All the key rules for flying with a dog or cat on KLM in one place. You’ll find what’s allowed in the cabin, when dogs can go in the hold, how to book, what it costs, and the small print people usually miss (aircraft limits, restrictions, connections).
Complete guide to flying with dogs with KLM airlines
KLM is popular pet friendly airline that accepts dogs and cats in the cabin and also in the hold. The cabin option is limited to small pets that must fit under the seat while bigger dogs travel as checked baggage. KLM shows availability in My Trip after you book your own ticket, so the best move is to secure your flights early and add your pet right away.
- Summary of KLM pet policy ›
- KLM pets in cabin ›
- Pet in hold/cargo ›
- How to book ›
- Required documents ›
- Recommended KLM pet carriers ›
- Tips ›
- Pros & Cons ›
- FAQ ›
1. Overview of KLM’s pet policy
- Accepted KLM pet travel options:
- ✅ In cabin: 1 small dog or cat per passenger in Economy on all routes; Business only within Europe. Not allowed in Premium Comfort or intercontinental Business.
- ✅ Checked baggage: Yes, on many routes up to 75 kg total (pet + kennel); limits by aircraft/connection.
- ✅ Cargo: Required when cabin/hold isn’t possible (e.g., to the UK, oversized pets, restricted aircraft).
- Cabin weight limit: Max 8 kg (pet + carrier)
- Carrier size (in-cabin):
- Soft carrier: max 46 × 28 × 24 cm; must fit under the seat
- Checked baggage crate size: IATA-style hard kennel; max 122 × 81 × 89 cm on KLM wide-bodies; 102 × 69 × 76 cm on KLM Europe flights with B737/Embraer
- Minimum age: 15 weeks
- Main transit hub: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Netherlands
- Booking deadline: Reserve via My Trip no later than 48 hours before departure (earlier is better; space is limited).
- Breed restrictions: Not accepted in the hold; may travel in cabin (if they meet cabin limits) or as cargo.
- Link to the KLM website
You can check our guides for traveling with dogs and cats here
2. KLM pets in cabin travel
KLM allows one small dog or cat per passenger in the cabin when you fly in Economy. On European routes only, cabin pets are also possible in Business. The pet must stay in a soft carrier that slides under the seat for the entire flight — no laps, no open zips.
Size and weight. The carrier can be up to 46 × 28 × 24 cm and the combined weight of pet + carrier must be 8 kg or less. That’s tight for many small breeds, so choose a low-profile soft bag and keep accessories to a minimum.
Seating. If you travel with a pet, you won’t be assigned bulkhead or exit rows. Premium Comfort and long-haul Business are off the table for cabin pets altogether.
Where it gets tricky. KLM doesn’t accept cabin or hold pets to the UK as passenger baggage. From the UK is usually fine; to the UK you’ll need cargo. If you see a KLM codeshare operated by another airline, their pet rules apply.
3. Dogs in hold or cargo
KLM does transport dogs in the hold on many routes, but not all – it depends on aircraft type and the length of your connection. Total weight of the pet with kennel is set up to 75 kg. KLM accepts standard IATA-style hard crates and size limits depend on the type of aircraft — the largest kennel KLM accepts on its own long-haul flights is typically around 122 × 81 × 89 cm, while B737/Embraer European flights allow smaller crates (about 102 × 69 × 76 cm).
There are notable aircraft bans: Boeing 787-9/787-10 and Airbus A321neo do not take pets in the hold. KLM Cityhopper flights longer than two hours usually don’t carry animals in the hold either. Another rule that catches people out: if your transfer is longer than three hours, KLM won’t accept animals in the hold on a through ticket. (Paris CDG has its own handling rules and often requires a longer dedicated transfer window.)
Cargo instead of baggage. When the hold option isn’t possible — for example to the UK, on banned aircraft types, or for oversize dogs — KLM offers animal transport through Air France–KLM Cargo with handling at the Animal Hotel in Amsterdam.
Snub-nosed breeds. Brachycephalic dogs aren’t accepted in the hold for safety reasons. If they’re small enough for the cabin, that’s the safer choice; otherwise, use cargo with specialist handling.
