Southwest Airlines Pet Policy Guide (Fees, Carriers, & Size Limits) [2023]

Southwest Airlines, like many other airlines, allows you to fly with your pet but there are some rules and restrictions you need to know about before jumping on a plane with your four-legged friend.

This comprehensive article will walk you through all of the rules and policies you need to know for flying in-cabin with your pet, such as fees and size restrictions. I’ll also discuss the rules for emotional support and service animals. For more tips on flying Southwest, click here.  

What is the Southwest Airlines pet policy?

Southwest Airlines allows small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel with you in-cabin under the seat in front of you for $95 per one-way.

Southwest Airlines pet policy fees

As stated, pets traveling on Southwest Airlines are subject to a $95 Pet Fare each way per pet carrier. The fare is refundable if you cancel your reservation or if your flight is canceled and you do not rebook.

Note: for Customers traveling between Hawaiian Islands from September 6 through June 30, 2023, the Pet Fare is $35 each way per pet carrier.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

Southwest planes at airport

How to avoid Southwest pet fees

One of the easiest ways to avoid pet fees is to use the right credit card. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a good card for general travel expenses and its points can be used to offset airline pet fees since they will often code as travel.

You can also use an incidental credit attached to a travel credit card. For example, the Platinum Card has a $200 incidental credit.

Other cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve have a $300 travel credit that could be used on virtually any type of travel purchase including pet fees.

Need tips for bringing pets to a hotel? Click here to read more.

How to make Reservations for pets on Southwest

You can make your reservations for U.S. domestic flights by calling the following Southwest phone number: 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). You cannot currently make them online.

It’s highly recommended that you make a reservation because space for pets is limited to only six per aircraft.

On the day of travel, you must bring the pet to the airport in an approved pet carrier. You will proceed to the airport ticket counter to check the pet in and pay the Pet Fare before going to the departure gate. Credit cards are accepted.

In-cabin pet carriers

You’ll need to make sure that you have a qualified in-cabin pet carrier when taking your pet aboard Southwest Airlines.

Southwest sells an official pet carrier for $58 (tax included) at any Southwest Airport Ticket Counter or online (tax not included) at Southwest: The Store (this is not an affiliate of Southwest Airlines Co.). These purchases are nonrefundable.

If I were planning on purchasing one from the airport, I would try to call ahead and make sure that there are carriers available, especially if I was doing this at a smaller, regional airport. That is because there are some reports of airports not being stocked with pet carriers. 

Pet carrier specs

If you’re not going to purchase your carrier directly from Southwest, you just need to make sure that it abides by the following restrictions:

  • Maximum dimensions of 18.5” long x 8.5” high x 13.5” wide.
  • Soft-sided and hard-sided carriers specifically designed as pet carriers are acceptable.
  • The carriers must be leak-proof and well ventilated.
  • The pet carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of the Customer and be stowed in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.

It is not very difficult to find a pet carrier that complies with the above regulations. If you are looking for airline approved pet carriers here is one you can get on Amazon for pretty cheap. 

Southwest aircraft on the inside

Additional pet carrier rules

There are also some additional restrictions you need to be aware of:

One pet carrier per ticketed passenger

  • Southwest Airlines allows only one pet carrier per ticketed Passenger.

If you need to transport multiple pet carriers then you will need to be flying with someone else. Just keep in mind that there is a limit on the total number of carriers allowed on a plane and you can find out more about that below. 

Carriers may only contain two cats or dogs

  • The carrier may contain two (2) cats or dogs and must be of the same species per carrier.

You can carry up to two cats or dogs in one carrier but you cannot mix and match them. So you could not have one dog and one cat, for example.  

Must be plenty of room for your pet

  • The cat or dog must be completely inside the pet carrier and be able to stand up and move around the carrier with ease.

You’ll be putting the well-being of your pet at risk if the carrier is too small. Also, it’s really important to remember that you’re not going to be able to take your pet out of the carrier during the flight, so you need to make sure that your pet will be okay.

If you are carrying multiple cats or dogs in one carrier then you need to pay extra close attention to the amount of room that they will have. 

Pets must remain in the pet carrier

  • Pets must be secured in the pet carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding/deplaning, and they must remain in the carrier for the entire duration of the flight. Failure to follow this requirement may result in denial of transportation of the pet onboard Southwest Airlines.

Notice that your pet needs to be in the pet carrier even when you are in the gate area. So as you are getting ready for Southwest boarding, your pet cannot have free reign in the gate area, no matter how cute he or she is. 

It is possible that you can purchase an extra seat in some situations where it can make it easier for you to tend to your pet. This doesn’t mean that your pet can occupy that seat, though. If you are interested in getting an extra seat when traveling with your pet, be sure to inquire with Southwest.

Southwest pet restrictions

There are a number of specific restrictions for flying with your pets on Southwest that you should be aware of:

Pets must be attended

  • Southwest Airlines does not accept pets (cats or dogs) traveling without a customer.

You can’t simply send your pet on a flight without an accompanying customer. This makes a lot of sense because I’m pretty sure 99% of pets will not know how to make their way to boarding. 

Pets can’t travel with Unaccompanied Minors.

  • Pets are not permitted to travel with Unaccompanied Minors.

Unaccompanied Minors are young passengers that are flying without an adult. There are special restrictions for these younger passengers and you can read about them here. 

No exit rows

  • Customers traveling with a pet may not occupy an exit row or a seat with no forward under-seat stowage.

You cannot sit in an exit row seat with your pet or a seat with no under seat storage (this would be like a seat in the front row). The reason is for safety because they do not want pets interfering with access to exit areas. 

No checked pets

  • Southwest Airlines will only carry pets in the cabin; pets are not permitted as checked baggage.

Southwest does not offer you the option to check your pet as checked baggage. There are many more risks involved with flying your pet as checked baggage. For example, they could be subjected to excessive temperatures or a rough landing and you will not be there to comfort them. So I would think long and hard before I ever committed to transporting my pet like that. 

Limitation on pet carriers per flight

  • There will be no more than six (6) scheduled pet carriers per scheduled flight. However, from time to time, circumstances may allow for more (or fewer) than six (6) pet carriers per scheduled flight.

Southwest tries to limit the total number of pet carriers to six per flight. This sounds like somewhat of a soft rule though so at times they might compromise depending on the circumstances.  

Age limits

  • Cats and dogs must be at least eight (8) weeks old for travel.

Cats and dogs are very vulnerable younger than eight weeks, so your pets need to be at least eight weeks old for the trip. And you probably want your pets to be fully vaccinated before potentially exposing them to something that could be very harmful to them. 

Good temperaments needed

  • The animals must be harmless, not disruptive, odorless, and require no attention during flight.

This will be a judgment call by the flight staff. But if your pet is showing signs that it might be problematic then you might not be able to transport them.

For example, if your dog is barking loudly at every passenger walking by that could be an issue or if your pet is in a filthy condition that would also be a problem.

Disruptive behavior can also be an issue and here is what the Southwest considers to be disruptive. 

  • Scratching, excessive whining or barking
  • Growling, biting, lunging
  • Urinating or defecating in the cabin or gate area

Must remain in the pet carrier

  • Cats and dogs must remain in the carrier (including head and tail) and the carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of the Customer (owner) for the entire duration of the flight.

This is one of the most important factors to consider. Your pet must remain in the carrier through the whole flight including its head/tail and the carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of you. The pet must also remain in the carrier during boarding and when in the gate area. 

This means that if you have an anxious pet you are going to have trouble consoling them through the flight since their head must remain in the pet carrier and the pet carrier must remain under the seat. I have seen pet owners gently stroke their pet while their pet remains in the carrier but that is about as much contact is permitted.

So you need to really think about how your pet is going to act before flying with them and perhaps try to do some exposure training so that they are used to the carrier as much as possible. It will also help if you can get your pet tired out before the flight by playing with them. 

And of course, treats can go really far.

No sharing

  • A pet may not share a carrier with a trained service animal or an emotional support animal.

This rule is pretty straightforward. The idea is that a service animal or emotional support animal is there to serve a function and the airlines don’t want your pet distracting or interfering with that animal.

Purchasing additional seats

  • The purchase of an additional seat may be required to accommodate the pet when traveling with a portable oxygen concentrator, trained service animal, or emotional support animal.

In some cases you may need to purchase an additional seat. 

Make sure your animal takes care of business

  • Southwest Airlines will not be responsible if a Customer misses a flight due to the need to take the cat or dog to an outside relief area. Flight departures will not be delayed or held in order for connecting Customers to take a pet to an animal relief area.

It is vital to remember to take your dog to an outside relief area before your flight. But when you do that keep in mind that the flight will take place with or without you so make sure you allocate plenty of time to make it to the relief area, for your pet to do their business, and for you to get back to boarding in time.

No in-flight first aid

  • If the pet becomes ill during the flight, oxygen or other first aid procedures will not be administered.

If your pet become sick during the flight then you will be responsible for trying to help it out since there are no procedures that will take place in flight. 

Emergency masks may not be available for your pet

  • In the event of an emergency, an oxygen mask may not be available for the cat or dog.

You are always supposed to place an oxygen mask on yourself first before attending to others and this also applies for your pet. The thing is, there may not be an emergency mask for your pet so you may not be able to help them out if there is a sudden change in cabin pressure. 

No liability

  • Southwest Airlines assumes no liability for the health or wellbeing of carryon pets.

Southwest disclaims all liability for your pet when flying on their planes.

No pet remains

  • Southwest Airlines will not accept pet remains in the cabin of the aircraft.

This one is a little tough for some people but if you are transporting your pet remains they will need to be transported in checked baggage. Read more about traveling with cremated remains here. 

Southwest only accepts credit cards and cash

  • Customers can pay with accepted credit cards. Southwest LUV Vouchers, gift cards, and unused travel funds will not be accepted for payment of a Pet Fare.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

Carry-ons

You should note that pet carriers are considered either a personal item or a carryon item.

This means that you could board the aircraft with either a pet carrier and a personal item or a pet carrier and a regular size carryon bag.

A Customer may not board the aircraft with a pet carrier, a regular size carryon bag, and a personal item. This might mean that you will need to check some of your baggage but the good news is that you can get two free checked bags for each Southwest flight.

Pets and international flights

Pets are not allowed to travel in-cabin on Southwest Airlines international flights or any itinerary that includes an international flight. Pets also cannot go on flights between the continental US and Hawaii.

Shipping pets in the Cargo hold

Unlike other airlines, Southwest does not allow pets to be shipped in the cargo hold. I personally don’t think I’d ever ship my pet in the cargo hold due to the risks but Southwest doesn’t give you that option so you don’t have to worry about it.

Emotional support animals

Effective March 1, 2021, Southwest will accept only trained service dogs for travel and will no longer transport emotional support animals.

An emotional support animal provides support for an individual with a mental health-related disability and is not trained to perform a specific task(s) or work.

A Customer seeking to travel with an emotional support animal must satisfy all of the following requirements:

  • The Customer must have the required documentation
  • The emotional support animal must be either a dog or a cat.
  • Each Customer may bring only one emotional support animal on the flight.
  • The emotional support animal must be in a carrier that can be stowed under the seat in front of the Customer or on a leash at all times while in the airport and onboard the aircraft.

If you want to travel with an emotional support animal, you must provide to a Southwest Airlines Employee current documentation (not more than one year old on the date of travel) on letterhead from a licensed mental health professional or medical doctor who is treating the Customer’s mental health-related disability.

