Transporting Animals (Pets)

Please confirm below information for transporting animals (pets) as air freight.

Overseas departure cases (Other than Japan departures)

Due to the reservations method differs for ① and ②, please confirm which will be applied.

① In case the customer is to board the same flight with the pet (handled as hand baggage)
Please contact the ANA passenger department.
Support will be provided for the trip with one of the important members (pet) of your family.

For passengers traveling with pets (International Flights)

② In case the pet is to be handled as international cargo (handled as cargo)
Due to required arrangements, such as air waybill issuance or declaration at the local customs, the pet is accepted through the air cargo agents.
Transporting pets requires various procedures, so it is standard practice to make reservations in advance through an air cargo agent. Reservations are required for all segments throughout origine to destination.
Additionally, due to reasons such as quarantine, the required documents and procedures vary depending on the destination countries. We kindly ask that you confirm these details in advance with each Animal Quarantine Service.

The following documents are required for the acceptance.
・Air waybill from your booking confirmation (must contains common name, quantity of animals per container in the shipment and 24-hour emergency contact telephone number for the shipper). ​
・Live Animal Declaration Form (International Cargo) (Declaration made by shipper to ANA CARGO)
・Export quarantine certificate (issued by quarantine office)
・Vaccination certificate (issued by veterinarian)
Regarding the "Animal Transport Declaration Form," please be sure to review the contents and sign it.
Please note that the following documents are required when using optional services.
⋆PRIO LIVE ANIMALS Optional Service Instructions(Photography Service/Feeding and Watering Services)
It is appreciated for the customer to find the available air cargo agent at the departure point.

Undertaking Transport of Animals (Pets)

The ANA Cargo policy is to confirm the following details with customers upon undertaking the transport of their animals (pets). Your understanding and consent is requested in ensuring that these procedures are properly completed.

  • The animal must be healthy.
    Note: ANA Cargo does not accept recently born puppies due to the fact that such young animals are prone to dehydration.
    Indicators of poor health
    ・Loss of appetite and lethargy
    ・Rapid breathing and elevated heart rate
    ・Unsteady gait
    ・Excessive tension and trembling
    ・Excessive tension and excessive drooling
    ・Panic state with continuous barking
    ・Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
    ・Excessive drooling
    ・Lethargic and unable to stand up
  • There must be no special needs for replenishment of food or water from the time that the animal (pet) is placed under the Company's supervision to the time that it is received at the destination.
  • Check the water dispenser that prevent spills,e.g.water bottles and spare water bottles.
    Note: Please check "Regarding Hydration in Dogs and Cats" section below for further details.
  • Knowledge of the animal's type and name.
    Note: There may be occasions when passage is refused due to an animal's type.
  • ANA Cargo does not accept short-headed dogs on its international flights. This policy is based on the learned opinions of experts that risks exist of deterioration in the physical conditions of such dogs during extended flights (this policy is exercised year-round).
    Note: Please check "Other information:Handling of short-headed dogs" section below for further details.
  • Confirmation of containers for transport
    Note: Please check the “Transport Containers” section below for further details.
  • Boarding date, flight number and destination
    Note: There may be occasions when passage is rejected due to the aircraft type or flight route.

Regarding Hydration in Dogs and Cats

  • A water dispenser (nozzle type) is needed to prevent heat stroke and dehydration in pets and to calm agitation.
  • To ensure safety during transporation, please make sure your dogs and cats iis fully accustomed to drinking water from the water dispenser. We appreciate your cooperation in reducing the risk of your dogs and cats being unable to drink water as usual due to a change in environment.
    ※Tighten the lid of the water dispenser to prevent water leakage and secure it to the cage.
    ※We cannot accept only Drip/Bowl type water dispensers because the water may spill.
  • To prepare for unforeseen circumstances, always attach at least one spare water bottle on the top of the container.
    ※Dogs and cats require approximately 70 to 100 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day.
    Please use this as a guideline when considering the number of spare water bottles to attach.

Container Requirements

Upon the transport of animals (pets), shippers and air cargo forwarders are responsible for making preparations to ensure satisfaction of the following requirements regarding transport containers. Because failure to satisfy these requirements may result in refusal to grant passage, your understanding of this need is sincerely requested. Containers must provide ample space for animals to be able to turn around while standing, stand up and sit down with legs fully upright and lie down in natural positions. To ensure this status, it is requested that containers be arranged in compliance with the following criteria.

Note: Compliance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations, Chapter 8 (Container Requirement 1).

Methods for Over-pack
  • Containers shall be constructed of materials resistant to deformation and damage, and capable of withstanding the weight of the animals being carried within.
  • Ample space shall be secured to allow animals to turn around or lie down.
  • Containers shall be structured to secure ample airflow, and have ventilation openings in a minimum of three directions.
  • Containers shall be equipped with locks and/or other functions to prevent negligent opening of the doors.
  • Ventilation openings shall be covered with fine mesh netting to prevent any part of the animal from protruding outside.
  • Contains shall be structured to prevent joint fittings from being broken by the animals inside.
  • Container structures shall prevent animals from escaping through openings or joints, with no risk of causing damage to other animals.
  • The interiors of containers shall contain no projections capable of causing injuries to animals being carried within.
  • The interiors of containers shall be maintained in a clean state at all times.
  • Placement of water absorbents on the bottom of containers and other measures shall be used to prevent leakage of fluids or waste to the outside.
  • Handles shall be attached as required.

Example of acceptable transport container.

Example of acceptable transport container.

