32 kg max for pet + container on checked-baggage pet routes
Airline dog policy
China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines is a major mainland Chinese carrier with a Guangzhou hub and a large domestic and international network. Its official pet guidance treats small living animals as checked baggage, not as passenger-cabin pets, and requires advance approval before travel. For dog owners, China Southern is useful to investigate when it is the operating nonstop carrier, but the booking depends heavily on aircraft, airport and route conditions.
Book early and confirm aircraft acceptance.
Under-seat dimensions can vary by aircraft.
Fees can change by region and currency.
Booking tip
Apply at reservation time and at least 72 hours before departure, then get China Southern's confirmation before paying for the route as a dog move. Ask whether the actual aircraft hold is suitable, whether the route accepts checked pets, whether any connecting segment breaks the booking, and whether your dog's breed is restricted.
Why it can work
China Southern is often visible on direct China routes, especially through Guangzhou and Shenzhen. If it accepts the dog on the exact nonstop flight, using the operating carrier directly can be simpler than trying to connect through another airline or transit country.
Restrictions
No ordinary cabin pets; guide-dog rules are separate. China Southern says small living animals travel as checked baggage in suitable containers and cannot currently be carried on connecting flights. Short-nosed dogs and cats, aggressive breeds, pregnant animals, animals with unsuitable crates, and flights using aircraft without an appropriate baggage compartment can be refused. Each passenger normally carries one small animal or one pair of birds, depending on destination rules.
Dog-owner notes
Prepare the quarantine, vaccination and destination import documents before requesting approval. Dogs and cats need a signed liability waiver at check-in. China Southern asks passengers to arrive early for pet check-in, and the airport or aircraft may impose stricter limits than the general policy.
Final check before paying
Confirm the exact aircraft, route, dog breed, carrier size, temperature rules and destination import law directly with the airline. A country can allow dogs while a specific airline or aircraft refuses them.