Trained service dog
Bringing your service dog
If you plan to bring your service dog with you in the cabin to assist you with a disability, the dog can travel with you free of charge. Please note that service dogs must have undergone qualified training and hold a valid certificate to be allowed in the cabin. We only accept trained service dogs. Emotional support animals are no longer recognised as service animals.
Filling out the application form
You can add your service dog by contacting us directly. Please fill out the application form and send it via the e-mail address mentioned at the bottom of the form. Make sure to include a copy of the pet’s passport stating the breed, weight, size, and service animal training certificate. Please send your request to KLM CARES at least 48* hours before departure. Please note: you can bring 1 service dog per person. You can bring 2 service dogs when travelling from or to the US.
Your assistance dog must be certified by an organization affiliated with Assistance Dogs International (ADI), ADeu (Assistance Dogs International Europe Regional Chapter), International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), or another comparable organization.
*Please note that there is a 96-hour requirement if you are travelling to or from the United Kingdom.
Preparing your trip
Make sure to arrange your service dog’s vaccinations, health and training certificates, and travel documents well in advance. To make sure that you don’t run into any issues, we recommend that you consult the local authorities of your departure, transfer and arrival countries. They can inform you about the latest requirements for service dogs regarding departure, transfer and entry into a country.
Behaviour in public spaces
Please note that if your dog does not behave appropriately in public places, we do not consider them a trained service dog. When in doubt, 1 of our agents could request additional information to ensure that your dog is trained. If you cannot give a plausible verbal explanation, we may request further written proof.
During your flight
For safety reasons, your service dog may not block an aisle or other area that needs to remain unblocked. Because of this, you cannot book an exit row seat when travelling with a service dog. You can choose any other seat you’d like. During the entire flight, your dog should wear a (car) harness and be visibly dressed to indicate the service dog status (an identification tag or a visible sign on the harness). Please tie this harness to your seatbelt.
If your dog doesn’t fit in the location of the reserved seat, you’ll get another seat within the same travel class. We’re not required to offer more space for your service dog or provide a seat in a travel class other than the one you’ve paid for. Is there no seat that can accommodate you and your service dog without blocking areas? We might request you to take a later flight or let your service dog travel in the hold, if you have a kennel that meets the requirements.
Flights longer than 8 hours
Do you have a flight that’s scheduled to take 8 hours or more? We may ask for documentation that your service dog will not need to relieve itself or can do so in a way that will not create a health or sanitation issue onboard.
Flying to or from the United States?
If you are flying to or from the United States, you will need to complete 2 U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Forms. Please print the forms, sign them by hand and bring them with you to the airport.
If you are travelling with a service dog, you do not have to fill out the KLM form:
- For travel booked 48 hours or more prior to departure, you must submit this documentation in advance for validation via KLM CARES.
- For a flight booked less than 48 hours prior to departure, you may present the forms at the check-in counter or gate.
To arrange this via KLM CARES, please send an e-mail to klmcares.usa@airfrance-klm.email , call +1 833-855-0814 or send a letter to: Air France – KLM P.O. Box 981975 El Paso, TX 79998-1975 – USA.
As from 1 August 2024, new rules apply to dogs – including service dogs - travelling to the United States:
You need to fill out the Dog Import Form by the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC). If your dog is between 6 and 12 months old, you must complete the form at least 15 days before departure. - Please bring a digital or paper receipt of the completed form to the airport.
- Your dog must be microchipped.
Your dog must be at least 6 months old. If your dog is younger, please contact our Customer Contact Centre.
Flights to the United Arab Emirates
Please note that you must submit your request to travel to the United Arab Emirates with your service dog 96 hours before your flight. Ensure you include all the required documentation for acceptance of your service dog upon arrival in UAE.