Moving or traveling long distances can be stressful, and when you have a furry companion, the stakes are even higher. If you’re considering air travel for your pet, you’re likely wondering, “Which Airlines Allow Pets As Cargo?” While flying can be the quickest way to relocate your pet, it’s essential to understand that not all airlines offer this service, and there are crucial factors to consider for your pet’s safety and comfort.
Many pet owners initially assume that air travel is the primary option for long-distance pet transport. However, the reality is that the number of airlines that accommodate pets in cargo is limited. Furthermore, seasonal restrictions, such as heat embargoes during summer, can further complicate air travel plans for your pet. These embargoes, triggered by ground temperatures exceeding 85 degrees Fahrenheit or dropping below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, can prevent you from shipping your pet as cargo, especially larger breeds.
Ground transportation emerges as a compelling alternative in these situations. Opting for ground travel not only circumvents weather-related restrictions but also presents a more humane and safer approach to pet relocation. Ground transport ensures continuous care and attention for your pet, with opportunities for necessary stops and personalized attention throughout the journey.
Imagine entrusting your children to the care of airline cargo – it’s unthinkable. The same consideration should extend to our pets. For large dogs that cannot travel in the cabin, or when facing airline embargoes due to weather conditions, ground pet transportation services like CitizenShipper offer a secure and caring solution.
Is Airline Cargo a Safe Option for Pet Transport?
Generally, transporting pets in the cargo section of an airplane is considered safe. Airlines that offer pet cargo services adhere to specific regulations to ensure the well-being of animals during transit. Cargo areas are pressurized and climate-controlled, designed to maintain a safe environment for pets. However, while safety is a primary concern for airlines, there are other factors to consider when deciding on the best mode of transport for your beloved pet. Ground transportation often presents a more humane alternative, prioritizing your pet’s comfort and minimizing potential stress.
Here are key points to consider regarding pet safety in airline cargo:
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Limited or No Supervision: A significant concern with cargo transport is the lack of direct supervision during the flight. Airline personnel are not permitted in the cargo area during flights, meaning no one is available to assist or comfort your pet in case of an emergency or distress. This absence of immediate attention can be particularly worrying for pet owners.
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Environmental Comfort: While cargo areas are pressurized and climate-controlled, the environment may still not be as comfortable as the passenger cabin. The unfamiliar noises, vibrations, and isolation of the cargo hold can be stressful for pets, unlike the relative normalcy of traveling with a flight nanny or via ground transport.
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Potential for Trauma: The experience of flying in cargo can be traumatizing for many pets. Being placed in an unfamiliar, confined space, surrounded by strange noises and movements, and being completely alone can cause significant anxiety and fear. Ground transport, on the other hand, eliminates these stressors by providing a more stable and familiar environment.
Just as you would not consider transporting your children in cargo, it’s crucial to weigh the potential stresses of cargo travel for your pets. For larger dogs or when cabin travel isn’t feasible, exploring safer alternatives like pet ground transportation through services like CitizenShipper becomes paramount.
The Flight Nanny Alternative for Pet Air Travel
For pet owners who prefer air travel but are concerned about cargo, flight nannies offer a valuable service. A flight nanny is a pet transportation professional who accompanies your pet throughout their air journey, ensuring their care and comfort.
What exactly does a flight nanny do?
- Dedicated Pet Care Professional: Flight nannies, also known as air nannies, are experts in pet transportation, dedicated to the well-being of your pet during air travel.
- Airport Assistance and Accompaniment: You’ll meet your flight nanny at the departure airport. They will then take charge of your pet, managing the check-in process, security, boarding, and ensuring a smooth arrival at the destination.
- In-Cabin or Cargo Options: Flight nannies can accompany pets traveling in the cabin (if the pet meets size and airline requirements) or, in some cases, oversee pets transported as cargo, providing an extra layer of assurance.
- Ideal for Owners Unable to Fly With Pets: This option is perfect for pet owners who cannot personally accompany their pets on a flight but want the speed of air travel with enhanced care and attention.
CitizenShipper, a pet transportation marketplace, is an excellent platform for finding and hiring flight nannies. The platform connects you with a network of experienced and vetted flight nannies, allowing you to choose based on experience, price, and reviews.
