KLM Pet Policy

KLM Pet Policy

The KLM pet policy allows passengers to travel with small domestic pets like cats and dogs in the passengers cabin, as checked baggage, or as cargo baggage.

Highlights

  • Make a separate reservation for your pet—online via My Trip or by phone. 
  • Reserve no less than 2 days (48 hours) in advance.
  • Make sure your pet’s travel documents and health certificates are in order.
  • Follow the instructions on (and fill out) the KLM Pet Checklist if your pet will travel in the checked baggage section.
  • Be at the airport at least 3 hours early.

KLM Pet Policy for Transporting Pets in the Cabin 

The KLM pet policy states that passengers can carry a small cat or dog in the Economy Class cabin on most flights, and in the Business Class cabin on most flights within Europe. However, they are not allowed to occupy an exit row seat.

KLM Pet Travel Policy Restrictions for Pets in the Cabin 

  • Pets will not be accepted in the Business Class cabin on intercontinental flights due to the non-availability of adequate under-seat space.
  • The pet must be at least 70 days (10 weeks) old on the day of travel.

Pet Container Requirements 

The KLM pet policy for pet travel in the cabin requires the following:

  • The pet carrier size must not exceed
    46cm x 28cm x 24cm (L x W x H).
  • The pet must be able to sit, stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably in the carrier/travel bag/kennel.
  • The maximum permissible weight of the pet (incl. carrier) is 18lb/8kg.
  • Your pet must stay inside the kennel and remain under your front seat throughout the flight. 
  • Exit row seats cannot be occupied by passengers accompanied by pets. 

KLM Pet Policy for Transporting Pets in the Hold 

The KLM pet policy allows pets to travel in the ventilated section of the hold on most KLM flights, subject to the following requirements:

  • The pet must be at least 70 days (10 weeks) old. 
  • The pet’s kennel must comply with IATA rules.
    (Sky and Vari brands are good examples)
  • The combined weight of the pet and kennel must not exceed 165lb/75kg.
  • 2 comparable (in size) and compatible adult animals can travel in a single pet container/kennel if each animal’s weight is up to 30lb/14kg.
  • 3 animals from the same litter can travel in a single kennel if:
    • They are less than 6 months old. 
    • Each animal’s weight does not exceed 30lb/14kg.

KLM Pet Travel Policy Restrictions for Pets in the Hold

The KLM pet policy places the following restrictions on pets traveling in the aircraft hold:

  • Pets will not be given any food or water when traveling in the hold. 
  • Most snub-nosed breeds (such as Pekinese/Persian cats and boxers) are not allowed to travel in the hold but can travel in the aircraft’s cabin or as cargo. 
  • The following dog breeds can only travel in the aircraft’s cabin:
    • French and English bulldogs
    • Pugs 
    • Boston terriers 
  • Pets will not be accepted in the hold:
    • Of KLM’s Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft
    • Of Embraer 175 and 190 aircraft (i.e., KLM Cityhopper flights) if the flights are 2 hours or longer.

Kennel Requirements for Pets in the Hold 

When transporting a pet in the hold, KLM’s pet policy requires that the kennel meet the following requirements:

  • It must have a rigid plastic or fiberglass shell—kennels made of wood, welded wire, or metal bars are not allowed.
  • The kennel’s wheels must be blocked with duct tape or removed.
  • The kennel’s door must be operable via a centralized locking system, capable of fastening the top and bottom locks on the door. (a)
  • The locking pins and door hinge must extend the kennel by at least 1.6cm/5/8in beyond the extrusions (horizontal) above and below the door opening in which the pins are fitted. (b)
  • Both of the kennel’s parts must be joined together with bolts—other forms of locking are not allowed. (c)
  • The pet carrier must have enough space for the pet to stand, sit upright, lie down, and turn around in comfortably without touching the sides:
  • The pet’s kennel must have some absorbent material on the floor—such as a newspaper or a blanket, but not straw.
  • The pet’s kennel must have any of these:
    • 2 fixed food bowls, or 
    • 1 fixed food bowl having 2 compartments: one for food and one for water
  • The kennel must have a label on the side bearing your pet’s name and feeding instructions.
  • Download, read, and fill out the KLM Pet Checklist if transporting your pet in the hold. 

KLM Pet Policy for Transporting Pets as Cargo

The KLM pet policy requires that passengers traveling with more than 3 pets must ship the pets as cargo baggage. To transport your pets as cargo on KLM:

  • The combined weight of the pets and kennel must be more than 165lb/75kg.
  • The kennel’s combined dimensions (L + W + H) must be more than 292cm/115in.
  • The pet must be traveling on a different flight than the passenger.
  • The pet must be traveling to a destination that only allows pets to be transported as cargo.

Health Certificates and Travel Documents for Pets

When traveling with a pet, arrange the vaccinations and other important travel documents well in advance. Make sure to: 

  • Carry the original documents with you. 
  • Attach a tag to the kennel, bearing the passenger’s name, address, and phone number. 
  • Label the pet’s name on the side of the pet container/kennel. 