The letter must state all four items below:

  • The Passenger has a mental or emotional disability recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • The Passenger needs the emotional support dog or cat as an accommodation for air travel and/or for activity at the Passenger’s destination
  • The individual providing the assessment is a licensed mental health professional or medical doctor, and the Passenger is under his or her professional care AND
  • The date and type of mental health professional’s or medical doctor’s license and the state or other jurisdiction in which it was issued

An emotional support animal will be allowed to travel on flights to/from all domestic and international destinations, but many international destinations have country-specific regulations.

Read more about emotional support animals here. 

Trained service animals

Southwest Airlines allows trained dogs, cats, and miniature horses as service animals as long as the customer is able to provide credible verbal assurance that the animal is a trained service animal. Southwest Airlines does not accept unusual or exotic species of animals.

NOTE: A service animal vest, harness, ID card, or registration is not accepted as the sole indication an animal is a trained service animal.

Read more about trained service animals here. 

Southwest Airlines Pet Policy FAQ

What are the Southwest Airlines pet fees?

Southwest will charge you $95 per one way flight for pets to fly in the cabin.

How can I avoid the Southwest Airlines pet fee?

You can use airline credits to avoid the fee with some credit cards such as the Amex Platinum Card. 

How do I make a reservation for my pet on Southwest Airlines?

You can make your reservations for U.S. domestic flights by calling the following Southwest phone number: 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).

Where can I get a pet carrier?

Southwest sells an official pet carrier for $58 at any Southwest Airport Ticket Counter or online at “Southwest: The Store.”

How many pet carriers can I bring?

Southwest Airlines only allows only one pet carrier per ticketed passenger.

How many pets can I put in my carrier?

The carrier may contain two cats or dogs and must be of the same species per carrier.

Can a pet travel with an unaccompanied minor?

Pets are not permitted to travel with Unaccompanied Minors.

Where can I sit with my pet?

You cannot sit in an exit row seat or in a row with no forward under seat storage.

Can I send my pet as a checked pet?

No, Southwest does not allow pets to travel as checked pets.

Can my puppy or kitten travel with me?

Cats and dogs must be at least eight weeks old to travel.

Do I also get a carry-on in addition to my pet?

Your pet carrier will be considered either a personal item or a carry-on item.

Can my pet travel on an international flight on Southwest?

No, pets are not allowed to travel on Southwest international flights.

Can I get preboarding if I’m traveling with a pet on Southwest?

No, preboarding is not available for those simply traveling with a pet.

Final word

Flying with pets can be stressful for both humans and animals alike. But you can help alleviate a lot of that stress by researching into all of the different rules and policies so that you won’t be in violation of any of the restrictions and you can focus solely on getting your pet safely from point A to point B.

Cover photo by Tom Hart via Flickr.

United Airlines Pet Policy (International, Cargo, Carry-on) [2023]

There are a few different United Airlines pet policies depending on how and for what purpose you’re bringing along your animals.

This article will take a detailed look at the pet policy for shipping animals on United.

I’ll cover in-cabin transport (carry-on), PetSafe (cargo), international, service animals, and show you where to go to get all of the forms and documents you’ll need to transport your animals.

What is the United Airlines pet policy?

United Airlines will allow pets to fly in-cabin but they no longer offer the ability to fly pets in the cargo hold as part of the PetSafe program (except for limited exceptions for the military).

The pet policies require you to follow some very specific rules and guidelines so if you’re thinking about transporting your pets on United you need to pay very close attention to the different rules.

If you need to read more about United’s baggage policies in general you can do that here. 

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

How to avoid United pet fees

One of the easiest ways to avoid pet fees is to use the right credit card. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a good card for general travel expenses and its points can be used to offset airline pet fees since they will often code as travel.

You can also use an incidental credit attached to a travel credit card. For example, the Platinum Card has a $200 incidental credit.

Other cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve have a $300 travel credit that could be used on virtually any type of travel purchase including pet fees.

United in-cabin animals

In the past, United stated that they would allow domesticated cats, dogs, rabbits and household birds (excluding cockatoos) to travel accompanied in the aircraft cabin on most flights within the U.S.

They recently changed their website and now do not list out all of the different animals so it’s not clear to me what pets they allow beyond cats and dogs. For that reason, you may want to call and clarify what animals are allowed.

Fees

The fees for an in-cabin pet are $125 each way. Also, there is an additional $125 service charge for each stopover of more than four hours within the U.S. or more than 24 hours outside of the U.S.

Booking

Booking a ticket for your pet is very easy to do with United.

Whenever you are making a booking, just be sure to select “Travel with a pet” as a traveler. If you already made a booking, you can still go to My Trips and add a pet to an existing trip. You cannot add a pet using the United app.

Do everything you can to make this reservation in advance because there are limited slots available for pets on aircraft.

Check-in

Whenever you arrive at the airport, be sure to check in and get your pet tag. Remember, you’ll need both your own and your pet’s confirmation numbers.

Also remember that your pet is expected to remain in the kennel while in the airport. If you need to take them to a relief area you can check the airport maps feature on the United app to see if you can find one.

Kennel rules

Before your bring your pet on-board, make sure that you are towing them in a kennel that complies with the United pet policy rules.

The kennel must fit completely under the seat in front of the customer and remain there at all times and the door needs to be secured as well.

Also, the animal must be able to stand up and turn and around inside the kennel. There may only be one pet per kennel.

There are also specific dimensions required for these pets:

  • Hard-sided kennels: 17.5 inches long x 12 inches wide x 7.5 inches high (44 cm x 30 cm x 19 cm).
  • Soft-sided kennels: 18 inches long x 11 inches wide x 11 inches high (46 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm).

United will allow you to bring along soft-sided pet carriers that slightly exceed these dimensions so long as they don’t block the aisle.

While your pet must remain under the seat, some people will purchase an extra seat because it makes it easier to deal with their pet.

For one, it gives the passenger space to put a personal item underneath the difference seat. It also allows them to more easily bend over to check on the animal.

No unaccompanied minors

Pets are not allowed to travel with unaccompanied minors.

Age limits

Puppies and kittens traveling within the U.S. and Puerto Rico must be at least 2 months (8 weeks) old to be accepted for travel on United. Puppies and kittens traveling internationally must be at least 4 months (16 weeks) of age to be accepted for travel on United.

International travel

Pets are not permitted on flights to, from or through Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand and other locations. Please verify if your destination allows in-cabin pets prior to travel.

Rules for international in-cabin pets vary. To book international in-cabin travel for a pet, contact the United Customer Contact Center or call 1-800-864-8331 to add a pet to your reservation.

Health declarations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) require all dogs entering the U.S., except those arriving from certain rabies-free countries, to be immunized against rabies.

Vaccinations must be completed at least 30 days before arrival in the U.S.

Since puppies cannot be vaccinated against rabies before 3 months of age, puppies under 4 months old will not be admitted into the U.S. unless they are arriving from a rabies-free country.

Each dog entering the U.S. must be accompanied by a valid certificate of rabies vaccination, signed by a licensed veterinarian and including the following information:

  • Name and address of the dog’s owner
  • Identifying information for the dog, including breed, sex, age, color and markings
  • Date of vaccination and the name of the vaccine used
  • Date when the vaccination expires. If no expiration date is stated, the vaccination must have been completed within 12 months before arrival in the U.S.

Visit the CDC website for more information.

Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the U.S; however, some states require vaccination of cats for rabies, so it is a good idea to check with state and local health authorities at your final destination.

Restrictions based on aircraft

You should note that there are some restrictions for specific types of aircraft that you’ll be flying on.

Keep in mind that many routes are served by different types of aircraft so you’ll always need to check and see exactly what type of aircraft you’re flying on.

You can do this be utilizing Google Flights or you can simply check on the United website.

Here are the restrictions:

  • In-cabin travel for pets is booked on a space-available basis.
  • A customer traveling with an in-cabin pet cannot be seated in the bulkhead or an emergency exit row.
  • Two pets per flight are allowed in premium cabins on select aircraft. Pets are not permitted in premium cabins on Boeing 757, 767, 777 or 787 aircraft due to limited storage space under the seat.
  • Four pets per flight are allowed in United Economy® on all United flights.
    • A customer traveling with an in-cabin pet in United Economy on Boeing 757-200 aircraft will need to be seated in a window seat due to limited storage space under aisle and middle seats.
  • The number of in-cabin pets allowed varies by United Express partner airline.
United plane

United PetSafe (cargo) [no longer available]

2023 Update: United no longer accepts PetSafe reservations.

United recently made changes to its PetSafe program so make sure that you’re up to date on all of the changes.

You can request your PetSafe booking here, but I highly advise that you read all of the details below before making a booking.

Pet age

Puppies and kittens traveling within the U.S. and Puerto Rico must be at least 8 weeks of age to be accepted for travel on United.

Puppies and kittens weighing less than 2 pounds must be at least 10 weeks of age. International requirements can be complex, so please contact an International Pet and Animal Transport Association (IPATA) shipper for assistance.

Cats and dogs (breeds allowed)

Only cats and dogs are allowed

United will no longer accept reservations for the following brachycephalic (or short- or snub-nosed) dogs and cats and strong-jawed dog breeds:

  • Affenpinscher
  • American Bully
  • American Pit Bull Terrier/Pit Bull
  • American Staffordshire Terrier/”Amstaff”
  • Belgian Malinois
  • Boston Terrier
  • Boxer
  • Brussels Griffon
  • Bulldog
    • American Bulldog
    • English Bulldog
    • French Bulldog
    • Old English Bulldogges
    • Shorty Bulldogs
    • Spanish Alano/Spanish Bulldog/Alano Espanol
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Chow Chow
  • English Toy Spaniel/Prince Charles Spaniel
  • Japanese Chin/Japanese Spaniel
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Mastiff
    • American Mastiff
    • Boerboel/South African Mastiff
    • Bullmastiff
    • Ca de Bou/Mallorquin Mastiff
    • Cane Corso/Italian Mastiff
    • Dogo Argentino/Argentinian Mastiff
    • Dogue de Bordeaux/French Mastiff
    • English Mastiff
    • Fila Brasileiro/Brazilian Mastiff/Cao de Fila
    • Indian Mastiff/Alangu
    • Kangal/Turkish Kangal
    • Neapolitan Mastiff/Mastino Napoletano
    • Pakastani Mastiff/Bully Kutta
    • Pyrenean Mastiff
    • Presa Canario/Perro de Presa Canario/Dogo Canario/Canary Mastiff
    • Spanish Mastiff / Mastin Espanol
    • Tibetan Mastiff
    • Tosa/Tosa Ken/Tosa Inu/Japanese Mastiff/Japanese Tosa
  • Pekingese
  • Pug
    • Dutch Pug
    • Japanese Pug
  • Shar-Pei/Chinese Shar-Pei
  • Shih-Tzu
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier/”Staffys”
  • Tibetan Spaniel

Cat Breeds

  • Burmese
  • Exotic Shorthair
  • Himalayan
  • Persian
puppy
Photo by Paul VanDerWerf.

Temperature restrictions

United’s PetSafe program uses climate-controlled vans and keeps animals in holding areas within a temperature range of 45-85° F but United may decline to transport your pet if the outside temperatures are too extreme.

United will no longer accept reservations to and from the following airports annually between May 1 and Sept. 30, due to high summer temperatures.

  • Las Vegas (LAS)
  • Palm Springs (PSP)
  • Phoenix (PHX)
  • Tucson (TUS)
Phoenix hotel lawn

Reservations

Reservations are accepted between 30 days in advance (maximum) and five (5) days (minimum) prior to travel

Documents

United will require you to submit several documents to United PetSafe prior to travel which include:

  • Scanned copy of the completed, signed and dated Customer Acknowledgement Form
  • Scanned copy of your pet’s Health Certificate from a licensed veterinarian dated within 10 days of travel (or the timeframe required by the destination country)
  • Digital photo of your pet clearly showing their face to verify breed
  • Digital photo of your pet’s travel crate to verify compliance with Petsafe’s crate requirements

You can find out more about these documents here.

