A Safety Guide for Flying with Your Dog or Cat with Peace of Mind [Updated for 2026]

Last Updated: August 1, 2026

Is that flight the right choice for your dog or cat?

Whether air travel is suitable for your pet depends largely on its health, age, breed-specific characteristics, and personality. Before considering air travel, be sure to check these four points first. At PetAirJPN, when we receive inquiries about international transport, we begin the preparation process by conducting this suitability assessment together with the pet owner.

During the pre-trip medical examination, you’ll undergo a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether you’re physically able to handle air travel, including assessments of your heart and respiratory systems, the condition of your ears, nose, and throat, and your body’s ability to regulate temperature. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s a good idea to discuss whether your symptoms are stable and whether you can adjust your medication schedule to accommodate your travel plans.

If any of the above apply to you—even slightly—or if you would like more information about specific conditions or risks unique to certain dog or cat breeds, be sure to consult your regular veterinarian. Your veterinarian will not only check your pet’s health but also advise you on whether air travel is appropriate in the first place.

What Are the Risks of Air Travel? Insights from Cargo Hold Conditions and Statistics

Traveling by airplane carries risks such as stress caused by an unfamiliar environment and changes in conditions specific to the cargo hold. However, the incidence of accidents is low, and these risks are generally considered to be manageable with proper preparation.

It is believed that the risks associated with transporting pets in the cargo hold increase even further during periods of high temperatures. For example, some airlines—such as American Airlines in the United States—impose restrictions on certain pet shipments during periods of high temperatures for temperature-control reasons (Source:American Airlines Official(Confirmed in August 2026). Since the applicable periods and conditions vary by airline, if you are planning to travel during the hot season, be sure to check the latest acceptance criteria for the airline you plan to use.

These considerations can be effectively managed and mitigated through proper preparation and expert support. Whether traveling for leisure or for work-related reasons such as an overseas assignment, it is of the utmost importance to create a transportation plan that prioritizes your pet’s safety and well-being above all else. In particular, carefully following the guidelines for selecting a crate and conducting pre-travel training—as well as thoroughly understanding the procedures required by airlines and animal quarantine authorities—is the surest way to minimize risks.

Things to Do Before Your Flight

Before your flight, you must complete a health examination, prepare the necessary documents, confirm the airline’s regulations, and select and train your pet to use a carrier. If you are traveling overseas on an international flight, you must also have your pet microchipped, complete rabies vaccination requirements in accordance with the destination country’s entry regulations (including a rabies antibody titer test if you plan to return to Japan), and complete export procedures with the Animal Quarantine Service. If you are traveling only on domestic flights, these quarantine-related procedures are generally not required. Let’s go through them step by step.

Health Checkups and Required Documents

Many airlines and destination countries require the submission of a health certificate issued by a veterinarian, as well as proof of rabies vaccination and proof of combination vaccinations. Health certificates typically state the pet’s health condition at the time of examination and confirm that the pet is fit to travel by air. Many destinations require that the certificate be “issued within a certain period prior to departure,” but since the specific validity period varies by destination, be sure to check the official information provided by the destination’s authorities. Regarding rabies vaccinations:A Basic Guide to Rabies VaccinationsThis is explained in detail there.

Microchips and Rabies Antibody Titer Testing

Many countries require that dogs be fitted with an ISO-compliant microchip and receive a rabies vaccination after the microchip is implanted as a condition of entry. Regarding microchips,The Complete Guide to Microchipping Dogs and Catsfor more details.

in particularIf you plan to return to JapanAnd, furthermore,Outside the designated regions (Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, and Guam)If you are entering Japan from one of these countries, the Animal Quarantine Service requires that your rabies antibody titer be 0.5 IU/mL or higher; this test result is valid for two years from the date of blood collection. Additionally, a waiting period of at least 180 days is required between the blood collection and your arrival in Japan (Source:Animal Quarantine Service: "Procedures for Importing Dogs and Cats"(Confirmed in August 2026). If you do not meet these requirements, you may be subject to a quarantine (isolation) period of up to 180 days. Since separate procedures are established for entry from designated regions, the antibody titer test and waiting period requirements do not necessarily apply in the same way. Please be sure to check the Animal Quarantine Service’s designated regions page to confirm whether your return route falls under a designated region (Source:Animal Quarantine Station “Designated Area”(Confirmed in August 2026). On the other hand, for trips where you do not plan to return to Japan, the necessity and criteria for antibody testing must follow the conditions set by the authorities of your destination country, and Japan’s requirements may not apply directly. In either case, please verify the applicable conditions using official information from both the Animal Quarantine Service and the authorities of your destination country before making your preparations.

