Checklist to prepare your pet

Travel arrangements

• Be sure to arrange vaccinations, travel documents and other important matters well in advance. Contact the local embassy of your destination country for precise requirements. Remember that some countries have strict quarantine regulations.  
• Secure a label to the side of the kennel stating the animal’s name and feeding instructions.
• Allow five days for your pet to get used to its kennel before the flight.
• Do not allow your pet to drink for four hours before departure.
• Do not feed your pet for 12 hours before departure.
• We strongly advise you not to tranquillize your pet. It will take longer to get accustomed to its new surroundings and its temperature may drop during the flight.
• Below is our Pet Checklist, which must be completed by a KLM agent at check-in. Please make sure you can meet all its requirements.

KLM Pet Checklist

1. 1Kennel:
   • Dog/cat must be able to stand with head fully erect (without touching the roof), turn around, and lie down comfortably. For snub-nosed dogs, one kennel size bigger than usual is required to prevent breathing problems. Kennel must be made of rigid plastic with a built-in metal door. (Wooden kennels and kennels with plastic doors are not permitted.)
   • The kennel must have two empty dishes attached, or a single dish with 2 compartments for food and water, accessible without opening the kennel door.
   • The kennel must have a blanket, newspaper or other absorbent material on floor. Straw is prohibited.
   • The kennel must have at least one ‘Live Animal’ sticker and two ‘Arrow Up’ stickers attached to the exterior.
   • The door lock must be secure, but no padlocks may be used. Door hinges and locking pins must extend beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the opening by at least 1.6 cm (5.8 in).
   • Wheels must be removed.
     
     
2. 2Age/quantity:
   • Your dog or cat must be at least 15 weeks old.
   • Each pet must travel in its own kennel. However, if 2 pets of the same size each weigh max 9 kg (20 lbs), then these 2 pets may travel in 1 kennel. Pups or kittens of less than 4 months may travel in same kennel as their mother.
     
     
3. 3Documents:
   • Your pet’s passport or health certificate must be in English, and copies must be attached to the kennel. Make sure to bring photo copies of these documents with you when you check in.
   • The kennel must have a tag with the passenger's name, address, and phone number attached.
   • A label must be attached to the side of the kennel stating the animal’s name and feeding instructions.
     
     
4. 4Physical condition:
   • Your pet must not appear to be physically distressed, injured or over tranquillized.
   • The pet may not wear a leash or muzzle, nor may these be left in the kennel.