No India or Australia

Not accept any reservations to and from India and Australia at this time

Connections

United will not accept PetSafe itineraries with more than three flight segments (or two connections).

Also, cats and dogs are required to have a comfort stop if the total length of their journey is more than 24 hours. However, you can purchase a comfort stop if you’re worries about your pet’s health on a long journey.

International routing

United requires international routing to be arranged through an International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) pet shipper only. A list of IPATA members near you can be found at https://www.ipata.org

Crate guidelines

United will not accept a crate taller than 30″, including the 700 series crates. Also, they do not sell or lend crates at airports. Instead, crates can be purchased at united.com/petmate.

Find out more about the crate guidelines here.

If you need help selecting a good crate watch this.

Pet crate positions

PetSafe Documents

United requests that you complete two forms.

One is a Customer Acknowledgment Form and the other is a Pre-Travel Checklist

I suggest that you print out both forms but for your reference here is the checklist:

Before you book (30 days prior to travel)

  • Review new PetSafe acceptance policies
  • Confirm your pet is acceptable for travel based upon age, breed, health and international travel restrictions
  • Assess the overall health of your pet and if your pet is fit to fly
  • Confirm the trip length and temperature is appropriate for your pet
  • If you are shipping your pet internationally, engage an IPATA shipper for assistance with travel requirements and to make your booking

Preparing your pet for travel: Crate requirements (at least two weeks prior to travel)

  • Review PetSafe Customer Pre-Travel Information Packet
  • Obtain an airline-compliant crate that meets all guidelines and requirements
  • Ensure crate is the appropriate size for your pet and does not exceed 30 inches in height
  • Begin “crate acclimation” process as soon as possible to reduce your pet’s stress during travel

Preparing your pet for travel:

  • Documentation and other requirements (5-10 days prior to travel)
  • Fully complete and sign the Customer Acknowledgement Form
  • Prepare digital copies of two photos to submit to PetSafe (one clearly showing your pet’s face to verify breed, one showing your pet’s travel crate to verify compliance with PetSafe’s crate requirements)
  • Obtain the required Health Certificate from a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel (or the time frame required by the destination country)
  • Email the four required items to petsafedocs@united.com at least five days before travel. Include your confirmation number in the subject line of the email
    • Required items include the Customer Acknowledgement Form, a Health Certificate from a licensed veterinarian, the photo of your pet and the photo of your pet’s crate
    • Each attachment must be 2 MB or less and total email size cannot exceed 19 MB

Day-of-travel preparations

  • Follow guidelines for pre-travel feeding and watering of your pet Gather all documents and photos you must present when you drop off your pet:
    • Two copies of the signed and completed Customer Acknowledgement Form
    • Print two copies of a photo of your pet, clearly showing your pet’s face (image should be no smaller than 3” x 3” and no larger than 4” x 6”)
    • Health Certificate completed and signed by a licensed veterinarian
    • Any additional required documents for travel / entry to the destination (for international travel, required documents should be confirmed by your IPATA shipper)
  • Check unitedcargo.com for the drop-off location and time for your pet
  • Prepare approved food and water containers for the inside of the crate
  • Ensure that only allowable items are placed in or attached to the crate At the airport on travel day
  • Confirm PetSafe drop-off location and time
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes in advance of the minimum drop-off time to allow for processing
  • Ensure person dropping off your pet has a current, government-issued photo ID to present at check-in

Tip: Check out the free app WalletFlo so that you can optimize your credit card spend by seeing the best card to use! You can also track credits, annual fees, and get notifications when you’re eligible for the best cards!

United Service animals

United Airlines has several different types of classifications for service animals and they have different regulations depending on the type of service animal.

Trained service animals

Trained service animals are animals that receive specific training to perform life functions for individuals with disabilities, such as:

  • Visual impairments
  • Deafness
  • Seizures
  • Mobility limitations.

Trained service animals are accepted in cabin for qualified individuals with a disability.

The service animal should sit in the floor space in front of the customer’s assigned seat but cannot protrude into the aisles. Customers may use an approved in-cabin kennel for smaller animals provided its use meets stowage requirements.

Exit row seating is prohibited.

Note that documentation may be required for an animal traveling to international destinations.

Emotional support animals and psychiatric service animals

Emotional support animals and psychiatric service animals that provide emotional, psychiatric or cognitive support for individuals with disabilities, but may or may not have task-specific training with respect to a disability.

Emotional support and psychiatric service animals are also accepted in cabin for qualified individuals with a disability if certain information and documentation are provided in advance of travel.

With prior documentation and clearance a customer may travel with no more than one emotional support animal.

Additional documentation beyond United’s requirements may also be required for an animal traveling to an international destination, Hawaii and other locations.

Customers traveling with an emotional support animal or a psychiatric service animal must provide the required documentation at least 48 hours before the customer’s flight by email (uaaeromed@united.com).

Service animals in training

Animal trainers are permitted to bring one service animal that is training to assist disabled passengers onboard free of charge. These service animals must not occupy a seat. Trainers transporting service animals in the ordinary course of business or service animals who are not in training must check these animals.

Therapy animals

Therapy animals, which are pets that have been trained and registered by a therapy organization in order to visit nursing homes, hospitals, schools and other facilities, are not considered to be service animals.

When traveling with a therapy animal, standard pet-related regulations and restrictions will apply.

You can click here to read more about United service animals. 

Customer service number

For questions, please contact the United Customer Contact Center number at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331).

Is United Airlines safe for pets?

You might be wondering if it’s even safe to transfer your pet on United Airlines.

According to the DOT, United had the most animal deaths of all U.S. airlines in 2017 for the third year in a row on scheduled domestic or international passenger flights.

United had a total 18 deaths of animals in 2017, which amounts to 2.4 animal incidents per 10,000 animals transported in 2017. Delta Air Lines had 1 animal death in 2017 and American Airlines had 2 deaths of animals in 2017.

Since United has the wort track record in recent memory, I’d personally try to avoid transporting my furry friends with them in all honesty. But just in case you can’t avoid it, the odds are still very low that there will be an incident since we’re talking about 2.4 animal incidents per 10,000 transported animals.

Still, even with those odds some advise against transporting your animals in the cargo hold.

The Humane Society of the United States “strongly discourages” having your pet travel by air in the cargo hold of a plane, since the experience can be so stressful.

United Airlines Pet Policy FAQ

How much are the United Airlines pet policy fees?

The fee is $125 each way for an in cabin pet.

How can I avoid the pet fee?

You can use airline credits to avoid the fee with some credit cards such as the Amex Platinum Card. 

Can an unaccompanied minor travel with a pet?

No, an unaccompanied minors cannot travel with a pet.

Are pets allowed to Hawaii and international flights?

United Airlines doesn’t allow in-cabin pets on flights to, from, or through:

Australia
Barbados
Cuba
Guam
Federated States of Micronesia
Hawaii
Hong Kong
Iceland
Ireland
Jamaica
Marshall Islands
New Zealand
Norway
Palau
Panama
Philippines
Singapore
South Africa
Sweden
Tahiti
Trinidad and Tobago
UK

Are pets allowed in business class and first class?

Pets are not allowed in business class or first class on select aircraft including: Boeing 757-200, 767, 777 or 787.

Final word

As you can tell, there are a lot of restrictions and regulations for transporting pets on United flights. You should always be sure to check what the most up-to-date rules are since they can change from time to time.

Cover photo by Lynn Friedman via Flickr. 

Pet Friendly Hotels vs “Accepts Pets” – What Are the Differences?

If you’re thinking about traveling to a hotel with your pet then chances are you have already started looking for hotels where pets are allowed. Something you may not realize is that there are different levels to these type of properties.

Some of these hotels could be classified as truly pet friendly (or pet positive) while others merely accept or tolerate pets.

It may not seem like a significant difference but whenever you dive into the differences between these type of properties, you realize that your experience with your pet could be dramatically different based on the type of hotel you choose.

Below, I will highlight the differences between a pet friendly hotel and a hotel that only tolerates pets. You’ll see what you might be missing out on and hopefully will have a better idea of what to look for when shopping around for your next hotel stay with your pet.

What’s the difference between a pet friendly hotel and a hotel that just accepts pets?

The major difference between a hotel that is pet friendly and a hotel that just accepts pets is the approach they take to catering to pets such as dogs.

A pet friendly hotel will be more welcoming and provide more amenities for your pet while an “accepts pets” property may take a more minimal approach to catering to your furry friend.

I’ll provide examples that I’ve encountered below as we have traveled with our pup to dozens of hotels over the past few years.

Pet friendly Hotels

A pet friendly hotel chooses to go out of their way to make you and your pet more welcomed and comfortable. They do this in several ways.

For one, the staff may be trained to be more welcoming to you and your pet whenever you arrive, to the point of even welcoming your pet by name.

You won’t feel like you are “bothering” people when you walk in the lobby with your dog.

Instead, you may be greeted with a smile and showered with compliments on how adorable your dog is.

And it may not just be the front desk who shows interest in your animal — you’ll also find other personnel like the valet or housekeeping who also appreciate your doggo.

Pet friendly hotels are known to offer special amenities. For example, they may have a special dog bowl, dog bed, toys, and bandanna that they provide you with. Doggy treats usually abound.

Related: Bringing a Dog to a Hotel: Essential Tips for a Good Stay

To make things clear for housekeeping they may give you a hanging door handle placard to place on your door so that housekeeping knows there is a pet hanging out inside. Dog friendly hotels may take it a step further and put your dog’s name on the placard, just to add a little special touch.

Sometimes they have a special designated (well-kept) area for your pet to relieve themselves. And nearby you can also find dispensers with poop bags to clean up after your dog’s bathroom sessions.

Another way that dog friendly hotels stand out is that they may not limit you to the most basic rooms or stick you to a room separated from the main hotel.

For example, you might still be able to get a good upgrade or get put in a high level room even with your pet. Pet friendly hotels also may keep up with the pet rooms better so that they don’t become run down and have strong odors.

If you are really lucky a pet friendly hotel might even have a service where they will help take care of your dog.

That could be keeping an eye on them while you are away or even getting professionals to help take your dog for a walk. This is not common but it is offered by some hotels.

These type of properties may even have a “dog concierge” that will help you find pet friendly restaurants, groomers, local vets, etc.

Hotels like the Fairmont even have something called Canine Ambassadors. These are dogs that greet guests and other pets when they arrive at the hotel. Sometimes guests can even hang out with the dogs on trails and around the hotel!

All of these amenities make your stay a little bit easier and don’t make you feel like you are a nuisance or intruding when you bring your animal around.

Pet friendly hotels will usually charge a pet fee which is also used to cover some of the amenities they offer. But it is possible to find a pet friendly hotel that does not charge a fee! That is the ultimate type of pet friendly hotel!

There are some brands that are known for being more pet friendly overall and these include brands like:

While some Westin properties may not accept pets, we’ve had good experiences bringing our pup with us on a handful of different Westin stays. I’d consider them to be a pretty pet friendly brand.

Related: Rental Car Company Pet Policies: How to Avoid Getting Charged Hundreds of Dollars!

Hotels that just accept pets

Hotels that merely accept pets sometimes don’t offer you any type of amenity or special welcome bag. The only pet related exchange you have is whenever you check in and fill out your form for your pet and pay the pet fee.

At these properties, you also might get put into select rooms that don’t have great views, don’t smell the greatest, etc. And if you were hoping for an upgrade, you can forget about it.

