How to Travel with Your Pet on Caribbean Airlines

If you’re planning a Caribbean vacation or a family visit with your pet, it’s important to understand Caribbean Airlines’ rules for traveling with animals. As the main airline for Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, Caribbean Airlines focuses on safety while offering limited options for pet travel. Always check the details before you fly, since rules can change and may vary by route or operating carrier. This is especially important for codeshare flights, where you might need to clear customs during connections.

Pet Travel Options on Caribbean Airlines Flights

Most airlines offer three ways for pets to travel:

• In-cabin: Small pets travel with an adult passenger in an approved carrier placed under the seat. Availability is limited.

• Checked baggage: Pets that can’t travel in the cabin are transported in the aircraft’s climate-controlled cargo hold while flying with their owner.

• Manifest cargo: Pets travel unaccompanied or require special handling and are shipped separately with full tracking and care during transfers.

Here’s how it works specifically on Caribbean Airlines:

• In-cabin travel: Allowed only for qualified service dogs (and emotional support dogs on certain domestic routes).

• Checked baggage: Available for accompanied dogs and cats that meet size and weight limits.

• Manifest cargo: Available for a wider range of animals, including unaccompanied pets.

Caribbean Airlines mainly operates out of Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and flies to destinations such as Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Cuba, Curaçao, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Sint Maarten, St. Kitts, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, the United States, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Venezuela.

Caribbean Airlines Pet Travel Rules for Service Dogs

If you’re traveling with a qualified service dog, Caribbean Airlines allows them to fly with you in the cabin at no extra cost. These must be dogs that are trained to perform specific tasks related to physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or mental disabilities.

Here are the key points to know:

• Only dogs are accepted as service animals.

• Service dogs travel free of charge.

• Your dog must stay on the floor at your feet and must not block aisles or take up space in nearby seats. For smaller dogs, a suitable kennel may be used if it fits under the seat.

• Exit row seating is not allowed when traveling with a service dog.

• It’s recommended to contact reservations in advance, especially for international flights that may require extra documents like vaccinations or entry permits.

Passengers are responsible for meeting all destination-specific requirements, such as health certificates, so be sure to check with the appropriate authorities well before your trip.

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Check the updated Caribbean Airlines baggage allowance for carry on and checked bags before your flight.

Emotional Support Animals Policy on Caribbean Airlines

Since August 2021, emotional support or psychiatric support dogs are not been accepted on international flights with Caribbean Airlines. They are allowed only on domestic routes within Trinidad and Tobago, and only dogs qualify.

Here’s what you need to know:

• You must notify reservations at least 48 hours in advance.

• You need to submit a letter from a licensed mental health professional. The letter must be on official letterhead, dated within the past year, and clearly state the passenger’s recognized disability, the need for the animal, and the professional’s credentials.

• The airline may verify the documents. If the paperwork is missing, late, or invalid, the animal will be treated as a regular pet, and standard pet fees will apply.

• The same in-cabin positioning rules used for service dogs also apply to emotional support animals.

• On international itineraries, emotional support animals must follow the checked baggage or cargo rules.

Always confirm requirements in advance, as documentation and eligibility are strictly reviewed.

Caribbean Airlines Pet Travel for Regular Pets as Checked Baggage

If your pet is not a service animal, they cannot travel in the cabin on Caribbean Airlines. However, accompanied dogs and cats can fly in the aircraft’s pressurized, temperature-controlled baggage hold, as long as they meet the airline’s requirements.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The maximum combined weight of your pet and container is 70 lbs (32 kg).

• Container size limits are a total of 115 inches (292 cm) when you add length, width, and height, with a maximum length of 75 inches (191 cm).

• The container must meet IATA standards, allowing your pet to stand, turn around, and rest comfortably.

• You must inform the airline at booking or at least 72 hours before departure to reserve space.

• Fees apply, usually around $150 USD for international flights (or the equivalent in CAD or TTD). Domestic rates may vary, such as charges per kilogram.

• Pet travel does not count toward your regular baggage allowance.

• If your pet exceeds size or weight limits, it must be shipped via cargo.

• Be ready to provide feeding, watering, and handling instructions at check-in, and arrive early to allow enough time for processing.

Following these steps helps ensure your pet travels safely and comfortably.

Learn how to complete Caribbean Airlines online check in step by step.

Caribbean Airlines Cat Policy and Rules for Flying With Cats

Cats follow the same rules as dogs when traveling as regular (non-service) pets:

• Cats are not allowed in the cabin (only service dogs qualify).

• They can travel as checked baggage or cargo only.

