After months of being in isolation due to COVID-19, domestic tourism is gradually opening. As of today’s writing, some local government units especially in tourist spot locations are if not preparing, they are opening their boarders for leisure purposes. For now, this can only be applied on domestic travel only.
But how about I’m planning to bring my fur baby to come with me especially, I will travel by air? So, these are the things that you need to know.
First, take note that every airline needs proper documentation and equipment for your pets. These are the following:
- Valid Vaccination certificates and exit and/entry permits from the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry, Animal Health Division (AHD). For more information, Visit their website http://www.bai.da.gov.ph/
- Secured and leak-proof container.
Plan ahead for at least 2-3 Weeks before your scheduled departure. Some of the documents are valid only for how many days. We should also consider the airlines that we will travel with.
Also be reminded that not all airlines have the same requirements. So, these are the following policies of our country’s major airlines.
Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines is accepting pets but not on cabin (with exceptions, but we will talk about that later.) also, they have breed restrictions for dogs.
If your pet is allowed, it will be considered as excess baggage, the pricing is by weight concept which are calculated based on the total weight of the pet and its container. For pricing, visit https://www.philippineairlines.com/TravelInformation/BeforeYouFly/BaggageInformation/SpecialBaggage/Pets
Another thing to consider is the breed of the dogs, as we said earlier, due to their physical feature that might affect their health and to avoid sudden accidents to your pet, PAL will not accept Brachycephalic or Snub-nosed dogs breed as Check-in Baggage on both domestic and international PAL flights. These are the list of breeds that are not allowed in check-in baggage (including mixed-breeds).
| Affenpinscher | Bullmastiff | French Bulldog |
| Boerboel | Cane Corso | Griffon Bruxellois |
| Boxer | Chihuahua (appleheaded) | Japanese Chin |
| Boston Terrier | Chow Chow | King Charles Spaniel |
| Brussels Griffon | Dogue de Bordeaux | Lhasa Apso |
| Bulldog | English Toy | Mastiff (all breeds) |
| Pekingese | Pug (all breeds) | Rottweiler |
| Shar Pei | Tibetan spaniel | Yorkshire Terrier |
| Shih Tzu | Tosa | |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Valley Bulldog |
This restriction will not apply on service dogs with passenger in the cabin. As long as with proper documentation and identification, visual aids, verbal warning and harness that will prove that your dog is service dog.
For those who have emotional pet service dogs, PAL will consider it to check-in baggage. They will handle it similarly with other pets/animals and subjected on cargo policies of PAL.
PAL can change some of information written after this article is published. For updates on advisories and polices you can check:
Cebu Pacific
Cebu Pacific does not allow pets on cabin but they allow pet transfers thru Cebu Pacific Cargo. But these are the steps and requirements as of today’s writing. For further information, you may contact them at their Facebook page.
Air Asia
Unfortunately, Air Asia PH does not accept pets on board on any flights based on their website. There are exceptions on flights operated by AirAsia India and Japan where animals are allowed.
FAQs on pet while air travelling.
Are they safe?
- Yes! Safety is ensured when you follow airlines policies on pets. Airlines also follows IATA guidelines on pet travels. However, in case that the plane needs to water land, the safety of your pet in the cargo hold is not ensured. They might be perished. It is sad but true.
Which part of the cargo compartment they are placed? Can they breathe properly? Is that part ventilated?
- Mostly your pets will be placed IN FRONT of the cargo hold. Don’t worry, they can breathe properly and it is ventilated because the cargo hold is also pressurized and the pilot can turn on the air conditioning unit in cargo compartment.
I don’t want to put my pet on cargo compartment, can I buy them a seat instead?
- Well, it is a yes and no answer. Yes, some airlines have policy that you can buy your pet a seat, but also you as owner must meet the airline’s policy. And no because most of airline will not let you buy a seat for your dog unless you are travelling to US and your dog is certified as emotional pet.
Conclusion
You can bring your pets, but with certain limitations. You as their fur parent must ensure their safety and must meet the guidelines of the airlines. Sometimes it’s hassle when you bring your fur baby. It is your pet, but maybe it is better to leave your pets at home or in a pet hotel for you to much enjoy your vacation. But if it’s not possible to leave your pets behind, maybe you can leave them with someone you trust.
Also always take an eye on your pets while travelling on-board. Due to stress, your dog can bite others. So always exercise precaution for the safety of others.
