• For pet owners, keeping furry companions by your side when traveling is often essential. Philippine Airlines (PAL) accommodates pets on some flights but under strict limitations. Reviewing PAL's pet policy in detail is key to ensuring your cats, dogs or other animals fly comfortably and safely.

Overview of Philippine Airlines Pet Travel Policies

• Philippine Airlines allows pets to travel but with major restrictions:

• Only small dogs and cats may travel in-cabin. Larger pets must be transported as checked baggage in the hold or shipped as air cargo.

• Advance notice and reservations are required to travel with pets.

• Veterinary paperwork like rabies certificates and health exams are mandatory.

• Carrier size limits, pet weight thresholds and fees apply.

• Policies vary based on pet factors and destination country regulations. Review all PAL rules thoroughly and make reservations well ahead when planning to fly with pets.

Flying Pets in the Cabin

• For small pets, the aircraft cabin may be an option but tight restrictions apply:

• Only cat and dog species are allowed in-cabin. No birds, rodents, reptiles or exotic pets may travel this way.

• One pet per passenger maximum. You cannot fly with multiple carry-on pets.

• Pets must remain comfortably in their approved carriers fully beneath the seat in front for the entire flight duration. Carriers may not protrude into aisles.

• Carriers can be no larger than 18 inches x 11 inches x 9 inches in size, allowing proper underseat stowage.

• Pets inside carriers cannot exceed 7 kg or around 15 pounds including the weight of the carrier itself. Heavier animals do not meet in-cabin allowances.

• Pets are not permitted to sit in passenger laps or occupy seats.

• Given the tight in-cabin restrictions on pet size, weight and carrier dimensions, most animals will not qualify for carry-on transport. Checking your pet or air cargo shipping are often the best options.

Transporting Pets as Checked Baggage

• For larger pets or those that exceed carry-on allowances, accompanied checked baggage in the hold is usually the best method. Here are Philippine Airlines' key policies for checked pets:

• Only household cats and dogs can be transported as checked baggage. No exotic pet species, like rodents, birds or reptiles, are permitted this way.

• The minimum pet age is 8 weeks old. Puppies and kittens must be fully weaned to fly as checked baggage.

• Hard-sided or soft-sided airline approved carriers specially designed for air travel are mandatory. Crates must properly contain the pet and have adequate ventilation, lining, and securing latches.

• Pets are handled as regular checked baggage and travel on the same flight as the accompanying owner. Owners must promptly claim pets upon arrival.

• Pets cannot be checked in any earlier than 4 hours before the scheduled flight departure time. Early drop-offs are prohibited.

• During extreme hot or cold weather, PAL may impose seasonal pet embarkation restrictions or embargoes if temperatures could endanger animals in the hold.

• When criteria are fully met, checking a pet as accompanied baggage is the best and safest option for cats, dogs and other pets exceeding carry-on size limits.

Required Pet Transportation Documents

• To check a pet or ship via air cargo on Philippine Airlines, owners must provide complete veterinary documentation including:

• An approved rabies vaccination certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian dated at least 14 days prior to departure. Most destinations also require a rabies antibody blood titer test report with levels meeting entry requirements.

• A veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of the flight date verifying the pet is free of infectious or contagious diseases and confirming overall fitness for air travel. The certificate must be signed by a certified veterinarian.

• For international pet travel, all destination country import permits, paperwork requirements and health checks mandated by the arrival country must be completed following proper protocols well in advance of departure.

• Without valid up-to-date documentation, Philippine Airlines will deny pet transportation. Ensure all paperwork is in order when making reservations, as airlines never accept pets without complete required documentation.

Philippine Airlines Pet Breed Restrictions 

• Philippine Airlines maintains restrictions on transporting certain animals based on health, breed, or behavior concerns:

• Pets displaying aggressive, anxious, disruptive or unruly behavior deemed unsuitable for confined public air travel may be denied transport, as they could pose an in-flight safety risk.

• Animals showing clear evidence of sickness, disease, injury or any other medical condition that could worsen during air travel may be deemed unfit for pet transport.

• Heavily pregnant or nursing/lactating female pets may be refused transport due to health concerns.

• Venomous, dangerous or toxic reptiles and arachnids are prohibited from transport to prevent safety issues.

