Philippine Airlines Pet Policy +1-877419-4448

Traveling with a pet brings a whole new layer of planning, especially when you're flying. If you're considering bringing your furry friend on your next trip, understanding the Philippine Airlines Pet Policy is essential. Whether it's a short domestic hop or a long-haul international flight, Philippine Airlines (PAL) has clear guidelines to ensure the safety and comfort of both passengers and pets. This guide offers a detailed breakdown of the airline’s current pet travel rules, including allowed animals, cargo policies, documentation, fees, and helpful travel tips.

 
Can You Travel with Pets on Philippine Airlines?
Yes, you can travel with pets on Philippine Airlines, but there are limitations and requirements depending on the type of pet, your destination, and the size of the animal. The Philippine Airlines Pet Policy allows pets to fly either as:

Checked Baggage in the Aircraft Cargo Hold
Cargo via PAL Cargo Services
Service Dogs in the Cabin (under special circumstances)
Pets are not allowed in the main passenger cabin under regular circumstances. PAL prioritizes passenger comfort and pet safety by transporting animals in climate-controlled cargo areas.

Cabin Travel: Only for Service Animals
As of 2025, the Philippine Airlines Pet Policy permits only certified service dogs to travel in the passenger cabin. These dogs must be trained to assist individuals with physical or mental disabilities and must be accompanied by official documentation.

Unfortunately, emotional support animals (ESAs) are not recognized as service animals under PAL’s updated policy. If your ESA doesn’t meet the criteria of a trained service animal, it must travel via the cargo or baggage hold.

 
Checked Baggage: Accompanying Your Pet in the Cargo Hold
If you're flying on the same flight as your pet, you may request to check them in as part of your baggage. This means your pet travels in the aircraft’s pressurized and ventilated cargo hold.

Requirements for Checked Pets:
Pets must be at least 8 weeks old
Only cats and dogs are accepted for checked baggage
Pet must be in a hard-sided, escape-proof carrier
A health certificate and updated vaccination records are mandatory
The combined weight of the pet and crate must not exceed airline limits (usually up to 45 kg)
The Philippine Airlines Pet Policy encourages pet owners to inform the airline at least 48 hours before departure to ensure there’s space and approval for your pet.

PAL Cargo: Ideal for Larger Pets and Unaccompanied Animals
If your pet exceeds the size or weight limit for checked baggage—or needs to travel independently—Philippine Airlines offers PAL Cargo services for animals.

Benefits of PAL Cargo:
Suitable for larger breeds
Secure, climate-controlled transport
Handled by staff trained in live animal care
Available for both domestic and international destinations
Pet owners using cargo services must book well in advance and provide full documentation, including import/export permits for international travel.

 
Breed and Species Restrictions
Not all pets are eligible for air travel. The Philippine Airlines Pet Policy prohibits certain breeds, particularly those at risk of respiratory distress during flights.

Commonly Restricted Dog Breeds:
Pugs
Bulldogs (English, French)
Boxers
Shih Tzus
Boston Terriers
Restricted Cat Breeds:
Persian
Himalayan
Exotic Shorthair
These brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds are more prone to breathing issues in stressful or high-altitude environments, and therefore may not be accepted on flights.

Other animals not accepted include:

Reptiles
Rodents
Wild or exotic species
If your pet doesn’t fall into the accepted categories, PAL may recommend using a third-party professional animal transporter.

 
Required Documents for Pet Travel
To comply with the Philippine Airlines Pet Policy, pet owners must prepare and submit several important documents before their animal can be cleared for flight.

Mandatory Documents:
Veterinary Health Certificate (issued within 7–10 days before departure)
Updated Vaccination Card, including rabies shot
Export or Import Permits (for international flights)
Quarantine Clearance from the Bureau of Animal Industry (for certain destinations)
Microchip registration (required in countries like the EU and Australia)
Make sure to have photocopies of all documents and labels clearly visible on your pet’s crate.

 
Travel Fees for Pets
Flying with pets comes with additional costs. The fee depends on the route, size of the pet, and whether you’re checking your pet as baggage or shipping through cargo.

Estimated Pet Fees:
Domestic flights: PHP 1,500 – PHP 5,000
Short-haul international flights: USD 100 – USD 150
Long-haul international flights: USD 200 – USD 350+
PAL Cargo: Charges vary widely by destination and size. Contact PAL Cargo for a quote.
These charges are separate from your standard baggage allowance. Always confirm exact rates when you book.

 
Preparing Your Pet for the Flight
Following the Philippine Airlines Pet Policy is only part of the preparation. You also want to ensure your pet is comfortable and safe.

Pre-Flight Tips:
Crate Train Your Pet: Let them spend time in the crate for a few days before the flight.
Avoid Sedation: PAL and veterinarians strongly discourage sedating pets for air travel.
Label Everything: Include your pet’s name, your contact info, and feeding instructions on the crate.
Feed Lightly: Avoid heavy meals 4–6 hours before the flight.
Check Weather Conditions: PAL may not accept pets on extremely hot or cold days for safety reasons.
Always arrive at least 3 hours early to allow time for pet inspection and paperwork.

 
Booking Pet Travel with PAL
Booking your pet’s trip can’t be done online. You’ll need to call or visit a PAL ticketing office or PAL Cargo center to make arrangements

Pet species and breed
Pet’s weight and crate size
Travel route
Required documents
 
Final Thoughts
Whether you're bringing your dog on a family trip to Cebu or relocating your cat to another country, the Philippine Airlines Pet Policy provides a structured, pet-friendly approach to air travel. With the right planning, documentation, and early communication, you can make the experience safe and hassle-free for both you and your animal companion.