What is the Pet Policy on Japan Airlines?

Your furry friend will not accompany you in the cabin. But you can let them travel as cargo in the hold. Only healthy pets with all the necessary documents are allowed inside or outside Japan. You may be able to check the pet on the day of departure or arrival if you have completed the documentation. Here are a few things you can keep in mind about Japan Airlines pet policy so that you are well prepared.

• Crates for the pet should be well-ventilated and ensure free movement.
• Fee on pet transportation will be calculated according to the revised charges. 
• Rodents (rabbits, hamsters etc) can be transported in specially-designed, disinfected crates.
• Bull dogs and French Bull dogs will not be accepted.

Prior information about checking of pets must be given to the airline. You will find more information about transporting pets on JAL in this Air1Network blog.

How do I add a Pet on Japan Airlines?

Your experience with adding a pet will depend on how familiar you are with Japan Airlines international pet policy. If you are importing or exporting a pet, you need to prepare customs paperwork. Give prior information to the airline that you will be checking your pet. Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. Here are the other key steps to follow when you are about to travel with a pet.

• Get customs paperwork of the pet verified by the check-in agent.
• Pay the pet fee according to current charges.
• The pet will be transported to the cargo hold.
• On arrival, the airline staff will deliver the pet at baggage reclaim area.

Both medium and large-sized crates are allowed for rodents like rabbits and hamsters. But JAL airlines pet policy places a cut-off time before departure when you can book a rodent. Feel free to visit or contact Air1Network for details.

How much will I pay for adding a pet on Japan Airlines?

Japan Airlines considers a pet carrier as checked baggage. So, pet charges will be similar to the excess baggage fee. The airline revises charges every 6 months. As of now, charges for transporting pets will be according to the rate fixed for March 30, 2025 to October 25, 2025.

The airline has announced the applicable charges till October 24, 2026. Take a look at the charges you are likely to pay on domestic flights.

• Short-haul flights (including domestic flights) - up to 7700 yen
• Medium-haul flight - up to $100
• Long-haul flight - up to $200

What documents does my pet need on Japan Airlines? 

Pets also have to comply with the immigration rules. Japan and other rabies-free countries will monitor the health of the pets being imported inside the country. A quarantine officer will examine and certify the pet fit for being imported in Japan. The officer will also examine the pets which are being exported out of Japan. Here are several things you must remember about documentation.

• A consent form must be duly filled up and signed by owner before check-in - The consent form according to Japan Airlines dog policy mentions the conditions under which the pet will be transported.
• CDC dog import permit - This permit is needed for transporting a dog to US.
• Vaccinations - Your pet must have all necessary vaccinations, including rabies. 
• Microchipping of pet - You must have an ISO compliant microchip with 15 digit unique number as proof of identification.

The responsibility to find out the quarantine regulations and prepare documents is on the owner. Your pet may have to spend up to 180 days in quarantine if documentation is not complete. For help with details on documentation needed for pet travel you can call Air1Network.