Some trips start with spreadsheets and color-coded checklists. Others begin with a last-minute booking, a mild panic, and a pet looking confused about why the carrier just came out of storage. Flying with animals usually lands somewhere in between. That’s where the All Nippon Airways Pet Policy steps in—structured, very Japanese in its precision, and surprisingly forgiving if the prep work is done right. Miss a step, though? Things unravel fast.

This guide walks through how ANA actually handles pets. Not the brochure version. The real, practical version—fees, rules, restrictions, and the little gotchas that tend to surface only after a ticket is already booked.

Does All Nippon Airways Allow Pets on Flights?

Yes, but not in the cabin. That’s the first thing that trips people up.

Under the All Nippon Airways Pet Policy, pets are transported as checked baggage or cargo, depending on route, aircraft, and destination regulations. Dogs and cats are accepted on most ANA-operated flights, including domestic routes within Japan and many international services.

Emotional support animals? That category has been tightened significantly. More on that later.

The key takeaway: ANA allows pets, but only with advance arrangements and strict compliance. No casual “add a pet at the airport” moments here.

What Types of Pets Are Accepted?

ANA keeps the list short and manageable.

Allowed Pets

• Dogs

• Cats

That’s it. No rabbits, no birds, no reptiles, no “but he’s tiny and quiet” exceptions. The All Nippon Airways Pet Policy is very clear on this point.

Certain breeds may face additional scrutiny due to health or safety risks—especially brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats.

In-Cabin Pet Rules: Why ANA Says No

Many airlines allow small pets in the cabin. ANA does not.

Pets are not permitted in the passenger cabin, regardless of size, weight, or temperament. Even toy breeds must travel in the aircraft’s temperature-controlled cargo hold.

Why so strict? ANA cites safety, cabin comfort, and standardized operations across its fleet. It’s consistent, even if a little disappointing for travelers hoping to keep their pet under the seat.

Checked Baggage vs Cargo: What’s the Difference?

This part matters more than it sounds.

Pets as Checked Baggage

On eligible routes, pets can travel in the aircraft hold as checked baggage on the same flight as the owner. This option is typically available on:

• Domestic flights within Japan

• Select international routes

The pet is handed over at check-in and retrieved at baggage claim or a designated cargo area on arrival.

Pets as Cargo

Some international routes require pets to be shipped as manifest cargo. This usually applies when:

• Destination country regulations demand it

• Transit rules are strict

• Aircraft type limits baggage transport

Cargo shipments involve additional paperwork, handling fees, and coordination with ANA Cargo.

Either way, the All Nippon Airways Pet Policy treats pets as special cargo, not standard luggage. That distinction drives most of the rules.

Pet Carrier Requirements (No Wiggle Room Here)

If there’s one area where ANA does not bend, it’s carriers.

Approved Pet Crates Must:

• Be IATA-compliant

• Be made of hard plastic, fiberglass, or metal

• Allow the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally

• Have proper ventilation on multiple sides

• Include secure locking mechanisms

Soft-sided carriers are not accepted. Zip-ups are a hard no.

Inside the crate:

• Absorbent bedding required

• No wheels attached

• Food and water containers must be fixed or accessible from outside

Labels matter too. The crate must display:

• Owner name and contact details

• Pet’s name

• Feeding instructions

Missing labels have delayed flights before. It happens.

Size and Weight Limits for Pets

ANA doesn’t publish a single universal weight cap because limits depend on aircraft type and route. However, there are practical boundaries.

• The combined weight of pet + crate is usually capped

• Oversized crates may be rejected even if weight is acceptable

• Some aircraft cannot accommodate large kennels

Advance confirmation is mandatory. The All Nippon Airways Pet Policy requires travelers to notify the airline well before departure so capacity and aircraft suitability can be verified.

Showing up with a crate that’s “probably fine” is not a winning strategy.

Pet Travel Fees on ANA

Fees vary by route, and they aren’t cheap.

Typical Pet Fees (Approximate)

• Domestic Japan flights: Around JPY 6,000–7,000 per pet

• International flights: Fees increase based on destination, crate size, and whether the pet travels as baggage or cargo

Cargo shipments can cost significantly more, sometimes rivaling the price of a human ticket on long-haul routes.

Important note: Pet fees are non-refundable if travel is denied due to non-compliance. The All Nippon Airways Pet Policy places responsibility squarely on the traveler.

Required Documents for Pet Travel

Paperwork is where trips either stay smooth or go sideways fast.

