What are the Best Pet-Friendly Airlines for International Travel in 2025?

Traveling internationally with a pet is more complicated than booking a seat — it’s paperwork, windows into unfamiliar rules, and a lot of moving parts. The good news: some airlines make global pet travel substantially easier by offering clear policies, sensible fees, reliable temperature-controlled options, and customer service that treats pets like passengers. This guide compares the best pet-friendly airlines for international travel in 2025 and gives practical tips so you can plan a safe, low-stress journey for your pet.

Below you’ll find a value-first comparison of top carriers, how they handle in-cabin vs. hold/cargo travel, typical fee structures, booking and documentation requirements, and decision rules for picking the airline that will work best for your animal and itinerary.

How I picked these carriers (what “pet-friendly” means here)

Not every airline is equally friendly to pets. For this guide, “pet-friendly” means a carrier that:

Publishes clear, current international pet policies and documentation requirements.
Supports both in-cabin and temperature-controlled hold/cargo options for cats/dogs (when size requires it).
Has a practical fee structure and transparent booking rules.
Demonstrates consistent operational practices (direct flights or better connected pet routing).
Provides useful traveler guidance and allows advanced registration.

The airlines featured below meet those criteria and have widely reported track records for international pet travel in 2025. Key official policy pages and recent reporting were used to compile the comparisons. Airpets InternationalKLM AirlinesLufthansaAir France USA

Quick take: top picks (shortlist)

KLM — Best for clear international routes and both in-cabin and temperature-controlled hold options. KLM Airlines
Lufthansa — Strong rules for cabin/cargo, advanced registration, and robust international coverage (Frankfurt hub advantages). Lufthansa
Air France — Good documentation support for international trips and clear weight/kennel rules; useful for many Europe-linked routes. Air France USA
(Honorable mentions) — Regional operators and specialist carriers may be friendlier for certain routes and pet sizes; always check official pages and recent traveler reports. Airpets International

Detailed airline comparisons (policies, fees, and practical tips)

KLM — balanced options for international pet travel

KLM continues to be a top choice for international pet travel because it documents both in-cabin and hold options clearly and has a long history of transporting pets on intercontinental flights. Small dogs and cats may travel in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat and total weight is within limits; larger animals travel in a climate-controlled hold. KLM also outlines kennel dimensions and paperwork needed for international moves, making it easy to plan ahead. KLM Airlines+1

Practical tips for KLM:

Reserve pet space early — in-cabin quotas are limited.
Confirm carrier dimensions and total weight limits before booking.
For international moves, gather import permits, vaccination records, and any country-specific health certificates well in advance.

Lufthansa — strong rules and Frankfurt/Frankfurt-centric logistics

Lufthansa publishes comprehensive rules for pets both in the cabin and as checked baggage/cargo. They require advanced registration (often 72 hours for cabin pets) and enforce weight—pets plus container typically must be under 8 kg for cabin carriage. Lufthansa’s hubs at Frankfurt and Munich have established animal handling procedures, but note some hub restrictions (for instance, some through-check limitations via Munich). For international routes where direct flights are possible from Germany, Lufthansa’s routing can minimize layover complexity for pets. Lufthansa+1

Practical tips for Lufthansa:

Register pets at least 72 hours before departure.
Avoid routing that forces through-checking via airports that have restrictions on cargo/hold handling for animals (e.g., some Munich connections). Lufthansa
If your itinerary requires multiple carriers, confirm through-check and handling for the entire route.

Air France — straightforward rules and clear baggage/hold distinctions

Air France outlines specific weights and kennel rules: small pets may fly in the cabin in an approved travel bag; animals over a specified weight (including kennel) must travel in the hold. The airline requires booking at least 24 hours before departure for pet carriage on many routings, and provides explicit guidance on crate specs and health documents — useful when you’re juggling multiple government requirements. Air France USAPetTravel

Practical tips for Air France:

Make reservations for pets as soon as you book flights; space is limited.
Carefully follow the kennel dimensions and documentation checklist to avoid denied boarding at the gate.
Expect different fees by route (domestic France, EU, long haul), so verify the exact amount on your booking. BringFido

Other carriers and regional notes

North America & specialty carriers: Some boutique or regional carriers (and private charter services) provide more flexible in-cabin allowances or larger-cabin options; however, international reach may be limited. Always cross-check official policy pages. TravelnuityTennessee Tails Pet Boutique
Australian context: As of 2024–2025, Australian commercial carriers have evolving rules and in some cases do not allow pets in cabins on international flights — check local carriers carefully and consider specialist pet relocation services for complex moves. Recent reporting highlights evolving rules and the importance of regulatory approvals. The Australian

Fees and cost expectations for international pet travel

Airline fees vary widely — they depend on whether the pet travels in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as manifest cargo. Here’s a practical breakdown:

In-cabin fees (small pets): Typically a flat fee per flight segment. For international legs, expect anywhere from a modest surcharge to a more substantial per-segment fee depending on carrier and route. Always confirm full itinerary fees, not just origin/destination legs. BringFido
Checked baggage vs. manifest cargo: Medium/large pets often travel in the hold as checked baggage or manifest cargo. Cargo pricing is usually higher and may include temperature-controlled handling fees.
Hidden costs: Veterinary paperwork, government import/export permits, quarantine fees (where applicable), and special crates can add thousands of dollars to the trip cost. A high-profile 2024–2025 relocation case highlighted how permit and airline seat/permit selection can lead to surprisingly high totals when moving pets internationally. The Guardian

Bottom line: budget for the airline fee, government paperwork, a flight-approved crate, and possible pet relocation service fees if direct flights or simple routing are unavailable.

