that fit beneath the seat. This is often what owners mean when they ask how to ship a dog on a plane. This option is generally limited to small dogs and cats and is subject to each airline’s individual policy.
• Checked baggage: In some cases, pets are checked in like luggage and travel on the same flight as their owners. However, this option is becoming increasingly limited or unavailable on many routes.

Among these options, manifest cargo may be required for larger pets or for destinations with strict animal import regulations. This guide explains what shipping dogs and cats by air cargo involves, from crate standards to potential risks, so you can prepare with confidence.

1. What Does “Pets In Cargo” Mean?

The term “pets in cargo” refers to pets travelling in an aircraft’s cargo hold. Manifest cargo is the formal airline freight process used for transporting animals, with dedicated documentation and handling. Cargo is the broader aviation term for items transported separately from passengers.

Unlike checked baggage, pet cargo is booked as a separate shipment. Airlines issue an Air Waybill and process the animal through dedicated cargo services.

2. Is Cargo Travel Safe For Pets?

Flying a dog in cargo, or transporting a cat in the same way, is generally safe when the airline follows IATA standards and the pet is properly prepared. Dog cargo and cat cargo are subject to the same core safety standards across most major airlines.

According to reported airline data, carriers transported 161,335 pets in 2024, with only 13 reported incidents. This is equivalent to approximately 0.81 incidents per 10,000 pets. The low reported incident rate reflects the use of pressurised, climate-controlled cargo holds, standardised handling procedures, and practices such as loading pets last and unloading them first.

Manifest cargo is also often the only available option for larger pets. Many countries do not allow animals to travel in the cabin or as checked baggage and only accept pets transported as cargo with the required documentation.

Like any form of air travel, cargo transportation is not entirely risk-free. Section 6 explains the specific risks involved and how they can be managed, helping you understand what to expect before booking.

3. Airline Policies And Regulations For Pets In Cargo

3.1. Kennel And Crate Standards

Airlines require pets travelling as cargo to use an IATA-compliant travel crate. The crate must be:

• Sturdy and escape-proof, with secure metal locking mechanisms.
• Ventilated on at least three sides.
• Large enough for the pet to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably.
• Properly labelled with “Live Animals,” directional arrows and the owner’s contact details.

3.2. Age Restrictions

Most airlines require pets to reach a minimum age before flying. Although age limits vary, animals commonly need to be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned before travelling as cargo.

This is particularly important when shipping puppies by air. Some airlines apply stricter age requirements to international flights or particular destinations.

3.3. Health Certificates

Many airlines and destination countries require an official health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within a specified period before travel. This is often within 10 days of the flight, although the exact timeframe varies.

The certificate confirms that the pet is fit to fly and shows no signs of infectious disease. International travel may also require government endorsements, vaccination records, import permits and other destination-specific documents.

3.4. Temperature Restrictions

Although aircraft cargo holds used for animals are climate-controlled, airlines may impose restrictions during extreme weather.

For example, an airline may refuse to transport pets when the ground temperature exceeds a specified threshold. Some airlines set temperature limits near 85°F or 29°C, but the permitted threshold varies by airline, route, aircraft and ground-handling conditions.

3.5. Route Variations And Regulatory Oversight

Routes and regional regulations affect how pets may travel. Some destinations, including the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, apply strict animal import procedures and may require pets to arrive as manifest cargo, depending on the route and current entry rules.

Airlines that accept pets in cargo establish their own policies and may restrict or temporarily suspend bookings for operational, aircraft-related or seasonal reasons.

Airline and destination requirements can change with limited notice. eview the latest IATA and airline requirements before arranging your pet’s journey. Always confirm the current rules directly with the airline or an experienced pet-relocation specialist before booking.

4. Preparing Your Pet For Cargo Travel

4.1. Choosing The Right Crate And Beginning Crate Training

Prepare an IATA-compliant crate that is suitable for your pet’s size. Your pet must be able to stand upright without touching the top, turn around easily and lie in a natural, comfortable position.

Begin crate training several weeks before travel. Introduce the crate gradually and place familiar bedding or an item carrying your scent inside, provided that airline rules allow it.

Gradually increase the time your pet spends in the crate. The goal is to help your pet view the crate as a familiar and secure space rather than an unfamiliar enclosure.

4.2. Health Checks, Vaccinations And Documentation

Schedule a veterinary appointment well before the travel date.

Confirm that your pet’s microchip has been implanted before any required rabies vaccination if the destination country requires that sequence. A vaccination administered before microchipping may not be recognised by some authorities.

Once all required vaccinations are current, request the relevant health certificate. Confirm that the certificate meets both airline and destination requirements.

The documentation commonly includes proof of rabies vaccination, although the exact requirements vary by route and country.

4.3. Pre-Travel Training 

In addition to crate familiarisation, help your pet adjust to situations associated with travel.

Practise short car journeys with your pet inside the crate. You can also place the crate in a quiet area of your home and gradually help your pet become comfortable spending time inside it.

Use positive reinforcement to build a favourable association with the crate. A pet that feels comfortable in its crate is less likely to experience severe stress during transport.

4.4. Booking The Flight

Book cargo travel as early as possible.

When shipping dogs by air or relocating cats internationally, keep in mind that the space allocated to live animals may be limited. Availability can be particularly restricted during peak seasons or on specific aircraft and routes.

