Kenya Airways Pet Policy

According to Kenya Airways pet policy, pets like cats, dogs, household birds, and other animals are allowed to travel as cargo baggage in the hold (AVH). Pets are not allowed to travel in the cabin (PETC) or as checked baggage. 

To book your pet, you must contact the Kenya Airways cargo department at least 48 hours before departure—and have your documentation ready (explained below). 

Exception. Trained service dogs and emotional support dogs (ESANs) are allowed to travel free of charge in the passenger cabin with their owners. 

Pet (Dogs) Transportation to the United States Starting July 14, 2021, dogs from high-risk countries for dog rabies will (temporarily) not be allowed entry into the United States. However, U.S. residents and lawful residents relocating with a dog from a high-risk country to the United States will be allowed entry to the United States with a CDC Dog Import Permit (usually takes 6 weeks) on a highly limited basis between July 14 and October 14, 2021, through the following airports:  Washington, DC (Dulles) Seattle San JuanSan Francisco Philadelphia NewarkNew York (JFK) Minneapolis MiamiLos Angeles Houston (IAH) HonoluluDetroit Dallas (DFW) Chicago (ORD)Boston Atlanta Anchorage After October 14, 2021, any dog travelling to the United States from a high-risk country with a CDC Dog Import Permit can only enter through these airports*: John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York (JFK)*Atlanta International Airport (ATL)*Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)*  *Do check the link as more airports may be added as they become available. Exception. If your pet dog (incl. a pup, service dog, or emotional support dog) has not been to a high-risk country in the last 6 months, the CDC does not require you to provide a certificate for rabies vaccination or other documentation. However, a rabies vaccination is highly recommended. These rules will also apply if you’re returning to the United States with your dog.

Kenya Airways Pet Policy—Pets as Cargo Baggage 

Kenya Airways allows pets to travel as cargo baggage. You can transport most animals by air cargo, as long as they are able to pass through the aircraft’s cargo hold door, which is different for wide- and narrow-body aircraft. 

1. Pet Container Requirements 
   1. Must comply with international standards. 
   2. Must be sturdy enough to endure freight transportation.
   3. Must not allow the animal to escape.
   4. Must be properly ventilated from at least 3 sides, and the upper part must be most ventilated.
   5. Must be secure and leakproof. 
   6. On 737 aircraft, the size of the pet container must not exceed:
      1. Max. Size: Length: 240cm x Width: 114cm x Height: 76cm
      2. Max. Weight: 330lb/150kg
2. Container Markings
   The pet container must display the following markings clearly:
   1. The shipper’s full name, address, and 24-hour contact number.
   2. The animal’s common and scientific name as indicated on the shipper’s certificate.
   3. The total number of animals in the pet container.
   4. A This Animal Bites label if the animal inside the container is likely to bite others.
   5. Instructions for watering and feeding the animal.
   6. Medication details, if any.
3. Travel Documents 
   1. The shipper must provide the following documents:
      1. Shipper’s Certificate 
      2. Transfer Certificate if the animal is in transit
         (available at Kenya Airways’ cargo department)
      3. Import and export permits
      4. Valid health and vaccination certificates
         (must be attached to the air waybill, AWB)
4. Useful Tips 
   1. Book at least 48 hours before departure.
   2. Provide separate receptacles for food and water—attached to the container or inside it so that they can be easily replenished when needed. 
   3. Make sure the receptacles are round-edged and made of food-friendly material suitable for the animal. 
   4. Provide watering and feeding instructions in writing by fixing them to the container, with a copy attached to the shipping documents. 
   5. Provide food for the animal without violating the transit/destination country’s regulations.
   6. Prepare your pet for the journey:
      1. Take the pet a long walk. 
      2. Feed the right type of food—at least 6-8 hours before take-off. 
      3. Give a small amount of water. 
   7. Do not tranquilize the animal unless your vet recommends it. 
5. Restrictions 
   1. Must comply with the transit/destination country’s regulations. 
   2. The maximum size of the pet container will be determined by the size of the cargo aircraft’s hold door, which differs by aircraft.
   3. You must take your pet to the cargo terminal and not to the airport’s check-in desk. 
   4. Your pet may not be allowed to board the aircraft if the runway temperature exceeds 84°F (29°C) or is below 45°F (7°C) degrees at the time of departure or may require an Acclimation Certificate from a licensed vet to be allowed on the aircraft.
   5. For country-specific restrictions, check with your nearest Kenya Airways Cargo Office.
6. Kenya Airways Cargo Department Contact Details  
   1. New York, USA 718-751-5106 jpalermo@wfs.aero 
   2. Dubai 971 504577591 Shan.Majeed@Kenya-Airways.com
   3. Online (all countries) Online Form

