IATA releases new guidelines for airline passengers traveling with pets
It follows International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s recently launched Guidance on Travelling with Service Dogs, reflecting a broader effort to improve consistency in the transport of the canines by air.
Black News 
The International Air Transport Association has released new operational guidance to support airlines in managing in-cabin pet travel at every stage of the journey from booking to check-in, boarding, the on-board experience, and arrival.
It follows International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s recently launched Guidance on Travelling with Service Dogs, reflecting a broader effort to improve consistency in the transport of the canines by air.
“A pet is a much-loved member of the family. People traveling with their pets need clear guidance on what to expect at every step of the journey. That’s important because well-prepared travelers and industry-wide best practices enable airlines to deliver a safe, consistent, and efficient experience for those traveling with their pets,”
Brendan Sullivan – IATA’s Global Head of Cargo,
To meet passenger expectations for traveling with pets in the aircraft cabin, according to IATA, airlines should implement clear and consistent procedures that prioritize safety, animal welfare and operational efficiency.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s 2025 Global Passenger Survey found that about a quarter of respondents have or would consider traveling with a pet.
Of these there are 41 percent who cited uncertainty around pet eligibility as a challenge,
There were other 36 percent who were unsure about airline policy, and 34 percent said they were unsure about the overall process of traveling with a pet.
Now the new IATA In-Cabin Operational Guidelines address these concerns with recommended procedures to deliver a more predictable experience while maintaining safety, animal welfare, and operational efficiency.
Among the requirements, Airlines should indicate early reservation requirements, generally mandatory at least 48-72 before departure.
Instruction on where reservations could be made for pets should be readily available on airline direct channels, such as websites, mobile apps and ticketing offices).
If pet fares apply, these should be clearly communicated.
Airlines should instruct passengers to submit all necessary documentation for pet travel, including detailed information about the pet and its container, and clearly indicate where and when this documentation must be provided if submission is required prior to check-in.
This includes completed airline-specific forms, and valid health certificates, permits and vaccination records.
Passengers should also be informed of any other documentation required as per airline policy.
For itineraries involving multiple carriers, advance arrangements for interlining must be made to ensure all airlines involved accept the pet and comply with consistent handling procedures.
Pet-in-cabin services should be listed under special baggage (that is ski, golf) or the additional services section of the booking flow.
For chargeable ancillary services, airlines must use SSR PETC to request the service, including Special Service Request – Additional Service (SSR ASVC) if an Electronic Miscellaneous Document (EMD) is required.
It should also be ensured that each SSR ASVC is linked to a single passenger
Airlines should notify passengers that not all travel agencies or metasearch providers support pet-in-cabin bookings.
In such cases, passengers should be directed to contact the airline directly to add the service.
IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents over 370 airlines accounting for some 85 percent of global air traffic.
