Europe
Flying with a dog on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines KL
Europe
Flying with a dog on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Fair
Here is the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines pet policy for dogs, checked against the airline's own pages in October 2026. Below: what applies in the cabin and in the hold, the breed rules for your dog, and what to sort out before you fly.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines dog policy at a glance
In the cabin
Up to 8 kg
In the hold
Up to 75 kg
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines pet carrier size: dog carriers that fit
We checked every carrier in our comparison against the limits of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, size by size. Shown are the ones that fit by their dimensions, most mentioned first. At the gate, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines decides.
In the cabin
5 carriers fit by their dimensions
Illustration Sherpa Original Deluxe Fits Small 
Illustration SturdiBag Pro 3.0 Fits Small · 6.5 kg for the dog 
Illustration Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Fits Mini Expandable · 6.2 kg for the dog In the hold
5 carriers fit by their dimensions
Illustration Petmate Sky Kennel Fits 21", 28" +3 · 40.8 kg for the dog (40") 
Illustration Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel Fits 21", 28" +3 · 40.8 kg for the dog (40") 
Illustration MPS Skudo IATA Fits Skudo 1, Skudo 2 +6 · 35 kg for the dog (Skudo 5) Breed rules
Restrictions| Breed group | Cabin with you | Hold on your flight | Cargo booked separately |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snub-nosed | Allowed | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Strong breeds | Allowed | Not allowed | Allowed |
Snub-nosed
- Cabin, with you
- Allowed
- Hold, on your flight
- Not allowed
- Cargo, booked separately
- Allowed
Strong breeds
- Cabin, with you
- Allowed
- Hold, on your flight
- Not allowed
- Cargo, booked separately
- Allowed
Snub-nosed dog breeds (e.g. Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier) and cats (Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian) are not allowed in the hold; they may travel in the cabin or as cargo. Strong breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Bull Mastiff and American Bully are also barred from the hold.
Assistance dogs
AllowedTrained service dogs may travel on board; see KLM's dedicated service dog page for the required steps.
Summary
Dogs and cats up to 8 kg including carrier may travel in the cabin (Economy, or Business within Europe) in a bag no larger than 46 x 28 x 24 cm. Larger pets up to 75 kg with kennel can travel in the hold, with fees ranging roughly EUR 70 to EUR 500 per one-way flight. Snub-nosed breeds and certain strong breeds are barred from the hold but may travel in the cabin or as cargo. Pets cannot travel to the UK as passenger baggage due to a government embargo.
Carrier must travel under the seat; combined pet and carrier weight no more than 8 kg; not allowed in Premium Comfort or intercontinental Business Class. Only 1 cat or dog per carrier in the cabin; in the hold up to 3 pets may share a kennel if each weighs no more than 14 kg (2 adult animals of comparable size, or 3 animals up to 6 months old from the same litter).
Kennel limited to 102 x 69 x 76 cm on KLM European flights operated with Boeing 737 and Embraer aircraft. Pets cannot travel in the hold on Boeing 787-9, 787-10 and Airbus A321neo aircraft, nor on German Airways flights or KLC flights longer than 2 hours. For transfers of 3 hours or more, pets must travel via AFKL Cargo.
Before you fly
- Check which vaccinations and health documents your route requires, and keep them with you.
- Reserve your dog's spot early, as places per flight are limited.
- Check the entry rules of your destination country.
- Get your dog used to the carrier or kennel well before the trip.
- Larger dogs travel in the climate-controlled hold, so book that early too.
Always double-check
Airline pet policies change often and vary by route, aircraft and season. Confirm the current rules directly with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines before booking.
Similar airlines in Europe
Flying with a dog on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: FAQ
What is the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines pet policy for dogs? ▾
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines allows small dogs up to 8 kg in the cabin, and larger dogs travel in the hold. Some breeds are restricted, and the Dog-Friendly Score is 72/100. Checked against the official policy in October 2026.
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines? ▾
Yes. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines allows small dogs up to 8 kg (including the carrier) in the cabin, as long as the carrier fits under the seat in front of you.
Can my dog travel in cargo on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines? ▾
Yes. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines transports dogs in the temperature-controlled hold. Advance booking and an IATA-compliant travel crate are usually required.
How much does it cost to fly a dog on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines? ▾
On KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the in-cabin fee is €200–250 (each way · varies by route); the airline states: EUR 70-250 per one-way flight (EUR 200-250 on intercontinental routes, USD 225-300), and the hold fee is €400–500 (each way · varies by route); the airline states: Up to EUR 500 per one-way flight (EUR 400-500 on intercontinental routes, USD 450-600). Fees change, so confirm the exact amount when you book.
Are there breed restrictions on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines? ▾
Yes. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines restricts certain breeds: Snub-nosed dog breeds (e.g. Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier) and cats (Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian) are not allowed in the hold; they may travel in the cabin or as cargo. Strong breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Bull Mastiff and American Bully are also barred from the hold. Check the breed rules for your dog before booking.
Does KLM Royal Dutch Airlines accept assistance dogs? ▾
Yes. Trained assistance dogs are accepted in the cabin, usually free of charge, with the required documentation. Contact KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in advance.