When transporting a pet by a commercial airline, it is extremely important to understand their pet policy. These policies vary between airlines. Some allow small pets to fly in the cabin and others don’t. It is important to know the answers to all your questions before making your decision to fly your pet on any commercial airline. Does Iberia allow pets on your specific route? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on Iberia? What documents will I need? What are the carrier or crate requirements for Iberia? All your answers related to Iberia pet policy are answered below.
Note: It is important to mention that the pet policy of the airline that operates your pet’s route will preside over the policy of the airline that owns the route. This is important to note because if the operating airline changes during your trip, then you will likely need to claim and recheck your pet on the next airline. This will cause you to clear customs and enter the layover country. You will need time and extra documentation to accommodate this process during the layover unless flying domestically.
Classes of service offered to pets by commercial airlines
- In-Cabin: Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant
carrier stowed under the seat. - Checked Baggage: Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin due to size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
- Air Cargo: Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.
Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? Yes (Certain Flights)
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? Yes
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? Yes
Where is Iberia based?
Iberia Airlines [IATA:IB], otherwise known as Iberia Líneas Aéreas de España is based out of Madrid–Barajas Airport in Madrid, Spain. Most layovers within Iberia’s network will occur in this airport.
What countries does Iberia fly to?
Iberia offers service to pets to the following countries: Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czechia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Slovenia, Senegal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Iberia Pet Policy – In Cabin
If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in Iberia’s pet policy to fly in the cabin, it will need an airline-compliant pet carrier unless you are flying with a service dog who is trained to assist you in a task required to address a physical or medical disability.
Pets allowed flown by Iberia in the cabin
Iberia will fly small dogs, cats, fish, tortoises and pet (not wild) birds in the cabin. Note that Iberia will not transport any mammals from the weasel family including ferrets as checked baggage.
Pets must be clean, emit no odor, healthy, harmless and mannerly.
Reservations
Reservations should be made through Iberia Booking Offices at least 48 hours in advance.
Age requirements
Puppies and kittens cannot be transported prior to eight weeks of age. Minimum age requirements depend on the route. For most Intra-EU routes, the minimum age requirement is three months and 21 days. Any puppies or kittens under three months of age must be accompanied with authorizations from the origin and destination country stating that the puppy or kitten remained in the same place since birth and not exposed to any wild animals or is still dependent (and traveling with) their mother. Not all EU Member States will permit the import of unvaccinated puppies and kittens.
Pets flying on routes to the United States must be a minimum of 6 months of age. All other age minimums depend on requirements of the destination country.
Weight requirements
The weight of your pet including its carrier cannot exceed 17 lbs. (8 kg).
Pet carrier requirements
Your pet’s carrier must:
- Have adequate ventilation on all four sides
- Be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably
- Be able to accommodate your entire pet. No part of your pet can extend out of the carrier
- Be able to fit under the seat in front of you
- Have a waterproof bottom and absorbent pet pad
- Have secure fasteners (heavy duty zippers are recommended)
The maximum carrier dimensions are 17.7″L x 13.8″W x 9.8″H (45 x 35 x 25 cm), and the sum of these dimensions must not exceed 41.3″ (105 cm). Birds must be transported in a secure, covered cage with non-spill food and water containers.
Two pets of the same species can be transported in one carrier if there is adequate room for them, they are known to each other and weight limits are not exceeded.
Exit row or bulkhead seats cannot be reserved when flying with a pet. Pets must remain in carriers for the duration of the flight.
Related: Selecting a pet carrier that is airline compliant
Forms required
- For domestic flights within Spain, pets should fly with their official health card and proof of rabies vaccination. If your pet is not vaccinated, then consult with your veterinarian for requirements for your destination.
- For Intra-EU flights, an EU Pet Passport reflecting microchip and current rabies vaccination (if over 12 weeks) is required. A tapeworm treatment is also required for flights to Finland, Norway, Malta and Ireland.
