Planning a trip but afraid of leaving your furry friend behind? You are not alone! No one wants their pets to struggle while they are on a trip. Fortunately, you do not need to abandon your pet anymore. KLM Airlines is among the most pet-friendly carriers that welcome your small dogs and cats on their aircraft.
With KLM Airlines, your pet can travel inside the cabin or as checked luggage; it entirely depends on the size, route, and breed. However, traveling with a pet is more than just booking a ticket. From the KLM pet policy, breed restrictions, health documents, carrier size rules, and fees, there is a checklist that you need to work on and be ready for the trip before you arrive at the airport.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a perfect departure for your furry friend.
Does KLM Allow Pets?
KLM Airlines allows dogs and cats to travel on board; other animals will not be eligible to travel on the aircraft. Each passenger is permitted to bring one pet inside the cabin. However, if you have multiple pets, you can transport up to three animals in the hold. The pet owner must travel on the same flight as their animals. The number of pets on each aircraft is limited and depends specifically on the type of aircraft. It is advisable for passengers to book as soon as possible because they may not find a seat for their pet later due to the limitation.
What Are the Pet Travel Options With KLM?
Under the KLM Airlines pet policy, the animals can travel inside the cabin, in the hold, or be transported as cargo. Which travel option is suitable for your pet completely depends on the size and your requirements. Here is a detailed comparison of the pet travel options with KLM for 2026.
| Feature | Cabin | Hold | Cargo |
| Eligiblity | Only small dogs and cats. | Two adult animals of appropriate size, or three animals at least 6 months older. | The combined weight of the kennel and animal exceeds 75 kg. |
| Maximum Weight | 8 kg (Kennel + Pet) | 75 kg (Kennel + Pet) | No Weight |
| Maximum Pet | 1 pet per person | 3 pets per person | 3 pets per person |
| Cabin Class | Economy (all) / Business (Europe only). | Any (pet is in the hold). | N/A (shipped separately). |
| Fees | €70 – €200 | €200 – €500 | Quote-based by weight/volume. |
| Max Dimensions | 46 x 28 x 24 cm (LxWxH). | 122 x 81 x 89 cm (standard). | Varies by aircraft and crate size. |
In addition to this, please understand the following KLM pet travel policy, where your pet can be denied travel in the hold:
- If the transfer time is longer than three hours.
- Pets are not allowed in the hold on Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-10, and Airbus A321neo aircraft of KLM.
- The KLM Cityhopper pet policy states pets cannot be transported on flights above two hours within Europe.
Read Also – Singapore Airlines Pet Policy
What are KLM’s Guidelines for Pet Carriers?
When traveling with a pet on a KLM flight, it must be placed inside a kennel. The pets can travel inside the cabin or in the hold but must remain inside a kennel the whole time during the flight. The pet owner must meet the following guidelines for the pet carrier:
- Interior space & comfort: A pet should be able to stand up so that its head is not close to the ceiling, turn around freely and lie down on its back.
- Shell material: Should be hard-sided or rigid plastic or fibreglass. No soft sided carriers will be offered.
- Wheels must be disabled: If the kennel has wheels they must be removed or secured with duct tape so that they will not move when transporting the kennel.
- Single locking mechanism: Door should have an integrated locking system that locks both top and bottom latches at the same time. Hinge and locking pin openings should be at least 1.6 cm (0.6 inches) above and below horizontal ridges that frame the opening for the door.
- Structural integrity & assembly: The crate should be strong enough so that your pet cannot break through or push through the seams or joints. The shell of the kennel should be two-part; if it is made of shell, the two should be joined by bolts.
- Food and water: There must be either two empty containers or one food bowl with two separate compartments for food and water. These must be easy to fill from the outside without opening the kennel.
- Kennel Lining: The interior of the kennel should be lined with an absorbent material like a blanket or newspaper, in case of any accidents that may occur while travelling. The passenger cannot use the straw.
What are the Reasons KLM Might Reject Pet Travel?
The KLM Royal Dutch Airlines pet policy is designed to maintain the safety of the pets and the travelers. Therefore, the airline might deny pet travel in the hold if you are bringing snub-nosed animals. Such animals might face breathing problems in the air due to high temperature and stress. Please make sure to check the breed of your dog and cat before proceeding with the reservation.
Restricted Cat Breeds
- Burmese
- Exotic Shorthair
- Himalayan cats
- Persian cats
Restricted Dog Breeds
- Affenpinscher
- American Bully
- Boston Terrier
- Boxers (all breeds)
- Bulldogs (all breeds)
- Bull Mastiff
- Cane Corso
- Pugs (all breeds)
- Chow-Chow
- Great Dane (all breeds)
- Certain breeds of Spaniel (Tibetan, Japanese, English, King Charles)
- Brussels Griffon
- Lhasa Apso
- Mastiffs (all breeds)
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Pekingese
- Small Brabant
- Shih Tzu
- Shar Pei
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
In addition to this, the following are also the cases for the KLM pet policy international flights, where pet travel can be denied:
- If you are bringing pets other than dogs and cats.
