ANA Pet Travel Policy 2026: Hold Rules, Fees & Japan Quarantine Guide
The definitive guide to flying with pets on All Nippon Airways (ANA). Understand the strict “no in-cabin” pet rule, checked baggage hold requirements, fees, summer snub-nosed breed embargoes, and Japan’s rigorous 180-day rabies quarantine process.
Quick Summary: ANA Pet Policy
All Nippon Airways (ANA) does not permit pets to travel in the passenger cabin on any domestic or international flights (with the sole exception of certified assistance dogs). All pets must travel as checked baggage in the climate-controlled cargo hold. Additionally, flying to Japan requires strict adherence to the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) rules.
- In-Cabin: Strictly Prohibited. No pets are allowed in the cabin on ANA.
- In the Hold: Permitted as checked baggage in IATA-compliant hard plastic crates.
- Fees: Roughly $250 to $400 USD for international flights; ~6,000 JPY for domestic Japan flights.
- Embargoes: Short-nosed dogs are completely banned from May 1 to October 31.
- Japan Entry: Requires microchip, 2 rabies vaccines, FAVN titer test, and a 180-day waiting period prior to arrival.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) is Japan’s largest airline, renowned for its meticulous customer service and safety record. However, when it comes to pet travel, their policies are highly restrictive compared to North American and European carriers.
ANA does not allow pets in the passenger cabin. Whether you have a tiny Yorkshire Terrier or a large Golden Retriever, your pet will travel in the bulk cargo hold. This policy is strictly enforced across all routes. Furthermore, because Japan is a rabies-free country, traveling into Japan via ANA requires months of veterinary preparation to avoid your pet being placed in a government quarantine facility for up to 180 days upon landing.
Critical Policy Note: No Pets in Cabin
Do not book a flight with ANA expecting to bring your pet in a soft bag under your seat. You will be denied boarding. The only exception to this rule is for fully certified Assistance Dogs (Guide, Hearing, or Mobility dogs), which require pre-approval. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are not recognized and must travel in the hold as regular pets.
✈️ ANA Pet Travel Options
Because the cabin is off-limits, your options are restricted to checking your pet as baggage or shipping them via commercial cargo.
In-Cabin Travel: PROHIBITED
Status: Not allowed on any ANA domestic or international flights.
Reasoning: ANA cites passenger allergies, comfort, and strict safety regulations as the primary reasons for keeping the cabin pet-free.
Checked Baggage (The Hold)
Eligibility: Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, hamsters, and ferrets.
Facility: The bulk cargo hold is pressurized and temperature-controlled to mimic the passenger cabin.
Limits: Max 3 pets per passenger. Each pet must have its own crate (except small birds, which can share).
Max Size: ANA has size limits depending on the aircraft. You must declare the crate dimensions when booking.
💰 ANA Pet Fees (2026)
Pet fees on ANA are not included in your free baggage allowance and are charged as excess baggage at the airport check-in counter.
| Route Type | Fee per Crate (One-Way) | Service Dogs |
|---|---|---|
| Japan Domestic Flights | 6,000 JPY (Approx. $40 USD) | Free |
| Asia / Oceania Routes (e.g., Tokyo to Singapore) |
$250 USD / 25,000 JPY | Free |
| North America / Europe Routes (e.g., Los Angeles to Tokyo) |
$400 USD / 40,000 JPY | Free |
Important Notes:
- Fees are charged per crate, not per animal (though typically only one animal is allowed per crate).
- Payment is made in the local currency of your departure airport.
- If your itinerary includes flights operated by other airlines (e.g., United Airlines), you must adhere to the operating carrier’s rules and additional fees may apply.
⚠️ Breed Restrictions & Embargoes
ANA prioritizes animal welfare and enforces strict bans on breeds susceptible to heatstroke and respiratory issues.
Summer Ban on Short-Nosed Dogs
Embargo Period: From May 1 to October 31 every year, ANA completely refuses the transport of short-nosed (brachycephalic) dog breeds.
Affected Breeds: Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, Bull Terriers, Brussels Griffons, Chow Chows, King Charles Spaniels, Pugs, and Pekingese.
Note: Because these breeds are banned from the hold during this time, and never allowed in the cabin, they simply cannot fly on ANA from May through October.
🎒 Crate Requirements for the Hold
Your pet must be housed in a crate that strictly adheres to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations.
📦 Acceptable Crate Specs
🇯🇵 The Japan Animal Quarantine Process (Critical)
If you are flying ANA to Japan, airline approval is the easy part. Japan is a rabies-free country, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) requires a rigorous 6+ month preparation process.
Step 1: Microchip & Rabies Vaccines
- Implant an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip.
- Administer Rabies Vaccine #1 (must be inactivated virus).
- Wait at least 30 days, then administer Rabies Vaccine #2.
Step 2: FAVN Titer Test & 180-Day Wait
- Draw blood on the same day as Vaccine #2 or later. Send to an approved lab.
- Once the test shows passing antibodies (≥ 0.5 IU/ml), a 180-day waiting period begins.
- The pet cannot enter Japan until 180 days have passed from the date the blood was drawn. If you arrive early, the pet spends the remainder of the 180 days in a Japanese quarantine facility at your expense.
Step 3: Advance Notification (40 Days Prior)
- You must submit an “Advance Notification” to the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) at your arrival airport in Japan at least 40 days before your flight.
- Once approved, AQS will issue an Approval Number.
Step 4: Book ANA & Final Health Certificate
- Book your ANA flight and call ANA to reserve pet cargo space.
- Within 10 days of travel, obtain a final health certificate (e.g., USDA Form in the US) and have it endorsed by your government.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
No. ANA strictly prohibits all pets from traveling in the passenger cabin, regardless of their size, the fee offered, or whether you are in First Class or Economy. The only exception is for certified assistance dogs.
Yes. The bulk cargo hold where pets are kept is pressurized and temperature-controlled to mimic the environment in the passenger cabin. Lighting is turned off to help animals sleep.
If you are flying from North America or Europe, the fee is $400 USD (or equivalent local currency) per crate, each way. From Asia or Oceania, the fee is $250 USD.
Yes. The embargo on short-nosed breeds is only active during the hot months from May 1 to October 31. From November 1 to April 30, they are permitted to travel in the hold.
If your pet arrives in Japan before the 180-day waiting period is complete, they will be seized at the airport and placed in the AQS quarantine facility for the remaining days. You will be responsible for all boarding fees, which are substantial.
🟢 Verify ANA + Japan Quarantine Requirements
Entering Japan requires flawless documentation. A single mistake on a health certificate can result in a 180-day quarantine. Generate a route-specific checklist below to ensure you meet both ANA rules and Japanese AQS laws.
Generate My Verified Checklist✓ Free • ✓ ANA + MAFF Compliant • ✓ Instant PDF