- For non-EU destinations, documentation required for your destination country. Pets should also travel with a rabies titer test.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Route restrictions
Pets are not permitted in the cabin on routes to Ireland and South Africa. They must fly as air cargo to these destinations. Pets are not permitted on routes to the United Kingdom. Pets must fly as checked baggage or air cargo to Qatar.
Check in
Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its carrier at least 30 minutes before normal check in times.
Related: How to clear airport security with a pet
Pet fee
- Domestic: €40/$50/£35
- Canary Islands, Europe, North Africa and Middle East: €60/$73/£55
- America and Asia: €180/$210/£165
All fees are paid at the airport during check-in.
Service dog pet policy
All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. They must be trained by a person or organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a disability. Notice must be provided to the airline at least 48 hours prior to departure.
Service dogs must be suitably marked, harnessed and leashed. They must fit in the space provided at their passenger’s feet without intruding on cabin operations or other passengers. They will not be seated in exit rows. They must be clean, mannerly and not show any signs of aggression toward other passengers or the flight crew.
If flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation forms must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure. All required documentation required for the destination country must be provided at check in.
All service dogs are subject to the same requirements as regular dogs when traveling internationally.
Iberia Pet Policy – Checked Baggage
If the size of your pet is too large to fit in an airline-compliant pet carrier, or it is a pet other than a cat or dog, it will be transported as checked baggage on Iberia if it is flying with an adult passenger. This section of the cargo department has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin.
Live animals are checked in by reservation employees and are checked in at the airport terminal. The airline will move your pet between aircraft in their fleet during layovers if the layover is not over about 3 hours in length.
Pets flown by Iberia as checked baggage
All pets listed in cabin are permitted to fly as checked baggage. Note that Iberia will not transport any mammals from the weasel family including ferrets as checked baggage.
Reservations
Reservations should be made through Iberia Booking Offices at least 48 hours in advance.
Age requirements
Puppies and kittens cannot be transported prior to 8 weeks of age. Minimum age requirements depend on the route. For most Intra-EU routes, the minimum age requirement is 3 months and 21 days. Any puppies or kittens under 3 months of age must be accompanied with authorizations from the origin and destination country stating that the puppy or kitten remained in the same place since birth and not exposed to any wild animals or is still dependent (and traveling with) their mother. Not all EU Member States will permit the import of unvaccinated puppies and kittens.
Pets flying on routes to the United States must be a minimum of 6 months of age. All other age minimums depend on requirements of the destination country.
Weight requirements
The maximum weight permitted for pets flying as checked baggage is 99 lbs. (45 kg) including the crate.
Pet crate requirements
All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.
One pet is permitted per crate. Exceptions: The same crate may transport two adult animals known to each other and weighing no more than 17 lbs. (14 kg) each, or three animals less than 6 months old and born in the same litter.
Route or aircraft restrictions
All layovers with connecting flights must be between 90 minutes and 4 hours.
Forms Required
- For domestic flights within Spain, pets should fly with their official health card and proof of rabies vaccination. If your pet is not vaccinated, then consult with your veterinarian for requirements for your destination.
- For Intra-EU flights, an EU Pet Passport reflecting microchip and current rabies vaccination (if over 12 weeks) is required. A tapeworm treatment is also required for flights to Finland, Norway, Malta and Ireland.
- For non-EU destinations, documentation required for your destination country. Pets should also travel with a rabies titer test.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Check in
Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its carrier at least 30 minutes before normal check in times.
Pet fee
- Domestic: 100€/$120/£90
- Canary Islands, Europe, North Africa and Middle East: 145€/$170/£130
- America and Asia: 360€/$435/£330
Iberia Pet Policy – Air Cargo
All live animals flying as air cargo travel under an airline manifest or air waybill and are tracked throughout the entire flight. The airlines are responsible for caring for your pet during layovers as well. Unlike checked baggage, pets are generally checked in and claimed at the airline’s cargo facility. This facility is located on airport grounds; however, not the terminal. Many airlines require that an agent books the transport. If you need a licensed agent to arrange your pet’s transport, send us an email at info@pettraveltransport.com.
