PAL lets small dogs and cats fly in the cabin on domestic flights through FurPAL: up to 10 kg including a soft-sided carrier, for a fee from ₱2,500 one way. Cebu Pacific does not allow pets in the cabin; pets fly as cargo in a hard crate. Both need a vet certificate and a BAI shipping permit.
These rules are current as of November 2026. Flying home to the province with your dog or cat used to mean the cargo hold or leaving them behind. That changed when Philippine Airlines opened its cabin to small pets on domestic routes. This guide sums up the current rules for PAL and Cebu Pacific, the documents you need from your vet and the Bureau of Animal Industry, and how to choose a carrier. Airline rules change often, so always confirm with the airline before you book.
Can I bring my dog or cat in the cabin on Philippine Airlines?
Yes, on PAL domestic flights through the FurPAL program. Small dogs and cats up to 10 kg, including the carrier, ride in a soft-sided carrier under the seat in front of you. Add the pet when you book.
PAL launched FurPAL for small dogs in November 2025, extended it to all domestic routes in February 2026, and announced in September 2026 that small cats are now accepted too. Key rules reported at launch and in later updates:
- One pet per passenger, and only two or three pets per flight depending on the aircraft, so book early.
- Pets must be fully weaned; PAL's latest update sets a minimum age of 12 weeks.
- The pet stays in its carrier, under the seat, for the whole flight.
- Sedated pets are not accepted.
- The fee starts at ₱2,500 one way.
What size carrier does PAL allow in the cabin?
PAL requires a soft-sided, leak-proof carrier with pee pads and at least two ventilation panels. At launch, PAL listed a maximum size of 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches, about 43 x 28 x 24 cm.
Many popular backpack carriers are taller than that. The PETKIT Breezy 2, for example, measures about 13 x 12 x 18 inches, which is larger than PAL's listed size, so it suits commutes and vet visits rather than PAL cabin travel. The 10 kg limit also includes the carrier's own weight.
Does Cebu Pacific allow pets in the cabin?
No. Cebu Pacific does not carry pets in the cabin, except service animals under its own policy. Dogs and cats can fly on domestic routes as cargo through CEB Cargo, checked in at the cargo terminal well before the flight.
Cargo pets travel in a sturdy, IATA-compliant hard crate, not a soft carrier. Some snub-nosed breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Persians and Himalayans are restricted because they have trouble breathing in the hold. Contact CEB Cargo for current rates and crate rules.
PAL vs Cebu Pacific pet rules at a glance
| Rule | Philippine Airlines (FurPAL) | Cebu Pacific |
|---|---|---|
| Pets in the cabin | Yes, small dogs and cats, domestic flights | No |
| Weight limit | 10 kg including carrier | Cargo, ask CEB Cargo |
| Carrier | Soft-sided, leak-proof, under-seat size | Hard IATA-compliant crate |
| Fee | From ₱2,500 one way | Cargo rate, ask CEB Cargo |
| Sedation | Not allowed | Ask your vet; avoid unless approved |
| Snub-nosed breeds | Check with PAL | Restricted in cargo |
Based on airline announcements and news reports up to November 2026. Always confirm with the airline before booking.
What documents do I need to fly with a pet in the Philippines?
Most domestic trips need three things: a veterinary health certificate issued a few days before travel, a rabies vaccination given at least 14 days before the flight, and a Bureau of Animal Industry shipping permit.
- Vet health certificate: from a licensed veterinarian, confirming your pet is healthy. It is only valid for a few days, so get it close to your flight.
- Rabies vaccination card: signed by the vet, with the vaccine details.
- BAI shipping permit: register once online as a shipper, then apply through the BAI National Veterinary Quarantine Services office on Visayas Avenue, Quezon City, or the nearest regional quarantine station.
- Airline forms: PAL asks for its pet waiver and declaration form.
How do I prepare my pet for the flight?
Get your pet used to the carrier for a week or two before the trip, with short car rides and treats inside it. Line the carrier with pee pads, and skip a big meal before the flight.
Arrive at the airport early, because pet check-in and document checks take extra time. Keep a copy of every document in your bag and on your phone.
What carrier should I use for the trip to and from the airport?
For the drive and the terminal, a stroller with a detachable cabin saves your arms: wheel your pet through the airport and lift the cabin out at the car. For the flight, use a carrier that meets airline size rules.
Bello strollers such as the SP02F2K at ₱3,959 and the SP02FD at ₱4,969 have cabins that detach into carriers for car rides, malls and vet visits. They are not sold as airline-approved cabin carriers, so check the airline's size and weight rules before flying with one.
Which carrier should you buy?
- Commuting and vet visits with a cat: the PETKIT Breezy 2 backpack at ₱3,628, with a built-in fan.
- Walks, malls and car trips: the Bello SP02F2K at ₱3,959, a stroller whose cabin becomes a carrier.
- Two pets: the Bello LD03F double stroller at ₱7,199.
- Large or senior dogs: the Bello YA03 at ₱8,749, rated up to 30 kg.
- Flying PAL: a soft-sided carrier that fits the airline's listed under-seat size, with your pet and carrier under 10 kg.
See all options in our pet carrier collection and Bello stroller collection, or read what matters in a dog stroller for small dogs.
Mga madalas itanong (Tagalog FAQ)
Puwede bang isakay ang aso o pusa sa cabin ng PAL?
Oo, sa domestic flights ng PAL sa ilalim ng FurPAL. Hanggang 10 kg kasama ang carrier, sa ilalim ng upuan, at may bayad na mula ₱2,500 one way.
Puwede ba ang alagang hayop sa cabin ng Cebu Pacific?
Hindi. Sa Cebu Pacific, cargo lang ang puwede, sa matibay na crate na IATA-compliant.
Anong mga dokumento ang kailangan?
Veterinary health certificate, rabies vaccination na hindi bababa sa 14 na araw bago ang biyahe, at BAI shipping permit. May sariling waiver form din ang PAL.
Where can you buy a pet carrier in the Philippines?
The PETKIT Breezy 2 carrier and Bello pet strollers with detachable carrier cabins are in stock at VMI Direct with nationwide shipping. Check your airline's current pet rules before you book your flight.
