Where does my dog stay during the crossing?

Two sizes of kennels are provided for dogs on The Pont-Aven with the exception of the Plymouth to Roscoff route. On our other vessels, animals will only be permitted to travel in the owner/escort’s vehicle. Animals are not permitted in the passenger areas of the ship.

Can I move my pet myself?

Yes, you can. Domestic travel is easier than international travel arrangements. Please know that using a professional pet relocation agent is not the least expensive way to ship your pets but it can be invaluable. A relocation specialist can assist you with logistics and put your mind at ease. International travel arrangements can sometimes be difficult and be aware that a careless mistake can hold your pet in quarantine longer than needed.

From the time I drop off my animal to the time it is loaded onto the aircraft, is it possible to have one of the airline personnel feed my pet or let it out for a walk?

Yes. If you inform the airline agency of your requests, they will pass that information along to JAL when making your pet's cargo reservation. Additional food and service fees may apply, but the airline will fulfill your requests.(Case of shipping from Narita)

Fee for food provided by JAL
¥300/can (includes handling fee)
Walking service fee
¥470/walk

Pet owners may also provide their own food (in small amounts). Contact the airline cargo agency for details.

What are my options for traveling with or shipping my pet?

You have two options: (Case of Shipping from Narita)

1. Include your pet as check-on luggage.



2. Ship your pet as cargo.

(A) Rules for Including Pets as Check-On Luggage

1. This option is limited to well-behaved dogs, cats, small birds (those that eat seeds, fruits, and insects), rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, squirrels, and chinchillas.



2. Pets must be healthy and non-threatening to others. They must be clean and without odor. Pregnant animals are not permitted.



3. Pets must undergo an export quarantine at an animal quarantine station and must have an export quarantine certificate. In some cases, an export/import permission form may also be required.



4. Passengers must sign an affidavit accepting full responsibility for all risks concerning the animal, including death or illness during flight.



5. Pets must travel in a carrier designed to prevent the leakage of pet excretions.



6. Advance reservations are required for pets. Passengers should inform JAL that they intend to travel with an animal when making their own flight reservations, and confirm that a reservation is made for their pet.

* Some countries, such as the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, prohibit the entry of pets as check-on luggage. Check the travel rules for your destination before departure.

(B) Rules for Shipping Pets as Cargo

When shipping a pet (such as a dog or cat) or an animal for commercial use as cargo, the following rules apply.

1. Obtain the necessary certificates. (Each country has its own documentation requirements. Check with the animal quarantine service in your destination country to find out which ones you need.) The documents that are generally required are listed below.
   
   • Export quarantine certificate (issued by the Animal Quarantine Service)
   
   
   • Animal shipment certificate (issued by the shipper)
   
   
   • Rabies vaccination certificate (issued by a veterinarian)



2. Select a pet carrier that has plenty of room for your animal to move around in. JAL sells pet carriers in three sizes (medium, large, and extra large) at the airport.



3. Once you know your pet's departure date, contact the airline cargo agency. The agency will then contact JAL to handle the flight reservation. Once a reservation is made, a JAL representative at the destination indicated will contact the designated receiver of the animal to confirm that they intend to pick up the animal upon arrival. If JAL cannot confirm that the animal will be picked up, the animal will not be accepted for shipment.

Are some vacation destinations more pet-appropriate than others?

Absolutely. Travelers should determine if their trip is pet-oriented or people-oriented. Pets have the most fun when they are in a relaxed environment.

What is the best time of year to travel with a pet?

We usually recommend traveling in the spring and fall. Not only are there fewer tourists to contend with, but the weather is also more favorable for your pet. Many accommodations do not allow you to leave your pet alone in the room. When you leave, the pet comes with you. This reality can pose a serious problem in extremely hot or cold climates, making it unsafe to leave your pet in the car for any length of time.