4. Booking process
Booking your pet’s ticket with KLM is quite easy – you add your pet after buying your own ticket. You navigate to the Open My Trip section on KLM.com, find your reservation, and request a spot for your dog in the cabin or in the hold. Space is limited per flight and is confirmed manually.
Timing: request the pet ticket at least 48 hours before departure, but the earlier the better!
Partners: if any leg is operated by another airline, their rules decide what’s possible.
Proof: once confirmed, you’ll see the pet service added in My Trip together with the fee. We recommend you to keep a screenshot as you may need it at check-in.
If you don’t see the option you need (for example “pet in hold” is missing), it usually means that the aircraft on that route doesn’t accept animals in the hold or the quota is already full and there’s no space for your pet.
5. Required documents
For travel inside the EU/Schengen, your dog needs an EU Pet Passport with rabies vaccination and microchip recorded. Some countries also ask for tapeworm treatment (e.g., Ireland, Malta, Finland, Norway) – usually 24-72 hours before arrival.
If you fly from or to non-EU country, requirements depend usually on the destination country, but in most cases expect health certificates, import permits, and — in some cases — rabies antibody titers or quarantine. For the United States, current CDC rules require a microchip, the CDC Dog Import Form, and a minimum age of 6 months for arriving dogs. But it is necessary to always check the official sites for your destinaton.
KLM itself doesn’t normally demand a “fit-to-fly” note for cabin pets, but airport vets or destination authorities may ask for one — carry a recent health letter if your route is strict.
6. Recommended KLM pet carrier & travel gear
For the cabin, a soft, low-profile carrier that truly fits 46 × 28 × 24 cm is your safest bet. Keep it light so you don’t blow the 8 kg limit. Ventilation panels on three sides and a leakproof base are a must. If your dog is right at the limit, choose a carrier with flexible top panels so it can slide under the seat.
Here are TOP 3 KLM approved pet carriers
For the in hold travel, use an IATA-compliant hard crate with bolted halves and a metal-framed door. Also do not forget about water and food containers that can be filled from outside, and of course an absorbent lining. Add cable ties but leave them open until staff finish the checks.
7. Tips from travelers
We at PetAbroad always recommend to start crate/carrier practice in advance so your pet is used to the space. You can keep the door open at home, drop in a blanket or an old T-shirt, and make it a safe place rather than a surprise on the day.
At the airport, arrive +-three hours before departure; KLM will check paperwork and weigh the carrier with the dog inside.
8. Pros & Cons of choosing KLM for pet travel
Pros
- Cabin and hold options on many routes, with decent kennel sizes on wide-bodies.
- Clear booking through My Trip and generally experienced staff at Amsterdam.
Cons
- No pets as baggage to the UK; aircraft bans for hold (787 and A321neo).
- Strict weight/size for cabin (8 kg; 46 × 28 × 24 cm) and connection rules for hold.
9. FAQ about KLM pet transport
Can my dog fly in the KLM cabin?
Yes — small dogs and cats can fly in Economy on all routes and in Business within Europe. The carrier must fit 46 × 28 × 24 cm and pet + carrier must be ≤ 8 kg. Not available in Premium Comfort or long-haul Business.
Does KLM take dogs in the hold?
Often yes, up to 75 kg including the crate, but not on all aircraft or routes. B787-9/-10 and A321neo don’t take hold animals; KLM Cityhopper flights over two hours usually don’t either. Long layovers can block it as well.
How much does it cost to fly with a dog on KLM?
KLM shows the exact fee during the booking process in My Trip. As a guide, you’ll see prices across routes roughly between €70 and €500 one way.
Can I fly to the UK with my dog on KLM?
Not as cabin or hold baggage. For UK arrivals you’ll need cargo. From the UK, cabin/hold is usually possible if the route allows.
Are flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds allowed?
They’re not accepted in the hold for safety reasons. If the dog fits the 8 kg cabin limit, use the cabin; otherwise arrange cargo.