• The same weight limits, container requirements, and advance notice rules apply.

• You must follow all import and export rules, including vaccinations, microchips, or permits required at your departure or arrival location.

• Space is limited, so it’s best to contact the airline early to confirm availability.

Cargo Transport Options for Caribbean Airlines Pet Travel

If your pet is unaccompanied, too large, or not eligible to travel as checked baggage, Caribbean Airlines offers cargo transport. Animals accepted through cargo include dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, reptiles, monkeys, tropical fish, zoo animals, and even horses.

Here’s how cargo travel works:

• Book directly through the Caribbean Airlines Cargo team by email or phone.

• Pets travel under an air waybill and are monitored and handled during connections.

• Check-in and pickup may happen at separate cargo facilities.

• Always check for current restrictions, such as temporary bans on live animal imports to certain destinations (for example, Antigua).

Approved Container Guidelines for Caribbean Airlines Pet Policy

All containers used for checked baggage or cargo travel must meet IATA standards:

• Containers must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastic, solid wood, or plywood.

• The door must be secure, using spring-loaded locks, and the container must be assembled with metal bolts and nuts. Wheels are not allowed during transport.

• The container must have a waterproof base and proper ventilation.

• Attach “Live Animal” labels, directional arrows, and include the owner’s contact details along with feeding and handling instructions.

• The container must be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally.

It’s a good idea to train your pet to stay in the container ahead of time to reduce stress. For snub-nosed breeds or aggressive animals, consider using a larger or reinforced container for added safety.

Compare fares and seat options before confirming your Caribbean Airlines flight reservation.

Temperature and Breed Considerations

To keep animals safe, pet transport may be restricted if temperatures are too high or too low at any point along the route. Travel may not be allowed if temperatures exceed 85°F (29.4°C) or drop below 45°F (7.2°C). Rules are stricter for short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, and temperatures below 20°F (-6.7°C) require acclimation paperwork. Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these temperature limits.

There are no official breed bans, but extra caution is advised for brachycephalic or potentially aggressive dogs. In these cases, using a reinforced container is recommended.

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Preparation and Destination Rules

Before traveling, research your destination’s entry requirements at least four weeks in advance. This may include rabies vaccinations, microchipping, or quarantine rules, which can be confirmed through embassies or local authorities.

Plan to arrive early at the airport to allow time for inspections. Helpful steps include choosing a sturdy, well-ventilated container, gradually getting your pet used to it, and packing familiar items to keep them comfortable.

Fees and Limitations Summary

• Service dogs: Travel free of charge.

• Regular checked pets: Fees vary by route, often around $150 USD for international flights. Always confirm exact charges.

• Cargo transport: Costs vary; contact the airline for a quote.

• Availability is limited, and there may be route, aircraft, or seasonal restrictions.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check the rules before booking, as on-the-ground enforcement may vary.

Plan Your Pet-Friendly Caribbean Adventure

Traveling with your furry friend can be smooth if you follow the Caribbean Airlines pet policy. Whether it’s a service dog or a cat under the Caribbean Airlines cat policy, understanding the rules ensures safe and comfortable Caribbean Airlines pet travel. Notify the airline in advance, prepare proper documentation, and follow kennel guidelines. Don’t forget to check the Caribbean Airlines check-in procedures and the Caribbean Airlines cancellation policy for any changes. With proper planning, you and your pet can enjoy a worry-free Caribbean adventure.

Ready to make your Caribbean adventure with your pet stress-free? Book your flights with Flightsquest today and enjoy expert guidance on the Caribbean Airlines pet policy, smooth check-in, and flexible options in case of changes. Give your furry friend the travel experience they deserve.

FAQs About the Caribbean Airlines Pet Policy

Q1. How do I add a pet to my flight?

Notify Caribbean Airlines at booking or at least 72 hours before departure to reserve space for your pet.

Q2. What is the cost of a pet in flight?

Fees vary by route and weight, typically around $150 USD for international flights. Confirm with the airline for exact amounts.

Q3. Is a pet allowed on an international flight?

Yes, pets can travel as checked baggage or cargo, following the airline’s weight, kennel, and documentation requirements.

Q4. Can cats travel in the cabin?

No, only certified service dogs are allowed in the cabin. Cats must go as checked baggage or cargo.

Q5. What are the kennel requirements for pets?

Kennels must be IATA-compliant, allowing the pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably, with combined weight (pet + kennel) not exceeding 32 kg (70 lbs).

Q6. Do I need health documents for my pet?

Yes, international travel requires health certificates, vaccinations, and any destination-specific import permits.