Flying with Your Pet in Cold Weather: Winter Cargo Safety and What to Check
Heat embargoes in summer get most of the press, but cold-weather restrictions are equally relevant for pet owners shipping animals in winter, particularly in northern Europe, Canada, and the northern USA. Understanding the winter rules helps you plan a safe and compliant journey.
Cold-weather airline embargoes
Airlines typically set minimum temperature thresholds for live animal cargo. Common thresholds:
- Refused shipment if the temperature at origin or destination is below 7C (45F)
- Some carriers set a higher minimum of 10C (50F)
- The embargo applies to the cargo hold loading area, not just the outside temperature
These rules apply at the time of loading, not just at departure. A flight might depart in the morning after a cold night – if cargo facilities are below threshold when loading, the shipment is refused.
Winter booking strategy
- Book mid-morning departures when temperatures are at their daily peak
- Avoid red-eye or overnight flights in winter (coldest temperatures)
- Choose direct flights (every stop is another loading bay where cold exposure occurs)
- Avoid routing through cold hub airports (Chicago, Toronto, Oslo, Helsinki in January, for example)
- Check the 5-day forecast for both origin and destination airports before confirming travel
Crate preparation for cold
- Use a hard crate with solid sides (not wire mesh throughout) to reduce cold air circulation
- Add a thick, dry crate mat – multiple layers are fine
- Do NOT shave, clip, or trim your pet’s coat in the weeks before winter travel
- Line the crate with a familiar blanket (your scent helps)
- Do NOT add electric heating pads or chemical heat packs (fire risk, overheating risk)
- Some owners use approved crate liners with natural insulation – confirm with the airline
Breeds at higher risk in cold
Thin-coated breeds: Greyhound, Italian Greyhound, Whippet, Doberman, Dalmatian, Weimaraner, and similar lean-muscled breeds lose body heat faster than double-coated breeds. Toy breeds and very small dogs also struggle with temperature regulation. If you have one of these breeds and must travel in winter, try to achieve cabin travel or postpone until spring.
Older and very young pets
Senior pets and very young puppies/kittens have reduced thermoregulatory capacity. Winter cargo travel for a 12-year-old dog or a 10-week-old puppy is high-risk. Discuss timing with your vet and consider postponing cold-weather moves for vulnerable animals.
Informing the airline
When booking live animal cargo, ask specifically about the carrier’s cold weather embargo policy for your route. Get it in writing if possible. If the temperature drops on the day of travel, having the policy confirmed in writing helps when discussing rebooking options with the cargo team.