I’ve stayed at some hotels that do offer doggy treats or some type of simple doggy bag with a treat or two inside so they at least provide you with something. But outside of that they really don’t do anything to cater to your pet and so they still don’t feel very pet friendly.

Sometimes at these properties you get the feeling that the staff doesn’t really care to have pets around. You get minimal interactions and acknowledgment and you don’t generally feel like your pet is as welcomed as you would like.

It’s also possible that if your dog acts up a little bit, the hotel may have less tolerance towards your pet and be quicker to apply some type of nuisance fee.

These hotels also may apply pet fees that make it extra hard on pet owners.

For example, their rates may be double or triple what you would normally expect to pay or they charge you a per night fee that adds up very quickly. With the pricing, you get the feeling that it’s more of a deterrent to keep pets away than to help accommodate them.

These type of hotels may also have low weight limits which can make it hard for you to bring your dog along if you have a medium or large sized dog. For example, they may limit dogs to under 25 pounds. Another limitation could be on the number of pets you have which usually is one or two.

Compare that to the most pet friendly hotels who may have no limits on the number of pets and also no weight limits.

How to know if your hotel is pet friendly or not

It’s easy to filter for a hotel that allows pets such as dogs when utilizing a search feature.

But unless you book a brand such as Kimpton that is well-known for catering to pets, you may not always know if your hotel is going to be pet friendly.

That’s because some brands don’t have universal (corporate) policies on pets.

One of the best ways to find out is to simply search through reviews of that hotel for the words “pet” and “pet friendly” or “dog” and “dog friendly” and you can see what other people are saying about the treatment of their pets.

If you’re not able to find anything useful in the reviews then you can call up the property and ask them what type of amenities they offer for pets.

If they don’t have anything then chances are they are not a pet friendly hotel.

But if they offer things like beds, treats, toys, and especially if they have designated pet areas or extra services, there is a high chance that that property is pet friendly and your pet will be welcomed with open arms.

The other thing you can look at is the restrictions. If you’re facing a lot of weight and size restrictions along with higher pet fees that hotel may not be very pet friendly.

Final word

It’s nice bringing your pet to a pet friendly hotel because you don’t feel like your pet is a nuisance and it feels good to have the staff welcome your pet along with yourself.

It’s also great to have extra treats and dog bowls or poop bags for your dog just in case you don’t have them or find yourself in a bind.

So anytime you plan on bringing your dog to a hotel it’s worth spending a little bit of extra time to verify if the hotel is pet friendly.

Rental Car Company Pet Policies: How to Avoid Getting Charged Hundreds of Dollars!

Bringing a pet such as your dog in your rental car is very doable.

In fact, a lot of rental car companies don’t actually charge extra money for your furry friends to tagalong.

The catch is that they will charge you lots of extra money if you don’t clean up well enough when it’s time to turn your vehicle back in.

Below, I’ll break down all of the different pet policies for major rental car companies.

I’ll also provide you with some helpful tips for avoiding getting charged a lot of extra fees by the rental agencies!

Overview of rental car pet policies

As you take a look at the different rental car pet policies, here are some of the common rules and restrictions you will find.

Not all locations allow them

You’ll find that most rental car companies allow pets but some locations might not. So it’s always a good idea to confirm with the specific location you are renting from that they accept pets.

May need to be crated

Some rental car policies state that the dog or pet must be crated when inside the vehicle.

In reality, it’s not like they are going to know if your pet remains created the entire time you are driving with them but they could require you to initially show that your pet has a crate they can fit into at the beginning of the rental.

Be mindful of damage that the crate could cause to the interior of the vehicle. If it’s a large crate, it could scratch the ceiling of the car and the corners of some crates could scratch or cut the upholstery.

Note: Service animals should be exempted from this crate requirement.

Be mindful of the fur, accidents, and damage

Rental car companies are going to be looking at three things when you return your vehicle:

  • Fur (especially excessive amounts)
  • Evidence of accidents (stains and odors)
  • Damage (claw marks or sign of nibbling/biting), and

These are the three things that you need to be prepared to prevent or clean up when bringing your pet in a rental car.

Fur and remains of accidents can generally be removed with enough cleaning but when it comes to damage from scratching or chewing, you’ll need to take preventative measures for that.

Watch out for the cleaning fee

I think the biggest risk of bringing a pet in a rental car is that you could be hit with a cleaning fee or detailing fee. If you’re thinking you’ll just pay the $50 and be done with it, think again….

Cleaning fees for rental vehicles can be several hundred dollars!

For this reason, I would get photos of the interior of your rental car right before you turn it into the rental car company. Try to take photos in a well lit area or with bright lights so that you can see the detail.

This will help you defend your case if they try to charge you several hundred dollars for something minimal.

Related: Bringing a Dog to a Hotel: Essential Tips for a Good Stay

Tips for bringing your dog or other pets in your rental car

Bring cleaning supplies with you

It’s always good to have cleaning supplies with you to help you prevent stains and odors from pet accidents. A lot of people have success with vinegar and water along with other items like baking soda.

Make sure that you go above and beyond to get any odor out because if the rental car company gets even a light whiff of an odor, they could hit you with the cleaning fee.

Dealing with fur

If you have a dog that sheds like our corgi does then you know just how much fur can quickly collect in your vehicle. You can take some steps to prevent this from happening, though.

Seat covers are fantastic but not always practical when you are renting a car. But if you have a blanket, you can lay that over the entire seat which not only helps make it easier to clean up the fur, but it can also prevent damage to the seat.

Another pro tip is to groom or brush your pets ahead of time to reduce the fur.

Also, consider using a lint roller or dryer sheet to collect the pet hair every day of your travels so that you don’t allow the fur to build up to a ridiculous level by the end of your rental.

But if you find yourself still trying to get rid of dog fur, here are several techniques for doing that.

Don’t give them free reign

It can be really tempting on road trips to allow your pets to roam around the vehicle, from the backseat, to the front seat, and everywhere in between.

But it will be much easier to clean if you can limit the movement of your pet like a single seat or the cargo area.

Know your pet

Some rental companies are clear that your pet needs to be housetrained and if you have a pet that you think might be problematic and potentially could tear up seats, chew up a seatbelt, etc., then you should reconsider bringing them.

Or, if you do bring them, that is the type of pet that you want to make sure remains inside of a crate.

Do a final vacuum clean

Before you return your vehicle be sure to take the vehicle by a car wash so that you can vacuum the interior. Focus a lot on the cracks and crevices and underneath mats and seats.

Related: What Are the Rental Car Grace Periods?

Policies for different rental car companies

Below are some of the general pet policies published by the different rental car companies. Keep in mind that you always need to verify pets are allowed with the specific location you are renting from.

Alamo

Alamo’s policy states that pets are allowed but that customers need to keep the pets crated. They also state that the car must be returned in clean condition and free of pet hair to avoid cleaning/detailing fees.

Avis

Avis’ policy allows for pets in your rental car but they recommend that you confirm that pets are allowed before you arrive. They reiterate that you need to return the rental car in good condition and free of pet hair and smells so that you can avoid cleaning fee which can be up to $450!

Budget

Budget’s policy states “housebroken” pets are allowed with no extra fee. However they make clear that you will be responsible for “any damage caused by animals, or any special cleaning required as a result of shedding or accidents.”

Enterprise

Enterprise’s policy states that they allow pets in rental vehicles. Like some other rental car companies, they state that pets need to remain crated. And in order to avoid cleaning or detail fees, the car needs to be returned in clean condition without any pet hair.

National

National’s policy states that they will allow pets and vehicles but that the pets should be crated. The vehicle also must be returned in clean condition and free of pet hair in order to avoid additional cleaning fees.

Silvercar

Silvercar’s policy makes clear that pets “must travel in an airline-approved pet carrier at all times.” They also make note that pet owners will incur charges for any damage caused by “animals/pet carriers/harnesses, or any special cleaning required as a result of shedding or accidents.”

Sixt

Sixt’s policy permits pets in rental vehicles. They require customers to return the vehicle and clean condition, free of pet hair to avoid cleaning and detailing fees.

One interesting thing about their policy is that they waive the special cleaning fee for a service animal.

Thrifty

Thrifty’s policy states that pets are allowed but rental vehicles “must be returned without damage and in clean condition to avoid a cleaning fee.”

They remind customers that “Excessive pet hair, soiling or damage caused by animals will results in an extra cleaning charge.”

I like that Thrifty clarifies excessive pet hair is a problem because it makes it clear that if you have just a couple of strands of fur that you missed, that’s not going to incur you an extra fee.

Thrifty is also one of the few rental car companies that make it easy to find the cleaning fee which the state ranges from $50-$250 depending on the amount of time needed to clean the vehicle and whether or not that requires a vehicle to be removed from service temporarily.

Turo

Turo’s policy allows pets but you need to choose a vehicle that is pet friendly. You could be charged a cleaning violation fee if you transport a pet in a non-pet friendly vehicle or if you return the car with a significant amount of animal hair or other issues that “could have only been caused by irresponsible or abusive behavior.”

Final word

Unlike airlines, rental car companies don’t typically charge a pet fee for transporting your pet in the vehicle. However, they are rather strict when it comes to the condition of the vehicle when you return it from your travels.

To avoid getting charged potentially hundreds of dollars, you should go above and beyond to remove all of the fur possible, any odors or signs of accidents, and you should always do your best to prevent damage to the vehicle.

Bringing a Dog to a Hotel: Essential Tips for a Good Stay [2022]

If you’re thinking about bringing your dog with you to a hotel there may be a million questions running through your head.

We’ve brought our amazing little corgi (Elroy) with us on many hotel adventures and I have done a ton of research on this topic since we first thought about getting a pup.

So below I will break down everything you need to consider before taking your pup with you to a hotel.

Pre-booking

Should you bring your dog?

Before you ever start shopping around for pet friendly hotels you need to think about whether or not you should even bring your pup.

Some dogs just do not do well in certain settings like hotels and some dogs are just, well, a-holes.

Things to think about before bringing your dog include:

  • How your dog reacts to certain sounds such as doors opening and closing? (Is it a constant barker)
  • Would your dog be a risk of attacking/scaring housekeeping or a guest if it got out?
  • Does your dog have lots of accidents in new settings?
  • Does your dog chew furniture?
  • Does your dog have anxiety or any medical issues?

Ultimately, every dog is different and it is up to you as the pet parent to pick up on things that make your dog uncomfortable and make that judgment call on if the dog is ready for a hotel stay.

If you are uncertain as to how your dog will behave in a hotel consider doing a trial run at a nearby hotel. If things go south you can always just check out and head home.

Personally, when we bring Elroy to hotels he seems to love it. He’ll spend some time sniffing around the room for a while and seems to get comfortable pretty quickly with no indications of stress.

Also, it is fun to bring him around because he is like a little rockstar.

The staff and other guests absolutely adore him! The only problem is almost everybody wants to pet him which can make it tough to get in and out of the hotel sometimes.

If your dog is not very personable the hotel experience could be very different and not so enjoyable so keep that in mind.

Our little rockstar, Elroy.

Find a pet friendly hotel

Once you have decided that your dog is fit for a hotel stay the next thing you need to do is to find a hotel that will allow you to bring your pet.

If you are searching on a hotel’s website or through some type of online travel agency you will almost always find a filter for something like “pet friendly” or “accepts pets.”

Note: Some hotels like Marriott lump pets in with the filter for “amenities” so it is not always obvious where to go to activate the filter for pets.

You will need to click on the pet filter and prepare to be a little bit depressed as you find your options becoming extremely narrow.

The type of properties that will accept pets really does vary. I’ve mostly encountered a lot of mid tier properties that will accept pets but you also sometimes can find higher-end hotels that allow pets.

