Travel options for pet owners are rapidly evolving, with airlines and ferry services worldwide enhancing pet-friendly policies and offerings.
Traveling with pets is increasingly becoming a standard consideration for airlines and ferry services around the globe, as businesses respond to the rising demand from animal-loving travelers. Here's a look at the latest developments across different regions that enhance pet-friendly travel options.
Philippines Expands Pet Travel Options
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has broadened its pet-friendly travel program, FurPAL, which now allows small cats to accompany their owners in the cabin. Initiated in November 2025, this service initially permitted only small dogs on domestic flights, but recent updates enable passengers to bring one small dog or cat for a one-way fee starting at ₱2,500 (approximately $43.50/€37.60). This service is applicable on all domestic routes, covering PAL's extensive network of 32 destinations across the Philippines.
Australia Introduces Pet-Friendly Cabins
In Australia, the Spirit of Tasmania ferry service is launching pet-friendly cabins on its new vessels, Spirit of Tasmania IV and V, with bookings available for sailings starting 31 October 2026. Each cabin can accommodate up to two pets, specifically dogs and cats, tailored to the company's pet travel requirements. Passengers can expect access to an outdoor toilet area for their pets, enhancing the onboard experience. With a capacity of 1,800 passengers across 11 decks and 301 cabins, these ferries offer substantial amenities for everyone on board.
UK's New Premium Pet Travel Service
Vicuna Air, a high-end pet travel provider based in London, has launched a new service facilitating travel between various European cities and transatlantic routes, including a notable connection from New York to Brussels. The service, branded as Vicuna Waypoints, comprises two distinct offerings: the Express Route for swift travel and the Scenic Route for a more leisurely experience. Initial expansions will connect key cities in Northern Europe through Brussels, including Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt, along with anticipations for Hamburg, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo in the future.
Italy's Cabin Options for Large Dogs
ITA Airways has begun allowing large dogs to travel in the cabin on selected domestic flights, a development that began in August. This service accepts dogs weighing up to 30 kg on designated “Large Dog” flights. A maximum of two dogs can accompany each passenger, diversifying travel options for dog owners. This initiative follows new regulations by the Italian National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) that came into effect in May 2025, which also sanctioned a demonstration flight on the Milan Linate–Rome Fiumicino route in September 2025.
Hong Kong Considers Pet Co-Ride Service
Star Ferry in Hong Kong is exploring the introduction of a pet co-ride service for its Wan Chai–Tsim Sha Tsui route. This proposed service, submitted to the Transport and Logistics Bureau in July, would allow passengers to bring pets on board by purchasing a HK$25 (about $3.19/€2.80) pet pass in addition to their regular fare. Pets would need to be restrained, and those traveling with them would be confined to the lower deck, aiming to attract more travelers and expand customer bases while generating additional revenue.
Brazil’s Focus on Pet-Friendly Tourism
The Brazilian Ministry of Tourism recently conducted a national survey aimed at identifying challenges and demands within the pet-friendly tourism sector. The findings will guide the creation of the first manual of best practices for the industry, which seeks to standardize services for pet travelers. The survey also assessed the difficulties faced by businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, in accommodating pet owners. Results from this survey are expected by the end of the year, reflecting the ministry's commitment to enhancing the travel experience for pets and their owners.
International Guidelines for Pet Travel
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has rolled out new operational guidelines focused on in-cabin pet transport. These guidelines advise airlines on improving clarity around pet eligibility, container specifications, fares, and required documentation. It's suggested that airlines adopt the PETC (Pet In Cabin) code for registering pets and focus on staff training to ensure compliance with regulations regarding pet travel. The guidelines also cover a range of procedures from security screening to handling delays, aimed at improving the overall travel experience for both pets and their owners.
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