Using CitizenShipper to find a flight nanny is straightforward:
- Post a Listing: Create a free listing detailing your pet’s travel needs – dates, origin and destination, pet type, and any specific requirements.
- Receive Quotes: Within moments, you’ll start receiving quotes from available flight nannies interested in your pet’s transport.
- Review and Choose: You can freely review the quotes, examine nanny profiles, chat with potential nannies, and select the best fit for your needs and budget.
Pet Cargo Services: An Overview
Many airlines provide cargo services for pets, allowing you to transport your animal companion on a separate flight. Think of it as a specialized shipping service for animals, where your pet travels in a designated, pressurized, and temperature-controlled area of the aircraft, separate from the passenger cabin. While convenient, it’s important to note that pet cargo services are not universally available on all flights and are subject to specific airline policies and regulations.
The cost for pet travel varies significantly depending on whether your pet travels in the cabin or as cargo. In-cabin pet fees typically range around $125 one way but can be as low as $90. Cargo transport costs are considerably higher, ranging from $500 to $1,000, with the final price calculated during booking, taking into account factors like pet size and destination.
Before planning to transport your pet as cargo, always verify the specific airline’s pet policy to confirm availability on your chosen route and understand all requirements and potential restrictions.
Airlines Permitting Dogs in Cargo: Your Options
While the list of airlines offering pet cargo services has become more limited in recent years, some airlines still provide this option. As of 2025, only a few domestic airlines continue to offer checked pets in the cargo section. So, which airlines allow dogs in cargo? Here’s a look at airlines that still offer pet cargo services:
Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy
Hawaiian Airlines is notable for allowing dogs, cats, and household birds in both the cabin and cargo hold. However, their service area is primarily limited to flights to, from, and within Hawaii, making it a geographically specific option.
Key points of Hawaiian Airlines’ pet cargo policy:
- Fees: Intra-Hawaii flights are relatively inexpensive for pet travel: $35 for in-cabin and $60 for cargo, each way. Flights to North America cost $125 for in-cabin and $225 for cargo, each way.
- Carrier Size Limits: In-cabin pet carriers must not exceed 17” long x 11” wide x 9.5” tall.
- In-Cabin Restrictions: In-cabin pet travel is not permitted on flights to/from Pago Pago International Airport, JFK Airport (New York City), Boston Logan Airport, Austin, or Salt Lake City.
Alaska Airlines Pet Policy
Alaska Airlines stands out for its relatively inclusive pet policy, allowing dogs, cats, household birds, and rabbits in the cabin for a $100 one-way fee.
For pets traveling in the cabin:
- Carry-On Policy: A pet carrier counts as your carry-on item.
- Cabin Capacity: Each flight can accommodate a limited number of pet carriers: three in first class and eight in the main cabin.
- Multiple Pet Travel: You can travel with two pet carriers in the main cabin if you purchase an adjacent seat.
- Carrier Size Restrictions: Hard-sided carriers: max 17″ x 11″ x 7.5″; Soft-sided carriers: max 17″ x 11″ x 9.5″.
Alaska Airlines is unique in offering cargo transport for a wider variety of animals. For a $150 one-way fee per pet, they transport dogs, cats, household birds, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, non-poisonous reptiles, tropical fish, and even pot-bellied pigs as cargo.
For pets in the cargo hold with Alaska Airlines:
- Weight Limit: The combined weight of the pet and carrier must be under 150 pounds.
- Same Flight Requirement: You must be on the same flight as your pet when they travel as cargo.
American Airlines Pet Policy
American Airlines permits small dogs and cats in the cabin. However, for larger pets and cargo transport, they primarily utilize their American Airlines Cargo program, specifically PetEmbark.
Key considerations for American Airlines pet travel:
- In-Cabin Pet Allowance: Traveling with a pet in the cabin allows you one additional personal item (purse, small handbag) or a carry-on bag.
- Checked Pets Limited: American Airlines generally only accepts pets as checked baggage for active-duty military or U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel on official orders.
