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Pet travel options are expanding across airlines, ferries and tourism services in several regions, including cabin travel for cats and larger dogs and new ferry accommodations. IATA has also issued operational recommendations for in-cabin pet transport. Some plans remain subject to approval or further information, including a proposed Hong Kong ferry service and Brazil’s pending survey results.

Airlines, ferry operators and tourism agencies are adding or planning services for passengers traveling with pets across Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas, as the options expand from small animals in aircraft cabins to pet-friendly ferry cabins. The developments include operating services, future bookings and proposals, alongside new International Air Transport Association (IATA) recommendations for handling in-cabin pets.

In the Philippines, Philippine Airlines has expanded its FurPAL program to allow one small cat or dog in the cabin on domestic routes, for a one-way fee starting at ₱2,500. The program began with small dogs in November 2025, with flights starting Dec. 1. In Italy, ITA Airways offers cabin travel for dogs weighing up to 30 kilograms on selected domestic flights, subject to availability and limits of two dogs per flight. The service follows Italy’s aviation authority allowing medium and large dogs in cabins; ITA’s first demonstration flight took place in September 2025.

In Australia, Spirit of Tasmania has opened bookings for pet-friendly cabins on its new vessels, with sailings offering the rooms from Oct. 31, 2026. Each cabin can accommodate up to two dogs or cats under the company’s requirements. In Hong Kong, Star Ferry has proposed a pet co-ride service on its Wan Chai–Tsim Sha Tsui route. Its proposal, submitted July 17, would require a HK$25 pet pass and restrict passengers with pets to the lower deck; it requires government approval.

London-based Vicuna Air has launched Vicuna Waypoints, connecting travelers and pets to its transatlantic gateways using rail, drivers, ferries and selected hotels. Brazil’s Tourism Ministry has surveyed travelers and businesses to inform a planned best-practices manual and guide; it told GlobalPETS that results were still being compiled. Separately, IATA released recommendations for the in-cabin journey, from booking and documentation to screening, boarding and disrupted travel.

At a glance
reportWhen: Developments reported in 2025 and 2026;…
The developmentNew pet travel services and operating guidance have been introduced or proposed across multiple regions, covering air and ferry journeys.

More Options Across Pet Journeys

The changes give some travelers additional ways to bring companion animals on trips, including cabin access on selected flights and dedicated rooms on long ferry crossings. That can affect how passengers plan routes, compare fares and prepare animals for travel. The options remain specific to each operator: eligibility, fees, animal size limits and availability vary, and a service offered on one route does not establish a common policy across an airline or region.

IATA’s recommendations address the practical steps that operators and passengers must navigate, such as container rules, required documents, check-in and contingency procedures. They are operational guidance; the source report does not say they are binding requirements. Brazil’s planned guidance may help businesses and tourists understand service expectations, but its content and release remain pending.

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How Services Are Taking Shape

The reported initiatives span different stages of development. Philippine Airlines and ITA Airways have cabin offerings in operation under defined limits. Spirit of Tasmania has opened bookings for sailings beginning in late October 2026, while Star Ferry’s service remains a proposal awaiting approval. Vicuna Air is offering itineraries that link European cities with its transatlantic flights through Brussels.

Regulation has also shaped some airline services. Italy’s National Civil Aviation Authority adopted provisions for medium and large dogs to travel in aircraft cabins from May 2025 and later authorized ITA Airways’ service. The airline’s demonstration flight followed in September. The source report does not provide comparable regulatory detail for every airline or route, so local rules and operator policies should be checked separately.

Brazil’s national survey covered two groups: travelers and pet owners, and tourism businesses including accommodation providers, restaurants and attractions. The ministry said the responses would inform both a best-practices manual and a guide. Its survey closed July 31, and the ministry expected to publish results by the end of 2025.

“The ministry said it was still compiling the survey data, with results expected by the end of the year.”

— Brazilian Ministry of Tourism, as quoted by GlobalPETS

Approval, Results and Route Rules

Star Ferry’s proposal has not been reported as approved, and no launch date is given. Brazil’s survey results and the resulting manual and guide were still pending in the report. The exact routes, fares and availability for some airline services may vary, and the source does not list all applicable documentation or animal welfare requirements. IATA’s guidance is described as recommendations; its adoption by individual airlines is not specified.

Upcoming Sailings and Guidance

Spirit of Tasmania’s pet-friendly cabins are scheduled to become available on sailings from Oct. 31, 2026. Star Ferry’s service depends on a decision by Hong Kong authorities. Brazil’s ministry said survey results were expected by the end of 2025; the report does not confirm whether they were later published. Travelers should check current operator rules, route availability and destination requirements before booking, as these details can differ by service.

Key Questions

Can cats travel in the cabin on Philippine Airlines?

Under the expanded FurPAL program, passengers may bring one small cat or dog on domestic routes, subject to the airline’s requirements. The one-way fee starts at ₱2,500.

Can large dogs fly in the cabin in Italy?

ITA Airways allows dogs weighing up to 30 kilograms on selected domestic flights identified as “Large Dog” flights. Availability and limits apply, including a maximum of two dogs in the cabin per flight.

When do Spirit of Tasmania’s pet cabins become available?

Bookings are open for pet-friendly cabins on sailings from Oct. 31, 2026. The cabins can accommodate up to two dogs or cats, subject to the company’s requirements.

Is Star Ferry’s pet service operating?

No launch is confirmed in the report. Star Ferry submitted a proposal for its Wan Chai–Tsim Sha Tsui route, and the service would require approval.

What does IATA recommend for in-cabin pet travel?

IATA recommends clear information on eligibility, containers, fares and documents, along with staff training and procedures for screening, boarding, connections and travel disruptions. The report describes these as recommendations.

Source: rss

Pet-care content is informational — consult your veterinarian for advice about your animal.
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