Examples of unacceptable transport containers.

Examples of unacceptable transport containers.

Transport Requirements

<General Requirements>
The ANA Cargo policy is to explain the following requirements to customers when entrusting their animals (pets) for transport on international flights.

  • Advance arrangements for transport
    Notes: Consultations are requested when making bookings with regard to primates, birds or other animals with the potential to transmit diseases to human beings, as well as large animals and other categories. Consultations are requested when making bookings in cases when cargo attendants are present.
  • Completion of advance arrangements for quarantine and delivery at destination airports.
  • Compliance with laws and regulations at points of transfer.
  • Compilation of required documents.
  • Compliance with requirements for containers specified in IATA Live Animals Regulations, completion of correct marking and labeling procedures.

In addition to the above, we cannot accept animals that meet the following conditions.

  • Not in a health condition suitable for air travel
    ※For animals (pet) boarding, please refer to the "Indicators of poor health"
  • Pregnant
  • Dogs and cats under 8 weeks of age
  • Suffering from heart disease or respiratory disease

Live Animals Label

When transporting animals, there may be cases when transport requirements other than those listed above are also in force. For bookings, please contact us at the following.

Japan Sales Branch

Safekeeping of Animals (Pets)

To ensure the safe transport of animals (pets), ANA Cargo shall, to the best of its ability, keep pets in indoor locations with ample ventilation and other environment supports that will not place a burden on the pets from the time they are taken into custody through the time they are loaded onto aircraft, and from the time the aircraft arrives through the delivery of the pets to the customer.

Methods of Transporting Animals (Pets)

Environment of Transporting Animals (Pets)

Animals (pets) entrusted from customers shall be placed and transported in aircraft cargo compartments.
While all possible preparations and efforts are devoted to the transport of animals (pets), there will be cases when the inside of aircraft cargo compartments become warmer or colder in temperature than the outside air.
Additionally, the transported in aircraft cargo compartments where animals are loaded will also loaded baggage and cargo in addition to the animals.
The Transport in aircraft cargo compartments can adversely affect the health of animals, potentially causing them to become debilitated or suffer injury or death.
Especially in small dogs and cats, Short-Nosed Breeds, and young or elderly animals, the potential health risks may be significantly higher.
With regard to transport, full understanding and consent is requested of the following information concerning the transport environment within aircraft cargo compartments.

  • Temperature and Humidity
    The Transport in aircraft cargo compartments temperature and humidity are controlled by air conditioning units; however, due to factors such as outside air temperature, conditions may differ from those in the passenger cabin.
    Particularly during summer, high temperatures may occur due to the effects of ambient air temperature and reflected heat.
    Furthermore, since aircraft loading operations take place outdoors, significant fluctuations in temperature and humidity may occur during both summer and winter.
  • Sound
    During takeoff, landing, and flight, pets may be exposed to engine noise, mechanical operation sounds, and airflow noise. During loading and unloading of the aircraft, they may also hear engine noise and sounds from ground vehicles.
  • Lighting
    During flights, the cargo compartments will be dark due to the lights being switched off.
  • Atmospheric pressure
    During flights, atmospheric pressure is approximately 0.8 bar. Due to changes in this pressure during ascent or descent, there is the possibility of impact on the ears and other functions at those times.

Stress Reduction Advice

To help reduce stress, you may include an item such as a towel with a familiar scent. However, please be aware that items which could wrap around their body, or toys, may be chewed and accidentally swallowed due to the effects of environmental changes.

Passenger Counter Pet Check-ins

When transporting pets on the same flight as the owners, the pets will be checked in as carry-on baggage. Such cases differ from handling and services as cargo. Please click here for further details.

For customers traveling with pets (international flights)

Other information

About short-headed dogs travelling as international cargo

  • Applicable Flights
    All international flights (including codeshare flights)
  • Suspension period
    All year-round
  • Unacceptable dog breed
    Bulldog, French Bulldog, Boxer, Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier, Bull Terrier, King Charles Spaniel, Tibetan Spaniel,Brussels Griffon, Chow chow, Pug, Chin, Pekingese

    ※Since 2020, ANA has suspended an acceptance of above dog breeds with "miniatures" kind as well.(Example: Miniature Bulldog, Miniature Bull Terrier, etc.)

    ※Except for the above 13 breeds including miniatures, it is acceptable even if similar names.

    For breeds other than the 13 listed above, there is also a possibility that risks may arise during transport.
    In the unlikely event of an unforeseen incident, please understand in advance that use of the service will be at your own discretion and responsibility.

    Characteristics of Short Nosed Breeds
    Short Nosed Breeds (such as Bulldogs) have a soft palate (at the back of the airway) that hangs down more than in Long Nosed Breeds. When breathing becomes labored during hot periods, this hanging tissue can easily block the airway, posing a risk of suffocation.
    ※Be especially cautious if breathing becomes labored and the throat makes noise

Transport of pets (dogs) to the United States of America

A notice issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) added additional conditions for the entry of dogs into the USA, effective from August 1, 2024. Please read this information carefully
If applicable, be sure to check the latest information via the link below.

CDC Link

For details about PRIO LIVE ANIMALS services, please check the link below.

PRIO LIVE ANIMALS

Customer Support

When transporting LIVE ANIMALS between Japan domestic and international flights

When transporting LIVE ANIMALS from Japan domestic to international flights or from international to domestic flights, some rules differ depending on the flight segment.
Please confirm these rules before beginning transport.

If you have any questions, please contact us at the address below.