KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Pet Travel Policy (2026 Guide)
KLM is renowned for its animal-friendly services, housing the world’s largest airline Animal Hotel at Amsterdam Schiphol. Small dogs and cats can fly in-cabin up to 8 kg, while larger pets travel in temperature-controlled holds.
Can I fly with a pet on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines? Yes. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines allows small dogs and cats in the passenger cabin provided the pet and carrier weigh no more than 8 kg and fit in a compliant carrier. Larger pets may travel in the cargo hold up to 75 kg.
Carrier Sizing & Dimension Mandates
46 × 28 × 24 cm (18.1 × 11.0 × 9.4 in), flexible travel bag
Must be waterproof, bite-proof, ventilated on at least 3 sides, and capable of stowing completely under the seat in front of you without compressing your pet.
Rigid plastic or fiberglass with metal bolts and nuts
Wooden crates and plastic side-latches are strictly rejected. The crate must feature 4-sided ventilation, attachable two-compartment food/water dishes accessible from the exterior, and allow the pet to stand fully upright with at least 5 to 7 cm (2–3 in) of ear clearance.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boarding & Flight Regulations
- ✓Pet reservations must be completed by telephone at least 48 hours before departure.
- ✓Maximum 3 pets in the hold per passenger.
- ✓Wooden crates and plastic latches without metal bolts are strictly rejected for hold travel.
- ✓In-cabin pets cannot travel in Premium Comfort Class or Business Class on intercontinental flights due to seat design.
Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) & Restricted Breeds
Due to elevated risks of respiratory failure, heatstroke, and anatomical airway obstruction during flight changes in cabin pressure, airlines maintain strict breed restrictions:
Step-by-Step Booking Checklist for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Call KLM Customer Contact Centre to verify pet quota availability on your flight.
Ensure EU Pet Passport or non-commercial health certificate (Annex IV) is issued by accredited veterinarian.
Complete and print the KLM "Checklist for transport in the hold" form.
Arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol check-in at least 3 hours prior to long-haul departure.
Frequently Asked Questions About KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Can my dog travel in cabin on KLM?
Yes, if your dog or cat weighs no more than 8 kg (17.6 lbs) including their carrier, and the carrier does not exceed 46 × 28 × 24 cm.
What is the KLM Animal Hotel at Schiphol?
Located at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the KLM Animal Hotel is a 24/7 facility where transiting pets receive food, fresh water, medication, and outdoor walks during layovers exceeding 2 hours.
Does KLM allow pugs or bulldogs in the hold?
No. KLM strictly bans all brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds from the cargo hold. They can only travel in the cabin if they meet the 8 kg limit.
Airport Layover Station
KLM Animal Hotel at Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS): A world-class transit sanctuary staffed 24/7 by animal attendants and veterinarians, providing custom meals and dog walking runs.
Check IATA Crate Sizing
Airlines inspect crates at check-in with strict mathematical formulas (Snout-to-tail length + half leg height).
Launch Free Compliance Check→Upload Pet Documents
Upload vaccination records, microchip paperwork, or rabies titer certificates to check if they fulfill destination country laws before paying airline cargo deposits.
Instant OCR Document Scan↓