Yes. Iberia allows small pets in the cabin, as checked baggage (AVIH) and as cargo. The cabin weight limit is 8 kg (17.6 lb) including the carrier.
Carrier size must not exceed 45 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm (17.7 in x 13.8 in x 9.8 in). Cabin fees start at €40 (~$43 USD) for a domestic Spain flight and reach €180 (~$194 USD) for intercontinental routes. Cabin pets can be booked online at iberia.com for most species; hold and cargo pets require a phone call at least 48 hours before departure.
Note on carrier dimensions: the brief for this article references a 40 x 30 x 20 cm limit. Iberia’s official pet policy page lists 45 x 35 x 25 cm as the current cabin carrier maximum. Always verify the current limit at iberia.com/us/fly-with-iberia/pets before purchasing a carrier.
Iberia follows EU Regulation 576/2013 for pet documentation requirements, including mandatory microchip identification and rabies vaccination. All fees and policy details below were last verified against Iberia’s official sources in April 2026. Verify with Iberia before booking, as policies change without notice.
Quick Reference
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cabin weight limit | 8 kg / 17.6 lb (pet + carrier combined) |
| Cabin carrier dimensions | 45 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm (17.7 in x 13.8 in x 9.8 in); sum of all sides must not exceed 105 cm |
| Cabin fee range | €40 to €180 (~$43 to ~$194 USD) direct; €60 to €200 (~$65 to ~$215 USD) connecting |
| Hold fee range | €85 to €330 (~$92 to ~$356 USD) direct, tiered by weight and route |
| Booking method | Online at iberia.com for cabin pets at ticket purchase; phone for hold/cargo (at least 48 hours before departure) |
| Minimum pet age | Not specified by Iberia; check destination country requirements |
| Service dogs | Free; official badge or certificate required; DOT form required for U.S. travelers |
| ESAs | Not recognized; treated as regular pets with standard fees and weight limits |
| Breed restrictions | Brachycephalic breeds banned from hold; dangerous breeds banned from cabin and hold |
| UK routes | No cabin or hold pets; cargo only |
In-cabin pet policy overview
Iberia permits dogs, cats, ornamental fish, tortoises and most birds (excluding poultry and birds of prey) to travel in the cabin. The pet plus carrier combined may not exceed 8 kg (17.6 lb). Up to three small animals of the same species may share one carrier. Emergency-exit seats are not permitted; the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you at all times.
Key Takeaway: Cabin pets are limited to 8 kg (17.6 lb) total weight and a carrier no larger than 45 x 35 x 25 cm (17.7 in x 13.8 in x 9.8 in). Iberia’s carrier size limit is stricter than many U.S. airlines, which typically allow carriers up to approximately 48 x 33 x 23 cm (19 x 13 x 9 in). Measure your carrier carefully before travel.
Carrier construction rules are strictly enforced. Soft-sided carriers are required; rigid plastic carriers are prohibited on Air Nostrum-operated flights. The carrier must have ventilation panels covering at least 16% of its surface area and a leak-proof base.
Brachycephalic dogs (such as Pugs and Bulldogs) may travel in the cabin provided the total weight stays at or under 8 kg (17.6 lb); they are not permitted in the hold.
Carrier requirements
- Dimensions: Maximum 45 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm (17.7 in x 13.8 in x 9.8 in); combined length + width + height must not exceed 105 cm (41.3 in).
- Construction: Soft-sided, breathable fabric. Rigid plastic carriers are not accepted on Air Nostrum-operated Iberia flights.
- Ventilation: Panels must cover at least 16% of the carrier’s total surface area.
- Base: Leak-proof, waterproof bottom layer required.
- Closure: Sturdy zip or secure latch; the carrier must not open accidentally.
- Fit test: The carrier must slide under the seat in front of you without forcing.
Pro tip: Buy a carrier with a removable, washable liner. Veterinarians and check-in agents often ask to open the carrier during inspection, and a clean interior speeds up the process.
How to book a cabin pet
- Go to iberia.com and select your flight as normal.
