ANA Pet Policy

If you’re traveling with a pet on an All Nippon Airways flight, check the ANA Pet Policy to get a complete gist of the guidelines and regulations applicable in terms of check-in requirements, carrier specifications, pet fees, and everything else.

All Nippon Airways Pet Policy

Pet Care in Cabin and Cargo
Pet travel arrangements may differ based on whether your pet is accompanied by you in the cabin or transported in the cargo hold. To learn more about the specific requirements and options for pet transportation.

Assistance Dogs: Specialized assistance is offered to passengers traveling with service dogs. This service is available exclusively for ANA-operated flights. For code-share flights, ANA recommends checking with the operating carrier.

All Nippon Airways Pet Policy - Special Attention and Considerations

It’s essential to recognize that the conditions aboard an aircraft significantly differ from your pet's everyday environment, and air travel may impact their health. 
Air travel involves certain risks that could lead to weakness, injury, or, in extreme cases, fatality. Passengers are strongly advised to carefully consider these cautionary notes before transporting their pets by air.

ANA does not take responsibility for any injury or death of a pet if it is attributed to the pet's inherent qualities, such as their health condition and predispositions, or any container inadequacies.

ANA Pet Policy - Pet Transportation Regulations

Each country and region has regulations governing live animal import and export. You must contact the quarantine office, embassy, or relevant authorities of your departure and destination countries or areas well in advance. 
Ensure that all the required documentation for the import and export of your pet is obtained and completed. This may include:

• an export quarantine certificate
• import/export permit
• health certificate
• import certificate

NOTE: Due to the notice issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the entry of dogs from certain countries and areas into the United States may be temporarily suspended. 

ANA Pet Policy - Points to Consider for Pet Health

Pets facing the following conditions may be more susceptible to stress and temperature changes during travel, potentially harming their health:

• Lack of appetite or energy
• Labored breathing and elevated heart rate
• Unsteady gait
• Excessive nervousness, trembling, or drooling
• Continuous barking or panicked behavior

Certain small animals are allowed to be checked in if they meet specific criteria:

• They must be domesticated and fit for air travel.
• They must not be for sale or considered livestock.
• They must not be pregnant.
• They must be a little young (less than 4 months old).
• They must not have heart or respiratory problems.

Please refer to the table below for a quick reference on which animals can be checked in and carried on board:

Important Note: Short-nosed dog breeds cannot be checked in during the summer period (May 1 - October 31) every year. This restriction is due to their heightened susceptibility to heat stroke and respiratory difficulties compared to other breeds in higher temperatures.

Short-nosed dogs include: Bulldogs, French Bulldog, Boxer, Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier, Bull Terrier, Brussels Griffon, Chow Chow, Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Tibetan Spaniel, Pug, Pekingese.

Get complete information in the ANA Check-in policy.

ANA Pet Travel Policy - The Transportation Environment

It's important to understand that baggage, cargo, and pets are loaded into the aircraft's cargo compartment. This environment can affect a pet's health, including possibly being left in a weakened physical condition or experiencing severe health issues.
Factors to consider:

• Humidity and Temperature: The cargo compartment is air-conditioned, but it may differ from the passenger cabin due to external temperature variations. It can become hot in summer due to air temperature and reflected heat.
• Sound: During takeoff, landing, and in-flight, pets in the cargo compartment may experience noises from the engine, machine operation, wind, and ground vehicles.
• Lighting: The cargo compartment lights are turned off during the flight, resulting in a dark environment.

All Nippon Airways Pet Policy - Immigration Conditions for Pets

Immigration conditions for pets vary by country and region. It is imperative to contact the quarantine office, embassy, or relevant authorities of both your departure and destination countries or regions to determine the required documentation for importing/exporting your pet. This may include an export quarantine, health, and import certificate.

Passengers with dogs and cats traveling to Japan, for example, must submit advance notification to the Animal Quarantine Service of Japan (AQS) at least 40 days before arrival. 

