Dogs and Cats (Mammals)
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 provided by the following link.
Service for traveling with a pet (domestic flights)Transportation restrictions
The following mammals cannot be carried.
Dogs or cats eight weeks (56 days) old or younger
We are unable to transport dogs or cats eight weeks (56 days) old or younger.
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.
Bulldogs and French Bulldogs
We are unable to carry Bulldogs and French Bulldogs at any time of year. (This applies to both domestic and international cargo)
Other restricted dog breeds
We are unable to carry any of the following 21 dog breeds as domestic cargo during summer (from May 1 to October 31).
- Affenpinscher
- King Charles Spaniel
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Japanese Chin
- Bull Terrier
- Perro de Presa Canario
- Bordeaux Mastiff
- Cane Corso
- Shih Tzu
- Tibetan Spaniel
- Pug
- Brussels Griffon
- Boxer
- Mastiff
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Shar Pei
- Chow Chow
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Pekingese
- Boston Terrier
- Lhasa Apso
- Other than the breeds listed above, dogs of similar breeds can be carried.
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 indicative 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
8. Dogs weighing 5 kg or more and dogs (adult or puppy) belonging to certain breeds designated by JAL must travel in a metal container. (Domestic cargo only)
- Akita
- Doberman
- Tosa
- Great Dane
- Kishu
- Boxer
- St. Bernard
- Shepherd
Metal containers must be fitted with a latch and lock and be made entirely of metal. (Excluding fittings such as waste trays that do not affect the strength.)
Important Notes
Please read the following instructions before dropping off your animal.
Summer (from May 1 to October 31)
- Because of the hot and humid conditions, please ensure that your dog is well hydrated prior to dropping off, especially in the case of small dogs that have poor temperature regulation.
- Please give due consideration to travel timing and duration when transporting dogs that are vulnerable to heat, including very young or old dogs and snub-nosed breeds.
- We have a restriction on carrying snub-nosed dog breeds.
- During this time of year, we are unable to carry dogs of any breed on services that involve two flights or more, including connections to other airlines.
Winter (November 1 to April 30)
- Please give due consideration to the advisability of transporting animals that are sensitive to the cold given the potential for harsh or even sub-zero temperature conditions.
Other considerations
- Transportation involves conditions with which your pet is unfamiliar and could potentially impact their health.
- As space availability in cargo compartment is limited, your pet may travel on a different flight in some cases depending on cargo volumes.
- Our staff are unable to provide food or water to animals after they are dropped off.
- Ensure that any collar or leash is removed before dropping off your pet.
- Do not use dangerous goods such as heating pads to provide warmth.
Other Types of Animals Able to be Transported
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