Japan Airlines Pet Policy: JAL Dog Policy 2024

Japan Airlines pet policy is a little bit strict, they allow pets as checked baggage and cargo. So, If you want to take pets with you on the same flight, as checked baggage option is best. Almost all kinds of small pets and birds can be transported through the cargo hold. JAL is not allowed carry-on pets

Service dogs are allowed to accompany their owners with disabilities inside of the cabin. But there are certain procedures to abide by if you want to travel with your service dog. Emotional support animals are not recognized by Japan Air, so they can not be shipped inside of the cabin like service dogs. But they can travel as normal pets in the cargo holds by complying with regular conditions.

Travel Options

1. Carry-on pets (Not allowed)
2. Cargo Hold
3. Cargo Service

Pets in cargo hold compartment

If you want to accompany your pet, then you have to place them in the cargo hold compartment of the aircraft.

Pets that are allowed in the cargo hold :

Dogs	Cats	Small birds – that eat insects, fruit and seeds
Rabbits	Ferrets,	Hamsters
Marmots	Squirrels	Chinchillas

Pets that are not allowed in the cargo hold :

• Pets that are pregnant.
• Pets that are not in good shape.
• Pets that can cause damage to the luggage.
• Pets that have a bad smell.

Age restrictions

• Traveling cats and dogs should not be younger than 8 weeks old.

Container requirements

While registering your pet, you need to bring a cage that fits the following requirements:

• Containers should be big enough for the pet to rise up, lay on the floor, and roll around in.

• Containers must always be made of a durable material such as plastic, fiberglass, wood, or a comparable strong material, and they must be water-resistant.

• Containers must be well-ventilated.

• Excluding the bottom surface, containers built completely of wire mesh or welded mesh are not appropriate for air shipment.

• Containers must always be locked and impenetrable.

• You can reduce your pet’s anxiety by placing a blanket or even other similar objects within the container. (Japan Airlines have the authority to refuse specific things if they believe that may endanger your pet’s wellbeing).

• Rabbits, hamsters, and other creatures with pointy teeth will travel in special containers that are completely encased with wire mesh to protect wiring and other critical aircraft parts. Begin preparing the box that will be stored inside the rodent cages.

• To avoid the transmission of infection, all rental boxes are cleaned ahead of time.

• A container can just carry one pet at a time.

Dimensions for containers for rodents :

Size	Height	Width	Length	Weight
L size	45	45	41	11.5 kg
M size	32	32	39	7.4 kg

Documents

• Achieve the required documentation in accordance with the quarantine requirements of the importing and exporting nations. All customs clearance papers must be confirmed and prepared by the traveler alone.

• Kindly contact the inspection office, the relevant embassy, the consulate, and so on, and follow the steps necessary.

• At the departing port, you will be required to sign their documentation.

• Prior to travel, consult the inspection office, embassy, consulate, or other appropriate entity in your departing and destination nations to determine appropriate papers for the exports and imports of your pet. The exporting quarantine certificate, shipping permit, health certificate, and import license are examples of such documents. Keep in mind that Japan Airlines cannot be found culpable for complications caused by inadequate customs papers.

• If an export inspection is necessary at a Japanese airport, kindly clarify the customs office’s operating hours in advance.

• Must provide a letter indicating your permission to register your pet as luggage. Click on the link to download the letter. On the day of departure, try bringing the filled agreement to the check-in desk.

Charges

Charges for pet transportation vary depending on the size and weight of the pet and its container. Contact Japan Airlines customer support to learn about the exact charges for your pet as per your destination.

Destination Restrictions

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States of America issued a “Notice of Temporary Suspension of Dogs Entering the United States from High-Risk Rabies Countries.” From July 14, 2021, Japan Airlines can not accept pets from high-risk Rabies countries. Please see the CDC web page for further information on countries and limitations.

Conditions in the Cargo hold

• Air conditioners regulate humidity and temperature within the bulk cargo space. Nevertheless, exterior wind and warmth cause temperatures to rise above usual.

• Animals are housed in air-conditioned, sheltered spaces till the aircraft departs. Humidity and temperature, though, may vary based on the season throughout travel, loading, and offloading.

• Throughout a journey, the bulk cargo room’s illumination is shut down. The area’s air pressure is maintained at 0.8 bar (about the force felt at the top of a 2000m hill). When ascending and descending, the differential pressure may induce “airplane ear” or other symptoms in your dog.

• The bulk cargo space is air-conditioned, so the humidity and temperature levels are the same as those found in the passenger compartment.

• During departure, flying, and touchdown, your dog will hear sounds that are not audible on the surface, such as wind noise and motor noise.

• During loading or unloading, the dog also will hear sounds from other airplanes and land vehicles.

Seasonal guidelines

• Because it is warm and muggy, it is better to avoid flying with your pet throughout the day, as the outdoor temperatures could be harmful to your pet. Please remember the travel dates and times for pups, senior dogs, and heat-sensitive brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dog species.

• Because winter temperatures may be bitterly cold, always take caution when your companion is susceptible to cold.

Breeds restrictions

• Since French Bulldogs and Bulldogs are much more vulnerable to environmental changes while air transport than other species, Japan Airlines doesn’t at all accept them on any flights.

Service dogs

Service dogs are allowed to fly with their passengers inside of the cabin on Japan Airlines. But there are some rules and procedures to look after.

• Bookings can be made for service dogs through the Japan Airlines website. Travelers are requested to book at least 48 hours before the departure.

• A Service Dog should be individually required to work or perform the function for the assistance of a disabled person. The Service Dog must always be fastened and leashed at any and all times at the terminal and aboard the airplane, and it must be under the supervision of the owner at all times.