Travel documents include: 

  • Pet passport (if required). 
  • Health certificate (in English) per legal requirements.
    (highly recommended that you attach copies to the kennel) 

To learn which documents you must carry and the rules that apply, contact the embassies or consulates of the country you’re visiting. For more information, check out the following websites:

  • To/from/within the European Union: European Commission. 
  • Between other countries: IATA 
  • To the United Kingdom: Gov.UK

KLM Pet Charges

Depending on your destination, you will be charged a pet fee ranging from ~USD 37–243/EUR 30–200. At Schiphol (Amsterdam) Airport, you will have to pay ~USD 183/EUR 150 extra. 

Before Departure Tips 

  • Let your pet get used to its kennel about 5 days before your flight’s departure. 
  • Do not give your pet anything to eat or drink a minimum of 2 hours prior to departure. 
  • Walk your dog.
  • Do not tranquilize your pet without consulting a vet. 
  • Download, read, and fill out the KLM Pet Checklist if you’ll be transporting your pet in the hold. 
  • Arrive at the airport a minimum of 3 hours prior to departure.

Ho to Travel with Assistance Dogs, Guide Dogs, and Emotional Support Dogs on KLM

  • Assistance Dogs 
    • Are permitted to travel for free in the cabin 
    • Notify KLM Cares at least 48 hours before departure 
    • Some countries have restrictions, so make sure you have a valid animal passport and documentation, such as vaccination records, etc.
  • Guide Dogs 
    • You can travel with your guide dog in the cabin free of charge
    • Before traveling, download and fill out this application form, send it to KLM Cares, and bring a copy to the airport  
  • Emotional Support Dogs 
    • Can travel with you in the cabin free of charge 
    • Permitted in the cabin only on direct flights from/to the United States
    • Dogs below 4 months of age will not be accepted 
    • Before traveling, download and fill out this application form, arrange a signed declaration from your mental healthcare provider stating that you need to travel with your emotional support dog
    • Submit both (i.e., application form and signed declaration) to KLM Cares, and bring a copy to the airport
    • For details, refer to this page

Other Requirements 

  • At the airport 
    • Check in 30 minutes ahead of the regular arrival time
  • During the flight 
    • Your assistance dog must wear a car harness and remain tied to your seatbelt
    • Your assistance dog must not obstruct the aisle section or any other area

Note

  • For all KLM flights exceeding 8 hours, passengers must submit a declaration that the animal will not be relieving itself—or that it can relieve itself without creating a health or sanitation issue. 
  • If your animal is too big or heavy to be accommodated safely in the cabin, you may be asked to rebook on a flight with more open seats, buy a ticket, or check in your animal. 

Frequently Asked Questions on KLM Pet Policy

What are the requirements for traveling with or transporting pets on KLM?

KLM allows passengers to carry pets in the passenger cabin, as checked baggage (in the hold), or as cargo—depending on the pet’s weight and breed. Book at least 48 hours in advance, either online (via My Trip) or by phone, as KLM accepts a limited number of pets. Check-in formalities can take time, so arrive at the airport 3 hours in advance. To save time, download, print, fill out, and sign the KLM Pet Checklist if your pet will travel as checked baggage in the hold.

What health certificates should I carry when traveling with my pet on KLM?

Most countries have their own specific requirements on what types of vaccinations are needed to transport pets. You should get in touch with KLM’s contact center by phone, visit the destination country’s website, or check with their embassy/consulate in your area. If you have any doubts or need more information, you can visit the following websites:
– To/from/within the European Union: European Commission. 
– Between other countries: IATA 
To the United Kingdom: Gov.UK

What is KLM’s pet in the cabin policy?

KLM allows small dogs and cats to travel in the Economy and Business Class cabins on most European flights. On intercontinental flights, it accepts pets only in the Economy Class—but not in the Business Class. 
If you’re traveling with your pet dog or cat in the passengers’ cabin, the maximum dimensions of the travel bag/pet container must not exceed 46 x 28 x 24cm (L x W x H), and its weight (with the pet inside it) must not exceed 18lb/8kg. Aside from this, your pet must be able to comfortably stand, sit, lie down, and turn around. The kennel must be placed under your front seat, and your pet must remain inside the kennel at all times. 

What is KLM Airlines pet cargo policy?

KLM’s pet cargo policy states that if a passenger is traveling with more than 3 pets, the pets must be shipped as cargo baggage. The pet cargo policy further states that you should ship your pets as cargo baggage on KLM if:
• The combined weight of the pets and kennel is more than 165lb/75kg.
• The kennel’s combined dimensions (L + W + H) are more than 292cm/115in.
• The pet is traveling on a different flight than the passenger.
• The pet is traveling to a destination that does not allow the entry of pets as cabin baggage, but only as cargo/freight baggage.

How can I download the KLM pet checklist?

You can use this link to download the KLM Pet Checklist. This document will have to be filled out, signed, and submitted at the airport if you’re traveling with your pet as checked baggage in the hold.

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