A coalition of countries has asked the UN’s aviation body to create global standards for transporting pets by air. It’s an encouraging step toward safer, clearer rules for anyone flying with a dog.
What’s new in ICAO pet safety news
Colombia with around twenty other countries from Latin America and Europe has officially urged the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and ask them to develop global standards for pet air transport. That will be discussed at the ICAO Assembly in Montréal from 23 September to 3 October 2025.
And even though ICAO standards (known as SARPs) aren’t laws by themselves, most of the member states and airlines often adopt them. Today, pet rules vary widely between airlines and countries—this push aims to close that gap.
ICAO pet safety news: what could change (and what won’t—yet)
If ICAO takes this forward, we may see clearer minimum baselines for:
- safe handling and loading procedures, ventilation/temperature guidelines in holds, and consistent crate standards and staff training across carriers.
This is not an overnight switch. Any ICAO work would be followed by detailed drafting and adoption phases before airlines and national regulators roll changes out. In short: promising direction, gradual timeline.
ICAO pet safety news compared with today’s airline rules
Right now, most European airlines allow small dogs (typically up to ~8 kg including carrier) in the cabin, with larger dogs travelling as checked pet/hold or via cargo—subject to airline limits and destination rules. Separately, the industry already uses IATA’s Live Animals Regulations (LAR) as a best-practice benchmark, but these are not the same as ICAO’s global standards—hence the current push.
🔗Check out IATA pet travel initiative news from October 2025.
We’re also seeing momentum elsewhere: for example, Virgin Australia has announced in-cabin pets on selected domestic routes from October 2025—evidence that airline policies are evolving alongside customer demand.
ICAO pet safety news: what dog owners should do now (Europe focus)
Until anything formal changes, stick with proven steps that keep dogs safer and flights simpler:
- Choose a pet-friendly airline and book your pet’s spot as early as possible.
- Make sure your pet is used to the travel carrier/crate; use familiar blankets and a no-spill water bottle.
- Know your paperwork (EU Pet Passport, microchip, rabies; or tapeworm treatment).
- Time your airport routine for one last relief break and calm boarding.
Dive deeper in our guides:
How to fly with a dog: Complete guide — rules, documents, and preparation
10 tips for flying with your dog — our team’s must-do checklist
First flight with a dog: what to expect — step-by-step from check-in to landing
Italy now allows large dogs in cabin (2025) — an example of national-level change in Europe
ICAO pet safety news: the bottom line for dog owners
This is good news for travelling with pets: the world’s key aviation body is being asked to prioritise pet safety and consistency. We’ll watch the Montréal Assembly dates closely and continue translating policy talk into practical tips for your next flight.