Japan Airlines pet policy
JAL-operated international passenger flights. Codeshare flights follow the operating carrier’s requirements.
Last verified 1 primary sourceSite-wide weekly check due
JAL carries dogs and cats as checked pets in the bulk cargo room, with advance confirmation. French Bulldogs and Bulldogs are not accepted.
- Cabin
- Not allowedJAL’s ordinary international pet service transports checked pets in the bulk cargo room. Assistance dogs follow a separate policy.
- Hold (checked baggage)
- RestrictedDogs and cats travel as checked pets in the bulk cargo room. Space and crate acceptance must be confirmed in advance; Bulldogs and French Bulldogs are excluded.
- Manifest cargo
- Not published
- Snub-nosed
- Case by caseFrench Bulldogs and Bulldogs are refused on all JAL flights. Other heat-sensitive or short-nosed breeds need a veterinary fitness assessment and JAL confirmation.
Routes Japan Airlines flies with pets
This is what Japan Airlines offers on each route. An airline can offer less than the rules allow.
Hold means checked baggage. Manifest cargo is a separate booking, even when the animal travels in the same aircraft hold.
| Route | Cabin | Hold (checked baggage) | Manifest cargo | Fee from | Snub-nosed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan → United States, dog | Not published | Quoted on request | |||
| Japan → United States, cat | Not published | Quoted on request | |||
| United States → Japan, dog | Not published | Quoted on request | |||
| United States → Japan, cat | Not published | Quoted on request |
Notes
Reserve through the JAL Contact Center with crate dimensions, total weight, species and age. Each aircraft has limited crate capacity, and confirmation may take several days.
All routes (dogs and cats)
Use an IATA-compliant rigid, leak-proof, ventilated and escape-proof crate, large enough to stand naturally, lie down and turn. Soft or folding crates are unsuitable.
All routes (dogs and cats)
Arrive at least 120 minutes before departure with the pet’s customs documents and completed consent form.
All routes (dogs and cats)
For an itinerary longer than 12 hours from departure to arrival, attach a suitable water dispenser to the crate.
All routes (dogs and cats)
French Bulldogs and Bulldogs are refused on all JAL flights. Other heat-sensitive or short-nosed breeds need a veterinary fitness assessment and JAL confirmation.
All routes (dogs and cats)
JAL requires dogs and cats to be at least 8 weeks old and does not accept pregnant pets. Pets must be in good health. US dog entry has its own stricter minimum age; the airline age threshold does not replace it.
Japan → United States (dogs and cats)
Where every rule above came from
- Japan Airlinesjal.co.jp/jp/en/inter/support/petJAL-operated international passenger flights; JAL carries dogs and cats as checked pets in the bulk cargo room, with advance…; Route: United States → Japan; Route: Japan → United States; and 11 more
Rules change without notice. Confirm each item against the linked official page before you book: we date every check, but the official page is the authority.