Pets flown by Iberia as air cargo
Larger pets whose weight including carrier exceeds 99 lbs (45 kg).
Reservations
Iberia contracts with IAG Cargo for live animal cargo services. Licensed agents are recommended to book transport.
Age requirements
Minimum age requirements are based on the destination country. See CHECKED BAGGAGE.
Pet crate requirements
All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.
Route or aircraft restrictions
Iberia does not fly pets to the United Kingdom.
Forms Required
A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country. For those pets protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), those permits must also be available.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Check in
Your pet will be checked in at the Iberia cargo facility which is located on airport grounds; however, with few exceptions, not at the airport terminal.
Pet fee
The cost to transport your pet as air cargo will depend on the weight of your pet and its carrier and the route it is flying. Your agent can advise as to the cost of transport.
Iberia Pet Crate Requirements
All pet crates must conform to regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The container must be large enough for your pet(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down. The crate must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, weld metal mesh, solid wood or plywood.
The crate door must have a secure, spring-loaded, all-around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door. The floor must be waterproof. The crate must not have wheels attached when checking your pet. Metal hardware should be used to fasten the top and bottom halves of your pet crate together. Iberia requires either metal or plastic threaded nuts and bolts to secure both halves of the crate.
All crates must be labeled with LIVE ANIMAL stickers and a Shipping Declaration that includes feeding and watering instructions.
Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant?
All pets should be acclimated to their crates prior to travel. This may take weeks or even months to accomplish; however it is the best thing you can do for your pet before flying.
Related: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier
Temperature Restrictions – Checked Baggage and Air Cargo
When temperatures rise above or drop under certain levels, commercial airlines will prohibit the transport of live animals in the cargo hold. These restrictions are implemented for the safety of your pet. It is important to note that the risk from high or low temperatures is not when your pet is airborne. The risks come during preflight holding, loading on the tarmac and taxiing to the take-off runway.
Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport on the itinerary. Pets may be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate, however, no pet will be transported at temperatures lower than 20°F (-6.6°C).
Note that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are lower for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets.
Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these restrictions.
Related: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold
Breeds Banned by Iberia
The following breeds have been classified by Iberia as dangerous and will not be transported in the cabin or the cargo hold: Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Doberman, Argentine Dogo, Brazilian Mastiff, Tosa and Akita.
Iberia classifies the following breeds as brachycephalic (snub- or flat-nosed) and will not permit their transport other than air cargo in the cabin conforming to in-cabin regulations:
- Dogs: Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer (all breeds), Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all breeds), Bull Mastiff, Canary Prey dog, Cane Corso, Cavalier Spaniel, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Japanese Spaniel, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Mastiff, Miniature Pinscher, Pekingese, Pit Bull, Pug, Saint Bernard, Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Tibetan Spaniel, Yorkshire Terrier.
- Cats: Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian.
Private Jet Charter
Another option for pet owners who do not want their pet to fly in the cargo hold is a pet-friendly private jet charter. Your pet can fly in your lap, at your feet or beside you comfortably without being confined. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to anywhere you need to go on your time schedule, without the crowds or commotion of a commercial airport.
Other Information
The information published here is a guideline for Iberia pet policy. For more airline pet policies, click the banner below.
Further Reading
How to keep your pet safe when flying in the cargo hold
Tips for airline pet travel
Requirements for a pet transiting a country by air
When do you need a pet transporter?
Routing your pet’s flight
Flying with a snub-nosed breed
More information on airline pet travel
Have a comment or question about flying with Iberia? Post it below and we will respond. You can also reach out by posting to our Blog, X (Twitter), Facebook, or Email or follow our activities on Instagram and TikTok.
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given airline may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to deny your pet boarding privileges at the time of check in. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following Iberia pet policy.
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