• Animals specifically trained for illegal fighting or attack purposes will not be accepted for air transport.

• Only pets in visibly healthy condition and with temperaments suitable for closed public air travel without endangering others may be permitted after careful case-by-case review. Philippine Airlines always reserves the right to refuse carriage to any concerning animal.

Philippine Airlines Pet Cargo Policy

• For pets that do not meet size, weight or breed requirements for traveling as checked baggage in the cabin, Philippine Airlines offers a dedicated pet air cargo shipping service through PAL Cargo. Here are some key policies pet owners should be aware of:

• Pet air cargo shipments must be booked well in advance, as space is limited and delays may occur if arrangements are made late. Last-minute bookings are often not possible.

• Only domesticated cats and dogs are permitted for air cargo shipping on Philippine Airlines currently. Other animal types may be restricted or require pre-approval.

• Philippine Airlines provides temperature-controlled cargo hold sections allowing climate requirements to be met if needed for the pet's travel.

• Depending on seasonal demand fluctuations or other factors, route or date-specific pet cargo embargoes may be imposed at PAL's discretion during exceptionally busy periods.

• As an accredited IATA carrier, Philippine Airlines adheres to all standard IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR) for safe air transport of live animal cargo.

• Once at the final destination airport, Philippine Airlines transfers arriving pet cargo shipments to local partner ground handling agents for pickup. Private pet transport arrangements from the airport cargo facility onward are the owner's responsibility.

• Work directly with Philippine Airlines Cargo division representatives well in advance to arrange all details and ensure any limitations, seasonal embargoes or regulations are fully satisfied when planning to ship your pet as air cargo.

Philippine Airlines Pet Fees and Costs

• Charges and fees apply for transporting pets on rules and regulations of baggage Philippine Airlines passenger flights depending on the method:

• For small pets traveling in the cabin, the fee is $95 each way.

• For accompanied pets checked as baggage on domestic Philippine Airlines routes within the Philippines, fees are approximately $165 each way based on current exchange rates.

• For accompanied pets checked as baggage on international Philippine Airlines routes, fees are approximately $205 each way based on current exchange rates.

• If an accompanied checked pet exceeds standard size or weight allowances for regular checked baggage, excess or oversize luggage fees will also apply based on the policy for the route.

• Fees for shipping pets as air cargo on Philippine Airlines vary greatly based on the animal's size, breed, and destination country. PAL Cargo will provide quotes after assessing these factors. Expect to pay at minimum a few hundred dollars, with costs going up significantly for larger animals or long intercontinental flights.

• Pet fees are in addition to any regular checked baggage fees paid by accompanying passengers. Prices are subject to change so verify current rates with Philippine Airlines when making reservations.

Flying with Service Animals on Philippine Airlines

• Accredited certified disability assistance service animals are allowed to fly on Philippine Airlines at no additional cost when accompanying disabled passengers, provided proper documentation is presented.

Requirements for Service Dogs to Fly In-Cabin

• The service dog must be trained professionally to perform specific assistive tasks for a qualified individual with medically verified disabilities. Comfort or emotional support animals do not qualify.

• Passengers must show official documentation from accredited assistance dog organizations verifying the animal's credentials and that they require the dog's services for travel.

• Passengers must proactively notify Philippine Airlines at least 48 hours prior to departure when planning to travel with a service dog. This allows the airline to prepare for the animal's accommodation.

• The service dog must be well-socialized and able to behave appropriately in public without disturbing others or disrupting airline staff. They must tolerate being in close quarters with other passengers during boarding, deplaning and throughout the flight.

• With proper verification paperwork from a credited assistance dog training organization, service dogs may fly free of pet fees on Philippine Airlines. Informing the airline well in advance is essential so proper cabin preparations can be arranged.

Added U.S. Regulations for Service Dogs

• For certified assistance service dogs entering the United States, additional U.S. government requirements apply:

• The dog must have an implanted ISO-standard microchip with identification information.

• Documentation showing current, up-to-date rabies immunization records and a valid rabies vaccine certificate signed by a licensed USDA-accredited veterinarian is required.

• The dog must appear in good health with no signs of infectious disease or illness.

• Passengers must carry a completed and signed U.S. CDC Dog Importation Form upon arrival declaring the animal's background and training credentials.

