We all love our pets, and leaving them behind before flying just because some airlines don’t allow it is like leaving a part of our heart alone. But the good news is that many popular airlines allow pets on their flights. If you are unaware of this to date, or you want to know which airlines allow it, then this read covers all the requirement details about the airlines and their requirements to do so.

Most of the time, cats are not allowed on flights due to the health conditions and safety of other passengers, and airlines that allow them require health certificates for cats traveling in a cabin. Thus, here is everything you need to know about the Airlines that require a Health Certificate for Cats in a Cabin.

Health Certificates Requirements for Cats on-board

It is an essential task for airline carriers to take care of all their passengers traveling with them. Many airlines allow pets- cats and dogs- on flights but require a health authentication. For cats flying, the requirements may  vary by airline and destination; here are the ideal requirements for a Health certificate, which typically include:

A Proven Vaccination Test:

The health certificate for your cat is proof from a veterinarian that the pet is free of any diseases. When you take your pet for a checkup, make sure to inform the vet about your travel plans. They must offer you a valid certificate that indicates that your pet is up to date on vaccinations against diseases such as rabies, parvo, etc. 

Certificate of Veterinary Inspection:

Some airlines require a certificate of Veterinary Inspection, while others demand an Acclimation Certificate. Both must be signed by a federally accredited veterinarian to certify that your cat is healthy and free of infectious diseases so that it can travel safely.

A Pet Passport:

This will be your cat’s very own passport! Called for a document certifying an animal’s identity, health, and vaccination status, enabling it to be taken to and from certain countries without the need for a period of quarantine.

Other Requirements:

Besides these, you may also need to provide a microchip certificate, passport copy, air ticket copy of the owner, and more. To learn more about the rules and regulations that may vary with different airlines, the candidate must contact the airline through their official customer service.

Airlines that Ask for Health Certifications for Cat Passengers

Besides, searching for airlines that meet your expectations and allow cats on board must be exhausting. However, to ease your pressure, here’s a list of a few of the many Airlines that welcome cats happily and their health certificate requirements. 

Name of the Airlines	Requirements	Customer Service
Air Canada	Cats are allowed on the flights and require a health certificate only for International flights and not domestic ones.After booking the flight, flyers must contact Air Canada Reservations to register their pet.	Customer service:1-800-387-4865  Make sure to contact at least at least 24 hours in advance.
Japan Airlines	Please make sure to bring all the necessary documents for you and your cat on board. Medical certification is required. JAL recommends avoiding daytime travel for your cat during the summer, i.e., May 1 to October 31, because of the heat and humidity.	Contact number:1-800-525-3663  Make sure to contact them for details regarding pet travel and charges per se.
Delta Airlines	Delta Airlines allows small pets to stay with their owners in the cabin, so you can easily travel with your cat.A complete health certificate of your cat is required for International flights and Hawaii with additional fees and charges.	Contact number:1-800-352-2746  A separate pet booking from the customer’s flight reservation must be made with the Delta Cargo Customer Service Center
Air France	With your cat’s proper health certification, you can comfortably travel together, though they allow only one container per pet. Dogs and cats that weigh less than 17 lbs, including the container, can travel in the cabin	Contact number:1800 419 2033 You must notify Air France when booking your flight that you will be traveling with a pet.
Frontier Airlines	Without the required medical certificate of your cat, Frontier may refuse to accommodate an animal.The container you will be using for your cat must be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down in a natural position while fitting under the seat in front of you.	Customer Service:801-401-9000 Passengers can get in touch with Frontier Airlines anytime to talk about their pet service.
Hawaiian Airlines	Hawaiian Airlines requires a medical certificate for your cat to ensure it is free of any kind of disease.The combined weight of your pet and carrier can’t exceed 25 lbs in the passenger cabin with Hawaiian Airlines.	Customer Service:1-800-367-5320 Make sure to provide a 48-hour advance notice that you’re traveling with a pet.
Alaska Airlines	The airlines require a health certificate for cats traveling in the cabin to and from Hawaii. However, Domestic flights do not require one. There is a service animal policy page in Alaska with more information for those traveling with animals.	Customer Service:1-800-252-7522 Contact Alaska customer service before the day of travel to make reservations.
United Airlines	United Airlines requires a pet health certificate for international travel only.A certain size is provided for the kettle, which will carry your cat throughout the journey.	Contact number:1-800-228-2744 Contact the Airlines to learn everything about pet travel to give your cat a comfortable journey.
Qatar Airways	Yes, Qatar Airways provides pet travel with a complete health certification to avoid any further consequences for your cat.You must notify Qatar Airways at least 48 hours before your flight about pet travel. You can do this by filling out an online form.	Contact Number:1 877 777 2827 Contact the airlines anytime and make sure to clear all your doubts regarding price and allowed containers.

Terms and Conditions to Follow When Flying with your Cat

Before taking your cat with you on the flight, make sure to look up these required terms and conditions, which may vary by different airlines; here is a list of some common requirements.

Pet health: 

Your cat must be free of infectious diseases and symptoms like distemper or leptospirosis. If your pet is injured, pregnant, or has had surgery, you may need a Fit to Fly certificate. However, this condition is compulsory for all airlines.

Pet carrier:

According to the airline’s provided size, an approved cast and carrier for your cat are required. It is advisable to contact the airline before confirming a flight reservation.

Pet weight:

The weight and size of the pets are required to be carried to any airline. However, it is good news for cat owners as they can bring them within the cabin due to its small size.

Pet age:

 Your pet may need to be at least a certain age to travel in the cabin, and the age requirement may vary between airlines. Make sure to contact the airline’s customer service.

Pet check-in

 You may need to check in for your pet at least a certain amount of time before your flight’s departure. One should clarify this at the airline office or by connecting through contact.

Pet location

 Your pet may not be allowed to leave its carrier while it’s in the cabin, as it is the airline’s responsibility to look after all the passengers. The airline staff will be happy to help you with this.

Pet screening

 Your pet may need to be screened with a metal detector before it can be transported for security purposes. This activity takes place by all the airlines that allow pet travel. 

At the End

This is everything that you need to know before traveling with your cat, as well as the health certificate requirements of the airlines. Make sure to stay up-to-date with all the formalities required during your pet travel journey. A few of the necessary formalities include complete documentation, a vet visit before your flight, and purchasing a container that is comfortable enough for your cat to sit, stand, and wag its tail easily. Get in touch with the airline service for more information. Have a purr-fect journey!

 Questions you may inquire!