Published in 2025 / Updated in 2026
If you are planning to travel with your pet on Malaysia Airlines, please check all their requirements first as this airline is not the most pet-friendly.
| Method | Status | Animals | Weight Limit | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin | ❌ NOT ALLOWED | Service dogs only | N/A | All routes |
| Checked Baggage | ✅ LIMITED | Dogs, cats, fish | 32 kg max | Excludes AU, NZ, HK, UK, Brunei |
| Cargo | ✅ AVAILABLE | Dogs, cats, fish | No limit | All routes via MASkargo |
Requirements
Age: Minimum 16 weeks (4 months)
Carrier:
- IATA-compliant, hard-sided
- Pet can stand, turn, lie down
- Max dimensions (checked): 204 cm total (L+W+H)
- Soft carriers NOT allowed
Documents:
- Health certificate (within 10 days of travel)
- Rabies vaccination (30+ days before travel)
- ISO microchip (for international)
- Import permit (destination-specific)
- All vaccination records
Temperature Restriction:
- Transport REFUSED if over 85°F (29°C)
- Book early morning/evening flights in summer
Booking
Timeline:
- Checked baggage: 48-72 hours minimum (2-4 weeks recommended)
- Cargo: 7-14 days domestic, 14-30 days international
- High-restriction countries (AU, NZ, UK): Start 3-6 months ahead
How to Book:
- Checked Baggage: Call Malaysia Airlines (cannot book online)
- Cargo: Contact MASkargo.com
Space is limited—book early!
Costs
Checked Baggage (excess baggage fees):
- Domestic: RM 400-800
- International: RM 1,200-2,500+
Cargo:
- Domestic: RM 500-1,500
- International: RM 1,500-8,000+
Key Restrictions
Must Travel as Cargo (not checked baggage):
- Australia, New Zealand, UK, Hong Kong, Brunei
- Pets over 32 kg
- Carriers over 204 cm dimensions
Cannot Travel at All:
- Any pet during extreme heat (85°F+)
- Snub-nosed breeds (any route)
- Birds, rabbits, reptiles, rodents (any route)
Travel Tips
- Acclimate pet to carrier 4-8 weeks before travel
- Light meal 4-6 hours before flight
- Freeze water dish (melts during flight)
- Exercise before check-in
- Arrive 3-4 hours early for check-in
- Remove collar or use breakaway type
- Label carrier with contact info and “LIVE ANIMAL” stickers
Check-In
Checked Baggage:
- Go to counter (not kiosk)
- Present all documents
- Pay fees
- Pet checked 3-4 hours before departure
Cargo (MASkargo):
- Drop at cargo terminal (separate from passenger terminal)
- Arrive 4-6 hours before flight
- Receive tracking number
Important Contacts
- Malaysia Airlines
- MASkargo: (for cargo bookings/quotes)
- Booking: Must call (no online pet booking)
Drop-off location:
MASkargo Animal Hotel, Advanced Cargo Centre, KLIA Free Commercial Zone, Southern Support Zone, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 64000 Sepang, Selangor
Contact details:
Tel : +603-8777 1847
Fax : +603-8777 1848
Email: gd_anihtl@malaysiaairlines.com
Critical Reminders
⚠️ Always verify current policies directly with Malaysia Airlines before booking
⚠️ Check destination country import requirements—may need quarantine
⚠️ Sedation NOT recommended (dangerous at altitude)
⚠️ No cabin travel except service dogs
⚠️ If you have birds/rabbits/rodents/reptiles, use another airline or pet relocation service
Alternative Options for Non-Accepted Pets
What to do if your pet is unable to fly on Malaysia Airlines?
Birds, Reptiles, Rabbits, Ferrets, Rodents:
Option 1: Book with Another Airline
Airlines That May Accept These Pets:
- Singapore Airlines: Birds, rabbits (as cargo)
- Lufthansa: Rabbits, birds, rodents (as cargo)
- KLM: Small mammals, birds (as cargo, limited routes)
- Emirates: Some exotic pets (as cargo)
- Air France: Limited small pets (as cargo)
- ⚠️ Note: Policies vary and change frequently. Always verify current policies directly with airline.
Option 2: Professional Pet Relocation Services
Benefits:
- Experts in international pet transport
- Handle all documentation
- Arrange cargo bookings
- Provide door-to-door service
- Familiar with complex regulations
Reputable Companies:
- International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) members
- Air Animal Pet Movers
- Pet Jets
- Universal Cargo (Malaysia-based)
Cost:
- More expensive than DIY
- Typical range: USD 1,000 – 5,000+
- Includes professional handling, documentation, peace of mind
Option 3: Ground Transportation
Domestic Travel:
- Car or van rental
- Pet-friendly road trip
- Suitable for Malaysia domestic travel or nearby countries (Thailand, Singapore)
International:
- Not practical for most international routes
Option 4: Temporary Boarding
If Trip is Short-Term:
- Veterinary boarding
- Professional pet boarding facilities
- In-home pet sitters
- Friends or family
How to choose a pet-friendly hotel, read here
PetsTravel Info – the most complete and reliable information on international travel regulations for dogs, cats, birds, rodents, and even exotic pets.
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