KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Service Animals (In-Cabin & Support)

Please notify KLM Royal Dutch Airlines at least 48 hours before departure if you are travelling with a trained service dog to allow necessary arrangements.

Documentation

• Certificate proving qualified training of the service dog
• Health certificate from a veterinarian
• Proof of vaccinations
• Additional documentation may be required for international travel depending on destination regulations

At the Airport

• Check-in: Inform staff at the check-in counter about your service dog; documentation will be verified and assistance provided.
• Security screening: You and your service dog will undergo a special screening process without separation; security personnel are trained to handle service dogs with care.

Boarding

Priority boarding is provided to allow you and your service dog to settle comfortably. KLM staff will assist with seating and positioning your dog.

On Board Experience

• Seating: Service dogs must fit within your foot space without obstructing aisles or other passengers and remain under your control.
• If the dog is too large for the cabin, alternative seating or cargo hold transport may be arranged.
• For flight safety, dogs must be secured to the seat belt during all flight phases; extensions or infant belts may be used if needed.
• If you rely entirely on your dog’s support, you may take your service dog with you during walks in the cabin (e.g., lavatory visits).
• Behaviour: Dogs must be well-behaved, under control with a harness or leash, and not disruptive (no barking, growling, biting, or jumping).

Relief Areas

You must ensure your service dog does not need to relieve itself on the aircraft or does so without causing health or sanitary issues. Major airports provide dedicated relief areas, and staff can assist during layovers.

Arrival at Your Destination

• Disembarkation: Priority disembarkation is provided for a stress-free exit; staff will assist as needed.
• Customs and immigration: You may need to present your service dog’s documentation to officials; KLM staff can guide you.

For Flights to the United States

• Complete 2 U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Forms; print, sign by hand, and bring them to the airport.
• If booked 48 hours or more before departure, submit documentation in advance via KLM CARES for validation.
• If booked less than 48 hours before departure, present forms at check-in or gate.
• From 1 August 2024, new rules apply including:
  • Complete the Dog Import Form by the U.S. CDC if your dog is between 6 and 12 months old, at least 15 days before departure.
  • Bring a digital or paper receipt of the completed form to the airport.
  • Your dog must be microchipped and at least 6 months old; contact Customer Contact Centre if younger.

In-Cabin Carrier Details

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines follows animal welfare guidelines and the regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

• Limited space for pets on board; availability depends on aircraft type, destination, operating airline, and specific flight route.
• Make a reservation for your pet as soon as possible after booking your flight, no later than 48 hours before departure.
• Your pet must travel on the same flight as you and be at least 15 weeks old.

Pets in the Cabin

• Allowed: 1 cat or dog per passenger in Economy Class or Business Class within Europe.
• Pet must fit in a closed travel bag or kennel with maximum dimensions of 46 x 28 x 24 cm (18 x 11 x 9 in) to fit under the seat.
• Combined weight of pet and carrier must not exceed 8 kg (17.6 lb).
• Pets must remain inside the kennel during the flight and be small enough to move comfortably.
• Not allowed in Premium Comfort Class or Business Class on intercontinental routes due to lack of under-seat storage.

At the airport, a checklist will be used to verify your pet, travel documents, and kennel meet requirements. Please arrive 3 hours before departure to allow time for this process.

In Cargo Carrier Details

You can bring up to 3 pets in the hold. They may share the same kennel if each weighs no more than 14 kg (31 lb) and they are either:

• 2 adult animals of comparable size, or
• 3 animals up to 6 months old from the same litter.

Keep the combined weight of your pet and kennel under 75 kg (165 lb).

Maximum kennel dimensions:

• KLM flights: 122 x 81 x 89 cm (48 x 32 x 35 in)
• KLM European flights operated with Boeing 737 and Embraer aircraft: 102 x 69 x 76 cm (40 x 27 x 30 in)

Make a reservation for your pet travelling in the hold as soon as possible after booking your flight.

Pets we cannot transport:

• Animals other than dogs or cats.
• Pet and kennel combined weight over 75 kg (165 lb).
• Kennel larger than allowed dimensions (see above).
• Dogs or cats travelling on a different flight from the passenger.
• Dogs or cats travelling to countries that only allow pet transportation as cargo.