Pet-friendly transport gains ground worldwide

Pet-friendly travel is expanding across airlines, ferries and tourism services, as operators respond to growing demand from travelers who want to bring their companion animals with them. GlobalPETS compiles the latest developments. 

Philippines

Philippine Airlines (PAL), the nation’s flag carrier, is expanding its pet-friendly travel offering to allow small cats to travel in the aircraft cabin under its FurPAL program.

Launched in November 2025, with flights beginning on 1 December 2025, the program initially allowed small dogs on domestic routes.

Following the update, passengers may now bring one small dog or cat for a one-way fee starting at ₱2,500 ($43.50/€37.60), subject to applicable requirements and guidelines.

The program is available on all domestic routes. PAL currently has 32 destinations in the Philippines.

Australia

Australian passenger and vehicle ferry service company Spirit of Tasmania has introduced pet-friendly cabins aboard its new vessels, Spirit of Tasmania IV and V. Bookings are open, with these rooms available on sailings from 31 October 2026.

According to the company, cabins can accommodate up to 2 pets, limited to dogs and cats, subject to its pet travel requirements. Companion animals also have access to an outdoor toilet area.

Both vessels have 11 decks and 301 cabins, with a passenger capacity of 1,800 each. They will operate on the Geelong–Devonport route, which takes approximately 9.5 to 11.5 hours per trip.

UK

London-based premium pet travel company Vicuna Air has launched a new service connecting travelers and their pets between cities across Europe and Vicuna’s transatlantic gateways, including its New York–Brussels route.

Vicuna Waypoints comprises 2 offerings: the Express Route and the Scenic Route. The first is designed for speed, while the second focuses on the travel experience, with the company offering bespoke, multi-day itineraries combining first-class rail, private drivers, ferries and selected hotels.

Waypoints will initially expand Vicuna’s reach across Northern Europe. Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt will continue to be key direct routes via Brussels, while Hamburg, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo will be connected to Vicuna’s transatlantic flights through the new service. 

Italy

ITA Airways introduced a new service allowing large dogs to travel in the cabin alongside their owners on selected domestic flights from August. 

The Italian flag carrier offers the service for dogs weighing up to 30 kg on selected domestic routes identified as “Large Dog” flights, subject to availability. A maximum of 2 dogs can be accommodated in the cabin on each flight: one weighing more than 10 kg and up to 15 kg, and the other weighing more than 15 kg and up to 30 kg.

The initiative follows the Italian National Civil Aviation Authority’s (ENAC) adoption of new provisions allowing dogs to travel in aircraft cabins and the subsequent authorization granted to ITA Airways. The airline carried out its first demonstration flight under the new rules in September 2025 on the Milan Linate–Rome Fiumicino route.

ENAC officially allowed medium- and large-sized dogs to travel in the passenger cabin from May 2025.

Hong Kong

Passenger ferry operator Star Ferry has proposed introducing a pet co-ride service on its Wan Chai–Tsim Sha Tsui route, allowing passengers to travel with their companion animals. The proposal was submitted to Hong Kong’s Transport and Logistics Bureau on 17 July.

If approved, passengers will be able to bring pets on board by purchasing a HK$25 ($3.19/€2.80) pet pass in addition to their regular fare. Animals would need to be properly restrained, either on a leash or in a cage or bag, and passengers traveling with pets would be required to stay on the lower deck.

Star Ferry says the proposed service is intended to attract passengers traveling with pets and explore new customer bases, aiming to boost revenue.

Brazil

The Brazilian Ministry of Tourism conducted a national survey to understand the challenges and needs of the pet-friendly tourism sector. 

The research aims to support the development of the first manual of best practices for the segment, which would help standardize services for travelers with pets. The findings will also inform the development of a guide for tourists and businesses in the sector.

The survey covered 2 groups: travelers and pet owners, to understand their main difficulties and expectations when traveling with pets; and businesses in the sector, to map the operational challenges faced by hotels, inns, bars, restaurants and attractions that already receive or intend to receive clients with pets.

The survey closed on 31 July, and the ministry told GlobalPETS that it is still compiling the data, with results expected to be released by the end of the year.

International guidelines

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), alongside several specialized working groups and councils, released new operational guidelines for in-cabin pet transport, covering the passenger journey from booking through arrival.

The guidelines recommend that airlines provide clear information on pet eligibility, container requirements, fares, reservations and required documentation; use IATA’s PETC (Pet In Cabin) code to register in-cabin pets; and provide guidance before travel and during check-in. 

Airlines are also advised to train staff to verify pet and container compliance, assess animal welfare and deny boarding when requirements are not met.

The recommendations also cover security screening, boarding, onboard procedures, connection and destination requirements, and procedures for delays, cancellations, diversions and other irregular operations.