When it comes to international pet transport, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines frequently sits at the top of the list for seasoned travelers. My first experience with them involved a complex multi-leg journey from London to Singapore with a very vocal ginger tabby.
While other airlines made the transit feel like a bureaucratic nightmare, the staff at Amsterdam Schiphol treated my cat like a VIP passenger. This level of care, combined with their world-class animal hotel, makes KLM a premier choice for “pet-in-cabin” and cargo travel.
Navigating the KLM pet policy international requirements is a masterclass in preparation. The airline is famous for its precision; if your carrier is a centimeter too large or your health certificate is missing a stamp, they will not compromise. However, if you follow their strict blueprint, you gain access to one of the safest and most efficient pet travel networks in the sky. This guide breaks down every technical detail to ensure your journey through the clouds is seamless.
The Core of KLM Pet Travel: Cabin vs. Hold
KLM allows pets to travel in three ways: in the cabin, as checked baggage in the hold, or via Air France-KLM Cargo. The route you choose depends entirely on the size of your animal and the specific aircraft operating your flight.
KLM Pet in Cabin Rules
For most travelers, having their pet under the seat is the goal. KLM allows a limited number of small dogs and cats in the Economy Class cabin on most flights, and in Business Class within Europe. On a recent flight into Amsterdam, I noticed the cabin crew were incredibly diligent about checking that carriers remained fully zipped under the seat—a reminder that safety protocols are never lax here.
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Max Dimensions: 46 x 28 x 24 cm (Length x Width x Height).
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Max Weight: 8 kg (17.6 lbs) including the carrier.
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Age Requirement: Pets must be at least 15 weeks old.
Pets in the Hold as Checked Baggage
If your dog or cat exceeds the 8kg limit, they must travel in the hold. KLM’s cargo holds are temperature-controlled and pressurized, matching the cabin environment. It is important to note that during layovers at Schiphol longer than 2 hours, your pet is taken to the KLM Animal Hotel for a break, a feature that genuinely sets them apart from competitors.
| Feature | KLM In-Cabin | KLM Checked Hold |
| Weight Limit | 8 kg (Total) | 75 kg (Total) |
| Max Dimensions | 46 x 28 x 24 cm | Varies by Aircraft |
| Pet Type | Small Dogs & Cats | Dogs & Cats |
| Booking Window | 48 Hours Advance | 48 Hours Advance |
Financial Breakdown: KLM Pet Fees
The cost of KLM pet travel varies significantly based on your departure point and final destination. Unlike some budget carriers that charge a flat fee, KLM utilizes a zone-based pricing model.
Estimated Pricing Structure
For flights within Europe, expect to pay between €75 and €100. For intercontinental flights, the fee typically jumps to a range of €150 to €400. Remember that these fees are per-way; if you have a return flight or a long layover involving a stopover, additional charges may apply.
Pro-Tip: Always pay your pet fee as soon as you confirm your seat. KLM limits the number of pets to 3 in Economy and 1 in Business on many routes. If you wait until the airport to pay, you risk being denied boarding if the “pet quota” for that flight has already been reached by other passengers.
Technical Specifications for Pet Carriers
KLM follows IATA standards religiously. For klm flying with pets to be successful, your carrier must be more than just “pretty”—it must be functional and safe.
In-Cabin Carriers
The airline recommends a soft-sided carrier for the cabin. Because the space under the seat can vary by aircraft (Boeing 737 vs. Airbus A330), a soft-sided bag allows for slight compression to fit the clearance. The bag must be ventilated on at least three sides and have a waterproof bottom.
Hold/Cargo Crates
If your pet is traveling in the hold, the crate must be made of hard plastic or fiberglass. Metal or wooden crates are strictly prohibited. The most common reason for rejection at the check-in desk is a crate that is too small. Your dog must be able to stand up without their head touching the top, turn around easily, and lie down in a natural position.
| Crate Requirement | Status | Expert Note |
| Ventilation | Mandatory | Must be on 4 sides for international flights. |
| Fasteners | Metal Bolts | Plastic clips are often rejected. |
| Food/Water Bowls | Two Bowls | Must be attachable to the door. |
| Absorbent Mat | Required | Use high-quality puppy pads. |
Navigating the Schiphol Animal Hotel
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) is the hub for KLM, and it houses one of the most advanced animal transit centers in the world. If your pet has a layover of more than 2 hours (or 3 hours for some routes), they are automatically transferred to the Animal Hotel.