- If the kennel does meet the specific requirements.
- If your pet is traveling on a different flight than yours.
- If your pet does meet the country-specific requirements.
What Is the Pet Policy of KLM Airlines?
KLM Airlines allows dogs and cats to travel on the aircraft. However, there are certain points that must be considered while making the reservation. To understand these regulations, review the points below:
- The KLM pet in cabin policy states that the dog must be at least 15 weeks or older.
- Dogs are not permitted to occupy a seat, so separate reservations are not allowed. They must be included in the pet owner’s booking.
- The service dog must sit on the floor without obstructing the space of other passengers.
- The pet must be added to the booking at least 48 hours before departure.
- The pet owner must bring the documents at the check-in counter for verification.
- The pet must not eat or drink two hours before departure.
Read Also – Air France Pet Policy
What Are the Rules for Dogs Traveling to the USA?
Since 1 August 2024, new rules apply to dog travel, including service dogs. And thus, passengers need to comply with the new KLM pet policy international travel for flights scheduled to the USA. The rules for pet travel to the United States are as follows:
- The pet owner must complete the Dog Import Form.
- In case the dog ages between 6 and 12 months, the form must be completed at least 15 days before flight departure.
- The digital or paper receipt of the completed form must be brought to the airport on the day of departure.
- To travel to the USA, the dog must be 6 months or older.
What Are the Travel Documents Required for Pet Travel?
The KLM pet travel policy seeks different documents if you are traveling within Europe or outside of Europe. Within the EU, an official pet passport will be enough. In countries outside of Europe, there is a greater amount of documentation required and specific to the country of destination.
Inside Europe (EU/Schengen travel)
Pets traveling to and from the European Union should be microchipped and have a European Pet Passport that is valid to show they are properly vaccinated. In particular, the passport should include:
- A valid rabies vaccination certificate will be required.
- Microchip details
If a pet is flying within the EU, they must have an EU Pet Passport and an EU Vaccination Certificate for rabies and microchip vaccination, which must be presented on board.
Outside Europe (international travel)
The KLM international pet policy is more complicated and differs in each direction. Some required documents include:
- Dogs and cats must be vaccinated for rabies within 10 days of travel, and a health certificate must be issued from the United States, as well as any forms required by the country to which the animal is traveling.
- A recent veterinary physical examination that certifies your pet’s health and is required for travel by air.
Import/Export Permits as Needed In the Destination Country
KLM advises that you check the requirements of the embassies of your departure country, transfer country, and arrival country to see what documents you need to bring with you, and also check the import regulations of your destination country to avoid quarantine, as this varies depending on the rabies situation in your transfer country.
How Can I Add a Pet to My KLM Flight Booking?
KLM Airlines allows the passengers to add their pets to the booking, but the total number of pets on a flight is limited and depends on the aircraft, destination, and operating airline. The booking must be made at least 48 hours before departure. To add your pet to your booking, follow the steps below:
- Visit the official website of KLM Airlines and locate the “My Trips” section.
- Enter the booking code and the last name to retrieve your booking.
- Select the “Add a Pet” option and fill out the details of your pet.
- Review the fee associated with the pet travel, which typically ranges between €70 and €500.
- Enter the card details and complete the payment.
- Get the confirmation email.
Note: Make sure to reach the airport at least three hours prior to departure for a smooth and safe journey.
Read Also – Cathay Pacific Pet Policy
Conclusion
Understanding the KLM pet policy makes the journey for your little friend smooth and safe. From choosing the right option (cabin, hold, or cargo) to meeting the kennel requirements, breed checks, and gathering necessary documents, everything must be in the right place for a perfect journey. Whether you are traveling to Europe or planning an international trip, make sure to book a spot for your pet early, as KLM might have limited seats. Visit the Fly Airlines Policy for the latest updates on policies and travel requirements of your flight.
FAQs – KLM Airlines Pet Travel
Yes, the passenger can bring one cat or dog in the cabin as long as the combined weight of the kennel and animal does not exceed 8 kg.
No, the pets are restricted from traveling on the Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-10, and Airbus A321neo for safety reasons. Additionally, pets cannot fly on flights above two hours within Europe.
Yes, but only if the pets are traveling in the hold, then:
Two adult pets can sit inside a single kennel until the total weight is less than 75 kg.
Three pets ages 6 months can be placed inside one cabin weighing no more than 14 kg each.
The pets can only travel in the Economy Cabin or European Business Class. The Premium Comfort and InterContinental Business Class are not accessible for the pets.
The service dogs can travel for free on KLM flights. The passenger must notify the airline at least 48 hours before departure by completing the Service Animal (SVAN) form.
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