- Open the passenger dropdown and select “Pet in cabin.” This option is available at the time of ticket purchase for dogs, cats, tortoises and birds. Ornamental fish and some other species must be added later by phone.
- Enter pet details: species, breed, weight and carrier dimensions.
- Accept the terms and complete the booking. Confirm that the SSR code PETC appears in your itinerary.
- Call to confirm if you are unsure the pet was added correctly. Reach the Iberia Booking Office at +1-800-772-4642 (U.S.) or +34 901 111 342 (Spain) at least 48 hours before departure.
- Do not check in online. Pets require desk check-in only.
- Arrive 2 to 3 hours before departure for domestic flights and at least 3 hours before for international flights.
- Present at the check-in desk: the pet’s health certificate, microchip documentation and the carrier. Gate agents will inspect the carrier and may ask to see the pet inside.
Warning: Iberia limits the number of cabin pets per flight, and the limit varies by aircraft type. Space is not guaranteed until confirmed with an SSR PETC code in your PNR. Book as early as possible, especially on narrow-body aircraft. If the cabin limit is full, your pet will not be accepted.
Cabin fee breakdown
All fees are paid at the airport check-in desk. Online payment is not available. Fees are charged per carrier, not per animal.
| Route type | Direct flight | Connecting flight |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Spain (excluding Canary Islands) | €40 (~$43 USD) | €60 (~$65 USD) |
| Europe, Canary Islands, North Africa, Middle East | €60 (~$65 USD) | €80 (~$86 USD) |
| Intercontinental (Americas, Asia) | €180 (~$194 USD) | €200 (~$215 USD) |
Fees are current as of March 2026. Verify current fees at iberia.com/us/fly-with-iberia/pets or by calling Iberia before booking.
Cargo and hold travel (AVIH)
Pets that exceed the cabin weight limit or cannot fit under the seat must travel as checked baggage (AVIH) or as freight through IAG Cargo. These are two distinct options with different processes.
Checked baggage (AVIH) applies to pets up to 45 kg (99 lb) including the crate. Dogs and cats are accepted, excluding brachycephalic and dangerous breeds (see breed restrictions below).
IAG Cargo handles pets over 45 kg (99 lb) or those in restricted categories. Contact IAG Cargo directly for pricing and availability on freight shipments.
Hold crate requirements
- Rigid construction with a secure lock.
- Must allow the animal to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably.
- Ventilated on at least two sides.
- Waterproof, leak-proof base.
- No damage, sharp edges or loose parts.
- Meets IATA Live Animals Regulations standards (see iata.org/en/publications/store/live-animals-regulations/).
Hold fee breakdown
Fees are per segment. Connecting flights add approximately €30 to €55 per additional segment. All fees are paid at the airport.
| Pet + crate weight | Domestic Spain | Europe, Canary Islands, N. Africa, Middle East | Intercontinental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 kg (22 lb) | €85 (~$92 USD) | €125 (~$135 USD) | €280 (~$302 USD) |
| 11 to 25 kg (24.2 to 55 lb) | €90 (~$97 USD) | €135 (~$146 USD) | €300 (~$323 USD) |
| 26 to 45 kg (57.2 to 99 lb) | €100 (~$108 USD) | €145 (~$157 USD) | €330 (~$356 USD) |
Fees are current as of March 2026. Verify with Iberia before booking.
How to book hold travel
- Call the Iberia Booking Office at +1-800-772-4642 (U.S.) or +34 901 111 342 (Spain) at least 48 hours before departure.
- Provide the pet’s breed, weight, crate dimensions and destination.
- Confirm that the SSR code AVIH is added to your PNR.
- Arrive at least 3 hours before departure and present the pet at the cargo or special-handling desk, not the standard check-in counter.
Warning: Temperature restrictions for hold travel are not published by Iberia. Extreme heat may trigger a temporary embargo, particularly for brachycephalic breeds. Call Iberia to confirm hold availability during summer months or travel to hot-weather destinations.
Breed restrictions
Brachycephalic dogs: cabin allowed, hold banned
The following brachycephalic dog breeds are permitted in the cabin if the total weight (pet plus carrier) is at or under 8 kg (17.6 lb). They are not permitted as checked baggage (AVIH) or in the hold under any circumstances.
Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer (all varieties), Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all varieties), Bull Mastiff, Canary Prey Dog, Cane Corso, Cavalier Spaniel, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Japanese Spaniel, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Mastiff (all varieties), Miniature Pinscher, Pekingese, Pit Bull, Pug (all varieties), Saint Bernard, Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Tibetan Spaniel, Yorkshire Terrier.
Brachycephalic cats: cabin allowed, hold banned
The following brachycephalic cat breeds are permitted in the cabin if the weight limit is met. They are not permitted in the hold.
Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian.
Dangerous breeds: banned from cabin and hold
The following breeds are not accepted in the cabin or as checked baggage on Iberia passenger flights. Freight shipment through IAG Cargo may be possible under special arrangements; contact IAG Cargo directly.
Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Doberman, Argentine Dogo, Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasileiro), Tosa, Akita.
Breed restrictions follow EU and IATA Live Animals Regulations guidelines. See iata.org/en/publications/store/live-animals-regulations/ for the full IATA standard.
Pro tip: If your dog’s breed appears on the brachycephalic list but weighs under 8 kg (17.6 lb) with carrier, cabin travel is permitted. Confirm with Iberia at least 48 hours before departure to avoid any gate-level disputes.
Required documents and health certificates
Iberia follows EU Regulation 576/2013 for pet documentation on EU routes. Requirements vary by destination; the list below covers the core requirements for most international travel.
- Microchip: ISO-standard 15-digit chip required for EU travel. If your pet has a non-ISO chip, bring a compatible reader or conversion card.
- Rabies vaccination: Current and valid. Must have been administered at least 21 days before travel for most destinations. Verify the exact timing requirement for your specific route.
- Health certificate: Issued by an authorized veterinarian. For most international routes, the certificate must be issued within 10 days of departure.
- EU Pet Passport: Accepted for travel within the European Union and on routes covered by EU Regulation 576/2013.
- Tapeworm treatment: Required for dogs entering some EU countries. Confirm with your veterinarian and the destination country’s embassy.
- UK-specific documentation: Iberia follows the UK Pet Travel Scheme (DEFRA requirements) for UK-bound pets. No quarantine is required if all documentation is compliant, but the documentation requirements are strict. Confirm current UK entry requirements at the DEFRA website before booking.
All documents must be presented at check-in. Iberia does not require a separate airline-specific form beyond standard IATA and destination-country requirements.
Route-specific restrictions
The following destinations have specific restrictions that override the general cabin and hold policies. Verify current restrictions with Iberia before booking any of these routes.
| Destination | Cabin pets | Hold pets (AVIH) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (LHR, LGW, MAN, EDI) | Not permitted | Not permitted | Cargo via IAG only; UK Pet Travel Scheme documentation required |
| Doha, Qatar | Not permitted | Contact Iberia | Cargo arrangements only |
| Boston (BOS), Washington Dulles (IAD), San Juan (SJU), Recife (REC), Fortaleza (FOR) | Permitted (cabin rules apply) | Not permitted | Hold/AVIH not available on Iberia-operated flights to these airports |
| Dublin, Ireland | Permitted (cabin rules apply) | Not permitted | No AVIH service; cargo only for hold-weight pets |
| Cairo, Tel Aviv, Reykjavik (Iberia Express) | Contact Iberia | Contact Iberia | Restrictions apply; confirm before booking |
Codeshare flights: If any leg of your journey is operated by a codeshare partner (for example, Vueling), confirm that partner’s pet policy separately. Vueling does not accept rodents or AVIH on some routes. Pet acceptance on codeshare legs is not guaranteed by Iberia’s policy alone.
Pro tip: Always confirm pet acceptance on every individual flight segment in your itinerary, not just the first leg. A single non-compliant segment can result in your pet being denied boarding for the entire journey.
Service dogs
Iberia accepts trained service dogs for passengers with visual, hearing, physical, medical, autism-related and rescue-related disabilities. Only dogs are recognized as service animals; other species are not accepted under this policy.