During my last transit, I was worried about my dog’s hydration. I later learned that the staff at the Animal Hotel not only refresh water and food but also walk the dogs in a dedicated exercise area. For cats, they provide a quiet space away from the barking of dogs. This service is included in your pet fee, though a small “handling fee” for the stay is sometimes applied to long transits.
Expert Recommendations for International Success
Flying internationally with KLM requires a strategic approach to documentation and pet comfort.
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The “Schiphol Buffer”: When booking your flights, try to aim for a layover of at least 3 hours. While a 1-hour connection is fine for humans, it doesn’t give KLM staff enough time to transfer your pet to the Animal Hotel for a proper break.
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Hydration Strategy: Attach a large water bottle (the “rabbit-style” drip bottles) to the crate door in addition to the water bowl. This ensures your pet has access to water that won’t splash out during takeoff.
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The Scent Trick: Place an unwashed t-shirt you’ve worn recently inside the crate. Your scent is the most effective natural sedative for a nervous animal in a strange environment.
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Affiliate Recommendation: If you need a pet-friendly hotel near Schiphol for an early flight, I recommend the Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel. It’s connected directly to the terminal, allowing you to walk your pet right up to the check-in desk without needing a shuttle. You can find excellent rates for this on Booking.com by filtering for pet-friendly properties.
How to Book Your Pet with KLM
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Check Flight Availability: Before purchasing your own ticket, call KLM or use their website chat to confirm there is “Pet in Cabin” or “Pet in Hold” space available on your desired dates.
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Book Your Ticket: Once confirmed, book your human ticket.
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Add the Pet to Your Reservation: Go to the “My Trip” section on the KLM website. You can often add a pet here, but for international routes, a phone call to their customer service center is safer to ensure the PETC or AVIH code is correctly attached to your PNR.
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Visit the Vet: Obtain an International Health Certificate within 10 days of travel. For entry into the EU, ensure you have the Annex IV form completed by a government-approved veterinarian.
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Arrive Early: For international pet travel, arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. You must check in at the desk; kiosks will not work for pet travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I book my pet on KLM online?
Yes, for many routes, you can add a pet through the “My Trip” section after booking your ticket. However, for complex international itineraries or code-share flights, you must call KLM customer service.
What is the fee for a pet in the cabin on KLM?
The fee usually ranges from €75 to €400 depending on the destination. Within Europe, it is typically around €75–€100 each way.
Does KLM allow “Emotional Support Animals”?
No. As of early 2021, KLM only recognizes task-trained Service Dogs. Emotional Support Animals are treated as regular pets and must meet the size and weight requirements for the cabin or hold.
What happens if my layover in Amsterdam is very short?
If your layover is less than 2 hours, your pet will be transferred directly between aircraft. They will not visit the Animal Hotel, and they will not be walked or fed during this window.
Are there breeds that KLM won’t fly?
Yes. KLM has restrictions on snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds like Pugs, Boxers, and English Bulldogs in the hold due to respiratory risks. Some of these breeds may be allowed in the cabin if they meet the weight and carrier requirements.
Can I fly with two cats in one carrier on KLM?
KLM allows two small pets of the same species to travel in one carrier if they are of similar size and the total weight (including carrier) does not exceed 8kg. They must be able to stand and turn around comfortably together.
Do I need a Pet Passport for KLM flights?
If you are traveling within the EU or from a listed third country, an EU Pet Passport is the standard. For travelers from the US or UK, an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or a country-specific veterinary certificate is required.
Is the KLM Animal Hotel safe?
Yes, it is considered the best in the world. Professional animal handlers staff it and it is under 24/7 veterinary supervision.
Can my dog sit on my lap during a KLM flight?
No. All pets must remain in their zipped carrier under the seat in front of you for the entire duration of the flight for safety and hygiene reasons.
What is the maximum age for a pet to fly?
KLM does not have a “maximum” age, but they do have a minimum age (15 weeks). For senior pets, a thorough veterinary check-up is recommended to ensure they can handle the stress of international travel.
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