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New pet travel services and proposals across the Philippines, Australia, Europe, Hong Kong and Brazil reflect a widening range of transport options. The measures vary by operator and remain subject to restrictions; some, including a proposed Hong Kong ferry service, are not yet approved.
Airlines, ferry operators and tourism agencies in several regions are adding or planning services for people traveling with pets, while the International Air Transport Association has issued operational guidance for airlines handling animals in the cabin. The developments, reported by GlobalPETS, include expanded airline eligibility in the Philippines, new ferry cabins in Australia and a pet-pass proposal in Hong Kong; availability and rules differ by route, operator and animal.
In the Philippines, Philippine Airlines has expanded its FurPAL program to allow small cats as well as small dogs in the cabin on domestic routes. The program began in November 2025, with flights starting on 1 December. Passengers may bring one eligible dog or cat for a one-way fee starting at ₱2,500 (about US$43.50), subject to the airline’s requirements. PAL serves 32 destinations in the country.
Australia’s Spirit of Tasmania has opened bookings for pet-friendly cabins on its new vessels, Spirit of Tasmania IV and V. The cabins are scheduled to be available on sailings from 31 October 2026, can accommodate up to two dogs or cats, and will have access to an outdoor toilet area. The ships are due to operate between Geelong and Devonport, a crossing of about 9.5 to 11.5 hours.
Other developments range from services to proposals and guidance. Italian airline ITA Airways offers selected domestic flights for dogs weighing up to 30 kilograms, subject to capacity and route restrictions. In Hong Kong, Star Ferry has submitted a proposal for a pet co-ride service on its Wan Chai–Tsim Sha Tsui route; it has not been approved. In Brazil, the Tourism Ministry is compiling survey findings to inform guidance for pet-friendly tourism businesses and travelers.
More Routes, Different Rules
The changes give some travelers more ways to bring companion animals on journeys that may otherwise require separate arrangements. The options are not interchangeable: PAL’s cabin service applies to small pets on domestic flights, while ITA’s limited flights can accept some larger dogs. Spirit of Tasmania’s planned cabins provide a separate option for longer sea crossings.
For passengers, the practical effect depends on route, eligibility, availability, fees and preparation requirements. The expanding range of services also puts attention on how operators communicate rules and manage animal welfare. IATA’s guidance addresses that operational side, from booking and documentation to security checks and disruptions, but it is a set of recommendations rather than a universal guarantee that every airline will accept pets in the cabin.
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From Airline Rules to Ferry Cabins
The reported initiatives are at different stages. PAL’s FurPAL program launched in late 2025 and has now widened from small dogs to small cats. ITA’s service follows provisions adopted by Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, in May 2025 allowing medium- and large-sized dogs in cabins. ITA carried out a demonstration flight between Milan Linate and Rome Fiumicino in September 2025.
ITA limits the service to designated domestic flights and a maximum of two dogs per flight: one weighing more than 10 kilograms and up to 15 kilograms, and another weighing more than 15 kilograms and up to 30 kilograms. Separately, London-based Vicuna Air has introduced Vicuna Waypoints, connecting European cities with its transatlantic gateways. Its proposed itineraries combine rail, drivers, ferries and selected hotels, with Northern Europe as the initial expansion focus.
Internationally, IATA’s recommendations cover the passenger journey from booking to arrival. They include clear eligibility, container, fare and document information; recording pets with the PETC code; staff training; screening and boarding procedures; and contingency plans for delays, cancellations and diversions.
“Passengers may now bring one small dog or cat for a one-way fee starting at ₱2,500, subject to applicable requirements and guidelines.”
— Philippine Airlines, as reported by GlobalPETS
Approvals and Findings Still Pending
Not every development is an available service. Star Ferry’s plan was submitted to Hong Kong’s Transport and Logistics Bureau on 17 July, and remains a proposal. If approved, the suggested pet pass would cost HK$25 in addition to the standard fare; animals would need to be restrained, and passengers with pets would stay on the lower deck.
Brazil’s survey closed on 31 July, but results have not yet been released. The source report does not provide a single global count of new services or measure how many travelers are using them. Individual eligibility rules, prices and schedules may also change, and travelers need to verify current requirements directly with transport providers before booking.
Service Launches and Policy Updates
The next listed milestone is Spirit of Tasmania’s planned start of pet-friendly cabin sailings on 31 October 2026. Hong Kong’s Transport and Logistics Bureau would need to approve Star Ferry’s proposal before the service could proceed. Brazil’s ministry said survey results were expected by the end of the year, after which they could inform its proposed tourism guidance.
For travelers, the immediate next step is to check route-specific policies with the airline or ferry operator, including animal size and type, fares, documentation, carrier requirements and availability. IATA’s guidance can inform airline procedures, but the report does not establish that all carriers have adopted it.
Key Questions
Can pets now travel in the cabin on all airlines?
No. The services described are operator- and route-specific. Airline eligibility, fares, capacity and documentation requirements vary, so passengers should check directly with their carrier.
What has Philippine Airlines changed?
PAL expanded its FurPAL program to accept small cats as well as small dogs on domestic routes. The reported one-way fee starts at ₱2,500, and the airline’s requirements apply.
When will pet-friendly cabins be available on Spirit of Tasmania?
Bookings are open, and the cabins are scheduled for sailings from 31 October 2026. They are intended for up to two dogs or cats, subject to the operator’s requirements.
Has Hong Kong approved pets on the Star Ferry?
No approval is reported. Star Ferry has submitted a proposal for a pet co-ride service on the Wan Chai–Tsim Sha Tsui route, and it remains subject to a decision.
What do the new IATA guidelines cover?
They recommend airline procedures for the pet journey, including booking information, documentation, check-in, screening, boarding and handling disruptions. They are operational recommendations; the report does not say that every airline has adopted them.
Source: rss
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