Norwegian Air Pet Policy: What Travelers Need to Know

Planning a trip with your furry companion takes more research than booking a regular flight. Airline pet policies vary widely, and one wrong assumption can leave you stranded at the gate. Norwegian Air the low-cost Scandinavian carrier also known as Norwegian Air Shuttle has one of the strictest pet policies among European airlines.

Does Norwegian Air allow pets?

Norwegian Air does not allow pets on its flights. Cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and other animals cannot travel in the cabin, as checked baggage, or in the cargo hold. The only exception is trained service dogs that assist passengers with documented disabilities. This policy applies across all Norwegian Air routes.

This is a key difference from many competitors. Airlines like Lufthansa, KLM, and Air France accept small pets in the cabin and larger animals as cargo. Norwegian Air’s no-pet rule is part of how it keeps costs low and operations simple as a budget carrier.

If you booked expecting to bring your pet, you’ll need a backup plan. We cover alternatives further down.

Does Norwegian Air allow pets in the cabin?

No. Norwegian Air does not permit pets in the cabin, regardless of size or carrier type. A small dog or cat that would fit under the seat on other airlines still cannot fly with Norwegian Air. The only animals allowed in the cabin are recognized service dogs.

Many travelers confuse Norwegian Air with airlines that have generous in-cabin pet rules. Here’s a quick comparison to set expectations:

Always confirm current policies directly with each airline before booking, as rules change.

Can pets travel in Norwegian Air’s cargo hold?

No. Norwegian Air does not transport pets as cargo or checked baggage. The airline has no facility for animal transport in its cargo operations. Travelers who need to ship a larger dog or multiple pets must book through a specialized pet relocation company that partners with cargo-capable airlines.

If you’re moving to or from Norway with a large breed, professional pet shippers can arrange door-to-door transport. These services handle crate requirements, customs paperwork, and connecting flights on airlines that accept animals.

Are service dogs allowed on Norwegian Air?

Yes. Norwegian Air accepts trained service dogs that assist passengers with disabilities, and they travel free of charge in the cabin. The dog must be certified, well-behaved, and able to lie at the passenger’s feet without blocking aisles or emergency exits.

To bring a service dog, follow these steps:

• Notify Norwegian Air in advance. Contact the airline at least 48 hours before departure.
• Carry certification. Bring documentation proving the dog is a trained service animal.
• Meet health requirements. Service dogs must satisfy the destination country’s import rules, including vaccinations and an EU pet passport or health certificate where needed.
• Arrive early. Allow extra time at check-in to confirm arrangements.

Are emotional support animals allowed on Norwegian Air?

No. Norwegian Air does not recognize emotional support animals (ESAs) as service animals. ESAs receive no special accommodation and cannot travel in the cabin. Only trained service dogs assisting with a disability qualify. This matches a wider European trend, where ESAs lack the legal recognition they once had in the United States.

If your animal provides emotional support but isn’t a trained service dog, you’ll need to arrange travel through a pet-friendly carrier or relocation service.

What animals can fly with Norwegian Air?

Only certified service dogs can fly with Norwegian Air. No other animals including cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, or non-service dogs are permitted on any flight. There are no breed or size exceptions, because the policy excludes all pets outright rather than restricting specific types.

This makes one common question moot: travelers often ask whether snub-nosed breeds like bulldogs or pugs are restricted. With Norwegian Air, the answer is simple no dogs travel as pets, so breed-specific cargo restrictions don’t apply the way they do on airlines that accept animals.

How do I fly my dog to Norway if Norwegian Air won’t carry it?

Since Norwegian Air doesn’t carry pets, you have three main options to bring a dog to Norway: book a pet-friendly airline that accepts cabin or cargo animals, hire a professional pet relocation company, or combine a pet-friendly flight with ground transport. Each suits different budgets and pet sizes.

Here’s how the options compare:

Costs vary by route, season, and pet size. Get quotes before deciding.

What documents does Norway require to bring a dog?

Norway requires a microchip, a current rabies vaccination, tapeworm treatment for dogs, and a health certificate or EU pet passport. Dogs arriving from outside the EU/EEA also need a vet-issued certificate validated by the exporting country’s authorities. There is no general quarantine for compliant animals.

Use this checklist to stay organized:

• Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 compliant, implanted before the rabies shot
• Rabies vaccination: Valid and administered after microchipping
• Tapeworm treatment (dogs): Given 24–120 hours before arrival in Norway
• Health certificate or EU pet passport: Issued by an authorized vet
• Import notification: Some arrivals require advance notice to Norwegian customs

Confirm exact requirements with the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) before travel.

How early should I arrange service dog travel with Norwegian Air?

Arrange service dog travel with Norwegian Air at least 48 hours before departure, though earlier is better. Contact the airline’s customer service to register the dog, confirm seating, and verify documentation. For international routes, start the process several weeks ahead to handle vaccinations and certificates on time.

How to contact Norwegian Air about pet travel

For the most current information, contact Norwegian Air directly through its official website’s customer service section or help center. Because budget airline policies can change, always confirm pet and service animal rules with the airline before you book. For Norway’s import rules, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) is the official source.