Export Procedures at the Animal Quarantine Station

When exporting dogs or cats from Japan, the application for an export inspection must be submittedAt least 14 days before your preferred inspection dateThis is carried out using NACCS (Animal Quarantine-Related Operations). The actual export inspection isWithin 10 days of departureThe process involves undergoing these tests, being screened for rabies (and leptospirosis in the case of dogs), and then receiving an export health certificate (Source:Animal quarantine office "to export dogs and cats."(Confirmed in August 2026). Please be careful not to confuse the different deadlines for the “application” and the “inspection.” The documents required at the time of application are specified by the Animal Quarantine Service, and the requirements may vary depending on the individual animal’s circumstances; therefore, please prepare your application while checking the latest guidelines on the official website listed above.

Checking Airline Policies

Pet acceptance policies, crate specifications, fees, and booking procedures vary significantly by airline. Be sure to check the official website of the airline you plan to use for the latest information on the following items.

Airline policies change frequently. This is especially true for international flights and when traveling with a dog in the cabin, as the policies of stopover destinations may also apply. If you find it difficult to verify these details on your own, please feel free to contact PetAirJPN.

Packing Checklist for the Day Before and the Day of Departure

To avoid leaving anything behind, be sure to check the following items by the day before departure.

How to Choose a Crate

A crate is the most important item for ensuring the safety and comfort of pets during transport. Many airlines require crates that comply with the IATA (International Air Transport Association) Live Animal Regulations (LAR). The LAR establishes standards such as sturdy materials, adequate ventilation, and escape-proof locks. For soft carriers carried into the cabin, more specific criteria are outlined, such as requiring ventilation openings totaling at least 16% of total wall area, distributed on all four sides (Source:IATA Live Animals Regulations(Confirmed in August 2026). Adequate ventilation is also required for crates checked in the cargo hold; however, since specific standards vary depending on the aircraft type and crate model, please refer to the IATA document mentioned above or contact your airline for details. It is also important to ensure there is enough space for your pet to move around naturally inside the crate. If your pet is traveling in the cabin, be sure to check the size restrictions specified by the airline. For specific guidance on selecting a crate,The Complete Guide to Choosing a CrateThis is explained in detail there.

Crate training: a secure "hiding place

To ensure your pet stays calm inside its crate on the day of the flight, advance crate training is essential. The goal is to help your pet recognize the crate as a safe and calming place.

Cats are animals that are sensitive to changes in their environment. Since they tend to get stressed by being transported in an unfamiliar carrier, keeping the carrier in their living space on a daily basis so they can freely go in and out of it will help reduce their stress on the day of the move. If you have multiple cats, the general rule is to provide a separate carrier for each one.

Pre-flight meals, hydration, and exercise

It’s generally recommended to feed your pet a light, easily digestible meal a few hours before departure. Boarding a flight on a full stomach can cause motion sickness. Make sure your pet has access to fresh water right up until departure, and place a spill-proof water bottle in the carrier. Taking your pet for a good walk before heading to the airport and before check-in, so they can relieve themselves, will put both your pet and you at ease.

Tips for Managing Stress and Anxiety

Placing a familiar blanket or a towel that smells like you inside the crate can help your pet feel secure. However, be sure to choose items that pose no risk of being swallowed or causing entanglement.

Regarding the use of sedatives, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) do not recommend administering them to pets during transport. This is because there is a risk of side effects such as respiratory depression, low blood pressure, and impaired thermoregulation, and special caution is required inside an aircraft where air pressure fluctuates (Source:IATA Traveler’s Pet Corner／AVMA(Confirmed in August 2026). If you prioritize your pet’s safety, you should focus on methods that reduce stress at its source—such as crate training in advance, making adjustments to the environment, and, if possible, considering bringing your dog with you on the flight—and avoid using sedatives unless directed by a veterinarian.