• A verified Veterinary Health Certificate specifically for dogs entering the U.S. is strongly recommended.

• These rules enforced by U.S. CBP officials ensure imported service dogs do not risk transmitting rabies or other contagious diseases. Philippine Airlines cooperates fully with any destination country-specific regulations impacting service animal air travel.

How to Request or Inquire About Philippine Airlines Pet Policies

• Reach out to Philippine Airlines through the following recommended channels if you have any questions about traveling with your pet:

• PAL Website Pet Travel Portal - Visit the "Pet Reservations" submission portal under the "Manage Booking" section of the Philippine Airlines website to send inquiries and requests related to pet travel policies and procedures.

• In-Person at the Airport - Arrive early on your departure day to speak with staff at the dedicated Philippine Airlines check-in desk and ticket counters at the airport for guidance on pet documentation requirements, restrictions, fees and any other pet travel concerns.

• PAL Pet Travel Customer Support Hotline - Call the dedicated Philippine Airlines pet travel customer support phone line to speak with an agent who can provide answers to policy questions specific to your itinerary and assist with reservation needs.

• Social Media Assistance - Message Philippine Airlines on Facebook Messenger or Twitter. Their social media teams can often provide quick pet policy information or direct you to the appropriate customer service channels as needed.

• Email PAL Customer Support - Email the Philippine Airlines customer support team via their online contact form to get written pet policy guidance related to your specific situation, travel dates and destination. Provide key details on your pet's breed, age, health status and intended route.

• Reach out via your preferred channel well in advance to get your important pet travel questions addressed early with adequate time to prepare documentation and make special arrangements as needed.

Commonly Asked Questions about Philippine Airlines Pet Policies

• Pet owners flying with Philippine Airlines often have additional common questions about transporting their furry companions. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions.

• What is the minimum age for pets to fly on Philippine Airlines?

•     Philippine Airlines does not transport unweaned infant animals. All pets must be at least 8 weeks of age to be permitted on PAL flights as carry-on, checked or cargo.

• Can I travel on a Philippine Airlines flight with two small pets together in one carrier?

•     No. PAL only permits one single pet per passenger to travel in the main aircraft cabin. All other pets must be transported as checked baggage in the hold or air cargo if they meet size and breed restrictions.

• What types of crates are allowed for transporting pets on Philippine Airlines?

•     Proper hard-sided or soft-sided airline-approved crates meeting exact dimension requirements and equipped with adequate ventilation, lining, and leak-proof, tamper-proof securing latches or locks are permitted. Correct sizing allowing the pet to stand, turn around and move is mandatory. Soft crates are required for in-cabin pets, while hard crates are strongly recommended for checked pets.

• Is a health certificate required for my pet to fly on Philippine Airlines?

•     Yes, current individual veterinary health certificates issued within 10 days of travel are required when checking or shipping all pets and animals through Philippine Airlines as accompanied baggage or air cargo. International destinations also often mandate meeting additional health screening requirements beyond the certificate.

• Can I give my pet sedatives or tranquilizers before the flight?

•     No. Philippine Airlines prohibits transporting sedated pets in the cabin or as air cargo due to risks of oxygen deprivation.

• What documents, tests and procedures does my dog or cat need to qualify for flying to Japan?

•     Japan has extensive regulations for importing pets that include mandated microchipping, extended pre-travel quarantines of up to 180 days in an approved kennel, using designated approved airports for inspection upon arrival, and stringent in-flight restrictions. Begin researching and planning at least 6+ months in advance before flying with pets to Japan.

• Does my cat or dog need a pet passport to fly internationally on Philippine Airlines?

•     Yes, Philippine Airlines requires all pets traveling on international flights to obtain an EU standard pet passport issued by your veterinarian documenting the animal's microchip proof, full vaccination history, deworming treatments, medical record and mandatory examinations required for entrance to the destination country. Work closely with your vet clinic to ensure you have proper pet passports well in advance of your flight as the process may take some time.

• By understanding PAL's pet travel policies in full, you can ensure a smooth, stress-free flight experience for your beloved furry companions. While rules may seem strict, these measures ultimately safeguard your pet's health and comfort over the course of their air travel journey. Following all Philippine Airlines regulations is key when planning travel with pets.

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