Important Information about Transportation of Pets and Other Animals (For International Cargo)
Examples of mammals able to be transported
The service is primarily intended for dogs and cats. Please contact JAL if you wish to transport any other types of animals.
When traveling in the same aircraft as your pet
If checking in your pet when boarding the aircraft, please review the detailed information from the following link.
Information for passengers traveling with pets (international flights)Import or export of live animals on international flights
As a variety of procedures must be completed, please contact the freight forwarder (air freight agent) yourself when making your booking.
The required documentation and procedures for quarantine and other requirements will be different depending on the destination country. Customers must contact the quarantine service themselves prior to traveling to determine what is needed.
Generally, the following documents will be required.
- Animal Transportation Declaration Form (International Cargo) (submitted by the consignor to JAL)
- Export Quarantine Certificate (issued by the Animal Quarantine Service)
- Vaccination Certificate (issued by a vet)
Please check the information on the Animal Transportation Declaration Form, sign it, attach it to the air waybill together with all the other required documentation, and submit to JAL.
Transport of pets (dogs) to America
A notice issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) added additional conditions for the entry of dogs into the USA, effective from August 1, 2024. Please read this information carefully
Passengers arriving in the USA on or after August 1, 2024
Dogs that do not satisfy all of the conditions (dogs must be six months or older and be accompanied by the required documentation) will not be permitted to enter he USA. In all cases, please use the link below to obtain the latest information for yourself.
Transportation restrictions
The following mammals cannot be carried.
Dogs or cats less than eight weeks (56 days) old
We are unable to transport dogs or cats less than eight weeks (56 days) old
Brachycephalic dog breeds
We have a restriction on carrying brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dog breeds as these are more sensitive than other breeds to high temperatures, making them vulnerable to heat stroke and breathing difficulties.
Restricted dog breeds
We are unable to carry any of the following 23 dog breeds at any time of the year for international cargo.
- Affenpinscher
- King Charles Spaniel
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Japanese Chin
- Bulldog
- Brussels Griffon
- Boxer
- Mastiff
- Cane Corso
- Shih Tzu
- Tibetan Spaniel
- Pug
- French Bulldog
- Pekingese
- Boston Terrier
- Lhasa Apso
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Shar Pei
- Chow Chow
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- Perro de Presa Canario
- Bordeaux Mastiff
- Other than the breeds listed above, dogs of similar breeds or mixed breeds can be accepted.
Container (crate) requirements
You are responsible for providing your own animal carrier (transportation container), which must satisfy the following requirements.
1. The container should satisfy the following requirements and must be large enough for the animal to stand up and sit down and to turn around while upright.
(Satisfies the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) Chapter 8–Container Requirements.)
A = Length from tip of nose to base of tail
B = Height from ground to elbow joint
C = Width across shoulders or widest point (whichever is the greater).
D = Height of animal in natural standing position from top of the head to the floor
Container (crate) requirements
- Length: A ＋ 1/2B
- Width: C × 2
- Height: E = D ＋ bedding
- Snub-nosed dog breeds require 10% larger container.
- Source: IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) Chapter 8–Container Requirements
2. The container must be an animal carrier made of robust materials that is designed to be hand carried.
3. The container must provide adequate ventilation.
4. If the container has a door or hatch, it must be able to be locked from the outside.
5. If the container has a latch, it must be securely fastened.
6. The container must be intact and not have gaps or joints through which the animal could escape.
7. Even when you have a valid booking, we may decline to carry your pet if staff deem that the container is inappropriate, such as being made of cardboard or other soft material.
- Source: IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) Chapter 8–Container Requirements
The following containers will not be accepted.
- Cardboard boxes
- Cloth cases
- Containers with cardboard covers
- Containers made of soft materials
- Flimsy plastic containers
- Containers that do not allow for water or other assistance to be given to the animal in the event of it becoming distressed, such as those where the upper and lower parts are held together by metal reinforcing
Please also observe the following requirements:
- Sturdy packaging：The outer packaging must be made from shock-resistant materials and be sturdy enough not to collapse when subject to external force.
- Adequate space：There should be enough space for the animal to find a comfortable position, including the ability to stand up, turn around, and lie down.
- Non-toxic container materials：Use non-toxic materials such as untreated wood.
- Leak-proof：Keep containers clean by ensuring that they will not leak.
- Adequate ventilation： Provide adequate ventilation holes in the container to allow for air circulation.
- Safe door operation：The door must be designed so as not to come open accidentally.
- Design for long travel duration：Provide adequate food and drinking water dispensing when transportation will take 12 hours or more.
- Needs of small dogs or cats：Give special consideration to the ventilation and safety needs of small varieties of pet.
- Comfortable bedding： Use impermeable bedding that will not discomfort the animal.
- Appropriate heat shielding：Ensure that the container will not become too hot.
- Compliant with laws and regulations：All necessary transportation documentation must be attached.
- Affix the correct labels：Ensure that the container is clearly labeled with contact information for the consignor and recipient.
- Temperature control：Do not use heating pads or other dangerous goods to keep the container warm.
Support