Kenya Airways Pet Policy

A few words about Kenya Airways Pet Policy

  • Kenya Airways allows small pets to fly in the cabin and transport larger animals as cargo on flights within Africa and internationally. Kenya Airways has guidelines regarding pet reservations, carriers, documents, fees and restrictions that owners should know.

Key Details of Kenya Airways Pet Policy

  • Kenya Airways permits small dogs, cats, and household birds to fly in the cabin under certain conditions, while larger pets can only travel as checked cargo. Pets may fly in approved carriers in the main cabin or as accompanied animals in temperature-controlled cargo holds. There are limits on the number, size, breed and weight of pets allowed in the cabin, advance reservations are required, and fees apply. Pets traveling as cargo need an IATA airline-compliant kennel and health certificate from a veterinarian within 14 days of travel. Owners must comply with all regulations of the origin, transit and destination countries. Service dogs are accommodated in the cabin with supporting documentation.

Transporting Pets in the Cabin with Kenya Airways

  • Kenya Airways allows small dogs, cats and household birds to fly in the aircraft cabin in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. The carrier must have proper ventilation and secure closures. Advance reservations and payment of the applicable fee are required, as there is a limited number of pets permitted in the cabin per flight. The pet must remain in their carrier stored under the seat in front for the entire flight without disturbing other passengers. Certain snub-nosed dog and cat breeds are prohibited from flying in the cabin due to respiratory risks. Kenya Airways charges $125 each way for carry-on pets on flights within Africa, and $200 each way for intercontinental flights.

Transporting Larger Pets as Cargo with Kenya Airways

  • Kenya Airways allows larger dogs, cats, household birds, hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs and certain other pets to be transported accompanied as cargo. Pets must travel in an IATA-compliant rigid plastic or fiberglass kennel that is properly secured and labeled. The kennel must be large enough for the pet to be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. Pet owners must contact Kenya Airways Cargo at least 48 hours before the flight to make a reservation, as there is limited cargo space on each aircraft. One-way cargo pet fees range from $150-300 based on destination. Additional charges may apply for oversized kennels. Pets are transported in pressurized, climate-controlled cargo holds.

Health Certificates and Documents Required for Pets

  • Pets traveling as cargo with Kenya Airways require a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 14 days prior of the flight departure date. The certificate must provide documentation of current rabies and other vaccinations required for the pet. For travel to certain destinations, specific vaccines and immunizations may be mandatory. Owners must also secure any mandatory import licenses, permits or other documents required by their destination country in advance and have these available when checking in. Failure to meet entry requirements can result in denied transport.

Restrictions on Pets Traveling with Kenya Airways

  • Certain dog breeds including Pit Bulls, Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, or any mix of these breeds, are prohibited from flying as cargo or carry-on. Pregnant or nursing female pets may also not be accepted for transport. Extreme hot or cold weather conditions at the origin or destination airports that may endanger the pet may prevent acceptance as cargo. Airlines can refuse carriage of any pets lacking the proper documents, health certificates, import licenses or vaccinations required for entry at their destination.

Tips for Smooth Pet Travel with Kenya Airways

  • To ensure a smooth flight for a pet traveling with Kenya Airways, it is advisable for owners to plan well in advance. Read Kenya Airways' pet policy fully and ensure compliance with all regulations and entry requirements for your origin point, connections and final destination. Use an airline approved carrier in good condition that features proper interior comforts and labels. Reserve cargo space or cabin tickets early, as these are limited. Have backup carrier options in case your pet is too large for the cabin. Carry all required documents and health certificates to avoid issues. For cargo pets, request priority kennel return upon arrival at your destination before other cargo is unloaded.

Kenya Airways Policy for Transporting Dogs

  • Kenya Airways has specific policies regarding transporting dogs as carry-on pets or as accompanied cargo that owners should understand.
  • In-Cabin Dogs
  • Only certain small dog breeds are permitted to fly in the cabin with Kenya Airways. Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned. The rabies vaccine is required. Soft or hard-sided carriers must meet underseat size requirements. Absorbent lining, a collapsible bowl and bottled water are recommended. Affix the required pet labels and an ID tag with contact information.
  • Transporting Dogs as Cargo
  • Use an IATA-approved rigid plastic kennel properly secured with nuts/bolts and labeled. Allow enough room for the dog to stand, turn and lie down comfortably. Include absorbent lining and interior food/water bowls. Attach Live Animal placards and labels. Request priority return upon arrival to minimize stress. Take direct flights where possible as layovers increase chances of errors.

Kenya Airways Policy for Transporting Cats

  • Kenya Airways has separate guidelines for transporting cats as cabin carry-on pets or as cargo.
  • In-Cabin Cats
  • Use a soft-sided or hard-sided carrier that fits under the seat with proper leak-proof lining and closures. A portable litter pan is recommended. Cats should have an ID tag on their collar with owner contact information in the carrier. Affix the required Live Pet stickers. Only domestic cats are permitted in the cabin.
  • Transporting Cats as Cargo
  • Use an approved hard-sided kennel secured with nuts/bolts and properly labeled for air travel. Include interior litter pan, bedding, water/food bowls. Attach "Live Cat" stickers and ID tag with owner contact info inside kennel. Request expedited kennel return upon arrival before other cargo is unloaded. Take direct routes where possible to lower chances of cargo issues impacting pets.

Tips for Flying with Pets Internationally on Kenya Airways

  • Flying internationally with a pet on Kenya Airways involves some additional preparations and considerations. Here are some top tips for smooth international Kenya Airways pet travel:
  • Check entry requirements for your destination country well in advance and obtain any required import permits, licenses or vaccinations on time.
  • Certain countries may require quarantining pets on arrival - plan accordingly.
  • Provide airline with documentation proving compliance with destination requirements to avoid issues.
  • Request direct intercontinental flights where possible as this minimizes risks and stress for pets.
  • Have backup carrier in case your pet exceeds cabin size limits and needs to be checked as cargo instead.
  • Consider booking business class for more cabin pet spots and priority cargo handling services.
  • Get a veterinary health certificate for your pet within 14 days before travel as required.
  • Attach labels indicating international travel and "Live Animal" to kennel along with your contact info.
  • Carry copies of all pet documents and certificates and have these available at check-in.
  • For long flights, ensure proper interior carrier comforts - pee pads, litter, familiar smells.
  • By planning ahead and making the right arrangements, pet owners can have a smooth experience flying pets internationally with Kenya Airways.

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