KLM Pet Travel Policy: How to Fly With Your Dog or Cat

Published on December 5, 2025

Last updated: January 20, 2026

Please Note: WorldCare Pet does not coordinate or advise on in-cabin pet travel or reservations. Pet parents are responsible for confirming any in-cabin options directly with their airline for their pets. Our services focus on door-to-door international pet transport, including air cargo logistics and handling.

KLM is a popular choice for international moves, especially if you’re connecting through Amsterdam or heading to/from Europe with your dog or cat. The good news: KLM does allow pets. The catch: their pet policy is detailed, and there are a lot of exceptions to keep track of.

This guide breaks down how KLM’s pet policy works, plus when it makes sense to bring in a professional pet transport company like WorldCare Pet to handle the logistics for you.

KLM Pet Policy 2025

Here’s KLM pet travel in a nutshell:

Eligible pets: Only cats and dogs (no rabbits, birds, etc.).
Travel options:
- In-cabin (small pets only)
- In the hold (checked baggage, subject to strict aircraft & route limits)
- Cargo (via a specialized agent when required)
- Minimum age:

General KLM rule: pets must be at least 15 weeks old to travel.
- Dogs traveling to the United States: at least 6 months old under CDC rules.

Weight:
- The combined weight of your pet and the kennel they will be travelling in cannot weigh more than 75 kg (165 lbs)
Reservations: Pet space is limited, so you must reserve your pet at least 48 hours before departure, and ideally as soon as you book your ticket.
- Note: The number of pets you can bring, destination, specific flight route, and airlines vary in availability.
Fees: KLM charges roughly EUR 70–500 per one-way flight, depending on route.

Tip for pet parents: Even if you’re flying on KLM just once, think of your pet as a separate traveler. They need their own reservation, space, paperwork, and planning.

Which Pets KLM Accepts (and When They Say No)

KLM keeps things very specific when it comes to pets:

What is Allowed:
- Dogs
- Cats
What is Not allowed as checked baggage or in-cabin:
- Any animal that isn’t a dog or cat (rabbits, rodents, reptiles, birds, etc.)
- Pets and kennels that together weigh more than 75 kg (165 lb)
- Kennels larger than 122 × 81 × 89 cm (48 × 32 × 35 in) on most KLM flights
- Kennels larger than 102 × 69 × 76 cm (40 × 27 × 30 in) on certain European KLM flights using Boeing 737 or Embraer aircraft

If your pet is too large, a restricted breed for the hold, or you’re flying to a destination that only allows pets as air cargo, KLM specifically recommends working with a specialized shipping agent, which is where WorldCare Pet, comes in.

Pets in the Cabin on KLM (PETC)

KLM in-cabin pet rules (Economy & some Business flights):

How many pets:
- You can bring 1 dog or 1 cat in the cabin.
Where allowed:
- Economy Class
- Business Class within Europe only
Where not allowed:
- Premium Comfort Class
- Intercontinental Business Class (no space under the seat for a pet carrier)
Carrier requirements:
- Closed soft-sided bag or kennel that fits under the seat in front of you
- Max size: 46 × 28 × 24 cm (18 × 11 × 9 in)
- Combined weight (pet + carrier): up to 8 kg (17.6 lb)
During the flight:
- Your pet must remain in the carrier under the seat for the entire flight.
- You cannot take your pet out on your lap.

Because KLM limits the number of in-cabin pets per flight, it’s crucial to reserve right after booking your ticket.

Pets in the Hold on KLM (Checked Baggage / AVIH)

If your dog or cat is too large for the cabin, they may be able to travel in the hold as checked baggage, under strict conditions.

Basic KLM hold rules:

You can bring up to 3 pets in the hold.
Pets can share a kennel if:
- They are 2 adult animals of similar size (each up to 14 kg / 31 lb), or
- 3 puppies or kittens up to 6 months from the same litter.
Combined weight of pet(s) + kennel must be under 75 kg (165 lb).
Kennel must meet IATA standards: hard-sided, escape-proof, properly ventilated, with space for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down.

Aircraft & route restrictions:

Pets cannot travel in the hold on:
- KLM flights operated with Boeing 787-9, 787-10, and Airbus A321neo aircraft
- German Airways flights
- KLM Cityhopper (KLC) flights longer than 2 hours
Connection times:
- No pets in cargo hold if your transfer is more than 3 hours
- Exception via Paris: pets in hold are allowed only if the transfer is at least 4.5 hours

Traveling to the UK on KLM:

Due to a UK government embargo, pets in cabin and in hold are not allowed to travel to the UK as passenger baggage, though pets can depart from the UK on KLM flights.

If you’re planning a KLM itinerary involving the UK let WorldCare Pet assist.

Snub-Nosed (Brachycephalic) Breeds on KLM

Snub-nosed dogs and cats are at higher risk of breathing issues under stress and heat. KLM has special restrictions to protect them.

Most snub-nosed pets cannot travel in the hold on KLM.
Many snub-nosed breeds may still travel in the cabin (if they meet size/weight limits) or as cargo via a specialized pet transport agent.

Examples of dog breeds that are not allowed in the hold include (not a complete list):

Affenpinscher
American Bully
Boston Terrier
Boxers (all breeds)
Bulldogs (all breeds)
Cane Corso
Pugs (all breeds)
Chow-Chow
Certain Spaniels (Tibetan, Japanese, English, King Charles)
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
Shar Pei
Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Common snub-nosed cat breeds like Persian, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair, Burmese, etc., are also restricted from traveling in the hold.

If your pet is brachycephalic or you think your pet is a brachycephalic breed, it’s important to confirm options with KLM or a pet transport expert before you book your own ticket.

