KLM Pet Policy 2026: Flying With Your Pet Via Amsterdam — Complete Guide

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is famously known for its blue livery, but in the pet transport world, its real distinction lies in a climate-controlled building hidden away from the passenger terminals at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Known as the Air France-KLM-Martinair Cargo Animal Hotel, this 24-hour facility features a dedicated dog-walking service. If your pet travels in the hold on a connecting KLM flight with a layover of 2 hours or more, they do not sit on a baggage cart. Instead, handlers transfer them to this state-of-the-art hotel where animal care specialists feed, water, and walk them in private indoor and outdoor areas until their next flight departs.

KLM Pet Travel: At a Glance

For quick reference, the core aspects of traveling with your pet on KLM include:

• Allowed Species: Dogs and cats only. All other animals must use specialized cargo services.

• In-Cabin Weight Limit: 8 kg (17.6 lbs) including the weight of the carrier.

• In-Cabin Carrier Size: Maximum 46 x 28 x 24 cm (18 x 11 x 9 inches).

• Hold / Cargo Weight Limit: Combined weight of pet and kennel must not exceed 75 kg (165 lbs).

• Hold / Cargo Kennel Dimensions: Max 122 x 81 x 89 cm (48 x 32 x 35 inches) on standard flights; max 102 x 69 x 76 cm on European flights operated by Boeing 737 or Embraer aircraft.

• Average Fees: €70 to €500 (approx. $80 to $550 USD) per one-way flight depending on your route.

• Booking Window: Must be reserved at least 48 hours prior to departure, though early booking is strongly recommended due to strict per-flight animal limits.

For detailed country-specific document requirements, health forms, and vaccination rules for 190+ nations, you can check Pet Travel Country Guides | Import & Export Rules by Country | Pet Holiday Club

In-Cabin Pet Rules (PETC)

If you plan to fly with your cat or small dog inside the passenger cabin, KLM has strict, non-negotiable comfort and space restrictions to ensure safety on board.

Species Allowed

Only domestic cats and dogs are permitted in the cabin. KLM does not allow rabbits, birds, rodents, or reptiles in the passenger areas under any circumstances.

Weight Limits

The combined weight of your pet and their travel bag must not exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs). If your pet is close to this limit, it is highly recommended to use an ultra-lightweight, soft-sided carrier to keep the total package under the threshold.

Carrier Dimensions & Type

• Maximum Dimensions: 46 x 28 x 24 cm (18 x 11 x 9 inches).

• Carrier Type: Soft-sided, flexible travel bags are highly recommended because they can compress slightly to fit under the seat in front of you.

• Ventilation & Space: The bag must be fully closed, zippered, and well-ventilated. Your pet must be able to stand up, lie down, and turn around comfortably inside.

• Placement: The carrier must remain under the seat in front of you for the duration of the taxi, takeoff, flight, and landing. You are not allowed to open the bag or take your pet out at any point.

Travel Class Restrictions

• Economy Class: Pets are allowed in cabin on all routes.

• Business Class (Intra-Europe): Pets are allowed in cabin.

• Business Class (Intercontinental): Pets are not allowed. Intercontinental Business Class seats feature shell-style designs or lie-flat pods with footrests that do not have under-seat storage space.

• Premium Comfort Class: Pets are not allowed on any route due to the seat design.

Cargo & Hold Pet Rules (AVIH)

When your pet is too large to fit under the seat, they must travel in the climate-controlled baggage hold.

Cabin vs. Hold Criteria

Any dog or cat weighing over 8 kg (including their bag) must travel in the hold. KLM allows up to three pets in the hold per passenger.

Weight & Size Limits

• Maximum Weight: 75 kg (165 lbs) for the pet and the rigid kennel combined.

• Maximum Size on Standard Flights: 122 x 81 x 89 cm (48 x 32 x 35 inches).

• Maximum Size on European Regional Flights: 102 x 69 x 76 cm (40 x 27 x 30 in) on flights operated with Boeing 737 and Embraer aircraft (KLM Cityhopper).

