On KLM Airlines flights, passengers can easily fly with their pets in the cabin and as checked luggage. In addition, pets can be transported as cargo. For the same, the air operator has a pet policy. The KLM pet policy 2026 makes it easy for owners to bring their pets on board. Further, it highlights the various regulations and limitations pertaining to transportation. Document and fees-related information can be available in this policy. It also guarantees that the pets’ safety won’t be jeopardized.
What is the KLM Airlines Pet Policy 2026
KLM Airlines has a well-defined pet policy. It allows pets to travel in the cabin or as checked luggage. As per the KLM Airlines pet policy 2026, in order to provide safe, stress-free travel for the cherished pets, owners are required to adhere to carrier size regulations and health paperwork requirements.
Animals Travel to the US
New regulations pertaining to canines, including service dogs, traveling to the US will take effect on August 1, 2024:
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Dog Import Form must be completed.
- At least 15 days before the trip, flyers must fill out the form if their dog is 6 to 12 months old.
- They should bring to the airport a paper or digital copy of the completed form.
- Further, they need to microchip the dog.
- The minimum age requirement for KLM pet travel is six months.
- Please get in touch with the Customer Contact Center if the puppy/pet is younger.
Animals with Snub Noses
Due to the heat and stress of the flight, the snub-nosed pet may have difficulty breathing. KLM Airlines is unable to carry the majority of these pets in the hold since the pet needs to travel in comfort and safety. Visitors can, however, carry them in the cabin or ship them as cargo. Before booking. They must confirm the breed of the dog or cat.
Pets that Cannot Transport
In case tourists wish to bring animals other than a dog or a cat, KLM Airlines is unable to transport them.
- The total weight of the KLM Airlines pet travel and kennel exceeds 75 kg (165 lb).
- 102 x 69 x 76 cm/40 x 27 x 30 inches on KLM European flights operated with Boeing 737 and Embraer aircraft, or more than 122 x 81 x 89 cm/48 x 32 x 35 in. on KLM flights.
- If the pet is on a flight that is separate from travelers.
- The authorities of the nation where the dog or cat is traveling only permit the shipping of pets as cargo.
KLM Pets in Cabin
When traveling inside Europe in Business Class or Economy Class, travelers are permitted to bring one dog or cat in the cabin.
- The pet should not exceed a 46 x 28 x 24 cm pet carrier KLM.
- Therefore, they must pass beneath the seat in front of passengers.
- The combined weight of the pet and the travel bag or kennel cannot exceed 8 kg (17.6 lb).
- Please make sure the pet is small enough to walk about comfortably in the kennel because fliers are not permitted to remove them during the flights.
- If customers are traveling on international flights in Business or Premium Comfort Class, then they are not permitted to carry pets in the cabin.
- It is not permitted to place a KLM flying with pets kennel beneath the seat in front of them during certain travel classes.
KLM Airlines Pets in the Hold
In the KLM hold, pets are kept in a pressurized and temperature-controlled environment. It is intended to keep them comfortable throughout foreign flights.
- Three pets are permitted in the hold.
- As long as they weigh no more than 14 kg (31 lb) apiece, they can share a kennel.
- Three animals from the same litter that are no older than six months, or two adults of similar size.
- Based on the KLM fly with pets policy, don’t let the pet and kennel weigh more than 75 kg (165 lb).
- The kennel’s dimensions must not exceed 122 x 81 x 89 cm (48 x 32 x 35 inches).
- Or, 40 x 27 x 30 inches (102 x 69 x 76 cm) on KLM flights.
Restricted Pet Breed on KLM Airlines Flights
To maintain animal safety and adherence to global aviation and welfare standards, KLM Airlines prohibits specific pet breeds.
Breeds of Cats
- Persian
- Himalayan
- Burmese
- Exotic shorthair cats.
