Cebu Pacific accepts pets on most domestic Philippine routes as checked baggage (with the passenger) or as cargo (separate from the passenger). The carrier does not accept pets in the cabin on domestic flights, with the limited exception of service animals. This article walks through what to expect when flying your pet with Cebu Pacific, from booking to claim.
What Cebu Pacific accepts
- Dogs and cats, as the most common pet types.
- Other small companion animals on a case-by-case basis. Birds, rabbits, and similar pets are subject to specific approval.
- Service animals with proper documentation, including in the cabin on qualifying flights.
Exotic, restricted, or large animals (livestock-scale) generally need to be booked through dedicated cargo channels rather than the standard pet-travel process.
Two main routes: checked baggage vs. cargo
| Checked baggage | Cargo | |
|---|---|---|
| Where the pet flies | Climate-controlled hold of your flight | Cargo hold, possibly a different flight |
| Booked through | Cebu Pacific booking, pet add-on | CEB Cargo or accredited cargo agent |
| Owner travels on same flight? | Yes | Not required |
| Typical fee structure | Per-kilo, including the crate | Per-kilo plus handling |
| Best for | Smaller, healthy pets travelling with the owner | Larger pets, unaccompanied moves, complex routings |
Documents you will need
- BAI Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC), typically issued within 7 days of travel. See what is a BAI Veterinary Health Certificate.
- Current rabies vaccination certificate for dogs and cats.
- LGU registration document for dogs, where applicable.
- Government ID for the owner.
- Confirmation of the pet booking from Cebu Pacific.
For interisland routes that touch a BAI quarantine point (e.g. NAIA in either direction), expect a brief inspection at the airport on the day of the flight in addition to the VHC. Plan to arrive earlier than the usual cutoff for this reason.
Crate requirements
Cebu Pacific, like most carriers, expects an IATA-compliant pet crate:
- Hard-sided for cargo and checked baggage. Soft-sided carriers are typically not accepted for hold travel.
- Adequate size: the pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Ventilation on at least three sides.
- Secure latches that cannot pop open under handling. Many owners zip-tie the door for extra security.
- Absorbent lining at the bottom. No loose straw or hay.
- Water dish attached to the inside of the crate door. Frozen water trick: freeze the dish overnight so the water thaws gradually in flight rather than spilling.
- Owner identification on the crate, including a "Live Animal" label and your contact details.
Booking the pet
- Book your own ticket first. Cebu Pacific's pet add-on is keyed to your booking.
- Add the pet to your booking through Cebu Pacific's customer service hotline or Manage Booking flow. Online add-on may or may not be available depending on the route. The hotline is the most reliable channel.
- Provide the pet's details: species, weight, crate dimensions, vaccination status. Cebu Pacific confirms capacity (there is a limit per flight) and quotes the fee.
- Pay the pet fee as instructed. Keep the confirmation.
- Schedule the BAI VHC inspection for 3 to 5 days before the flight.
On flight day
- Feed lightly 4 to 6 hours before check-in. Water can be available throughout.
- Arrive earlier than usual. Plan on being at the airport 3 hours before departure for domestic pet travel. Pet handling at the counter takes longer than passenger-only check-in.
- Bring all documents in a sealed envelope, plus phone photos as backup.
- Pass the BAI inspection at the airport if applicable. The desk is usually inside the terminal near the airline counters or in a dedicated cargo lane.
- Hand over the pet at the airline counter. Ground staff will weigh the crate and confirm size. Pay any overweight charge if applicable.
- Keep your boarding pass and pet receipt together. You will need the pet receipt at claim.
- At arrival, claim the pet at the oversized-baggage or special-handling counter, not the standard belt.
Fees
Cebu Pacific's pet fee is per-kilo based on the combined weight of the pet and the crate. The exact rate varies by route, distance, and time. Plan on a few thousand pesos for a small-to-medium pet on a typical domestic route, and more for larger animals and longer flights. Always confirm the quoted amount before paying.
Common questions
Can my dog fly in the cabin?
Cebu Pacific does not accept pets in the cabin on standard domestic flights. Service animals with proper documentation are the exception. Other pets fly in the hold or as cargo.
What if my pet does not tolerate flying?
Talk to your veterinarian. Sedation is generally discouraged by airlines because it can affect breathing at altitude, but light pre-flight calming methods may help. For animals genuinely unsuited to flight, consider ferry or land transport.
What is the maximum pet weight Cebu Pacific accepts?
Weight limits are aircraft-dependent. The narrow-body fleet that flies most domestic routes accepts pets up to roughly 32 kilograms total crate weight as checked baggage; heavier animals go via cargo. Confirm with the airline for your specific route.
Are flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds accepted?
Brachycephalic breeds (pugs, French bulldogs, Persian cats, etc.) are accepted by Cebu Pacific but at elevated risk of respiratory complications in flight. Some seasoned breeders and many vets advise against flying these breeds during hot months. Check the airline's specific guidance and your vet's recommendation.
My flight has a connection. Does that change anything?
Yes. Pet handling at connections adds risk and time. Where possible, book a non-stop. If a connection is unavoidable, allow generous layover time and consider sending the pet as cargo on a direct flight while you connect separately.
Next steps
Pair this with the VHC process: see how to apply for a BAI Veterinary Health Certificate, step by step. For international moves out of PH that pass through Cebu Pacific's network, the export-side paperwork is more involved; see flying your pet to the United States.