KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Pet Policy: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Planning to travel with your pet on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines? Whether you’re bringing a small pet in the cabin, checking your pet as baggage, or transporting a larger animal via cargo, understanding KLM’s pet policy is essential for a smooth journey. This guide covers carry-on pets, checked pet travel, cargo transport, breed restrictions, and international travel regulations to help you prepare.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Pet Policy

1. Carry-On Pet Policy (In-Cabin Travel)

KLM allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on most flights, provided they meet the airline’s weight and carrier size restrictions.

In-Cabin Pet Travel Rules

✔ Allowed Pets: Only cats and dogs are permitted in the cabin.
✔ Pet Carrier Size: The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and cannot exceed 46 x 28 x 24 cm (18″ x 11″ x 9″).
✔ Pet Weight Limit: The total combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 8 kg (17 lbs).
✔ Pet Fee: Fees vary by destination—€75 to €200 for short-haul and long-haul flights.
✔ Flight Restrictions: Pets are not allowed in the Business Class cabin on intercontinental flights due to seat configurations.

How to Book a Carry-On Pet Reservation

✔ Advance Booking: Reservations for in-cabin pets must be made at least 48 hours before departure by contacting KLM customer service.
✔ Pet Limit: One pet per passenger is allowed in the cabin.
✔ Approved Routes: In-cabin pets are allowed on most European and international flights, but some countries have entry restrictions.

📌 Tip: KLM requires a veterinary health certificate for in-cabin pets, issued within 10 days of departure.

2. Checked Pet Travel (As Baggage in the Hold)

For pets that exceed the in-cabin weight limit, KLM allows certain pets to travel as checked baggage in the aircraft hold.

Checked Pet Travel Rules

✔ Eligible Pets: Cats and dogs weighing between 8 kg and 75 kg (including the carrier) can travel in the hold.
✔ Kennel Requirements: Pets must be transported in an IATA-approved, hard-sided kennel with proper ventilation.
✔ Temperature Restrictions: Checked pets may not be transported if extreme temperatures are expected at the departure, layover, or arrival airport.
✔ Booking Requirements: Checked pet travel must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.

Checked Pet Fees

✔ Flights Within Europe: €75 to €200 per pet.
✔ Intercontinental Flights: €200 to €400 per pet.

📌 Tip: If your pet is traveling in the hold, make sure they are well-hydrated and accustomed to their crate before the flight.

3. Cargo Pet Travel (KLM Cargo)

For larger pets or pets exceeding 75 kg with their crate, KLM offers pet transportation via KLM Cargo.

KLM Cargo Rules

✔ Eligible Pets: Dogs, cats, and certain other animals can be transported as cargo.
✔ Kennel Requirements: Must be an IATA-approved, hard-sided container with adequate ventilation.
✔ Booking Requirements: Cargo pet travel must be booked well in advance through KLM Cargo.

📌 Tip: If your pet must travel as cargo, check with KLM Cargo for specific fees, which vary based on pet size, weight, and destination.

4. Breed Restrictions & Special Considerations

Certain breeds may be restricted due to health or safety concerns, particularly brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds that are prone to breathing difficulties.

Banned & Restricted Breeds

KLM does not allow short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds to travel in the cargo hold, including:
✔ Bulldogs (English, French, and American)
✔ Pugs (all types)
✔ Boston Terriers, Boxers
✔ Persian & Himalayan Cats

✔ Dangerous Breeds: Certain large dog breeds, such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Mastiffs, may require special handling and must travel via KLM Cargo instead of checked baggage.

Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

✔ Service Animals: Recognized service dogs can fly for free in the cabin on all KLM flights.
✔ Emotional Support Animals: As of 2021, KLM no longer recognizes ESAs—they must travel as carry-on pets or in the hold.

📌 Tip: If traveling with a service dog, ensure you submit all required documentation at least 48 hours before departure.

5. International Pet Travel Guidelines

Because KLM operates internationally, travelers must comply with the destination country’s pet import rules, vaccination requirements, and possible quarantine mandates.

Country-Specific Pet Policies

✔ European Union: Pets must have an EU Pet Passport, microchip identification, and proof of rabies vaccination.
✔ United States & Canada: Pets must have a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
✔ United Kingdom & Ireland: Pets cannot fly in-cabin or as checked baggage—they must travel as cargo due to UK import laws.
✔ Australia & New Zealand: Pets are subject to strict quarantine regulations—advance planning is required.

📌 Tip: Always research your destination’s pet import requirements well in advance to avoid travel delays.

6. How to Prepare Your Pet for Air Travel

Before Your Flight

✔ Confirm Airline Requirements: Ensure your pet meets size and weight limits for in-cabin or checked baggage travel.
✔ Visit the Veterinarian: Obtain a health certificate and verify all required vaccinations.
✔ Book Early: KLM limits the number of pets per flight, so secure a reservation in advance.

Day of Travel

✔ Arrive Early: Check-in for pets traveling in-cabin should be at least 2 hours before departure, while checked pets should arrive 3 hours before departure.
✔ Exercise Your Pet: Give your pet a chance to walk and relieve themselves before check-in.
✔ Use an Absorbent Liner in the Carrier: Helps keep your pet comfortable during travel.

📌 Tip: Place a favorite blanket or toy in your pet’s carrier to help reduce travel anxiety.

Final Thoughts on KLM’s Pet Policy

KLM provides multiple pet travel options, allowing small pets in the cabin, larger pets as checked baggage, and cargo transport for oversized pets. However, strict weight limits, breed restrictions, and international regulations apply, so proper planning is essential.

Key Takeaways

✔ Small pets (up to 8 kg) can travel in-cabin in an under-seat carrier.
✔ Larger pets (8 kg – 75 kg) must travel in the aircraft hold as checked baggage.
✔ Pets over 75 kg must travel via KLM Cargo.
✔ Short-nosed breeds are restricted from checked baggage and cargo travel.
✔ Service dogs fly for free with valid documentation.
✔ International pet travel requires proper documentation and may involve quarantine.

📌 Plan ahead, book early, and ensure your pet meets all airline requirements for a smooth and stress-free journey!