2026 各大航空公司寵物規定總整理
You've booked the flights for your furry friend to travel abroad or return home, only to get rejected by the airline? Pe
Introduction: Flying with Your Pet? Don't Get Bounced at Check-in!
You've booked the flights for your furry friend to travel abroad or return home, only to get rejected by the airline? Pet policies vary wildly between carriers, with fees ranging from NT$3,000 to over NT$10,000, and the documentation and carrier requirements are full of fine print. We've compiled the latest 2026 information into a comprehensive comparison guide—so read this before you depart!
What to Check Before Bringing Your Pet on a Plane?
Entry Regulations Are Stricter Than You Think
Before researching airline policies, confirm the quarantine requirements of your destination country. For exporting dogs and cats from Taiwan, you'll need to complete rabies vaccinations, microchip implantation, and obtain an Export Animal Quarantine Certificate—typically requiring at least 40 days or more. China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea each have different quarantine or inspection procedures. Don't be so focused on snagging flight tickets that you overlook this critical step.
Required Documents (International Standard)
- Microchip implantation certificate (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
- Rabies antibody titer report (required by some countries)
- Official health certificate (issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of departure)
- Export Animal Quarantine Certificate (apply through the BAPHIQ)
- Airline-specific pet transport application form
Preparation timelines vary by country—Japan requires starting 180 days in advance, while Australia and New Zealand take even longer. We recommend beginning the process at least 3–6 months ahead. We've seen too many people get denied boarding due to incomplete documentation.
Carrier Specifications Are Key to Clearance
Airline requirements for carriers are largely similar across the board. The basic principle: your pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally inside the carrier. We recommend sturdy plastic or metal carriers—soft-sided pet bags are typically only suitable for small pets traveling in the cabin.
Recommended carrier dimensions (measure your pet with a tape measure before purchasing):
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Length | Pet body length + half the wing span |
| Width | Pet shoulder width × 2 |
| Height | Pet height (from head to ground when standing) |
| Material | Sturdy plastic or metal with secure latches |
| Bottom | Absorbent pad underneath to prevent leakage |
Important note: Starting in 2026, some routes have strengthened carrier ventilation area inspection standards. Ventilation holes must account for at least one-third of the total surface area across all four sides, or you may be required to replace the carrier at the airport check-in counter.
EVA Air vs. China Airlines: Pet Transport Fees and Regulations Compared
The following is a 2026 comparison of Taiwan's two major airlines, based on official websites and confirmed with customer service. Actual regulations may vary by route and date—please call to confirm before booking.
| Comparison Item | EVA Air | China Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Available Cabin Options | International cargo hold (some routes allow cabin) | International cargo hold (some routes allow cabin) |
| Cabin Pet Weight Limit | Up to 8 kg including carrier | Up to 8 kg including carrier |
| Cargo Hold Pet Weight Limit | Up to 50 kg including carrier | Up to 45 kg including carrier |
| Brachycephalic Breed Restrictions | Banned on all routes (Persian & Burmese cats included) | Banned on all routes (Exotic Shorthair & Persian cats included) |
| Temperature Restrictions | Arrival/transit temperatures must be 7–30°C | Arrival/transit temperatures must be 7–30°C |
| Application Deadline | 48 hours before departure | 48 hours before departure |
| Fee Range (Reference) | NT$3,000–8,000 (varies by route and weight) | NT$3,500–9,000 (varies by route and weight) |
| Customer Service | 0800-051-255 | 02-412-9000 |
| Official Reference Pages | evaair.com Pet Section | china-airlines.com Pet Section |
Step-by-Step Application Process
EVA Air: Call customer service to reserve space → Fill out the Live Animals Accommodation Request Form → Check in at the airport cargo counter 48 hours before departure → On-site carrier and document inspection → Complete transport. Pro tip: EVA's application form requires a veterinarian to fill out the health status section. We recommend obtaining the form from your vet clinic three days in advance.