The large chain hotels I’ve stayed at with our dog include: Marriott Courtyard, Residence Inn, Aloft, Holiday Inn, and the DoubleTree. Kimpton is also known for being a great hotel for pets.

Keep in mind, there is a difference between a hotel that merely accepts dogs and a hotel that is “dog friendly.”

The latter will provide more for your dog by offering perks like doggie beds, treats, and maybe even have events or staff that cater to your pet.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

Limitations

A lot of times there will be a limit on the number of pets you can bring. Most of the time the limit is one or two dogs. There may also be limitations on the size of the dog such as dogs only being allowed if they are under 30 or 50 pounds.

Most likely a hotel is not going to put your dog on a scale to see if it is under the weight requirement but if you walk in with a Great Dane that would likely be a problem.

Pet fees

Once you have found some pet friendly hotels in the area, you may want to compare the pet fees. Pet fees usually are based on your stay and not on the number of nights but that is not always the case.

The cost of your pet fee can range pretty dramatically. I’ve seen them as low as $25 and as high as $150. Sometimes when they charge per night, there will be a ceiling on the fee so you don’t actually get charged for every night.

Some hotels or motels will allow your pet to stay for free but those are rare.

Something very important to consider is the pet fee does not necessarily correlate with the quality of the hotel. I’ve paid the same amount at a lower tier property as I have at a four-star property.

With that said, prepare yourself for high pet fees at resorts and luxury properties.

Some properties seem to use high pet fees as a deterrent for pet owners.

Tip: if a hotel does not list the pet fee on the website you might want to request for the fee to be waived.

Pet rooms

Something to be on the lookout for is that some hotels have a limited inventory for dog friendly rooms.

For these properties you need to actually book a room that has the pet designation in the individual room description or title. Otherwise, you may not be able to bring your dog even though it is a dog friendly hotel.

A lot of hotels will have special wings or buildings where all the pets stay.

In my experience, these buildings have been in the back of the hotel, so you don’t always get the most desirable room. Also, you’ll often be limited to the first or second floor when with your dog.

This just makes it easier for the hotel to keep guests away from pets and probably makes it easier to manage things like allergic reactions people have to pets.

When choosing a room keep in mind your dog’s temperament. Keeping an active or large dog in a small hotel room with bulky furniture could cause a lot of stress and frustration for your canine. Paying a little bit more money for a suite could help alleviate this.

Some hotels require you to book specific rooms in order to bring your pet.

Dog parks

Some hotels will advertise that there is a dog park on the premises or at least some type of grassy area where you can walk your dog and let them do their business.

A bunch of hotels will have dispensers for doggy bags on the premises which is always a nice plus and the front desk will often have them as well but I would still plan on bringing your own.

What to bring

Bringing the right items is key for a good hotel stay with your dog.

We’ve got our routine down to near perfection now and here’s what we bring:

  • Treats
  • Food and water bowl
  • Kennel
  • Blanket/Bedding
  • White noise machine/fan
  • Toys
  • Cleaning supplies

Leash and doggy bags

We carry his leash/harness at all times along with a few doggy bags.

Treats

We make sure to bring treats like bully sticks that allow our dog to munch on for hours on end.

Food and water bowl

We bring the same food and water bowl that he uses at home and give him the same type of food he always eats. Some choose to go with a collapsible bowl which is a little bit easier to travel with.

(We also bring a portable water bottle that is easy for the dog to drink out of when on the road.)

Kennel

On road trips we bring a large kennel for the pup. We keep him inside when on the road and he does much better than if we just let him roam free in the Jeep.

But the kennel also comes in handy in the hotel.

Sometimes we place the kennel on the luggage cart and just transport our pup around the hotel that way. It makes it a lot easier to keep him from getting into things during check-in.

The kennel also helps with our dog’s sleep schedule.

If your dog normally sleeps with you then you may just keep the tradition alive when you go to a hotel room.

Our dog does not sleep with us in the bed so when we go to hotels he sleeps in his kennel. Ideally, we put his kennel outside the bedroom if we are staying in a suite.

If he is going to be in our bedroom, we put his kennel directly next to the window and drape the shades over the kennel so that he is not distracted at night. This works like a charm for keeping him quiet during the night.

Blanket/bedding

We make sure to have a blanket and his doggy bed that fits in the kennel so that he has something familiar to smell and snuggle with. If your dog will be in the bed with you consider bringing a sheet to lay down to keep things a little bit more tidy.

White noise machine/fan

When we go on road trips we actually bring a large fan with us along with a white noise machine. Some hotel rooms are simply wayyyy too quiet for us to sleep in and the quietness can cause Elroy to pick up on every little noise throughout the night.

We crank up the fan at night which creates some noise but also helps to keep us cool. But we also supplement that with a white noise machine that can be used if Elroy is sleeping in another room. If you don’t have a white noise machine there are some apps you can use that can nearly accomplish the same thing.

Leaving the television on is also another option for helping to reduce the reactiveness of your pet.

Toys

We always try to bring 2 to 3 of his favorite toys.

Cleaning supplies

We have wipes, a towel, and cleaning spray just in case there is some type of accident or the pup needs to be wiped down (we do a lot of outdoor activities).

Other items to consider

If your dog is still a puppy you may need to bring pee pads to reduce the mess. Some pet owners also like to carry around vaccine records just in case something happens.

Contacting the hotel

Some people prefer to contact the hotel before making the booking or shortly after making a hotel booking in order to make sure that everything is okay with their dog coming along for the stay.

This is a good time to verify availability for dog only rooms and also a nice time to verify any type of size requirements that may not be clear on the website. I highly recommend you doing this before every stay.

Arriving at the hotel

Before check-in

If you are fresh off of a long road trip or any kind of extended travel, make sure you give your dog a chance to relieve him or herself before heading into the hotel, so you don’t have an accident in the lobby or elevator.

During check-in

When you check-in, most hotels will give you a one-page form to review and fill out.

My advice is to take a photograph of this form on your phone so that you have it on you at all times just in case you forget or have questions about the terms.

This form will explain all of the conditions for bringing your pet including the fee and rules on things like where the pet is allowed, if the pet must be leashed, how noise complaints are handled, etc.

Typically, you will need to review the terms and then fill out some fields for things like a description of the dog breed, the dog’s name, and your phone number. You’ll then sign the form and be done.

Some hotels will also offer you a little doggy bag with treats and other items in it and possibly even provide you with a doggy bed.

If you are hoping for a hotel upgrade you might not have as good of chances because of the limitations in the buildings and rooms so if you have elite status be prepared to potentially miss out on your perks.

Hotel pet policy form
An example of a pet policy form.

Sneaking your dog in

Sneaking your dog into a hotel is not a good idea.

For one, if the hotel does not allow pets it’s extremely easy to get caught. You could potentially get kicked out of the hotel and also get hit with a hefty fee.

And if the hotel does allow pets it’s really selfish to sneak your pet in because the hotel may not apply the same cleaning standard to your room as they would for a pet’s room. If someone has bad pet allergies and gets put in your room after you, you could cost them a lot of suffering.

During your stay

Keeping your dog comfortable

If you’ve brought all of the items above your dog should have a taste of home which will help with its comfort level. You may also want to make sure that the temperature in the room is similar to what the dog is accustomed to.

When in the room

When in your hotel room, be really mindful about your dog’s barking. Noises from outside the room can easily trigger a barking spree so try to stay on top of that as much as you can.

I would also recommend keeping a do not disturb door hanger on your door whenever you are in your room with your pet. That would just be an additional safeguard for any staff who might accidentally open your door.

Some hotels even have special door hangers that indicate a pet is inside and may require you to place it on your door.

Moving about the hotel

Most hotels will require your dog to be leashed when in the hotel and I highly recommend to follow that rule. Try to keep a few feet between your dog and other hotel guests because some people really get uncomfortable around dogs, no matter how small the dogs are.

Also, make sure your dog is not getting on the furniture in places like the hotel lobby.

Restaurants

Dogs are usually not allowed in the restaurants, buffet areas, lounges, and other facilities like the pools and gyms.

So when going down to get breakfast you’ll have to figure something out in order to get your food. A lot of the hotels will have outdoor areas so if the weather permits you can always dine outside with your dog.

Or you can simply leave your dog in the room while you get some grub (but note the hotel’s policy on leaving your dog alone).

Tip: Ask your hotel about nearby dog friendly restaurants if you would like to dine with your dog.

Elevators

Some dogs get weirded out by elevators if they are not used to them, so consider bringing a treat along when your pup encounters them. If it is a big problem, put in a request for a room on the first floor or just a lower floor where you can use the stairs.

What if your dog gets out?

Some hotel doors are very slow to close (especially those in accessible rooms) and if you are not accustomed to them you may not think about how easy it will be for your dog to escape your room.

If your dog escapes from your hotel room try to:

  • Head to the exit your dog is closest to you and steer them away in the opposite direction
  • Be on the lookout for any people in the hallway and alert them that your dog is out
  • Immediately notify the front desk if you cannot locate your dog

Leaving your dog alone

A somewhat controversial topic is leaving your dog alone in a hotel room. Almost every hotel will have a clause in the contract that you sign at check-in that states you are not allowed to leave your dog alone.

The penalty for doing so varies.

Most of the time the contract is pretty vague about what will happen but I have seen some contracts mention that if you cannot be reached and your dog is causing a ruckus, you could be subject to a fee.

This fee could be quite expensive.

I’ve seen the fee listed at $250 and some properties even make you pay out-of-pocket for any compensation they have to give to disturbed guests.

This is why it is so important that you make sure you really know your dog before bringing them to a hotel.

In my opinion there are two major risks for leaving your dog alone.

The first is that housekeeping could come in and your dog could potentially attack them or escape the room. If your dog is well disciplined or friendly you don’t have to worry about it attacking housekeeping. But there is still the possibility of your dog getting out.

Leaving a do not disturb sign on your door should keep housekeeping from coming into your room and opening the door but there is always the possibility that the sign could fall off or that some staff member could still open your door for some reason such as to investigate the loud barking coming from your room.

It goes without saying but you should never leave your dog alone if your dog has a tendency to be loud or vicious to strangers.

The other risk is potentially a dog napping.

Someone could find a way to enter your room and kidnap your dog. This seems like a super rare occurrence but it is something that can happen.

Ultimately, some people will choose to leave their dogs alone in hotel rooms and nothing bad will happen. But when you do so you need to be aware that there is always that risk of something going horribly wrong.

If you are going to be away from your hotel room you could always consider using something like Rover or Wag which is what we do.

Using that service, you could drop off your pet at the sitter’s house or in some cases you might be able to convince them to come stay in your room while you are out (assuming you are comfortable with that). Read my tips on using Rover here!

You could also look into doggy daycare’s but the issue I’ve always ran into is that they want to your dog to visit several times before hand which is not always practical. Other services like dog hotels or dog spas may be more lax, though.

Finally, some hotels may actually have staff members who will happily tend to your dog.

Photos sent from our Rover sitter.

Checking-out

When you go to check out you really want to make sure that you are not leaving a huge mess.

If your dog had any accidents you should have attempted to clean them up as best as possible. You may not be able to get out every stain but don’t just leave a pile of steaming **** on the carpet for housekeeping.

If you have a dog like ours that sheds a lot and you happen to leave a lot of fur behind consider dropping an extra tip for housekeeping.

FAQ

How much are pet hotel fees?

Pet hotel fees typically range from $25 to $100. In some cases, there may be no fee.

Are there weight limits on dogs allowed at hotels?

Yes, most hotels will have weight limits of around 30 to 50 pounds. If you don’t see the weight limit online, you should call the hotel to verify what the limit is.

Can I leave my dog alone in the hotel room?