Procedures on the Day of Departure and Precautions on Board and in the Cargo Hold

On the day of your flight, the process will proceed as follows: check-in and security screening at the airport; handling of your pet—whether checked as baggage or carried on board; and what you can do as the owner during the flight. Here, we’ll explain the day-of-flight procedure and key points to keep in mind.

Check-in and security at the airport

If you’re traveling with a pet, be sure to leave for the airport earlier than usual. Since the recommended arrival times vary by airline for both domestic and international flights, it’s best to check in advance. At check-in, present the required documents at the airline counter and pay the pet transport fee. A final inspection of the crate will also be conducted at this time. Security screening procedures differ depending on whether you’re taking a domestic or international flight, or carrying your pet on board. To ensure you can handle the process without rushing, it’s a good idea to check with the airport or airline in advance.

Important Points to Note for Checked Baggage and Carry-On Baggage

When checking a pet in the cargo hold, after check-in, airline staff will transport the pet to a designated holding area, and it will then be loaded onto the aircraft. The airline makes every effort to keep pets in an air-conditioned area while they wait and to handle them with care.

On flights that allow dogs to travel in the cabin, it is standard practice to place them in a soft carrier or crate of the specified size and stow it under the seat in front of you. While dogs generally cannot be removed from their carriers during the flight, the peace of mind that comes from having them by your side is a major benefit. Be sure to be considerate of other passengers regarding barking, odors, and other factors. The basic guidelines regarding whether dogs are allowed in the cabin and how carriers should be handled are as follows:IATA Traveler’s Pet CornerAs mentioned above, the actual conditions vary by airline. Please feel free to contact PetAirJPN for assistance in finding airlines that allow pets to travel in the cabin and for details on their specific requirements.

In the cargo hold, owners cannot directly check on their pets during the flight; however, some airlines have systems in place where staff check on the pets while on the ground or during takeoff and landing. Even when traveling with a pet in the cabin, the basic rule is not to open the carrier’s zippers or locks unnecessarily during the flight, but to keep it stowed under the seat until instructed otherwise. Even if your pet appears restless, speaking to it quietly from nearby can sometimes help put it at ease.

What Pet Owners Can Do During the Flight

If you check your pet in the cargo hold, you will not be able to stay with it directly during the flight. However, making the following preparations will help put your mind at ease.

Things to Keep in Mind After Arrival

Upon arrival, you’ll need to follow these steps in order: pick up your pet, disembark, complete import procedures with the authorities at your destination (if traveling on an international flight), and monitor your pet’s condition. Even after a long flight, your responsibilities as a pet owner aren’t over yet.

If you checked your pet in the cargo hold, it will typically be handed over to you at a dedicated counter in the baggage claim area or directly by airline staff. If you brought your pet on board, you will disembark after the other passengers have exited the aircraft, following the flight attendants’ instructions. Upon arrival on an international flight, you will often be required to complete import procedures with the quarantine authorities at your destination. However, the specifics and necessity of these procedures vary by country and country of origin, and in some cases, the process may be simplified depending on the circumstances. In any case, the authorities will verify the documents you submitted and the pet’s condition; if there are no issues, you will be granted entry. Regarding import procedures when returning to Japan,Animal Quarantine Service: "Procedures for Importing Dogs and Cats"Please check there for the latest information.

When you’re reunited with your pet, start by carefully observing its condition. Check their breathing, level of consciousness, and whether they have any injuries. Give them fresh water as soon as possible and let them relieve themselves in a quiet, comfortable place. Since the fatigue and stress of a long trip can sometimes cause them to become unwell, keep them resting for a few days after returning home and carefully monitor their appetite, energy levels, and bowel movements. If you notice anything unusual, consult a veterinarian immediately.

What's the difference between domestic and international flights?

The procedures and regulations for transporting pets differ significantly between domestic and international flights. If you assume, “It’s fine because I’ve flown with my pet domestically before,” and put off preparing for an international flight, you may not have enough time to gather the necessary documents and complete the quarantine procedures. We’ve summarized the main differences in the table below.

Source: Animal Quarantine Service, “Procedures for Importing Dogs and Cats”https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/animal/dog/import-other.html(Verified in August 2026). The figures in the table regarding quarantine and waiting periods, etc., are subject to change, so be sure to check the latest official information before traveling.