Before confirming your booking, review our guide to dog shipping prices in Vietnam to understand how your pet’s size, crate requirements, route and airline fees may affect the total cost.

Contact the airline’s cargo department to confirm the reservation. Review the drop-off procedure, documentation checks, cargo terminal location and collection point at the destination.

4.5. On The Day Of Travel

Provide access to fresh water before departure, but avoid feeding your pet a heavy meal immediately before the flight.

Take your dog for a walk or a gentle play session to help them burn off excess energy. Make sure your cat has access to its litter tray before leaving for the airport.

These measures can help reduce stress and physical discomfort during the journey.

5. How Pet Adventures Supports Safer Cargo Travel

Your pet’s comfort and safety should remain central to every stage of the cargo journey.

Pet Adventures is part of Animal Doctors International, also known as ADI. The service combines in-house veterinary expertise with international pet-relocation and logistics experience.

5.1. Documentation And Regulatory Coordination

Pet Adventures coordinates the required paperwork, including health certificates, vaccination records, import permits and airline documents.

This helps reduce documentation errors and lowers the risk of delays caused by incomplete or incorrect paperwork.

5.2. Selection Of Suitable Flights And Routes

We plan routes based on aircraft suitability, temperature-management procedures, journey duration and the number of layovers.

Choosing a suitable route can reduce exposure to extreme weather, lengthy transit periods and avoidable logistical disruptions.

5.3. Crate Provision And Crate-Training Guidance

Pet Adventures helps owners select an IATA-compliant crate that suits their pet’s size and travel requirements.

We also provide crate-training guidance so the pet can become familiar with its travel environment before departure.

5.4. Pre-Travel Health Screening And Veterinary Coordination

Pet Adventures helps confirm that your pet is medically fit for travel.

Where required, we coordinate pre-travel health screenings and veterinary consultations that align with airline and destination requirements.

5.5. Contingency Planning And Support

Pet Adventures builds contingency plans into each relocation.

Depending on the journey, this may include alternative travel dates, temporary care arrangements and documentation support if the original itinerary changes.

6. Risks And Safety Considerations For Pets In Cargo

Cargo travel is regulated, but pet owners should understand the factors that may affect safety.

Temperature and weather: Pets can be vulnerable to extreme temperatures, particularly during loading, unloading and ground delays. Airlines monitor weather conditions and may impose temperature embargoes when conditions exceed safe operating limits.

Breed sensitivity: Brachycephalic, or short-nosed, breeds face a higher risk during air travel because of their respiratory characteristics.Many airlines restrict or prohibit brachycephalic breeds from travelling in cargo because of their increased respiratory risk.

Limited monitoring during the flight: Once the aircraft doors close, owners cannot see their pets. Aircraft systems control cargo-hold conditions, but direct and continuous physical checks during the flight are generally not possible. Careful planning and a reputable pet cargo service can reduce some risks, but they cannot eliminate them completely.

Logistical issues: Delays, connecting flights and route changes can make pet cargo transport more complicated. Flights may be rescheduled because of weather, technical limitations or operational changes. Owners should therefore allow flexibility and prepare contingency arrangements.

Standard cargo may not be suitable for brachycephalic pets, elderly pets, animals in poor health or pets that become highly anxious when confined. Section 7 explains the alternatives that may be available.

7. When Cargo Is Not the Right Option

Consider an alternative to standard cargo if your pet:

• Belongs to a brachycephalic breed that the airline does not accept.
• Is elderly, in poor health or highly anxious.
• Faces a very long journey with multiple flight segments.
• Requires continuous in-person support from a travel specialist.

For suitable journeys, Pet Adventures may provide By Land Transport for shorter regional routes or a Flight Concierge service in which a specialist accompanies the pet from departure to arrival.

8. Frequently Asked Questions About Pets In Cargo

8.1. Are There Restrictions On The Types Of Pets Or Breeds That Can Fly In Cargo?

Yes. Airlines that transport live animals as cargo commonly accept dogs and cats, but the species and breeds permitted vary.

Brachycephalic dogs and cats may be restricted or completely prohibited. Always review the airline’s current live-animal cargo policy before booking.

8.2. How Early Should I Book Cargo Travel For My Pet?

Book well in advance of the intended travel date.

Space for live animals can fill quickly, particularly on international or long-haul flights. Early booking improves the chance of securing a suitable route and gives you enough time to complete the required documentation.

8.3. What Happens When An Airline Issues A Weather Embargo?

The airline may cancel or reschedule the pet’s journey if extreme weather creates unsafe conditions.

You will need to arrange a new flight when the forecast and ground temperatures fall within the airline’s permitted limits.

8.4. Can I Track My Pet While It Is Travelling As Cargo?

Many airlines provide cargo tracking or status updates for live-animal shipments.

Ask the airline or pet-relocation provider which tracking options are available when you make the booking.

8.5. Is It Safe To Sedate My Pet Before Flying Cargo? 

No. Sedation is generally discouraged by veterinarians and airlines because it can impair respiration and the ability to regulate body temperature.

Choosing pets in cargo ensures your pet’s safety and comfort during air travel. By following proper preparation, understanding airline regulations, and selecting the right cargo service, you can help ensure a smooth journey for your companion, whether that means shipping dogs by air, shipping puppies by air, or relocating a cat internationally.