Rigorous Kennel Requirements

To travel in the hold, your pet's kennel must comply directly with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations.

• Material: Rigid plastic, wood, or metal. Wire mesh cages or collapsible kennels are strictly forbidden.

• Door: Metal latching door with a secure locking mechanism. Plastic pegs or plastic door clips are not accepted.

• Fasteners: The top and bottom halves of the shell must be secured together using metal nuts and bolts. Plastic click-latches are banned unless reinforced with metal bolts.

• Interior: The floor must be covered with an absorbent layer (blanket or training pads). Food and water bowls must be attached securely to the inside of the door and accessible from the outside for filling without opening the kennel.

• Wheels: Any wheels must be removed or taped secure so the crate cannot roll during flight.

Connection Limits & Layout Restrictions

• 3-Hour Transfer Limit: You cannot check a pet in the hold if your layover at Amsterdam Schiphol is longer than 3 hours. For longer transits, you must book your pet through KLM Cargo.

• Aircraft Restrictions: Pets cannot travel in the hold on flights operated with Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-10, or Airbus A321neo aircraft. Additionally, pets cannot be transported in the hold on KLM Cityhopper (KLC) flights longer than 2 hours.

• Winter Embargo: On certain KLM Cityhopper routes operated with Embraer aircraft, pets are not allowed in the hold between November 1 and March 31 due to cargo compartment heating limitations.

Breed Restrictions & Animal Safety

Because animal welfare is the primary concern, KLM enforces specific rules for flat-faced (brachycephalic) animals and dangerous dog breeds.

Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breeds

Snub-nosed dogs and cats suffer from compromised airways, which can make breathing difficult. The stress of flight, combined with fluctuating cargo hold temperatures, can cause fatal respiratory distress.

Hold Ban on Select Snub-Nosed Breeds: KLM does not allow the following snub-nosed breeds to travel in the cargo hold (either as checked baggage or cargo):

• Dogs: Boston Terriers, Boxers, Bulldogs (English, French, and American), Pugs, Shih Tzus, Chow Chows, Pekingese, Shar Peis, Lhasa Apsos, Mastiffs, King Charles Spaniels, and Lhasa Apsos.

• Cats: Persian, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, and Himalayan cats.

If your pet is a snub-nosed breed, they can still travel in the cabin with you, provided they meet the 8 kg weight and size limits. If they are larger than 8 kg, they cannot travel on passenger flights and must be shipped via an IPATA-registered cargo shipper using specialist networks.

International Route Requirements & Paperwork

A simple documentation mistake can result in your pet being quarantined, returned to the country of origin, or worse. When flying internationally with KLM, you must present physical proof of compliance at the check-in desk.

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│              Standard European Entry Requirements        │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 1. ISO Microchip (Must be implanted before vaccination)  │
│ 2. Rabies Vaccine (Given at least 21 days prior)         │
│ 3. EU Pet Passport OR Non-Commercial Health Certificate  │
│ 4. Tapeworm Treatment (Required for UK, Ireland, Malta)  │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Key Documentation Guidelines

• Microchip: Your pet must be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant transponder. The microchip must be read and recorded before or on the day of their rabies vaccination.

• Rabies Vaccination: Pets must be vaccinated against rabies by an authorized veterinarian. For primary vaccinations, you must wait at least 21 days before your pet can enter the European Union or transit through Amsterdam.

• EU Entry paperwork: For non-EU residents entering Europe, your USDA-accredited (or country equivalent) vet must complete a non-commercial health certificate (Annex IV), which must be officially endorsed by USDA APHIS (or equivalent government body) within 10 days of your flight.

• The UK Embargo: Due to British government regulations, KLM cannot fly pets as passenger baggage (neither in-cabin nor in-hold) into the United Kingdom. Pets traveling to the UK must fly strictly as manifest cargo. However, you can fly out of the UK with your pet in-cabin or in-hold on KLM flights.