As you can see, transporting pets on international flights is more complex than on domestic flights and requires specialized knowledge and experience. In particular, if you want to travel with your dog in the cabin, you may need to gather detailed information and confirm details with the airline. Incomplete documentation or delays in the process can, in the worst-case scenario, lead to your pet being denied entry or being held in quarantine for an extended period. While each individual step is not difficult in itself, the unique challenge of international travel lies in the fact that, because you must coordinate with multiple parties, it’s easy to overlook details. At PetAirJPN, we provide comprehensive assistance with travel preparations, including guidance on the latest regulations in each country, support with preparing the necessary documents, organizing the information required for applications to animal quarantine offices, assistance with airline arrangements and coordination, and on-site support at your destination.

In case of any problems.

To prepare for any unforeseen problems, it’s important to check the following five items in advance: procedures for flight delays or cancellations, contact information in case your pet becomes ill, the details of your pet insurance, a list of emergency contacts, and the climate at your destination. Even if something unexpected happens, you’ll be able to respond calmly if you’re prepared.

Support Provided by PetAirJPN

PetAirJPN is an agent specializing in the international transport of pets. Guided by our vision of “eliminating borders for pets,” we support you in traveling abroad with your beloved dogs and cats through the following services.

• Counseling & Estimates: We’ll ask you about your destination, your pet’s breed, the travel dates, and other details, and then propose a plan tailored to your situation. Please also let us know if you’d like to bring your dog on board with you.
• Notice Regarding the Latest Regulatory Information: We provide easy-to-understand explanations of import and export regulations in various countries, as well as airline policies regarding items carried on board, and offer advice on the necessary preparations.
• Assistance with Preparing Documents: We’ll help you organize the information needed for complex procedures, such as health certificates and import/export documents. Formal applications to the Animal Quarantine Station will be submitted either by you or, if necessary, by a certified administrative scrivener with whom we collaborate (the certified administrative scrivener will handle the application process).
• Collaboration with Veterinarians and Related Organizations: As needed, we can refer you to partner veterinary clinics and assist with scheduling microchip implantation and vaccinations.
• Help Choosing a Crate or Carrier: We’ll help you select a crate that’s right for your pet, choose a carry-on carrier that meets IATA standards, and verify that it complies with IATA regulations.
• Support at Departure and Arrival: We can also provide assistance with airport check-in and guidance on quarantine procedures upon arrival (in coordination with local agents).
• Arrangements for Ground Transportation: We can also arrange for the ground transport of your pet from your home to the airport and from the airport to your new home.
• Proposals for Transportation Methods That Prioritize Animal Welfare Above All Else: With the goal of minimizing stress for your pet, we offer transportation options that are as stress-free as possible.
• Post-Arrival Follow-Up: We can also assist you with inquiries after your arrival, such as providing information on local partner veterinary clinics.

As a team specializing in international pet transportation, we stay up to date on the latest regulatory information and prioritize the safety and well-being of your pets in our planning. For more details or personalized recommendations tailored to your specific situation, please feel free to contact us via LINE or our contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Summary: Early preparation and accurate information ensure a worry-free flight

Traveling by plane with a pet—especially on international flights—is by no means easy. Still, as we’ve seen so far, if you carefully assess your pet’s suitability based on its health and breed-specific characteristics, select the right carrier, provide proper training, confirm airline regulations, and follow the procedures at the animal quarantine office one step at a time, these hurdles are certainly not insurmountable.

The most important things are planning and preparation well in advance, creating a realistic plan that takes your pet’s individual needs into account, gathering accurate information, and consulting with trusted professionals. By carefully addressing every detail—from assessing your pet’s suitability for air travel to choosing the right carrier, planning the day of the flight, and providing care upon arrival—your air travel with your beloved dog or cat will be much more manageable than you might expect. For information specifically tailored to brachycephalic dog breeds,Summary of Checked Baggage Policies by Airline, Ways to Cope with the Stress of Long-Haul FlightsThis articlePlease see this as well.

Written by: PetAirJPN Editorial Department (International Pet Transportation Operations Team)

*The information in this article is current as of August 2026. Quarantine regulations in various countries and airline policies are subject to change without notice. This article is intended to provide general information only; to determine whether travel is permitted and to confirm specific requirements, please be sure to check the latest official information from the relevant national authorities, animal quarantine offices, and airlines.