The quarantine period for dogs or cats imported from rabies-free countries or regions can be completed within 12 hours with the appropriate microchip. Please note that the maximum quarantine period may extend to 180 days if conditions are not met.

Passengers traveling with rodents (mammals except for dogs and cats) and birds must submit notification documents and health certificates upon arrival. The exporting country's authority should issue these documents.

ANA Pet Policy - Reservation and Fees

Reservation: Advance reservation for pet transportation is required and cannot be made online. Reservations can be made up to two days before the departure of the first flight in your itinerary, especially when connecting from a Japan domestic to an international flight.

Service Fee: When checking in your pet, please note that the fee is not included in the free baggage allowance. The service fee varies based on the area of travel, as indicated below:

• Area 1: North America, Latin America, Hawaii
• Area 2: Europe, Russia (West of the Urals), Africa, Middle East
• Area 3: Russia (East of the Urals), Asia (including Japan), Oceania

Service fees may also apply for certain sectors operating across two of the areas mentioned above or within one of the areas. Please see the examples provided for a better understanding of pricing.

• Example: United States - Japan (Excluding Japan domestic segments)
• Example: Japan - Thailand
• Japan's domestic sectors may also be subject to consumption tax.

Please note that the number of pet cages that can be accepted may be limited due to aircraft loading space. Therefore, you should inquire about pet transportation costs when making your reservation.

ANA Pet Travel Policy - Pet Cage Requirements

It is essential to adhere to specific precautions when using a pet cage for travel. These include:

• In principle, a cage accommodates only one animal. Up to two birds may share a cage.
• Do not transport multiple pets in a single cage to prevent potential aggression-related injuries.
• Use pet cages that comply with IATA regulations and can withstand air transport.
• Ensure the cage has a sturdy roof and is made from materials such as hard plastic, metal, or wood.
• Provide ventilation through breathable cage walls with ventilation windows.
• Have a functional handle on the outside for easy transport.
• Secure the cage with a lock to prevent escape or contact.
• Ensure the cage is large enough for pets to sit, sleep, and turn.
• Use a water-resistant device like an absorbent sheet to prevent liquid or waste leakage.
• During May 1 - October 31, avoid checking in pets in covered pet cages or cages placed one inside another due to decreased air circulation.

Note: Some countries and regions may only transport pets as cargo. 

Check the baggage allowances on your ANA flight ticket in the ANA Baggage Policy.

ANA Pet Policy - Consent Form

Passengers intending to check in a pet must submit a consent form. You can download and fill out the required form in advance, ensuring a smoother check-in process. Please bring the completed form with you to the airport.

Preparations Before ANA Pet Travel

Before your departure date, it is advisable to take the following steps to ensure your pet's comfort and safety during travel:

• Help your pet become accustomed to the cage before the journey, especially if they are not used to extended periods in a cage.
• Consult a vet if this is your pet's first time traveling by air or if you have any concerns.
• Ensure your pet is vaccinated with a suitable vaccine and meets the necessary health requirements. Ensure dogs have been vaccinated within the last year with a vaccine specified in the Rabies Prevention Act.
• On the day of departure, interact with your pet as usual to help them relax and reduce potential anxiety.
• Regarding food, feed your pet before check-in, considering the potential for travel sickness or other health problems related to an empty or full stomach.
• Install a nozzle-type water dispenser securely in the cage to prevent heatstroke and dehydration in pets.

Dealing with Different Temperatures

Depending on the season and climate at your destination, it's essential to prepare for temperature variations during travel:

• In summer, consider items such as cooling mats and cooling packs.
• In winter, pack blankets and heat packs to keep your pet warm.

Pets raised indoors often have thicker undercoats. If this applies to your pet, consider trimming their undercoat when traveling in warmer weather.

Accidental Ingestion

When boarding an aircraft, be cautious about placing toys or other items inside your pet's cage, as they may accidentally swallow them due to changes in the aircraft environment. Additionally, collars and leashes may pose risks as they could be chewed off or entangled. To prevent accidents, remove your pet's leash before check-in. If you wish to transport your pet with its collar, ensure it fits securely and is not loose.