• Japan Airlines will inspect your Service Dog’s conduct and fitness on the day of departure, and if its conduct constitutes a danger to flight safety, they will take actions such as transporting the Service Dog in the cargo area.

• In the event of foreign trips, animal quarantines apply. Please feel free to contact the embassy of the nation you will be visiting, as well as the closest pet quarantine station in Japan, for information on the admission requirements of each country.

• When traveling with a Service Dog from another country, Japan Airlines urges that you read the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare’s “Information for Those Using Service Dogs Who Have Traveled from Another Country.”

• According to airport operations laws, it is banned to walk a Service Dog (excluding a Guide Dog, Hearing Dog, or Mobility Assistance Dog) within the terminal building in Japan. Must have such a crate or cage ready to transport the dog from the cabin entrance through the station.

• After boarding, the flight attendants will notify you about the exit doors, lavatory, gadget, and services near your seat. The cabin personnel will also assist you in moving about within the cabin. Please do not provide anything to the support dogs for the physically disabled on the plane, other than water. We give assistance so that you really can board securely and proceed to your seat.

For flights to and from the United States, passengers need to fill up and bring with them the following forms :

• Form 1
• Form 2 

For flights to and from Canada, passengers need to fill up and bring with them the following forms :

• Form 1
• Form 2

Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

Emotional support pets are not accepted on flights to or from the United States and Canada. They must be transported in the cargo holds compartment.

Booking

• To guarantee that availability in the airplane cargo area is obtainable, reservations must be made in advance. For extra info on these contract terms, feel free to contact them. (JAL International Information and Reservation).

• Each airplane may only carry a certain quantity of cargo. The allowable presence and abundance of containers varies depending on the type of aircraft.

• They will question you about the dimensions of the container, the overall mass of the animal and container, the kind of animal, and if the animal is at least 8 weeks old when you make a pet reservation. They  will review your information and engage you if your pet may be welcomed at a later date. Please keep in mind that this communication may take days to arrive.

Before checking in

If some of the following criteria apply, Japan Airlines recommends speaking with your vet prior to considering flying with your pet.

• The pet has a breathing problem.

• The pet’s core temperature is not effectively controlled.

• During past travels, your animal has lost its hunger or had diarrhea.

• The pet has a medical issue that makes him or her unsuitable for plane travel.

• If your pet is in a dark environment, he or she gets stressed.

• Please do check the travel environmental information and animal transportation notes to ensure a pleasant trip with your animal. Animal exports and imports regulations differ from country to country and area.

• If your country requires an export quarantine inspection, complete it before proceeding to the check-in counter.

Check-in

• You can put your pet’s bottle of water inside of the cage if it is waterproof and robust. After check-in, their staff will not offer water or food to your animal. Please ensure that your pet has received enough water and food prior to checking in.

• There is indeed a chance that cargo capacity may be unavailable and you will be required to take a different aircraft.

• Please arrive at least 120 minutes before your trip’s departure time to enable your pet to adapt to the changing temperature. Temperature swings might be harmful to your pet.

• They work with the local vets and pet motels to help you in emergency situations at the Japan domestic airport. (Bear in mind that not all terminals provide these services.)

• Services may be unable to accept your pet due to business hours or lodging restrictions. (For example, evidence of immunization).

• Animals can be checked together at the same time as their owners at the very same check-in desk. Kindly give your pet’s needed customs papers to the check-in agent in the same manner as you would your personal ticket and passport. You will be required to sign the proper paperwork.

• Your check-in assistant will notify you of any costs that may apply.

• You must attend the counter at least 120 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

• Checked-in dogs will be housed in interior air-conditioned rooms to the greatest degree practicable.

• Since there is no air conditioning inside the carry-on luggage storage area within terminals, dogs will be carried to the plane as soon as they are checked in, with check-in possible till the flight departs.

Pick up

• A Japan Airlines employee will transport your pet from the baggage compartment to the landing lobby, where he or she will be delivered to you in the baggage area. To finish your pet’s immigration processes, go to the quarantine department at your arrival airport.

How to add a pet to my flight?

1. Confirm reservations for your pet as soon as possible because only a certain number of pets can be accepted per flight.
2. Provide Japan Airlines all the required information and documentation.
3. Buy an appropriate container for your pet.
4. Visit your veterinarian to make sure your pet is all good to fly.
5. Complete checking in at least two hours before your flight.
6. Enjoy your flight.

Tips

1. Before vacationing with a pet, the very first step is to speak with your veterinarian. You must ensure that your pet is in good enough shape to fly. After your vet gives you the all-clear, make a follow-up visit near your scheduled departure.

2. Companies only allow a set amount of animals per flight, so register ahead of time to ensure you get your desired trip. Make your reservations well in advance, particularly if you are traveling with your pet in freight or internationally, as the formalities sometimes take months to prepare.

3. Feed the dog inside the crate for several weeks ahead of your trip to help her become used to it. Put her bedding and a few sentimental belongings inside to show that this is her room to maneuver, nap, and comfort.

4. Arrive to the terminal on schedule, but not too early, and carry your pet’s medical certificate. You would not be allowed to check in with your dog more than four hours before the journey. When traveling with a pet, most airlines recommend arriving two hours ahead of your trip. Dogs must be checked in at the counter; curb and self-service checkouts are not authorized.

FAQ

JAL Contact details

Japan	0570-025-121 or 03-6733-3062
The United States and Canada	1 800 JAL FONE (1 800 525 3663)
Outside the United States and Canada	+1 310 607 4160

JAL Short Profile

Airlines Name	Japan Airlines
IATA Code	JL
ICAO Code	JAL
Callsign	Japan Air
Website	Japan Air English
Social Media Pages	Facebook
	Twitter
	Instagram

References

1. https://www.jal.co.jp/en/jalpri/pre-application/dog.html
2. https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/en/inter/support/pet/

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