Breeds of Dogs
By adhering to the KLM pet policy international flights, breeds of dogs prohibited from entering the hold include:
- Affenpinscher
- Boston Terrier
- Bulldogs
- Cane Corso
- Chow-Chow
- Brussels Griffon
- Mastiffs
- Pekingese
- Shih Tzu
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Bully
- Boxers
- Bull Mastiff
- Pigs
- Great Dane
- Lhasa Apso
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Small Brabant
- Shar Pei
Exceptions for Pet Travel on KLM Airlines Flights
When guests’ transfer time is longer than three hours, they are not permitted to bring their pets into the hold.
- When traveling via Paris, there is an exception:
- Customers can only make KLM pet transport in the hold if they have at least 4.5 hours to spare for the transfer.
- Pets are not permitted on Eastern Airways or German Airways flights, or in the hold of KLM flights operated by Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-10, and Airbus A321neo aircraft.
- Fliers should be aware that pets cannot be kept in the hold for more than two hours on KLC flights.
- Please be aware that KLM flights are subject to an embargo enforced by the UK government.
- Pets in Cabin (PETC) and Animals in Hold (AVIH) are therefore prohibited from entering the UK as passenger baggage.
- Nonetheless, there are no limitations on travelling with pets on KLM from the UK.
Fees/Charges for Pet Travel on KLM Airlines
The cost of bringing the pet on a one-way flight ranges from EUR 70 to EUR 500. The cost varies based on the airport of departure and the final destination. When a passenger makes a reservation, the precise cost is displayed.
KLM Airlines Pet Policy for Service Animals
KLM Airlines allows people to travel in the cabin with trained service animals as long as they adhere to certain safety and comfort regulations.
Making Reservations and Plans
Owing to the KLM pet policy 2026, at least 48 hours before departure, travelers should let this air operator know about their trained service dogs. This enables it to make the required preparations to meet their needs. By getting in touch with the Customer Contact Center, they can accomplish this.
Required Records or Documents
Verify that guests have all the paperwork their service dog needs. This comprises proof of immunizations, a veterinarian’s health certificate, and a certificate attesting to the dog’s successful completion of training. Additional documentation may be needed for foreign travel, depending on the laws of the destination nation.
Service Animal Behaviour
In compliance with the KLM Airlines pet policy 2026, using a harness or leash, customers must always keep their service dog under control and in good behavior. If their dog behaves in a disruptive manner, the crew may have to take action to protect everyone’s comfort and safety.
Needed Documents Related to Pet Travel on KLM
Fliers should assemble the pet’s travel documentation, health certificates, and vaccines well in advance.
Travel in the EU
KLM pet travel throughout the EU requires an electronic chip to identify them. Additionally, they need to be properly vaccinated and hold a European passport.
Travel Outside the European Union
To find out which documents are needed, KLM Airlines advises contacting the embassies of the countries where passengers will be arriving, departing, and transferring. They should verify the import regulations of their destination to prevent the need to quarantine the pet. The rabies risk in the nation from which they are traveling determines these regulations.
Pet Kennel Specifications on KLM Airlines
In accordance with the KLM Airlines pet travel policy, tourists must confirm that the kennel satisfies the following specifications:
- The pet should be able to turn around, lie down comfortably, and stand without touching the roof with their head.
- Its shell should be made of strong plastic or fiberglass.
- Duct tape should be used to prevent or remove the kennel’s wheels.
- Both locks at the top and bottom of the door should be secured by a central locking mechanism.
- The hinge and locking pins must protrude at least 1.6 cm (0.6 in) past the horizontal extrusions above and below the door opening.
- The KLM flying with pets kennel must be sufficiently stiff to keep the pet from escaping through joints or seams.
- It is prohibited to use other lateral closure mechanisms.
- Two empty containers or a single food dish with two empty sections for food and water should be present in the kennel.
- These must be fillable from the outside and sealed or fastened to the kennel.
- The bottom of the kennel should be covered with a blanket, newspaper, or other absorbent material.
