EVA Air vs China Airlines Pet Transport Costs & Rules Tested 2026
When booking tickets, are you also confused about the costs for your furry baby's airfare? When it comes to bringing pets abroad, Eva Air and China Airlines have different regulations and fee structures. Choosing the wrong airline might cause you to make a wasted trip through the quarantine process. Our pet editor has compiled the latest 2026 test data to help you understand the pet policy differences between these two major airlines. The two airlines
Eva Air vs China Airlines: Pet Transport Fees & Regulations Tested 2026
Ever feel confused about how much it costs to fly your furry friend? Even when traveling with pets domestically, Eva Air and China Airlines have different rules and fee structures—and choosing the wrong airline could mean your quarantine paperwork goes to waste. We've compiled the latest 2026 test data to help you understand all the differences between these two major carriers' pet policies.
What to Know Before Bringing Your Pet on Board
Eligibility and Basic Requirements
Both airlines allow passengers to travel with pets, but the restrictions vary. Both Eva Air and China Airlines permit cats and dogs in the cabin, while larger pets must be transported as checked baggage or cargo.
Basic requirements for cabin travel:
- Only cats and dogs are permitted
- Pet plus carrier must not exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
- Each passenger may travel with 1 pet
- Pet must be at least 12 weeks old
Required Documentation
Make sure you have all the following documents ready before departure—typically you'll need to prepare them within 10 business days of your flight:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Pet Health Certificate | Issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of departure |
| Rabies Vaccination Certificate | Must comply with the destination country's vaccination timeline |
| Microchip Implantation Certificate | Required by some countries—check entry requirements first |
| Export Quarantine Approval Form | Apply through the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine; requirements vary by destination |
Start preparing your documents at least one month before departure. For countries requiring blood tests (such as Japan, Australia, and New Zealand), the quarantine process can take 6 months or longer.
Carrier Specifications
Pet carriers must comply with IATA (International Air Transport Association) guidelines. Core requirements include:
- Enough space for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down
- Ventilation openings covering at least one-third of the total surface area on all sides
- Solid, leak-proof bottom
- Door made of metal or reinforced plastic that cannot be opened from the inside
Individual airlines may have additional requirements—be sure to call customer service after booking to confirm the latest specifications.
Eva Air vs China Airlines: Pet Transport Fees & Regulations Tested
Below is 2026 test data from both airlines for your reference.
Fee Comparison
| Item | Eva Air | China Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Fee (Asia routes) | NT$5,000 - NT$8,000 | NT$5,000 - NT$7,500 |
| Cabin Fee (Long-haul routes) | NT$12,000 - NT$20,000 | NT$10,000 - NT$18,000 |
| Checked Baggage Fee (by weight & distance) | Starting from NT$8,000 | Starting from NT$7,000 |
| Cargo Shipment | Available; quote based on circumstances | Available; quote based on circumstances |
Actual fees are subject to the airline's website or booking quote. Peak seasons like Chinese New Year and summer vacation may see price increases.
Cabin Restrictions and Travel Regulations
| Item | Eva Air | China Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible cabin classes | Business and Premium Economy not available; specific cabin classes only | Most cabin classes eligible; see route-specific details |
| Pet quota per flight | Limited—book early | Limited—book early |
| Permitted pet types | Cats, dogs (rabbits and guinea pigs on select routes) | Cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs (by route) |
Temperature Restrictions and Seasonal Rules
High temperatures can be life-threatening for certain dog breeds. Both airlines have strict restrictions on brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds:
| Item | Eva Air | China Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Short-nosed dog/cat temperature ban | Refuses transport at 25°C+ at select destinations | Suspends all transport at 24°C+ |
| Summer suspension period | Approximately May–October (by destination temperature) | Approximately May–October (complete suspension) |
| Short-nosed breeds | Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Shih Tzu, Boxers, Boston Terriers, etc. | Same, including all flat-faced breeds |
Application Process
Both airlines follow similar application procedures—both use a pre-registration system:
- Before ticket issuance, call the airline's customer service to inform them you'll be traveling with a pet
- After confirming pet quota availability, complete the pet transport consent form
- Contact the airline again 72 hours before departure to reconfirm
- At check-in, complete the pet declaration form and present relevant documents
Contact the airline as soon as your ticket is issued—the earlier you book, the better your chances of securing a quota.
What to Do When Short-Nosed Breeds Are Banned All Summer?
Every summer, owners of flat-faced breeds face the biggest headaches. Due to their inherently fragile respiratory systems, short-nosed breeds are highly susceptible to heatstroke and suffocation in high temperatures. Eva Air and China Airlines essentially suspend all short-nosed breed transport during summer.
Alternative 1: Other Airlines
Some low-cost carriers and regional routes have more lenient policies for short-nosed breeds. Consider checking:
- STARLUX Airlines: Currently allows select short-nosed breeds in the cabin, but size restrictions apply
- Tigerair: Some routes accept pet cabin transport—check the official website for updates
Alternative 2: Specialized Pet Travel Agencies
Let a dedicated pet travel agency handle entry quarantine procedures and flight arrangements, saving you time on paperwork:
| Provider | Services | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Petaholic Partner Pet Travel Agency | Document preparation, flight arrangements, carrier setup | Starting from NT$15,000 (by destination) |
| Pet Flight Expert | Full-service including airport transfers | Starting from NT$20,000 |
Alternative 3: Cargo Transport
If your pet is too large for cabin or checked transport, cargo is another option—but be aware of:
- Higher costs—long-haul routes can run NT$30,000–50,000
- Must use a freight forwarder licensed for live animal transport
- Some countries require quarantine (Australia's maximum is 10 days)
Our recommendation: if your destination allows it, plan your move during cooler months. This protects your pet's safety and reduces the risk of being refused transport.
Important Reminders
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What documents do I need to bring my pet abroad?
At minimum, you'll need a veterinarian-issued health certificate, rabies vaccination proof, and your destination country's entry permit. Depending on the destination, you may also need microchip certificates, blood test results, and more. Contact the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine and your destination's embassy 1–6 months in advance to confirm all requirements.
Q: What if the cabin pet quota is full?
Once the quota is full, there's usually no waitlist. We recommend switching to a different flight date or contacting the airline to see if checked transport is an option. Never risk showing up at the airport without pre-registration—staff has the right to refuse any pet that hasn't been pre-approved.
Q: Can pet ticket fees be refunded or changed?
Policies vary by airline. Generally, pet fees are tied to the ticket—when you cancel the ticket, the pet fee is refunded too. However, if you only change the flight date, you'll need to reapply for a pet quota and fees may change. We recommend reconfirming all pet-related arrangements with the airline one week before departure.
Q: What should I watch out for when entering foreign countries?
Entry regulations vary dramatically by country. Some have strict rules about breed, age, and microchip specifications. For example, the UK requires microchips with 15+ digits, while Japan requires 10 digits and vaccination must occur after chip implantation. Always check the latest regulations on the Bureau of Foreign Affairs and Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine websites before departure.
Traveling with pets requires more preparation than typical tourism, but with the right information and early planning of documents and flights, you can significantly reduce the risk of being refused. We wish all pet parents and furry companions a safe and smooth journey to your new adventure.
Related Reading:
- Complete Guide to Bringing Pets from Taiwan Abroad: Quarantine Procedures and Document Preparation
- 2026 Pet Policies for Major Airlines: Complete Comparison
slug: eva-air-vs-china-airlines-pet-policy-2026 category: airline region: Taiwan tags: ["Eva Air", "China Airlines", "pet transport", "airlines"]
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