Kenya Airways Pet Policy—In-Cabin Pets 

Kenya Airways does not allow pets to travel in the cabin. However, trained service animals and emotional support dogs can travel for free in the cabin with their owners.

Kenya Airways Pet Policy—Pets as Checked Baggage 

Kenya Airways does not allow pets to travel as checked baggage. 

How to Travel with a Service/Emotional Support Animal (SVAN/ESAN) on Kenya Airways

Kenya Airways defines a service animal as a dog that has been trained to assist a person with a disability (such as blindness), and an emotional support animal as a dog that has been trained to help people with mental or psychiatric disorders. Trained service dogs and emotional support dogs are allowed to travel free of cost in the cabin with their owner, subject to certain conditions. 

• The dog must be trained and certified.

• The service dog must be trained to assist the passenger with a disability, such as visual impairment.
• The emotional support dog must provide emotional and psychiatric support to passengers with psychiatric or mental disorders.

• General conditions 
  • Pet Reservations– Passengers must make a reservation at least 48 hours before departure:
    • By email: Doctors.KQ@Kenya-Airways.com
    • By phone:
  • Only 1 service or emotional support dog is permitted per passenger. 
  • No more than 1 service or emotional support dog will be accepted on narrow-body aircraft and 2 on wide-body aircraft.
  • Pet Age- The dog must be at least 4 months old.
• Documentation 
  • For passengers 
    • Passengers traveling with a service dog must fill out the MEDIF (medical form) and seek approval from Kenya Airways’ medical team. 
    • Passengers traveling with an emotional support dog must carry a letter from their attending psychiatrist.
  • For service/emotional support dogs
    Passengers traveling with a service/emotional support dog must carry the following documents:
    • The dog’s health certificate
    • Import/export documentation
    • Veterinary doctor’s letter 
    • Dog training certificate
• Hygiene/travel requirements 
  • It is recommended (but not mandatory) to carry a moisture-absorbent mat and place it under the dog. 
  • The dog must be properly trained, muzzled, restrained, and vaccinated.
  • The dog must remain with the passenger at all times.
• International travel 
  • The service dog must meet the destination country’s requirements, including but not limited to customs, country-specific health regulations, micro-chipping/e-tagging, vaccinations, animal passports, certificates, import/export regulations for foodstuffs if when carrying the service dog’s food, etc.
• Restrictions 
  • If a flight segment is 8 hours or longer, the passenger must provide documentation that the dog will not relieve itself during the flight or that the passenger is in possession of items such as nappies or medicine to prevent any chances of health or sanitation issues on the flight. In the absence of such documentation, the dog will not be accepted.
  • Passengers accompanied by service dogs/emotional support dogs will not be allowed to occupy emergency exit row seats.
  • The service/emotional support dog:
    • Is not allowed to occupy a seat. 
    • Must not block anyone’s passage or aisle space.
    • Is not allowed to eat from a tray table.
    • Must not have any part of its body sticking out into the aisle or row.
• Recommended behavior 
• The service/emotional support dog must be under the owner’s control at all times, as well as harnessed and muzzled throughout the journey. 
• The service/emotional support dog must not display any aggressive behavior, such as growl or bite people, jump on people, or urinate/defecate in the aircraft cabin or airport terminal.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Kenya Airways