The Best (and Worst) Airports for Pet Cargo: What to Know Before You Book
When shipping a pet internationally, the airport choices matter. A direct flight to a well-equipped destination is ideal – but layovers at airports with strong live animal infrastructure are far safer than trying to connect through an airport that handles animals as an afterthought.
Airports with strong live animal infrastructure
Frankfurt (FRA)
Lufthansa Cargo’s main hub. FRA has one of Europe’s most developed live animal handling centres, with temperature-controlled holding areas, experienced ground staff, and fast veterinary clearance. If your European routing goes through Frankfurt, this is a good transit choice.
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
KLM Cargo operates extensive live animal services through Schiphol. AMS has dedicated animal hotel facilities (Schiphol Animal Centre) with temperature-controlled rooms, feeding, and care for pets in transit. One of the best European options for longer transits.
Dubai (DXB)
Emirates SkyCargo operates one of the world’s largest animal cargo operations from Dubai. DXB has a purpose-built live animal facility (Al Maktoum International Airport also has cargo infrastructure). Humidity and heat in summer can be a concern – embargoes apply from May to October for some species.
Singapore Changi (SIN)
Changi has good live animal facilities, experienced handlers, and efficient customs processes. Singapore Airlines Cargo handles significant volumes of pet cargo on Asia-Pacific routes. The airport is clean, organised, and well-maintained.
Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL)
For arrivals into Australia, both Sydney and Melbourne have dedicated DAFF inspection facilities at their cargo terminals. Sydney handles the majority of international pet arrivals into Australia. The AQIS quarantine facility at Mickleham (near Melbourne Airport) receives most quarantine-bound pets.
Airports to approach with caution
Lagos (LOS)
Live animal clearance at Lagos is complex. Customs processes can be lengthy and unpredictable. An experienced local agent at the Lagos end is essential for smooth clearance.
Cairo (CAI)
CAI facilities are functional but variable in quality. Advance notification to the cargo facility and GOVS is important. An agent who has handled Cairo clearances previously is advisable.
Certain regional airports
Small regional airports may have limited or no dedicated live animal holding facilities. Pets transiting through these may be held in general cargo areas without temperature control. If your routing uses a small regional hub, confirm live animal capabilities in advance.
Seasonal considerations
Even excellent airports become problematic in extreme weather. Amsterdam and Frankfurt apply cold embargoes in January and February. Dubai and Singapore apply heat embargoes from May to October. Route your pet’s journey to avoid the most extreme seasonal conditions at each transit point.
The best approach
When booking, ask your IPATA agent or airline about the live animal infrastructure at every airport on the route, not just the destination. The safest pet journeys are direct, through airports with dedicated live animal facilities, at a time of year when neither heat nor cold embargoes are likely to be triggered.