8 kg (cabin, dog + carrier combined)
Airline dog policy
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM, as part of the Air France-KLM group, operates pet travel policies very similar to Air France and is an excellent option for dog travel through its Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) hub. KLM accepts dogs in the cabin and in the cargo hold, and Amsterdam Schiphol features the legendary KLM Animal Hotel — a dedicated facility where animals are cared for during layovers by trained staff with veterinary support. KLM's extensive network connects Amsterdam to virtually every continent, making it a practical choice for global pet relocations.
Book early and confirm aircraft acceptance.
Under-seat dimensions can vary by aircraft.
Fees can change by region and currency.
Booking tip
KLM's policies mirror Air France closely, including the 8 kg cabin weight limit and the requirement for soft-sided carriers in the cabin. Booking a pet must be done by phone through KLM's service center at least 48 hours before departure. As with Air France, cargo hold (AVIH) travel is available for dogs that exceed the cabin weight limit, with IATA-compliant hard-sided crates required. KLM's booking system is separate from Air France, so even if you're flying a codeshare, confirm pet arrangements directly with the operating carrier.
Why it can work
The Amsterdam Animal Hotel at Schiphol Airport is a standout facility — it provides overnight boarding, feeding, exercise areas, and veterinary care for animals in transit. If your dog has a long layover in Amsterdam, the Animal Hotel ensures they are well cared for. KLM's ground handling team at Schiphol is experienced with live animals and uses climate-controlled vehicles for all tarmac transfers. For connections beyond Amsterdam, KLM's Star Alliance and SkyTeam partnerships offer extensive reach. KLM also operates frequent flights to South Africa, Indonesia, and Suriname — routes less commonly served by other European pet-friendly carriers.
Restrictions
Same brachycephalic restrictions as Air France apply. Dogs must have valid EU Pet Passport or Annex IV certificate for intra-EU travel. Pets not allowed in Business Class. One pet carrier per passenger in the cabin. KLM does not accept pets on flights to/from certain destinations with strict import controls (UK-bound flights require cargo). For cargo, crates must meet IATA standards and be large enough for the dog to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
Dog-owner notes
For travel within the EU, an EU Pet Passport with microchip registration and valid rabies vaccination is the standard documentation. For travel from outside the EU, you will need the full documentation chain including ISO microchip, rabies vaccine, and possibly a titre test. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is one of Europe's best-connected hubs, and the cargo handling facilities are modern and efficient. KLM Cargo can be contacted directly for live animal shipments — visit klmcargo.com or call +31 20 649 2727.
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.