- Keep in mind that straws are not permitted in the kennel.
Country-Wise Restrictions on KLM Pet Travel
In order to guarantee seamless and legal KLM fly with pets, this air carrier enforces country-specific pet travel rules, which travelers must review prior to booking.
Regarding Flights to the UK
It is necessary to have proof of the dog’s training and health. An organization that is a member of Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK) or a comparable international organization is required to train assistance dogs. The UK government requires more documentation. At least 72 hours before the flight, travelers must get in touch with the UK Animal Reception Centre and obtain pre-approval.
For Traveling to Johannesburg, South Africa
As per the KLM pet policy international flights, visitors have to show that the dog is healthy and well-trained. Organizations like the South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind, which are accredited, are required to train service dogs. Bringing any animal into South Africa requires an import permit. DAFF, the South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, is the source of this permit. The dog’s information, training history, and health status should all be included in the permission application.
For United Arab Emirates Flights
Documentation for service dog travelers must be submitted to the UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment (MOCCAE) at least four working days before departure. Based on the KLM pet transport policy, this paperwork consists of immunization records, health certifications, and evidence of the dog’s training. In order to prevent any problems at the airport, it is crucial to adhere to the UAE’s stringent restrictions surrounding the importation of animals.
How to Book KLM Pet Travel?
Tourists can reserve pet travel on KLM Airlines via online and offline methods. With an online procedure, they can use the official website of this air operator. On the website, they must log in to the existing account and add the pet details asked on the screen. Further, submit documents and pay the required fees.
In addition, with an offline way, it is necessary to make bookings for travelling with pets on KLM in advance by contacting the reservation staff members. To verify eligibility, passengers should provide information about their pets, such as breed and weight, over the phone.
Note: Early reservations are recommended due to the restricted number of cabin and cargo spaces.
KLM Pet Travel Queries Handled via Social Media Platform
KLM handles pet travel questions on social media, including booking, documents, etc.
| Social Media Account | Link |
| Messenger | https://www.facebook.com/KLM |
| https://www.instagram.com/klm | |
| Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/klm |
| https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=31206490787 |
Some Useful Links Related to KLM Airlines
In Closing,
KLM Airlines offers a trustworthy pet policy that strikes a balance between comfort, safety, and adherence to international travel regulations. The KLM pet policy 2026 prioritizes animal welfare while guaranteeing a stress-free flying experience for passengers by allowing in-cabin pets, cargo transportation, and service animals. Traveling with pets across the world is made easier with careful planning.
FAQs on KLM Pet Policy 2026
Yes, KLM allows one cat or dog per passenger in the cabin, provided the pet fits in a travel bag or kennel no larger than 46 x 28 x 24 cm and weighs no more than 8 kg (including the carrier).
You must book your pet’s travel through KLM’s “My Trip” portal or by contacting customer service. Reservations should be made as soon as possible and no later than 48 hours before departure.
Kennels must be sturdy, well-ventilated, and sized appropriately. For KLM flights, the maximum dimensions are 122 x 81 x 89 cm, and the combined weight of pet and kennel must not exceed 75 kg.
Yes, KLM restricts certain breeds from traveling due to health and safety concerns. Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds may be prohibited from flying in the hold.
Pets are not allowed in Business Class on intercontinental flights due to seat configurations. However, they are permitted in Business Class within Europe.
Pet travel fees vary by destination and range from €75 to €200 depending on whether the pet travels in the cabin or hold.
You can bring up to three pets in the hold if they meet specific criteria (e.g., same litter, weight under 14 kg each). Only one pet is allowed per passenger in the cabin.
A veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure is required. Additional documents may be needed for international travel depending on the destination country.
KLM does not recognize emotional support animals as service animals. Only trained service dogs are permitted under specific conditions.
Yes, larger animals or pets not eligible for cabin or hold travel can be transported via KLM Cargo. Specific rules and booking procedures apply.