Most hotels do not permit you to leave your dog alone in the hotel room. If your dog causes a disturbance and you are not there to do something about it, you may have to pay a fee of a few hundred dollars.

Final word

Taking your dog to a hotel can be a fun experience for you and your doggo. But it is not some thing that you should take lightly the first time you decide to do it. However, if you know your dog very well and you are prepared, the experience can be pretty smooth and enjoyable.

Delta Airlines Pet Policy Guide [2022]

Traveling with a pet can be complicated if you don’t understand the rules and regulations of the airlines and the countries you are traveling to. In this guide, I will not only take you through all that you need to know about Delta Airlines’ pet policy, but I’ll share the requirements, restrictions, and limitations of traveling to some popular countries as well.

What is the Delta Airlines pet policy?

Passengers can travel with their pets as a carry-on or ship them via Delta Cargo as long as they provide all the necessary carriers for the pet(s), supply any needed documents, and pay the fees. I’ll take you through all of these requirements in detail below.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

What are the fees for traveling with your pets as a carry-on with Delta Airlines?

Small dogs, cats, and household birds can all travel with you in the cabin for a one-way fee, collected each time you board a Delta Airlines flight. As per Delta Airlines policy, household birds are allowed on domestic U.S. flights only, excluding Hawaii, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam. 

All animals must fit in a small, well-ventilated pet carrier that fits under the set in front of you. If your pet is too large to fit then you need to consider shipping through Delta Cargo which I have explained in a separate section later below.

Note: Pets in kennels brought in the cabin count as your one carry-on item. In addition to the kennel, Delta allows you to bring one personal item onboard the aircraft.

The following fees apply to/from the following destinations.

To/From DestinationChecked Pet Fee Each Way
U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands$95 USD/CAD for tickets issued on/after February 28, 2022. $125 USD/CAD for tickets issued before February 28, 2022
International$200 USD/CAD/EUR
Brazil$75 USD

CAD amount will be charged to exit Canada, while EUR amount will be charged to exit Europe. These fees are established by the contract of carriage in effect at the time of ticket issuance.

How to avoid Delta Airline pet fees

One of the simplest ways to avoid pet fees at Delta is to use the right travel rewards credit card. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great card for general travel expenses and since these expenses will often code as travel points, it can be used to offset airline pet fees. Other cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve have a $300 travel credit that could be used on virtually any type of travel purchase, including pet fees.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Carry-On Pet Exceptions and Embargos

When traveling to or from the following destinations on Delta, pets are only permitted to travel as cargo. There is, however, an exception for service animals. When traveling to Hawaii, pets are strictly not permitted in the cabin and other restrictions may also apply. 

A good idea is to go through the current Delta pet travel restrictions based on your destination and/or connecting flights before you book your seats.

Exceptions

As of the date of publishing this post, there is a temporary suspension for dogs traveling within a 6 month period from countries that the CDC considers high risk for dog rabies. The only way around this is to obtain advance written approval from the CDC. This CDC Dog Import Permit applies to all carry-on pets, those traveling via cargo, and even service animals.

The following countries are on the exception list.

  1. Australia
  2. Barbados
  3. Brazil – Exit Brazil
  4. Colombia – Exit Colombia
  5. Dubai
  6. Hong Kong
  7. Iceland
  8. Jamaica  
  9. New Zealand
  10. Republic of Ireland
  11. South Africa
  12. United Kingdom
  13. United Arab Emirates

Embargos

If you have a ticket that was purchased for travel from Brazil or Colombia to the U.S. on or after June 7th, 2021, carry-on pets will no longer be allowed with you. Tickets purchased before this date will be honored, however. This embargo does not apply to trained service animals.

Delta Airlines carry-on pet rules

If your furry friend is going to be accompanying you on a Delta flight then here are the rules you need to keep in mind

Cabin Restrictions

For the safety and comfort of all passengers, Delta Airlines allows a fixed number of pets on their aircraft. This means that acceptance is on a first-come, first-serve basis. You should call Delta in advance at 800-221-1212 to arrange to bring your pet on board.

Also, keep in mind that those traveling with a service animal or an emotional support animal will not be allowed to carry an additional pet in the cabin. For your reference, here is the total fixed number of pets Delta allows on their flights depending on the ticket class and destination .

Ticket ClassTotal number of pets per flightObservations
Domestic First Class including Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam
Domestic Business Class
Domestic Delta One
International First Class		2Carry on pets are not allowed in any cabin with flat-bed seats
International Business Class
International Delta One
Delta Premium Select		0Not Permitted at any time regardless of aircraft. The only exception is service animals
Main Cabin – Domestic and International4Restrictions may apply

Additionally, carry-on pets are not permitted in the following areas:

  • Bulkhead, emergency exit rows
  • Seats designated as “no stowage”
  • Flat-bed seats
  • Rows 30-35 on the A330-200 aircraft
  • Rows 30-43 on the A330 -300 aircraft
  • Center seats on the B757-200 aircraft

Emotional support animals and Service Animals

Starting January 11, 2021, Delta Airlines no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals. You can of course still carry them as a regular carry-on pet as per the rules and regulations.

Also starting January 11, 2021, Delta now only recognizes dogs as service animals. Travelers with disabilities who require a service animal must fill out the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form. You can find Delta’s complete guide to service animals here.

Military and Foreign Service Officer’s Pets

As a special policy, pets traveling with active U.S. Military or Active U.S State Department Foreign Service Officers (FSO) or their spouses with active transfer orders are transported as checked baggage. For detailed information on the rules and regulations for this category, you can visit here.

Pet Comfort

All animals must be small enough to comfortably fit in their kennel and they must not touch or protrude from the sides of the kennel. Pets must also be able to move around comfortably in their container. 

Please also note that the hard or soft-sided kennels must be leak-proof and have ventilation on 3 sides (4 sides if you are traveling to an international destination)

Sedation/ Tranquilizers

Sedating your animals is not recommended as the effects of pressurized cabins can be unpredictable. Sedation sometimes causes breathing issues with animals as well. In case you have sedated your pet please inform Delta Airlines crew before you board your flight.

Space and Size

All kennels must fit under the seat directly in front of you. Since the space under the seat in front varies from aircraft to aircraft, Delta recommends a soft-sided Kennel with maximum dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11” that will fit most aircraft.

Pet must always be in the container

Your pet must never leave the container whether you are at the airport, the Delta boarding area, a Delta airport lounge including Delta Sky Club, or onboard the aircraft. The doors to the kennel must always be secured properly.

Your pet’s age

For domestic travel, the pet must be at least 10 weeks. For travel to and from European countries, the pet must be 15 weeks or older. For all other international destinations, your pet must be at least 16 weeks old.

While there is no maximum age for your animal as it varies greatly from pet to pet, it is advised that aging pets should not be subjected to the stresses of air travel.

Animal breed restrictions

Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats and their mixes are not permitted on Delta or Delta Connection flights. See Delta Cargo, for a full list of embargoed dog and cat breeds.

Counts as a carry-on item

Your pet’s kennel will count as one carry-on item, meaning you will be allowed to bring only one additional personal item onboard the aircraft. Everything else must be checked in.

Exceptions to the single pet per kennel rule

  • Exception 1: A female dog or cat is allowed per kennel with her un-weaned litter. The litter must be a minimum of 10 weeks old to 6 months of age. There is no restriction on the number of animals in the litter.
  • Exception 2: You are allowed 2 pets of the same breed and size between the age of 10 weeks and 6 months in a kennel, provided that they are small enough to comfortably fit into the kennel and are compatible. In this case, they will be charged as 1 pet.

Delta Sky Club

All the above rules that apply to pets onboard aircraft also apply to any Delta Sky Club. Pets may never leave the container and if required a Delta representative can help you find a pet relief area that is available at most airports.

Delta Airlines cargo policy

Transporting your animal through cargo can be stressful for them. When you are bringing them along as a carry-on, at least you are there to comfort them. With cargo, they no longer have that comfort. 

However, if you are in a situation where you cannot accompany your pet for some reason or if your pet is too large to be carried in the cabin then you will have to use cargo. Please note that the Animal Breed Restriction and tips on Sedation/ Tranquilizers mentioned above in carry-on rules, also apply to sending animals through cargo.

Do visit Delta’s International & Connections Pet Travel Guide for the latest rules and restrictions for all key international and long-haul destinations.

Health certificate

A current health certificate by a licensed veterinarian is required within 10 days of the travel date for your pet. It must have the following details.

  1. Name and address of the shipper.
  2. Tag numbers or tattoos assigned to the animal.
  3. Age of the animal being shipped: USDA regulations require animals to be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned before traveling by cargo domestically, at least 16 weeks old before traveling to the U.S. from other countries, and at least 15 weeks old for European travel.
  4. A statement declaring the animal to be in good health (all animals that are pregnant must be declared in the statement).
  5. List of administered inoculations when applicable.
  6. Your veterinarian’s signature and seal (if applicable).
  7. Date of issue of the certificate.

Live Animal Checklist/Confirmation of Feeding

You must complete a live animal checklist when you bring your pet in for cargo at Delta Airlines. In it, you must confirm that the animal has been given food and water within four hours of check-in. Additionally, you have to provide feeding instructions and if your pet needs to be fed again during transit, you must provide the food as well.

Weather Requirements

Delta Airlines has a policy of not transporting pets during extreme temperatures for the safety of the animals themselves. This includes temperatures exceeding 80˚F (27˚C) or temperatures falling below 20˚F (-7˚C), at any point during the route. A Certificate of Acclimation is required when temperatures fall between 20˚F (-7˚C) and 45˚F (7˚C).

Final Word

The Delta Airlines pet travel policies are simple enough to understand. You will be paying between $75 and $200 depending on your destination. You must ensure to follow all the rules and observe the restrictions that we have listed above and you will be set to go.

JetBlue Airways Pet Policy Guide [2022]

When you travel with your favorite pet it might get stressful for not just you but your pet as well. This is why it is very important to understand airline policies so that you can ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. This guide will help you with just that. 

Read on to find out what rules and regulations you have to observe while traveling on JetBlue with your pet(s), what the fees are, what documentation you need to have in order, and as a bonus, some helpful tips from us. 

What is the JetBlue pet policy?

Passengers traveling on JetBlue can bring with them only one small dog or cat as a carry-on. This pet must be in an FAA-approved pet carrier that can be easily fit under the seat in front of you.

It is important to note that JetBlue does not count the remains of your animal as a pet under its guidelines and does not allow remains in any form including cremated remains on-board or as cargo.

For service animals, we have dedicated a separate section later in this article as different rules apply to them.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

What are the fees for carry-on pets?

As mentioned earlier, a small dog or a cat can travel with you in the cabin for a fee of $125 one way.

You have to pay the fees every time you board a JetBlue flight to a destination. This means that if your itinerary has multiple destinations then you will have to pay each time you start a journey to a destination and not just once for a round-trip.

There are also rules and regulations covering the kennel, or container that you carry your pet in, which I have covered in detail in a separate section below.

Important Note: Your pet in a kennel, that you bring into the cabin, counts as your one carry-on item. In addition to the kennel, JetBlue will allow you to bring one personal item onboard the aircraft.

Related: Bringing a Dog to a Hotel: Essential Tips for a Good Stay 

How to avoid JetBlue pet fees

The easiest way to avoid pet fees for Jetblue is to use the right travel rewards credit card. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great card for all kinds of travel expenses. In addition, as these pet fee expenses you incur during your travels are usually coded as travel, your points can be used to offset airline pet fees.

There are other cards also like the Chase Sapphire Reserve which has a $300 travel credit that can be used on any kind of travel purchase, including pet fees.

Carry-on pet restrictions for domestic travel

If you are traveling to any domestic destination in the US then JetBlue accepts pets on all domestic flights. For Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, however, vaccination documents are required.