Service dogs travel free of charge in the cabin at your feet, leashed or harnessed at all times. They may not be placed in emergency-exit rows or positioned to block the aisle.
Required documentation for service dogs
- Official badge or certificate from a recognized training organization (IGDF, ADI or ONCE-affiliated centers are accepted).
- For U.S. travelers: the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form, available at transportation.gov.
Notify Iberia at least 48 hours before departure when traveling with a service dog. Call +1-800-772-4642 (U.S.) or +34 901 111 342 (Spain) to confirm arrangements. Full details are at iberia.com/us/en/assistance-dog/.
Emotional support animals
Iberia does not grant special status to emotional support animals (ESAs). ESAs are treated as regular pets and must meet the same weight limit (8 kg / 17.6 lb including carrier), carrier size requirements and fee schedule as any other cabin animal. No fee discount or special accommodation is provided.
This reflects the EU standard, under which ESAs have no legal right to cabin access, and the current U.S. DOT rule (effective 2021), which no longer requires airlines to accommodate ESAs free of charge in the cabin.
Your questions, answered
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Iberia?
Yes, if your dog plus carrier weighs 8 kg (17.6 lb) or less and the carrier does not exceed 45 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm (17.7 in x 13.8 in x 9.8 in). Add the pet during booking at iberia.com or call +1-800-772-4642 (U.S.) or +34 901 111 342 (Spain) at least 48 hours before departure.
How much does Iberia charge for pets in cabin?
Fees are charged per carrier at the airport check-in desk. A direct domestic Spain flight costs €40 (~$43 USD). A direct European, Canary Islands, North Africa or Middle East flight costs €60 (~$65 USD). A direct intercontinental flight (Americas or Asia) costs €180 (~$194 USD). Connecting flights cost €60, €80 and €200 respectively. Verify current fees with Iberia before booking.
What is Iberia’s pet carrier size limit?
The carrier must not exceed 45 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm (17.7 in x 13.8 in x 9.8 in), and the combined length + width + height must not exceed 105 cm (41.3 in). The carrier must be soft-sided, ventilated and have a leak-proof base. The pet must fit comfortably inside without touching the sides.
Does Iberia allow emotional support animals?
No. Iberia does not recognize emotional support animals as a separate category. ESAs are treated as regular pets and must meet the same weight, carrier and fee requirements as any other cabin animal. Only certified service dogs for passengers with disabilities receive special accommodation.
Can I book my pet online on Iberia?
Cabin pets (dogs, cats, tortoises and birds) can be added online at iberia.com during ticket purchase using the passenger dropdown. Hold and cargo pets, and some species added after initial booking, require a phone call to the Iberia Booking Office at +1-800-772-4642 (U.S.) or +34 901 111 342 (Spain) at least 48 hours before departure.
What documents does my pet need to fly Iberia?
For most international routes: an ISO-standard microchip, a valid rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before travel, a health certificate issued by an authorized veterinarian within 10 days of departure, and an EU Pet Passport for EU travel. Some destinations require additional documentation (tapeworm treatment for UK entry, DEFRA forms for UK routes). Iberia follows EU Regulation 576/2013 for documentation on EU routes. Verify destination-specific requirements before booking.
Are there breed restrictions on Iberia?
Yes. Brachycephalic dog breeds (including Pug, Bulldog, Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Chow Chow, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Shar Pei and others) and brachycephalic cat breeds (Persian, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair, Burmese) are banned from the hold but may travel in the cabin if the weight limit is met. Dangerous breeds (Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Doberman, Argentine Dogo, Brazilian Mastiff, Tosa, Akita) are banned from both cabin and hold on passenger flights. See the full breed lists in the breed restrictions section above.
Official sources:
– Iberia pet policy: iberia.com/us/fly-with-iberia/pets
– Iberia assistance dogs: iberia.com/us/en/assistance-dog
– IATA Live Animals Regulations: iata.org/en/publications/store/live-animals-regulations/
– EU Regulation 576/2013: eur-lex.europa.eu
– DOT Service Animal Form: transportation.gov
This article is for informational purposes only. Iberia’s pet policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Iberia before booking.
