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Flying with a dog is far more complex than it looks. Unlike passengers, pets aren't governed by universal rules. Each airline sets its own carriage conditions: some accept dogs in the cabin, others only in the hold, and a few refuse certain breeds or routes altogether.

On top of that come the destination country's requirements. Depending on your trip, you may need a pet passport, a health certificate, an up-to-date rabies vaccination, an antiparasitic treatment, or to observe a waiting period before entry.

Your dog's size and breed matter too. A Chihuahua can sometimes travel in the cabin, while a Golden Retriever usually has to travel in the hold in an IATA-compliant crate. Some flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, such as French Bulldogs or Pugs, also face specific restrictions.

Finally, weather can affect your trip. Several airlines limit or suspend animal transport during hot weather to protect their safety.

MyDogCanFly automatically compares all of these factors to help you choose the airline best suited to your dog and your destination.

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Airlines don't all apply the same rules for pets. Differences can involve the weight allowed in the cabin, crate dimensions, hold transport, accepted breeds, temperature-related restriction periods, or the required documents.

Choosing an airline on ticket price alone can therefore lead to a boarding refusal or extra fees.

MyDogCanFly compares the pet policies of dozens of airlines to help you identify those best suited to your dog, your route and your travel mode (cabin or hold).

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Whether a dog can travel in the cabin mainly depends on its weight, the size of its carrier, and each airline's own rules.

Most airlines set a limit of between 8 and 10 kg, carrier included. The carrier's dimensions must also fit the aircraft so it can go under the seat in front of you.

Larger dogs usually travel in the hold, in an IATA-approved crate.

Before booking, it's essential to check the specific conditions of the airline you choose.

Check if your dog can fly in the cabin →

When it exceeds the limits allowed in the cabin, a dog usually has to travel in the aircraft's pressurised, temperature-controlled hold.

This hold is specially fitted for live-animal transport, but airlines don't all apply the same rules on crate dimensions, permitted breeds or seasonal restrictions.

Choosing a suitable crate and gradually preparing your dog for the trip are two essential steps.

See hold transport policies →

Almost all airlines require an IATA-compliant crate for hold transport.

Your dog must be able to stand, turn around and lie down naturally.

A crate that's too small can lead to a boarding refusal, while one that's too big can make transport harder.

The MyDogCanFly calculator quickly identifies the most suitable crate size based on your dog's breed and measurements.

Calculate your IATA crate size →

Requirements vary by destination country. Depending on the case, you may in particular need:

• a pet passport;
• microchip identification;
• a valid rabies vaccination;
• an official health certificate;
• and possibly additional tests or antiparasitic treatments.

Some destinations also require quarantine.

Requirements change regularly, so it's essential to check up-to-date information before you leave.

Check requirements by destination →

No. Some breeds face specific restrictions.

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs (French Bulldog, Pug, Boxer…) are sometimes refused in the hold because of breathing risks.

Other airlines also apply limitations on certain large breeds or breeds considered powerful.

Each airline has its own policy.

See restrictions by breed →

MyDogCanFly doesn't just list airline rules. Our engine compares, all at once:

• airline policies;
• the destination country's requirements;
• your dog's breed characteristics;
• cabin- or hold-related constraints;
• safety recommendations;
• the travel conditions specific to your route.

In seconds, you get a personalised recommendation along with the official sources used to produce it.

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