To travel with a dog on a U.S. airline, you can either fly with a small dog in the cabin or transport a larger dog as cargo*.
*Please note: Some airlines do not allow dogs to travel as cargo. Please refer to the Airline list, at the bottom of this blog, which links to each airlines' policy, for more information. Policies vary significantly among airline carriers, so you must check with your airline and make reservations in advance.
All airlines must adhere to regulations set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Veterinary health certificates: Most airlines and destinations require a health certificate from a licensed vet, issued within 10 days of travel. This ensures the dog is healthy enough for air travel.
- Dog carrier standards: The travel carrier must be an FAA-approved kennel of a size appropriate for the dog, with a leak-proof bottom and proper ventilation. Your dog must be able to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably inside.
- Breed restrictions: Airlines may prohibit certain brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds and dogs they deem aggressive due to health risks and safety concerns.
- Weather restrictions: Many airlines will not transport animals in the cargo hold if temperatures are too high or low at the departure or arrival airport.
- No sedation: Airlines prohibit sedating your dog for travel, as it can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems at high altitudes.
- Check-in: Travelers with pets must check in at the airline counter, not at a self-service kiosk.
- At the security checkpoint: When passing through TSA security, you must remove your dog from its carrier and carry it through the metal detector. The empty carrier will be sent through the X-ray machine.
In-cabin vs. cargo transport
Depending on the dog's size, it will travel either in the passenger cabin or in a climate-controlled and pressurized cargo hold*.
| In-cabin | Cargo | |
|---|---|---|
| Dog size | Limited to small dogs and cats that can fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you. | For larger dogs that exceed in-cabin size limits. |
| Travel destination | Varies by airline and may not be permitted on international or longer flights. | Some international destinations may require using a commercial pet shipper. |
| Fees | A one-way fee typically ranging from $50 to $200. | Fees can be several hundred dollars and are based on the dog's size and destination. |
| Carrier | Must be an airline-approved carrier (hard- or soft-sided) that fits under the seat. | Must be a secure kennel meeting International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. |
Service animals vs. emotional support dogs
Following a 2021 DOT rule change, airlines are no longer required to recognize emotional support animals (ESAs) as service animals.
| Service dog | Emotional support dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. | Provides comfort but is not trained to perform specific tasks. Now treated as a standard pet by airlines. |
| Air travel rights | May fly in the cabin for free and is exempt from pet carrier size and weight restrictions. | Must follow the airline's standard pet policies, including paying pet fees and fitting in an approved carrier. |
| Documentation | Must submit a completed DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form at least 48 hours in advance. | No special documentation is required, as the dog is treated as a pet. |
*Please note: Some airlines do not allow dogs to travel as cargo. Please refer to the Airline list, at the bottom of this blog, which links to each airlines' policy, for more information. Policies vary significantly among airline carriers, so you must check with your airline and make reservations in advance.
Disclaimer: Airline policies for traveling with dogs can change at any time. You should always confirm the most current requirements with your specific airline before booking your trip.