Carry-on pet restrictions for international travel

When traveling with pets on JetBlue please make sure to check if your country of origin is not on the list of permanent or temporary restrictions below.

Permanent restriction

As of the publishing date of this article, pets of any kind are NOT allowed on flights to the following destinations according to JetBlue restrictions:

  1. Barbados
  2. Trinidad & Taboga. 
  3. London

High-risk countries

There is a temporary suspension for dogs traveling between July 14, 2021 and January 7, 2022 from countries that the CDC considers high risk for dog rabies.

The only way around this is to obtain advance written approval from the CDC. This CDC Dog Import Permit applies to all carry-on pets, those traveling via cargo, and even service animals.

The following countries are considered High Risk

Africa

  1. Algeria, Angola
  2. Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi
  3. Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Côte D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
  4. Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti
  5. Egypt (Temporary importation suspension of dogs from Egypt until further notice)
  6. Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini (Swaziland), Ethiopia
  7. Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau
  8. Kenya
  9. Lesotho, Liberia, Libya
  10. Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique
  11. Namibia, Niger, Nigeria
  12. Republic of the Congo, Rwanda
  13. Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan
  14. Tanzania (including Zanzibar), Togo, Tunisia
  15. Uganda
  16. Western Sahara
  17. Zambia, Zimbabwe

Americas & Caribbean

  1. Belize, Bolivia, Brazil
  2. Colombia, Cuba
  3. Dominican Republic
  4. Ecuador, El Salvador
  5. Guatemala, Guyana
  6. Haiti, Honduras
  7. Nicaragua
  8. Peru
  9. Suriname
  10. Venezuela

Asia and the Middle East, Eastern Europe

  1. Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan
  2. Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Brunei
  3. Cambodia, China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan)
  4. Georgia
  5. India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq
  6. Jordan
  7. Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan
  8. Laos, Lebanon
  9. Malaysia, Moldova, Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma)
  10. Nepal, North Korea
  11. Oman
  12. Pakistan, Philippines
  13. Qatar
  14. Russia
  15. Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria
  16. Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Turkey, Turkmenistan
  17. Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan
  18. Vietnam
  19. Yemen

IMPORTANT NOTE: Even if you have a CDC Dog Permit you can only enter the US through the following 18 airports up till January 7th, 2021 post which, you will be allowed to enter only through these approved ports of entry:

  1. Anchorage (ANC), 
  2. Atlanta (ATL), 
  3. Boston (BOS), 
  4. Chicago (ORD), 
  5. Dallas (DFW), 
  6. Detroit (DTW), 
  7. Honolulu (HNL), 
  8. Houston (IAH), 
  9. Los Angeles (LAX), 
  10. Miami (MIA), 
  11. Minneapolis (MSP), 
  12. New York (JFK), 
  13. Newark (EWR), 
  14. Philadelphia (PHL), 
  15. San Francisco (SFO), 
  16. San Juan (SJU), 
  17. Seattle (SEA), 
  18. and Washington DC (IAD).

Please do check the JetBlue website and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Page for any changes for your specific travel destinations before you travel.

Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and St. Lucia

For the above-mentioned three countries, JetBlue recommends that you start the import process 30 days in advance to prepare your pet for travel. Additionally, you can find information to help you with your pet travel requirements for these three countries below

Grand CaymanVisit www.doa.gov.ky or email ci.agriculturevs@gov.ky
JamaicaVisit www.moa.gov.jm
St. Luciawww.moa.malff.com, or email chiefvlsd@govt.lc

JetBlue carry-on pet rules and tips

It is important to review the following rules before your travel with your furry friend so just quickly go through them as a checklist.

Cabin restrictions

As mentioned earlier JetBlue allows a total of 6 pets on any given flight in total. This is why you should book your pet for your flight as early as possible to ensure that your pet has been accommodated. You can do this online, on the JetBlue Mobile App, or by contacting JetBlue.

While on-flight your pet carrier must be placed under the seat in front of you during taxi, takeoff, and landing. You can, however, keep the carrier in your lap during the flight. You can purchase an additional seat for your pet, in which case you can place the carrier on that seat.

Try to get a window or an aisle seat for comfort.

Additionally, you cannot book the following seats if you are traveling with pets.

  1. Emergency exit seats
  2. Bulkhead seats
  3. Mint class seats
  4. Any other seat with restrictions for under-seat stowage

Space, Size, and Weight restrictions

All approved pet carriers must fit under the seat directly in front of you. Since the space under the seat in front varies from aircraft to aircraft, JetBlue recommends a kennel with the following maximum dimensions of 17” L x 12.5” W x 8.5” H. 

In addition, the total weight of both your pet and carrier should not exceed 20 pounds. Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are acceptable at JetBlue. Pet carriers may be purchased at a JetBlue ticket counter for $55 (quantities are limited)

Tip: You must make sure that your pet can move around in the carrier you have got for them. Pets can get restless if they do not have enough movement space, especially on long flights. Pick a carrier that has good ventilation on at least 3 sides and must be leak-proof to save yourself from any headaches later.

Counts as a carry-on item

If you are traveling on Blue Basic fare then you cannot bring additional carry-on baggage as your pet carrier counts as the one allowed item. However, you can carry a personal item in addition to your pet carrier. 

Interline/ codeshare bookings

JetBlue does not allow pets on any interline/ codeshare bookings (This means a single booking involving multiple JetBlue and partnership flights).

True Blue members

You can earn 300 extra points per flight whenever you add a pet to your itinerary.

Documentation

Before you travel please ensure that you have all the documentation necessary for the destination you are traveling to. This has been discussed in detail in the Carry-on Pet Restriction section above for both domestic and international travel.

In addition to this, you should always have an ID Tag on the pet and the kennel, a pet license, and proof of vaccinations required.

Sedation/ Tranquilizers

Sedating your animals is not recommended as the effects of pressurized cabins can be unpredictable. Sedation sometimes causes breathing issues with animals as well. In case you have sedated your pet please inform the JetBlue crew before you board your flight.

At the airport

While at the airport your pet must always be inside its carrier unless the airport has an official pet relief area. JetBlue staff can help direct you to a pet relief area if the airport you are at has one. You must make sure the door to the carrier is firmly secured to ensure the pet does not get out.

Make sure you pay the fees and have JetBlue give you confirmation for your pet to travel with you. You can do this by checking in as early as 24 hours before flight online, through the JetBlue app, or at an airport kiosk.

Tip: When you arrive at the airport visit any full-service JetBlue counter or talk to a JetBlue crewmember in the self-service lobby to get a JetPaw bag tag. Attach this tag to your pet’s carrier. 

TSA Security Screening

Before boarding your flight you will need to go through TSA. You will have to present your animal at a TSA security checkpoint as pet carriers are subject to search by the authorities.

You will be asked to remove your pet from the carrier and pass through screening equipment while the carrier is passed through an X-Ray machine. Your pet will never be put through an X-ray machine.

If you cannot take your pet out of its carrier for any reason then it will have to go through a secondary screening including a visual and physical examination by security officials. All this takes time and this is why it is advised to show up early if you are traveling with pets.

Related: TSA Body Scanners: Images & Machines Explained 

Traveling with service animals

At JetBlue, a service animal is specifically defined as a dog that is specifically trained to do work or assist a disabled person.

Legal Warning: It is a Federal crime to make materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement entries, or representations knowingly and willfully on the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form to secure disability accommodations provided under regulations of the United States Department of Transportation (18 U.S.C. § 1001).

All service dogs are welcome aboard JetBlue flights but if they are coming through the restricted countries mentioned above you may have to get advanced approval from the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

If you have a disability and are traveling with a service animal make sure you visit JetBlue’s Traveling with Service Animal page online to get the most up-to-date requirements.

JetBlue pets as checked baggage policy

At the moment JetBlue does not allow you to travel with your pet as checked baggage in the hold. You can only carry your pets as baggage in the cabin.

JetBlue cargo policy

As of the date of publishing this article, JetBlue does not take pets as cargo on any of its flights

Final Word

The JetBlue pet travel policies are not complex. You pay a $125 fee for every JetBlue destination on your itinerary. Get the documentation mentioned above that applies to you and simply follow all the rules and tips which we have shared with you. Good luck and safe travels!

Alaska Airlines Pet Policy Guide [2022]

Traveling with a pet is not always as straightforward as you might think due to the different rules and regulations that may apply. In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about the Alaska Airlines pet policy including things like fees and the restrictions and limitations.

What is the Alaska Airlines pet policy?

You can travel with your pet as a carry-on, checked pet, or cargo on Alaska Airlines as long as you provide adequate carriers for your pets, supply any needed documentation, and pay the fees I’ll outline below.

Alaska Airlines pet policy fees

Alaska Airlines charges the same fees whether you are flying with a checked pet or a carry-on pet. In both cases, the fee is $100 per flight.

Related: Bringing a Dog to a Hotel: Essential Tips for a Good Stay

How to avoid Alaska Airline pet fees

One of the easiest ways to avoid pet fees is to use the right travel rewards credit card.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a good card for general travel expenses and its points can be used to offset airline pet fees since they will often code as travel.

Other cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve have a $300 travel credit that could be used on virtually any type of travel purchase including pet fees.

Tip: Check out the free app WalletFlo so that you can optimize your credit card spend by seeing the best card to use! You can also track credits, annual fees, and get notifications when you’re eligible for the best cards!

Alaska Airlines carry-on pet rules

If your furry friend is going to accompany you as a carry-on, here are some things to keep in mind.

Cabin restrictions

Alaska Airlines allows one pet carrier in first class and a total of up to five pet carriers in main cabin per flight.

18 years old or older

In order to fly with a pet in the cabin, the passenger must be 18 years or older. (This means that unaccompanied minors cannot fly with pets.)

Counts as a carry-on

Your pet carrier will count towards your carry-on baggage allowance. This means that you can bring a pet carrier plus a standard carry-on bag or a pet carrier plus a personal item.

Maximum number of pets

You may travel with a maximum of two pet carriers in main cabin but only when the adjacent seat is purchased by you as well.

Can’t occupy seats

Pets are not allowed to occupy seats by themselves.

Also, the passenger traveling with the pet cannot sit in an emergency exit row, bulkhead, or any seat with an airbag safety belt.

Types of pets allowed

Pets that are allowed in the cabin include dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and have been fully weaned.

Same carrier

Up to two pets of the same species and similar size may travel in the same carrier as long as none of their parts protrude from the carrier and they are not in distress.

Must stay in the container

Your pet must stay in its container including its head and tail with the door or flap secured at all times in the boarding area, Alaska Lounge, and while on board the aircraft.

During taxi, takeoff, and landing they must be stowed under the seat.

Animals with offensive odors or those that are creating loud disturbances must travel as checked pets.

Space requirements

Pets must be small enough to fit and stay comfortably inside the kennel under the seat. If your pet is traveling in the cabin, the following kennel sizes apply:

TypeKennel sizeDimensions (length x width x height)
Hard-sided5017″ x 11″ x 7.5″
Soft-sided5017″ x 11″ x 9.5″

In order for your carrier to be accepted, it must:

  • Be within the listed dimensions above
  • Be clean and leak-proof with absorbent bedding made of material that is safe and non-toxic to the animal
  • Fully enclose the animal and be escape-proof
  • Have adequate air ventilation
  • Be free of tears, cracks, or breaks

Tip: If you’re looking for the best ways to use your Alaska miles be sure to check out our 20 best uses of Alaska Airline Miles article.

Alaska Airlines checked pet rules

Alaska Airlines will accept most small domesticated pets in baggage and cargo compartments.

