When you need to transport an animal to a location unaccompanied, Japan Airlines offers a solution by flying pets as cargo. When you fly your animal in this way, you will be using JAL Cargo. Fare will be calculated based on the animal’s weight and destination, but fees typically range between 3,000 and 6,000 yen. You can find out more about your expected fees here.

Crate Requirements

All animals will require a suitable container to safely transport them in. If they are not delivered to the check-in desk in a proper container, they may be refused travel. All animals must have a crate which:

  • Satisfies the size requirements as dictated by the IATA Live Animals Regulations. That means the animal must be able to turn around, sit, stand, and lie down in the container.
  • A strong crate made of sturdy material that is leak-proof, escape-proof, and offers good ventilation.
  • For Domestic Travel, certain breeds, as well as all dogs over 5kg must be put in containers made of strong metal.
  • For International Travel, all dogs over 5kg must be put into strong metal containers.

Animal Restrictions

Puppies under 8 weeks old cannot be shipped. Other dogs that are prohibited are dogs that are being shipped with the intent of experimenting on them, as well as snub-nosed animals, which have trouble breathing on planes. Other restricted animals include:

  • Wild birds
  • Monkeys, such as the Cynomolgus, African green monkeys, and Rhesus monkeys
  • Animals that are barred from travel by law, policy, or ordinance

 

The Process for Domestic Cargo

Be sure to confirm that you animal(s) and its equipment meet all of the recommendations and requirements in advance. You will also need to get into contact with the JAL Cargo sales office to book your animal’s travel. On the day of departure, it is best to bring your animal to the check-in desk at least 90 minutes before the departure time. When you check-in your animal, you will need to fill out some forms. It is recommended that you fill out the Shipper’s Certification for Live Animals document in advance. You can find it here.

 

Documents Needed for International Cargo

When shipping an animal internationally, it is important to be aware of all of the documentation requirements at the animal’s destination. Usually, the required documents will consist of the Shipper’s Certification for Live Animals, a rabies vaccination certificate, which must be issued by the animal’s vet, and an Export Quarantine Certificate, which is issued by the quarantine office. All of these documents must be attached to the animal’s waybill.

You can also visit our main page of Japan Airlines Pet Policies.

* Images from Japan Airlines