Booking strategies that reduce stress and risk

Book direct flights when possible

Each connection or aircraft change increases complexity — new handlers, different cargo holds, and potential delays. Aim for a direct flight or the fewest possible layovers.

Reserve pet space immediately

Most airlines limit the number of in-cabin pets on each flight. If you plan to travel with your pet in the cabin, reserve that spot at booking or call immediately after buying tickets.

Confirm breed restrictions and temperature embargoes

Some airlines and countries have breed restrictions (short-nosed breeds may be barred or subject to strict rules) and seasonal temperature embargoes for animals traveling in cargo. Verify policies for your carrier and specific route and avoid flights during heatwaves or extreme cold.

Use airline checklists and keep digital + printed copies of all docs

Carry vaccination certificates, veterinary health certificates, microchip documentation, and import permits in both digital and printed form. Airlines may ask for originals at check-in.

Preparing your pet physically and mentally

Crate training and acclimation

For any pet that will be in a carrier for hours, crate training weeks or months in advance is essential. Make the crate a positive space at home so the carrier becomes familiar and comforting.

Pre-flight vet visit and medications

Get a health check within the timeframe required by both the airline and destination country. Discuss anti-anxiety options or motion-sickness medications with your vet — don’t medicate without professional guidance. Some carriers and regulatory bodies caution against sedating pets for air travel because it can affect breathing in flight conditions.

Exercise and feeding schedule

Exercise your dog thoroughly before a long flight, but avoid heavy meals right before departure to reduce the chance of motion sickness. Offer water regularly but limit the amount immediately before takeoff.

International paperwork and country requirements

International pet travel involves two layers: airline requirements and government import/export rules. Common elements include:

Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 often required or must be readable)
Rabies vaccination + certificate (timing matters — many countries require vaccination completed before a specified window)
Health certificate (often an endorsed APHIS/official vet form for travel to/from certain countries)
Country-specific import permits or quarantine permits (some countries require pre-approval)

Always check both the airline’s required documents and the destination country’s government pages. PetTravel and airline official pages provide practical checklists for common destinations. PetTravelKLM Airlines

What to do if your pet must travel as cargo

Cargo travel has improved, but it’s not identical across carriers or routes. If your pet travels as manifest cargo:

Choose flights with modern, climate-controlled cargo holds and reputable animal handling procedures.
Avoid travel on extremely hot or cold days; many airlines will embargo cargo transport during such periods.
Use a solid, IATA-compliant crate and label it clearly with your contact details and “Live Animal.”
Consider hiring a professional pet relocation service for complex international moves where they can manage door-to-door logistics and customs clearance.

Final decision checklist — which airline is right for your trip?

Ask yourself these questions when choosing an airline for international pet travel:

Does the airline offer the mode my pet needs (in-cabin vs. hold vs. cargo) for this route? (Check the airline’s official pet page.) KLM AirlinesLufthansa
Can I fly direct or minimize connections? (Fewer legs = fewer handling events.)
What are the total costs including fees, crate, permits, and vet checks? (Budget conservatively.) The Guardian
Are there breed, size, or seasonal restrictions on the route I’m taking? (Some airports/airlines block pet transport in extreme weather.)
How clear is the airline’s documentation and customer service for international pet travel? (Clear, detailed pages reduce surprises at check-in.) Air France USAPetTravel

If multiple carriers meet your needs, pick the one with the simplest routing and the clearest paperwork.

Real traveler lessons and final tips

Start early: Finalize vet paperwork and permits weeks or months before departure. Last-minute international paperwork is the major cause of denied boarding or quarantine. PetTravel
Prepare for costs beyond the airline ticket: The Guardian’s recent relocation story shows how permit, vet, and extra logistical costs add up — budget accordingly. The Guardian
Practice the carrier: Train your pet to be comfortable in the carrier for hours, not just minutes.
Use reputable relocation help when needed: For complex international moves (especially multi-leg itineraries or country border restrictions), a professional pet relocation service can be a worthwhile investment. Airpets International

Conclusion

Selecting the best pet-friendly airlines for international travel in 2025 means balancing airline policy clarity, route logistics, and your pet’s size and temperament. KLM, Lufthansa, and Air France stand out for their transparent guidance and broad international networks, but the best choice depends on your itinerary — direct flights, temperature-controlled holds, and straightforward documentation often matter more than a headline “pet-friendly” ranking. Plan early, confirm every document with both the airline and destination authorities, and prioritize fewer connections to keep your pet safe and calm.