A passenger walking with a suitcase and a dog by his side.

Animals in the Hold

The transport of animals in the hold is subject to specific conditions:

  • The animal must travel in a rigid carrier, the shell of which must be made exclusively of fiberglass or rigid plastic.
  • If the carrier has wheels, they must be removed; if they are retractable, they must be secured with adhesive tape.
  • Dog carriers must be equipped with:
    • A metal door featuring a locking system that secures the central, upper, and lower locking points.
    • Side air vents that are made of metal rather than plastic.
  • The maximum dimensions of the carrier vary depending on the type of aircraft scheduled for the flight.

Please remember that for any questions or information not covered here, our ​Customer Information Assistance Office is at your disposal.

Indications for Animal Welfare

To ensure your four-legged friend has the best travel experience, we recommend the following steps before and during the flight.

  • Get your pet used to the carrier at least 5 days before the trip by leaving it closed for about two hours at a time and rewarding the animal immediately afterward.
  • Before departure, provide your pet with water regularly, but always in small quantities.
  • Feed your pet up to four hours before the flight and ensure it has enough food for the entire duration of the trip.
  • To ensure maximum comfort, we recommend lining the bottom of the carrier with a blanket, newspaper, or other absorbent material. Please note that straw is prohibited.
  • The animal must not be leashed or muzzled inside the carrier; ensure these accessories are not left inside the carrier.
  • The animal must not show signs of injury or physical fatigue. Consult your veterinarian to ensure your pet is fit for travel. Additionally, remember to include at least one empty, secured, and accessible food bowl inside the carrier (even when closed).

If these conditions are not met, or if the animal disturbs other passengers, the Captain may have it transferred to the hold.
Animal transport is available on all ITA Airways’ aircraft. However, as maximum allowable dimensions vary by aircraft type, it is important to check with the Passenger Services department in advance.

In line with ITA Airways' initiatives to protect animal health and welfare, and consistent with practices adopted by numerous international carriers, the sale of the AVIH service (live animal carriage in the hold) for all brachycephalic breeds (dogs and cats) will be suspended starting 26 October 2025.
This decision is based on the need to ensure the maximum safety and well-being of these animals, which are more sensitive to temperature and pressure variations and more prone to breathing difficulties during transport in the hold.
Starting from that date, it will no longer be possible to book or transport brachycephalic breeds in the hold on ITA Airways flights.
Reservations made and confirmed by 25 October 2025 inclusive will remain valid and honored, even if not yet finalized with payment (EMD), including for travel occurring after 26 October 2025.
These reservations will be managed until their natural expiration; however, no new sales or service changes will be possible after that date.
The service remains available for the transport of non-brachycephalic breeds in the hold, as well as for cabin transportation for all breeds, provided the animal and its carrier meet the required weight and size limits.

Based on IATA regulations, the following breeds are categorized as brachycephalic and are subject to this suspension:
Dogs: Affenpinscher, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua (apple-headed), Chow Chow, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Mastiff, French Bulldog, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, Newfoundland, Pekingese, Presa Canario, Pug, Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, Valley Bulldog, Yorkshire Terrier
Cats: Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Persian, Himalayan

Purchasing Tickets

  • The number of seats on board reserved for animals, both in the hold and in the cabin, is subject to restrictions and limitations.
  • Ticket prices vary depending on weight, whether transport is in the cabin or hold, and the departure and destination airports. Please refer to ​the table for all relevant information. We remind you that you must purchase the travel ticket at least 48 hours before the flight date by contacting the ​Customer Information Assistance Office, whom you must provide with the exact dimensions of the carrier or cage.
  • It is not possible to transport animals under 3 months of age. ​​View all detailsThe link will be opened in a new browser tab

Refunds

You are entitled to a refund for the service in the event of the illness or death of the animal.

In all cases, cancellation due to illness or death must be supported by a death certificate or a veterinary health certificate proving the animal's inability to travel.

Related

A passenger seated in an airport next to a pet carrier with a cat.

Animals in the Cabin

Check requirements for traveling with your pet in the cabin.

Learn more
A passenger smiles in the airport while holding a dog and showing a document.

Travel Documents for Animals

Check the documentation required for traveling with your pet in Italy and abroad.

View required travel documents