KLM Pet Policy: Cabin, Hold and Cargo Rules

KLM offers three separate pet-transport pathways: cabin, accompanied passenger hold, and cargo. A passenger booking does not itself confirm the pet.

1. Start with the operating airline

KLM says pet capacity depends on aircraft, destination and operating airline. On a codeshare, a KL flight number alone is not enough. Check the airline physically operating every sector and confirm pet space separately.

2. Cabin pets: 8 kg including the carrier

KLM currently permits one dog or cat in cabin when pet + carrier weigh no more than 8 kg / 17.6 lb.

The pet must remain fully inside the closed carrier and be able to stand, turn and breathe comfortably. See How to Choose a Pet Travel Carrier or Crate.

3. Cabin class restrictions

Ordinary cabin pets are currently accepted in Economy Class and Business Class within Europe. They are not accepted in Premium Comfort Class or intercontinental Business Class because the necessary under-seat stowage is unavailable.

4. Reserve at least 48 hours before departure

KLM says pet reservations must be made at least 48 hours before departure and recommends reserving as soon as possible after booking because pet capacity is limited.

5. U.S. dog rules

KLM currently incorporates the CDC dog-entry framework: a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, microchip and minimum age of 6 months are required. KLM also says the form should be completed at least 15 days before departure for dogs between 6 and 12 months old.

6. Passenger hold: under 75 kg combined

Eligible dogs and cats may travel in the hold as passenger-associated animal transport. Pet + kennel must remain under 75 kg / 165 lb.

KLM permits up to three pets in the hold. Certain two-adult or three-littermate combinations may share a kennel when each animal weighs no more than 14 kg and the sharing conditions are met.

7. Aircraft restrictions can remove the hold option

KLM currently does not accept passenger-hold pets on Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-10 or Airbus A321neo aircraft, or on German Airways-operated flights.

8. KLM Cityhopper restriction

Hold pets are currently not accepted on KLM Cityhopper flights longer than 2 hours.

9. Transfer time: 3 hours is the cutoff

10. Paris CDG/ORY requires collection and recheck

At Paris CDG or Orly, KLM says pets cannot automatically continue to the next flight. The traveller must collect the pet and baggage and check both in again for the connecting flight. Build sufficient time for this process.

11. UK rule is directional

KLM currently says PETC and AVIH are not permitted to the UK as passenger baggage because of the UK government embargo. Its current page says there is no equivalent KLM passenger-pet restriction on travel from the UK.

12. Most listed snub-nosed breeds cannot use the hold

KLM excludes most listed snub-nosed dogs and cats from passenger-hold travel because of breathing risk. Cabin travel may still be possible if the normal cabin rules are met, and KLM also points to cargo as a potential alternative.

13. Hold kennel requirements

Current KLM rules require a rigid plastic or fibreglass kennel, suitable standing/turning/lying space, a door locking at top and bottom, sufficiently long hinge/locking pins, bolts joining two-piece shells, attached food/water containers and absorbent floor material. Wheels must be removed or blocked; straw is not permitted.

Pet Fieldbook does not describe retail kennels as “IATA approved.” Use KLM’s applicable kennel requirements and relevant IATA Live Animals Regulations instead.

14. Feeding, sedation and airport arrival

KLM currently advises acclimating the pet to the kennel, says the animal should not eat or drink during the two hours before departure, and strongly advises against tranquillising pets unless discussed with a veterinarian.

KLM says to arrive at least 3 hours before departure, or at least 2 hours before departure from European stations. Hold travellers currently need two copies of the Animals in Hold checklist.

15. Current passenger-pet fees

KLM says passenger pet transport generally ranges from EUR 70 to EUR 500 per one-way flight. Its current U.S. fee page lists:

Use the live KLM market page/My Trip as the final price check for the actual itinerary.

16. When Cargo is the correct pathway

KLM directs travellers toward a specialized shipping agent / cargo solution when the animal is not a dog or cat, exceeds passenger limits, travels on a different flight, is bound for a cargo-only country, or cannot use the passenger hold because of connection logistics.

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo operates a dedicated LIVE network for live-animal shipments. This is a cargo-terminal shipment with its own booking, air waybill, government documents, handling and collection process.

17. Government permission remains separate

Airline acceptance does not replace export, transit or destination permission. KLM currently reminds EU travellers about microchip and EU pet-passport/vaccination requirements, while non-EU travel can require different import and health documents.

See International Pet Travel and Pet Travel Documents & Health Certificates.

18. Practical KLM booking sequence

1. Identify every operating airline.
2. Choose cabin, passenger hold or cargo.
3. Check species and age.
4. Check route direction, especially UK-bound travel.
5. Check aircraft type.
6. Check transfer duration and Paris handling.
7. Check breed eligibility.
8. Measure/weigh pet + carrier or kennel.
9. Reserve the pet at least 48 hours ahead.
10. Build the government-document timeline separately.

FAQ

Does KLM allow pets in the cabin?

Yes. One dog or cat may travel in cabin when pet + carrier weigh no more than 8 kg and the flight is eligible.

What size cabin carrier does KLM allow?

Maximum 46 × 28 × 24 cm / 18 × 11 × 9 in.

How old must a KLM pet be?

At least 15 weeks under the current rule. U.S.-bound dogs must also meet the current six-month U.S. minimum.

Can a large dog travel in the hold?

Potentially. Pet + kennel must remain under 75 kg and meet KLM’s aircraft, connection, breed and kennel rules.

Can a hold pet fly on a KLM 787?

No under the current policy for Boeing 787-9 and 787-10.

Can a hold pet connect with a 4-hour layover?

No. KLM’s current passenger-hold rule excludes transfers of 3 hours or more.

Can a pet travel to the UK as KLM passenger baggage?

Not under the current KLM rule for travel to the UK. KLM says the same restriction does not apply to travel from the UK.

Does KLM Cargo carry pets?

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo operates a live-animal freight network; KLM directs passenger customers to a specialized shipping agent when cargo is required.