Dogs Traveling to the United States on KLM

Since August 1, 2024, the United States has much stricter rules for dogs entering the country, including dogs flying on KLM.

For dogs traveling to the U.S.:

You must complete the CDC Dog Import Form before travel (if your dog is 6–12 months old, submit it at least 15 days before departure).
You must bring a digital or paper receipt to the airport showing the form was submitted.
Your dog must be microchipped.
Your dog must be at least 6 months old.

These CDC rules apply in addition to KLM’s own pet policy and any EU/departure country regulations.

Documents & Prep Checklist for KLM Pet Travel

Every itinerary is different, but most KLM pet trips will involve:

Microchip: Implanted before rabies vaccination (for many international moves).
Rabies vaccination: Valid and given according to destination rules (often 21+ days before travel).
Health certificate / EU or destination-specific documentation: Completed by your vet and, in many cases, endorsed by the relevant government authority (e.g., USDA in the U.S.).
Fit-to-Fly exam: Recent veterinary check verifying your pet is healthy enough for air travel.
Travel crate training: Especially crucial for pets traveling in the hold.
No sedation: Most airlines and vets recommend against sedating pets for air travel due to safety risks.

KLM’s “Preparing your pet’s trip” resources also highlight kennel requirements, travel documents, and how to get your pet ready in the days before departure.

Trained Service Dogs on KLM Flights

KLM has a separate policy for trained service dogs (not emotional support animals).

Overview:

Only trained service dogs are recognized as service animals.
Trained service dogs may travel in the cabin free of charge, provided they:
- Are trained and properly documented (health certificate, proof of vaccines, and training certificate)
- Can fit within the floor space at your feet without blocking aisles or exits
- Remain under control, on a harness or leash, at all times
KLM recommends requesting service dog transport at least 48 hours before departure.
For flights to/from the United States, you’ll also need U.S. DOT Service Animal forms and must still comply with CDC Dog Import rules.

When KLM Requires Cargo – and Why Pet Parents Use WorldCare Pet

Sometimes KLM’s passenger baggage options (cabin/hold) simply don’t work:

Your pet is too large for the hold weight or crate limits.
Your route involves aircraft types that don’t take animals in hold.
You’re flying to a country that only allows pets to arrive as air cargo.
You’re dealing with multiple pets, complex connections, or strict quarantine rules.
Your pet is a snub-nosed breed, and the hold is not permitted.

KLM specifically notes that in these cases, pet parents should contact a specialized shipping agent. That’s exactly what WorldCare Pet does every day: we work with airlines like KLM to arrange airline-compliant, door-to-door pet transport that fits your pet’s size, health, and destination requirements.

How WorldCare Pet Transport Can Help With KLM Pet Travel

If you’d rather not spend hours reading airline fine print, we can step in and handle the details for you.

WorldCare Pet can help you:

Confirm the best routing with KLM or partner airlines based on pet size, breed, and destination.
Check aircraft and connection restrictions (especially via Amsterdam, Paris, or UK routes).
Coordinate documentation (rabies certificates, health certificates, endorsements) with your veterinarian.
Arrange airline-approved travel crates and provide tips on crate training.
Book boarding or quarantine where required between flights or on arrival.
Provide door-to-door service, so your pet is collected at home and delivered safely to your new address whenever possible.

If you’re planning to fly on KLM and want help making it pet-safe and stress-free, you can:

Fill out our Request a Free Quote form on the WorldCare Pet website.
Or contact our team to discuss your origin/destination country, timing, and your pet’s unique needs.

FAQs: KLM Pet Travel in 2025

1. Can I fly with my dog or cat in the cabin on KLM?

Yes, if your pet is small enough. You can bring 1 cat or dog in the cabin when flying in Economy Class or within-Europe Business Class, as long as your pet plus carrier weigh no more than 8 kg (17.6 lb) and the carrier fits under the seat (max 46 × 28 × 24 cm).

2. How much does it cost to fly a pet on KLM?

KLM charges between EUR 70 and EUR 500 per one-way flight for pets in the cabin or hold, depending on your departure airport, destination, and whether your pet travels in-cabin or in the hold.

3. Does KLM allow snub-nosed dog breeds?

KLM generally does not allow most snub-nosed breeds in the hold due to safety risks, but many may still travel in the cabin or as cargo if they meet size and health requirements. Always check KLM’s current snub-nosed breed list and talk to your vet and/or a pet transport specialist before flying.

4. Can my pet fly to the UK on KLM?

Not as standard checked baggage or in-cabin. Due to a UK government embargo, KLM does not allow pets in cabin or in hold on flights to the UK as passenger baggage. Pets can still depart from the UK on certain routes. If your move involves the UK, you’ll likely need cargo arrangements through a pet shipping agent such as WorldCare Pet Transport.

5. How early should I book KLM pet travel?

KLM asks you to reserve at least 48 hours before departure, but pet space is limited, and some routes/aircraft have stricter limits. The safest approach is to reserve your pet’s travel as soon as you book your own ticket, especially for international moves or when you’re traveling during busy seasons

6. Is KLM a good airline for international pet travel?

KLM can be an excellent option for international pet travel, especially to and from Europe, but only if your pet fits within their detailed rules on size, breed, aircraft type, and routing. If your itinerary is simple and your pet is small, in-cabin travel may work well. For larger pets, snub-nosed breeds, complex routes, or moves involving the UK or strict import rules, partnering with an experienced pet relocation company like WorldCare Pet can make the journey much smoother and safer.

Final Reminder

Airline pet policies change frequently. Always double-check the latest details on KLM’s official “Travelling with pets” page before you fly, and consider professional support if your move is complex or international.

KLM Pet Policy: What Pet Parents Need to Know Before Flying With a Dog or Cat