- PetEmbark Cargo Program: For most pet owners needing cargo services, PetEmbark is the primary option. It offers flexibility for domestic and international pet transport, even for pets over 100 pounds (through “Expedite FS” booking).
It’s important to note recent CDC regulations impacting international pet travel. Due to new rules aimed at rabies prevention, American Airlines has implemented embargoes on pet transport into the U.S. from countries or territories considered high-risk for rabies, or if the pet has been in such a location within the last six months. Always check the latest regulations before planning international pet travel.
Airlines That Do Not Allow Dogs in Cargo
Several major airlines have policies that restrict or completely prohibit pet transport in the cargo hold. If you are specifically looking to ship your pet as cargo, it’s crucial to be aware of these airlines:
Delta Airlines Pet Policy
Delta Airlines permits small dogs, cats, and household birds, but only within the main cabin in an under-seat pet carrier. Cargo pet transport is not an option with Delta, except for service animals and pets belonging to military personnel or U.S. State Department employees under specific circumstances.
United Airlines Pet Policy
United Airlines similarly restricts pet travel to small cats and dogs in the cabin, in carriers that fit under the seat. United Airlines does not allow pets to be transported as cargo. Exceptions are made for military personnel and State Department employees under specific guidelines.
Southwest Airlines Pet Policy
Southwest Airlines has a more limited pet policy, allowing only small dogs and cats on domestic flights (excluding Hawaii). Southwest Airlines does not permit any pets in the cargo hold.
2025 Airline Pet Cargo Policy Comparison Table
Note: Always verify directly with the airline for the most current policies and details as policies and prices can change.
| Airline | Allows Pets in Cargo? | Approximate Cargo Cost | Types of Pets Allowed in Cargo | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Airlines | Yes | $60 – $225 | Dogs, Cats, Household Birds | Lower rates within Hawaii |
| Alaska Airlines | Yes | $150 | Dogs, Cats, Household Birds, Rabbits, Ferrets, Guinea Pigs, Reptiles, Fish, Pot-bellied Pigs | Widest variety of pets accepted as cargo |
| American Airlines | Yes | Variable (Use cost calculator) | Larger Dogs and Cats (via PetEmbark) | Cost calculator recommended for accurate pricing |
| Delta Airlines | No | N/A | N/A | Pets only in cabin (small dogs, cats, birds) |
| United Airlines | No | N/A | N/A | Pets only in cabin (small dogs, cats) |
| Southwest Airlines | No | N/A | N/A | Pets only in cabin (small dogs, cats, domestic flights only, no Hawaii) |
Preparing Your Pet for Air Travel
Regardless of whether your pet travels in the cabin or as cargo, careful preparation is key to ensuring a smoother and safer journey.
Essential steps for preparing your pet for air travel:
- Vaccinations and Health Certificate: Ensure your pet is up-to-date on all required vaccinations. Obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection from a USDA-registered veterinarian within 10 days of travel. This certificate is crucial for airline check-in.
- Pet Insurance: Consider purchasing pet insurance to provide coverage for any unexpected medical issues that might arise during or after travel.
Additional tips for reducing stress and ensuring a smoother trip:
- Off-Season Travel: Traveling during off-peak seasons can mean less crowded airports, potentially reducing stress for your pet.
- Direct Flights: Opt for direct flights to minimize layovers, which can be confusing and stressful for animals.
- Early Airport Arrival: Arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes earlier than usual to allow ample time for check-in procedures.
- Avoid Sedatives: Do not administer sedatives to your pet unless specifically advised by your veterinarian. Sedatives can hinder a pet’s ability to regulate body temperature and react to in-flight conditions, especially in cargo.
Conclusion
Air travel can be a viable option for transporting your pet, especially over long distances. Understanding which airlines allow pets as cargo, along with their specific policies and any seasonal restrictions, is crucial for planning. While cargo services are available with certain airlines like Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines (via PetEmbark), it’s important to weigh the considerations of cargo travel carefully. For some pet owners, particularly those concerned about their pet’s comfort and continuous care, exploring alternatives like ground transportation or utilizing flight nanny services may be more suitable and humane options for relocating their beloved animals. Always prioritize your pet’s well-being and safety when making travel arrangements.