Common Requirements

• Valid pet health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian

• Proof of rabies vaccination

• Microchip documentation (ISO-compliant chip strongly recommended)

• Import/export permits for international travel

Japan-Specific Rules

Japan enforces some of the strictest animal import rules in the world. For inbound pets:

• Rabies antibody titer tests may be required

• Advance notification to Japanese Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) is mandatory

• Quarantine periods may apply if requirements are not met

ANA checks documents, but border authorities have final say. The All Nippon Airways Pet Policy makes it clear: airline approval does not override government regulations.

Emotional Support Animals and Service Dogs

This area has changed, and confusion lingers.

Service Dogs

ANA accepts trained service dogs assisting passengers with disabilities, subject to documentation and advance notice. These animals may travel in the cabin under specific conditions.

Emotional Support Animals

Emotional support animals are not treated the same as service dogs. Most ESAs must travel under standard pet rules—meaning cargo or checked baggage.

The shift reflects global airline trends. The All Nippon Airways Pet Policy aligns closely with international aviation standards here.

Breed Restrictions and Health Considerations

Short-nosed breeds face extra hurdles.

Brachycephalic Breeds

Dogs like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers—and cats like Persians—are more susceptible to breathing issues at altitude.

ANA may:

• Require a veterinarian’s clearance

• Restrict travel during hot seasons

• Refuse transport if risk is deemed too high

Summer embargoes are common. Heat plus stress equals danger, and ANA leans cautious.

Not ideal, but understandable.

Booking a Flight With a Pet on ANA

This isn’t an online checkbox situation.

Steps to Follow

1. Book the passenger ticket first

2. Contact ANA directly to request pet transport

3. Provide pet size, weight, and crate dimensions

4. Submit required documents

5. Receive confirmation approval

Until confirmation is issued, the pet is not guaranteed space. The All Nippon Airways Pet Policy requires approval well before departure—sometimes weeks ahead for international routes.

Check-In Process With Pets

Expect extra time. More than usual.

• Arrive early—often 2–3 hours before domestic flights, even earlier for international

• Pet inspection occurs at check-in

• Documents are verified

• Crate security is checked

Once accepted, the pet is taken to a controlled area before loading. Owners typically cannot see the pet again until arrival.

That moment always feels longer than it actually is.

Temperature Controls and Pet Safety

ANA aircraft cargo holds used for pets are:

• Pressurized

• Temperature-controlled

Still, extreme weather can trigger travel restrictions. Very hot or very cold conditions may result in denied boarding for pets, even with confirmed bookings.

The All Nippon Airways Pet Policy prioritizes animal welfare, sometimes at the cost of travel plans.

Annoying? Absolutely. Necessary? Also yes.

Connecting Flights and Layovers

Direct flights are always safer for pets.

Connections increase:

• Handling transfers

• Stress levels

• Risk of delays

Some ANA routes restrict pets on itineraries with long layovers or interline connections with partner airlines.

Always confirm the full routing. Assumptions get expensive here.

Travel Tips for Flying With Pets on ANA

A few lessons learned the hard way—by many travelers, repeatedly.

• Book early. Pet slots are limited.

• Use a crate the pet already knows. New crates cause panic.

• Avoid peak summer and winter travel when possible.

• Double-check destination import rules, not just airline rules.

• Carry copies of every document. Then carry one more.

The All Nippon Airways Pet Policy is logical, but it rewards preparation and punishes guesswork.

Common Reasons Pets Are Denied Boarding

No one likes surprises at check-in. These are the usual culprits:

• Incorrect or missing documents

• Non-compliant crate

• Exceeding size or weight limits

• Breed-related restrictions

• Weather-related embargoes

Most denials could have been avoided with earlier confirmation.

Is Flying With Pets on ANA Worth It?

For travelers who value structure and predictability, yes. ANA runs a tight ship. Once approved, the process is calm, organized, and handled with care.

For those hoping for flexibility or last-minute changes? Less ideal.

The All Nippon Airways Pet Policy doesn’t cater to improvisation. It caters to planning. Meticulous, almost comforting planning.

Final Thoughts on the All Nippon Airways Pet Policy

Flying with pets is never effortless. It’s paperwork, timing, rules layered on top of rules. ANA doesn’t hide that. The policy is detailed, firm, and—once decoded—fair.

Do the prep. Respect the structure. And don’t cut corners. Pets arrive safely when the system is followed, even if the process feels a bit rigid along the way.

That’s the trade-off. And honestly? It usually works.