Flying to Japan with Pets: The Complete Airline Guide — ANA, JAL, EVA Air, STARLUX, United (2026)

The Question Every Pet Owner Dreads

You've done the vaccinations, passed the blood titer test, and counted down 180 days. Now comes the question that keeps pet owners up at night: can my pet actually fly with me to Japan — and if so, in the cabin or the cargo hold?

The answer depends on your pet's size, your chosen airline, the season, your departure country, and whether your pet is a snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breed. This guide brings together the policies of the most relevant carriers so you can make an informed decision before you book.

Two Ways to Fly: PETC vs. AVIH

PETC (Pet in Cabin) — Flying Together

Your pet travels with you in the cabin, inside a compliant soft or hard carrier placed under the seat in front of you.

Advantages:

• Full visibility throughout the flight — lowest stress for most pets
• Not subject to cargo hold temperature management
• You can immediately check on your pet in an emergency

Limitations:

• Strict weight limits: typically 5–8 kg including the carrier (varies by airline)
• Most airlines do not allow PETC on long-haul international routes (e.g., transpacific)
• Per-flight cabin pet quotas are very limited (usually 1–2 pets per cabin)
• Carrier dimensions are strictly enforced

AVIH (Animal in Hold) — Checked as Cargo

Your pet travels in an IATA-compliant hard carrier in the aircraft's temperature-controlled cargo hold.

Advantages:

• Accepted for larger animals
• Available on most international routes

Important notes:

• The pressurized and temperature-controlled pet hold is separate from the regular baggage hold — it is maintained at appropriate temperature and pressure
• You cannot check on your pet during the flight
• Some airlines impose seasonal embargoes on snub-nosed breeds during hot months (typically June–September)

IATA Carrier Size Formula

Regardless of airline or transport mode, the carrier must allow your pet to stand naturally, turn around, and lie down. IATA provides a standard formula:

Minimum Carrier Dimensions

Length  = (nose-to-tail-base length) × 1.5  (add tail length if the tail curves upward)
Width   = shoulder width × 2
Height  = floor-to-head-top height when standing naturally (including upright ears)

How to Measure — Step by Step

1. Length: With your pet standing, measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. If the tail curves upward naturally, add the tail length. Multiply by 1.5.
2. Width: Measure the widest point of the shoulders. Multiply by 2.
3. Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the head (or ear tips if ears stand upright) when your pet is standing. No multiplier needed.

💡 Tip: Round up after calculating, then select the next standard commercial size up. A carrier that is slightly too large (causing excessive movement) is also not ideal — aim for a comfortable but not cramped fit.

Common Breed Reference Sizes

Snub-Nosed (Brachycephalic) Breeds: Extra Care Required

Brachycephalic dogs and cats have shortened upper airways that make breathing less stable under pressure and temperature changes. Many airlines impose additional restrictions or outright bans on these breeds.

Common Brachycephalic Dog Breeds

Boston Terrier, Bulldog (English, French, American), Pekingese, Pug, Shih Tzu, Boxer, Mastiff-type breeds

Common Brachycephalic Cat Breeds

Persian, Exotic Shorthair, British Shorthair (some lines), Burmese

Snub-Nosed Breed Policies by Airline

⚠️ If your pet is a brachycephalic breed, get written confirmation from the airline before purchasing your ticket. Being turned away at the airport gate is a real risk.

Airline Policy Comparison

Asia-Pacific Routes (Taiwan–Japan, HK–Japan, Korea–Japan)

ANA (All Nippon Airways)

JAL (Japan Airlines)

EVA Air (長榮航空)

China Airlines (中華航空)

STARLUX Airlines (星宇航空)

Transoceanic Routes (US / Europe to Japan)

United Airlines

💡 About United PetSafe: This is a dedicated cargo service separate from regular checked baggage. Book it separately, at least 7–10 days before departure.

JAL (Transoceanic Routes)

Carrier Checklist: What to Buy and Prepare

Hard Carrier Selection (Required for AVIH)

• Sturdy plastic or metal construction (fabric-only carriers are not permitted)
• Top and bottom panels secured with bolts — snap-together clips alone are not sufficient
• Ventilation openings covering at least 1/6 of the surface area on each of four sides
• Metal latch on the carrier door — plastic clips alone are not acceptable
• Leak-proof tray on the floor
• "LIVE ANIMAL" label affixed to the outside (usually provided by the airline or cargo agent)
• Owner name, phone number, destination contact, and pet name clearly marked on the outside

Inside the Carrier

• Absorbent pad or a thin layer of bedding (do not overfill)
• Small water bowl (attached to the inside of the door to prevent spilling)
• A familiar blanket or piece of clothing (your scent helps calm your pet)
• Mild sedative if prescribed (requires a vet prescription — check whether your airline permits this first)

⚠️ On sedatives: Some vets recommend a mild sedative to reduce travel stress, but some airlines explicitly prohibit them. Additionally, certain medications behave differently under cabin pressure. Discuss thoroughly with a vet familiar with animal transport and obtain written confirmation from your airline before administering anything.

Five Things to Confirm Before Booking

1. Confirm the destination airport's AQS (Animal Quarantine Service) operating hours — avoid landing at midnight with no quarantine staff available
2. Confirm a pet quota exists on your specific flight — call the airline; don't rely solely on the website
3. Get written confirmation that your breed is accepted — especially critical for snub-nosed breeds
4. Check seasonal temperature restrictions — departing in summer requires extra caution
5. Confirm the AQS advance notification (ANIPAS) lists the same arrival airport as your ticket — stopovers are fine, but the final arrival airport must match