Vietnam Airlines Pet Transport Policy

Cabin allowed Cargo available

Vietnam Airlines accepts small pets in the cabin on eligible routes and larger animals in the hold as cargo. The airline operates out of Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN).

As Vietnam’s national carrier and a SkyTeam member, Vietnam Airlines serves a wide network across Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. Vietnam has strict pet import requirements, including microchipping, vaccination records, and a government-issued health certificate. These apply to any pet entering Vietnam, regardless of carrier.

This page covers the current pet transport policy, breed restrictions, and how to book. Policies change, so always confirm with the airline directly before making firm travel plans.

Policy Overview

Accepted Animals

Dogs and cats (subject to route and country restrictions)

Crate Requirements

IATA-compliant rigid container. Pet must be able to stand, sit upright, lie down, and turn around.

Size and Weight Limits

Cabin: combined weight of pet and carrier typically under 5kg. Cargo: varies by route and aircraft type.

Temperature Restrictions

Check seasonal restrictions for routes through Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Brachycephalic Breeds

Snub-nosed breeds subject to additional restrictions. Confirm with the airline before booking.

Cost Estimate

Cabin fees apply per sector. Cargo varies by route and weight. Contact Vietnam Airlines for current rates.

How to Book

Notify Vietnam Airlines when booking. Advance notice required. Use an IPATA-accredited agent for international cargo bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vietnam Airlines allows small pets in the cabin on some routes, subject to weight and size limits. The combined weight of the pet and carrier is typically capped at around 5kg. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Confirm the current cabin pet rules for your specific route before booking.

Notify Vietnam Airlines when you make your booking. For international cargo, use an IPATA-accredited pet transport agent who can handle the documentation and airline coordination. Allow plenty of lead time. Live animal space is limited on most flights.

Pets entering Vietnam must have: ISO-standard microchip, valid rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel), a veterinary health certificate issued within 30 days of departure, and a permit from Vietnam’s Department of Animal Health. Requirements change, so confirm the current rules with Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development or your pet transport agent.

Snub-nosed breeds face additional restrictions on Vietnam Airlines. The policy depends on the route and season. Always confirm directly with the airline before booking a flat-faced dog or cat. A vet certificate confirming fitness to fly is typically required.

A valid veterinary health certificate, microchip proof, and vaccination records are the baseline. International routes require destination-country import documents in addition. Vietnam Airlines may require documentary proof at check-in. Your destination country’s requirements apply regardless of which airline you use.

IATA-compliant rigid crates are required for all cargo pet transport. The crate must allow your pet to stand, sit upright, lie down, and turn around without touching the sides or top. Three-sided ventilation, a water container, and live animal labels are mandatory. Soft-sided carriers are not accepted for hold travel.

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