Prepare your pet

Please read the following instructions carefully prior to your pet’s trip.

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. (KLM is registered with the UK’s Pet Travel Scheme. Contact KLM Cargo for details.)
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

KENNEL:
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.)
AGE/QUANTITY:
Dog/cat must be at least 10 weeks old. Limit one per kennel, unless under 6 months and of comparable size up to 9 kg each, then limit is two per kennel. Pup or kittens less than 4 months can travel in same kennel as mother.
DOCUMENTS:
Copies of pet passport/health certificate must be attached to the kennel. Therefore, please bring photo copies of the health certificate with you when you check-in.
PHYSICAL CONDITION:
Pet must not appear to be physically distressed, injured or over tranquillized.
DISHES:
Kennel must have two empty dishes attached or a single dish with two compartments for food and water, accessible without opening kennel door.
ABSORBENT MATERIAL:
Kennel must have blanket, newspaper or other absorbent material on floor. Straw is prohibited.
STICKERS:
Kennel must have at least one ‘Live Animal’ sticker and two ‘Arrow Up’ stickers.
PASSENGER NAME TAG:
Passenger's name, address, and phone contact must be completed and attached.
LEASH/MUZZLE:
Pet must not have a leash or muzzle on or left in kennel.
LOCK:
Door lock on kennel must be secure, but no padlocks. Door hinges and locking pins must extend beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the opening by at least 1.6 cm (5/8 inch).
WHEELS:
Wheels must be locked, taped or removed.