China Airlines: Call customer service to confirm pet quota availability → Complete the online Pet Reservation application → Receive confirmation email after approval → Arrive at the airport excess baggage counter 2.5 hours before departure on the day of travel. China Airlines' system will issue an application reference number—keep this safe as you'll need to present it at check-in.
The fee difference between the two airlines is mainly determined by route distance, not pet size. On the same route, transport fees are identical for large and small dogs—so small dog owners may feel they're not getting good value.
What to Do When Brachycephalic Breeds Are Banned in Summer?
Why Are Flat-Faced Dogs Turned Away?
Brachycephalic breeds refer to dog breeds with shorter snouts and unique respiratory anatomy. Common members include: French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, and Boston Terriers. The气压 and temperature changes during flight in both cabin and cargo hold can significantly impact these breeds' respiratory systems, creating higher accident risks compared to other breeds. Therefore, EVA Air and China Airlines have implemented full bans on all brachycephalic breeds—regardless of season or route.
If your furry friend belongs to any of these breeds, skip these two airlines when planning your trip:
- French Bulldog
- English Bulldog (Bulldog)
- Pug
- Boxer
- Boston Terrier
- Shar-Pei
- Pit Bull (restricted by some airlines)
Alternative 1: Other Airlines That Accept Brachycephalic Breeds
Since domestic carriers are bound by the same policies, turning to foreign airlines is a common solution. Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways' cargo services conditionally accept brachycephalic breeds. Common conditions include: pet must be at least 6 months old, departure and destination temperatures must meet standards, and a veterinarian-issued health certificate must be provided. We recommend contacting each airline's cargo department directly—communicating in English tends to be more efficient.
Alternative 2: Specialized Pet Freight Companies
Skipping airlines altogether and using professional pet travel agencies or animal logistics providers is another viable option. Taiwan has several companies offering pet export services, covering document processing, carrier preparation, customs clearance, and flight arrangements. While fees are typically higher than DIY options, this saves time running between offices and reduces the risk of rejection due to document non-compliance. When choosing a provider, verify they hold valid Class-A pet boarding and transport licenses, and request examples of past successful cases.
Alternative 3: Leave Them Behind—Arrange Short-Term Boarding
If your trip is short-term and you can't find suitable airline or freight options, entrusting your pet to a trusted friend or family member, or choosing a well-equipped pet boarding facility with video surveillance, is safer than risking high-risk cargo transport for brachycephalic breeds. Reminder: Visit the boarding facility in person before booking. Confirm adequate ventilation, sufficient activity space per pet, and sign a formal boarding contract.
Important Reminders from Our Pet Expert
What Do You Need to Prepare?
Confirm your destination country's quarantine regulations 3–6 months in advance, then proceed step by step: microchip, vaccines, health certificate, airline application. We recommend purchasing the carrier at least two weeks before departure to give your pet time to acclimate to the carrier environment, reducing travel anxiety. On departure day, avoid large meals—keep feeding to about 60% full to prevent stomach discomfort during the flight.
What If You're Over Quota or Over Weight?
Each flight has limited pet quotas—typically only two to three pet shipments per aircraft. When over quota occurs, airlines arrange based on booking order, with earliest reservations taking priority. If you're unlucky enough to be told the flight is full, quickly contact the same airline for other date options, or consider other carriers on the same route.
Any Other Fine Points to Note?
Temperature is the most overlooked variable. Even if departure and destination weather is comfortable, the flight path may pass through high or low temperature zones, and airlines may cancel pet transport based on this alone. We recommend choosing morning or evening flights to avoid high-temperature afternoon slots in summer and low-temperature early morning slots in winter. Double-check weather conditions along the route before departure.
Finally, we recommend all pet parents bookmark this article and review it before booking flights. Prepare your documents and carrier first, then go ticket-hunting. Pet travel is serious business—get the details right so your whole family can travel happily and return safely.
slug: airlines-pet-policy-comparison-2026 category: airline region: 台灣 tags: ["航空公司", "寵物規定", "比較", "2026"]