• US Border Control (CDC Rules): If you are flying a dog into the United States, you must comply with CDC import rules. All dogs must be at least 6 months old, microchipped, and accompanied by a digital or printed receipt of the completed CDC Dog Import Form.

How to Book a Pet on KLM: Step-by-Step

Because aircraft have strict limits on the total number of pets allowed on a single flight, you should book your pet's ticket the moment you buy yours.

1.Check flight availability:Step 1.

Before purchasing your ticket, call the KLM Customer Contact Center or contact them via social media. Provide your desired travel dates, flight numbers, and the dimensions/weight of your pet's carrier to confirm that there is still space for an animal on those specific flights.

2.Book your ticket:Step 2.

Purchase your flight ticket online or over the phone.

3.Reserve your pet's spot:Step 3.

Log in to My Trip on KLM official website to add a pet to your booking. If the system is unable to process your request online, call KLM Customer Service directly to add the pet manually. Ensure this is done at least 48 hours before departure.

4.Download and print checking documents:Step 4.

Go to the KLM website and download the official KLM Pet Travel Checklist. Print, fill out, and sign this document. If your pet is traveling in the hold, you must print two copies.

5.Arrive early at the airport:Step 5.

Arrive at the airport check-in desk at least 3 hours before departure for international flights, or 2 hours for flights within Europe. Online check-in is not available when traveling with an animal; a KLM agent must physically inspect your pet's paperwork, weigh the carrier, and collect the pet fee.

Tips for Flying With Your Pet on KLM

To ensure a seamless travel day, keep these airline-specific guidelines in mind:

• Acclimatize the crate early: Introduce your pet to their travel bag or hard kennel at least five days before departure. Toss treats and favorite toys inside so they build positive associations with the space.

• Manage meal times: Do not feed your pet for at least 2 to 4 hours before departure. Give them a light, easily digestible meal and a small drink of water to prevent motion sickness during the flight.

• Burn off excess energy: Give your dog a long, active walk before heading to the airport terminal. Exhaustion is your friend; a tired dog is a sleeping dog.

• Avoid sedation: Do not give your pet sedatives or tranquilizers unless explicitly instructed by your vet. Sedatives can severely lower blood pressure and affect your pet's ability to balance and regulate their temperature in the air.

• Pack extra copies of paperwork: Store all health documents, rabies certificates, and pet passports in a waterproof folder. Attach a spare copy to the outside of your pet's cargo crate in a clear pouch.

Competitor Comparison: Pet Travel Policies

FAQ

Q: Can I take my pet out of its carrier during a KLM flight?

No. Your pet must remain completely inside their closed, zipped travel bag under the seat in front of you for the entire flight. Taking your pet out, even briefly, is a violation of safety rules.

Q: How much does it cost to fly a pet on KLM?

The one-way fee ranges from €70 to €500 depending on your origin, destination, and whether your pet travels in the cabin or the hold. You will see the exact fee during the reservation process.

Q: Can my pet fly in Business Class on long-haul KLM flights?

No. Pets are not allowed in the cabin in Premium Comfort Class or Business Class on intercontinental routes because the seat configurations do not have under-seat storage space for a pet carrier.

Q: What happens to my hold pet during a layover at Amsterdam Schiphol?

If your layover is 2 hours or more, your pet is transferred to the KLM Animal Hotel. Staff will feed, water, and walk your dog, or clean your cat's crate in a secure, climate-controlled environment.

Q: Can I fly with my pug in the cargo hold of a KLM flight?

No. KLM does not allow pugs or other select snub-nosed breeds to travel in the cargo hold due to safety and respiratory risks. They can only travel in the cabin if they are under 8 kilograms.

Q: Does my pet need an EU Pet Passport to transit through Amsterdam?

No. If you are starting your journey outside the EU, you will need an official non-commercial health certificate (Annex IV) endorsed by your home country's veterinary authority instead of a passport.

Before flying with your pet on KLM, make sure you have the right documentation for your destination. Pet Holiday Club covers 190+ countries with government-sourced, vet-verified pet travel checklists at petholidayclub.com — so you arrive prepared, not refused.