Pets that may travel in these climate controlled compartments include: cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, potbelly pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish.

Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks of age and weaned.

You cannot have more than one live dog or cat six months of age or older in the same kennel.

No more than one puppy eight weeks to six months of age and weighing over 20 pounds can be transported in the same kennel.

However, if a puppy or kitten is eight weeks to six months end of comparable size and weigh under 20 pounds each, you may transport up to two in the same kennel.

All pets traveling in the cargo compartment on Alaska Airlines (including flights operated by Horizon and  SkyWest, must have a health certificate dated within 10 days of initial travel and 30 days of return travel, when the return flight is booked in the same record.

If your pet is traveling in a kennel in the cargo compartment, there are special rules that need to be met. You can check out all of the restrictions here.

One more thing to note about pets flying in baggage or cargo compartments is that they are not allowed to fly that way on Alaska Airlines flights 2000-2999 or flights 3300-3499 during holiday travel times which include late November and December.

Here are the dates from 2019:

  • November 21 – December 3, 2019
  • December 10, 2019 through January 3, 2020

Related: Alaska Airlines Club 49: (Deals & Baggage Fee Benefits)

Cargo rules

If you plan on transporting your pet via cargo there are different rules.

You would usually only use this option whenever you are not flying with your pet/when the combined weight of the kennel and pet is over 150 pounds.

You can check about the guidelines with PetConnect air cargo.

Additional rules

Connections

If your pet is traveling as a checked pet and you have a transfer to another flight operated by Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, or SkyWest Flight Series 3300-3499, you are allowed a maximum connection time of four hours at the connection city.

If your itinerary includes the connection to another airline, Alaska Airlines will not transfer the pet for you. Instead, you will have to make sure that you leave enough time to recheck your pet.

Note: If your flight is delayed, your pet may be placed in a kennel facility until they can be transported and you will be responsible for the costs due to weather related delays.

Breed restrictions

Brachycephalic or “short-nosed” dogs and cats are not accepted for travel in the cargo compartment on Alaska Airlines flights (including flights operated by Horizon and SkyWest,).

These include the following breeds:

Dogs

American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bull Mastiff, Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Chow Chow, Dutch Pug, English Bulldog, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Boxer, Japanese Pug, Japanese Spaniel, Pekingese, Pug, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Cats

Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian.

Sedation

It is not advised to sedate your pet before your flight since the effects of tranquilizers on animals at high altitudes is unpredictable. Check with your veterinarian for more guidance on this issue.

Airbus rules

On Alaska flights operated by Airbus aircraft, pets cannot travel in first class or in the baggage compartment.

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Temperature restrictions

When flying with your pet, be very mindful about the effects of the temperatures at your point of departure and arrival. It is recommended to fly early morning or late evening in the summer and mid day during the winter.

If the temperatures at your point of departure or arrival are too extreme or exceed certain limits, Alaska Airlines may decline to transport your pet for its own safety.

Alaska Airlines pet international restrictions

Before you choose to fly with your pet to an international destination, be sure to verify what type of documents and vaccinations may be necessary for your pet to enter the country.

Mexico

Only dogs and cats will be accepted for travel to Mexico.

Dogs and cats must have undergone a treatment against ectoparasites and endoparasites within 6 months of scheduled travel date.

If you do not complete this process, then government officials may require you to get in contact with a veterinarian and receive the treatment before you can enter Mexico. In that case, you will have to come out of pocket for the costs.

You are not allowed to use bedding or similar materials in the kennel. However, shredded paper and absorbent pads are acceptable.

You can pack food but only a day’s worth.

If you are traveling with three or more pets you will be subject to additional fees of approximately $1,600 pesos (approximately $150 USD) as mandated by the SAGARPA (Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock Production, Rural Development, Fishery and Food).

Be prepared to clear the commercial importation process at your destination if you go this route.

Alaska Airlines does not accept pets for Cargo or GoldStreak service to and from Mexico.

Costa Rica

Only dogs and cats will be accepted for travel. You will be required to show a valid certificate and specific documentation when traveling with your pets to Costa Rica. You can find out more details at one of the following resources:

Hawaii

Only cats and dogs can be transported into Hawaii.

Hawaii is the only rabies-free state in the US and as a result it has some heightened restrictions on bringing your pets.

If you don’t follow the guidance and arrive with proper documentation, your pet may have to be quarantined for up to 120 days at your expense.

Below are some seasonal restrictions on pets accepted as checked baggage.

February: No pets are accepted as checked baggage on flights to or from Hawaii.

November 1 – January 31 and March 1 – April 1: Only 1 pet is accepted per aircraft as checked baggage on flights to or from Hawaii.

For more on the specific requirements for flying to places like Honolulu, Kona, and Kahului click here.

Service and support animals (and notice)

As of January 11, 2021 Emotional support animals are no longer accepted as service animals and may travel under Alaska Airlines’ Pet Policy.

Service animals and emotional support animals have specific requirements but there is no additional charge for them if they meet all of the requirements.

  • The size of the animal must not exceed the footprint or personal space of your seat or foot area
  • The animal must be under the control of the owner at all times
  • Emotional support animals must be leased or in an approved kennel
  • Minimum age for service or support animals is four months
  • Animals are expected to be seated on the floor space below your seat or if larger than an infant seated in your lap

Animals accepted as trained service animals are:

  • Cats
  • Dogs
  • Miniature horses

Find out more about Alaska Airline service animals and emotional support animals. 

Alaska Airlines Pet Policy FAQ

What are the fees for traveling with your pet?

The fees that you pay will depend on the type of pet that you have (e.g., service animal) and the method of transportation (checked, carry-on, etc.).

Is traveling as a checked pet safe?

According to the DOT, over half a million pets flew in cargo in 2016 and of those animals, 26 died and 22 were injured. So the accident rate was 1 per 10,000 pets.

So if those stats are accurate, you have a one in 10,000 chance of something happening to your pet. Now those stats don’t account for the potentially stressful experience that your pet will have. For some people, a one in 10,000 chance is still too much risk with a pet while others will feel comfortable with those odds.

Personally, I would try to avoid shipping my pet in cargo if possible.

What is the checked and carry-on pet fees?

Alaska Airlines charges $100 per flight for both checked and carry-on fees.

Where can I find animal relief areas?

You can find locations of animal relief areas at airports here.

Do I need a health certificate for travel?

You do not need a health certificate for travel if the pet is flying as a carry-on although some states have specific health and vaccination requirements.

All pets traveling in the cargo compartment will be required to have a health certificate dated within 10 days of outbound travel and 30 days of return travel.

Final Word

The Alaska Airlines pet policy is pretty straightforward. You are looking at paying $100 per flight. You just need to be mindful about restrictions on certain routes and destinations and you should be all set!

Spirit Airlines Pet Policy Guide [2022]

Are you thinking about bringing your pet with you to your next destination when flying on Spirit Airlines?

If so, make sure that you are familiar with all of the different rules and fees of the Spirit Airlines pet policy.

In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the pet policy and answer a lot of frequently asked questions.

What is the Spirit Airlines pet policy?

You can travel with your pet as a carry-on as long as you provide adequate carriers for your pets, supply any needed documentation, and pay the fees below.

Spirit Airlines pet fees

The pet fees for Spirit Airlines are $110 per pet container, each way. So for one round trip you would pay $220.

These fees only pertain to carry-on pets as Spirit Airlines does not allow pets to be transported in checked baggage.

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How to avoid Spirit Airlines pet fees

One of the easiest ways to avoid pet fees is to use the right credit card. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a good card for general travel expenses and its points can be used to offset airline pet fees since they will often code as travel.

You can also use an incidental credit attached to a travel credit card. For example, the Platinum Card has a $200 incidental credit.

Other cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve have a $300 travel credit that could be used on virtually any type of travel purchase including pet fees.

Need tips for bringing pets to a hotel? Click here to read more.

Adding a pet to your reservation

If you would like to add a pet to your reservation, simply contact the reservations center at the following phone number: 1.800.728.3555

It’s highly recommended to make your reservations for your pet in advance because there is limited capacity for pets on each flight.

Spirit Airlines will only allow a maximum of 4 pet containers on each flight.

Once you show up to the airport, you will need to check in at the ticket counter. As someone flying with a pet, you cannot use the self-service check-in kiosks.

Spirit Airlines also recommends that you arrive at the airport extra early to give yourself enough time to process everything for your pets.

Related: Spirit Airlines World Mastercard review

Spirit Airlines pet rules

Pets allowed

Only certain type of pets or allowed to be flown on Spirit Airlines. These pets include the following:

  • Domestic dogs
  • Domestic cats
  • Small household birds (except to / from Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I. )
  • Small domestic rabbits (except to/from Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I)

The pet should be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned. Spirit Airlines, just like other airlines, also have rules on the temperament and condition of your pet.

For example, your pet must be harmless, not offensive, odorless, and not require any attention during the flight.

It’s a good idea to give your pet a bath or take them to the groomers a couple of days before your flight so that they are fresh and clean.

If your pet becomes offensive or causes disturbances prior to leaving the gate, it will be removed.

So basically, if your pet is the type that goes crazy sometimes with nonstop barking and things of that nature, you run the risk of your pet not being allowed.

And finally, if the pet becomes ill, violent or gets in physical distress it will not be allowed to fly.

You as the pet owner know your pet’s temperament the best, so you need to exercise good judgment when deciding if your pet is fit for travel.

Birds have special restrictions. For example, household birds do not include: farm poultry, waterfowl, game bird, birds of prey, and flightless birds.

Birds are not allowed to and from cities in Puerto Rico or the U.S.V.I.

Requirements for pet carriers

Dimensions of your pet carrier cannot exceed 18 x 14 x 9 inches (45.72cm x 35.56 cm x 22.86cm) in total dimensions (L x W x H) and it must be able to fit under the seat.

The combined weight of the pet and carrier may not exceed 40 pounds (18.14KG).

Only one container is allowed per guest but you can keep up to a maximum of two pets in the container.

Something important to note is that the pet must always remain inside the container and be able to stand upright and turn around in the container.

So make sure that your pet or pets are not cramped inside the container.

Spirit Airlines will have to approve your container before it is allowed on the plane.

Only soft containers will be allowed in the cabin but they prohibit containers that allow pets’ heads to remain outside.

The pet will count as one-plus-one carry-on luggage.

International flights

Pets are not allowed to be transported on international flights with Spirit Airlines. You can, however transport them to territories like Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands (and St. Thomas).

The exception to this is that service animals are allowed.

You should always keep in mind that some international destinations may require specific documentation regarding service animals.

Your best bet is to first contact Spirit Guest Service at 1.855.728.3555 to verify any possible regulations that might apply to your itinerary.

Checked baggage

Unlike some other airlines, Spirit Airlines does not allow your pet to fly in the checked baggage area. Therefore, they must accompany you in the cabin.

Health certificates

Spirit Airlines does not require a health certificate if the pet is traveling in the aircraft cabin except for guests traveling to the Virgin Islands.

Rabies vaccination

If you are traveling with your pet to Puerto Rico, you must have a rabies vaccination certificate with you.

Exotic pets

If you are trying to transport an exotic pet, they will not be excepted. Exotic pets include animals like snakes, spiders, rodents, lizards, etc.

Seating restrictions

If you were traveling with a pet, you can choose to sit in any seat except for the first row of seats and the emergency exit rows.

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Advance notice

As stated above, it is recommended but not required that you give advance notice regarding your pet traveling. The biggest reason is that there are limits on how many pets can fly on each flight so you want to make sure that you are guaranteed a spot for your pet before arriving at the airport.

You can read up more on the pet policy rules here.

Note: As of January 11th, 2021, emotional support animals (ESAN) will be required to travel as pets per updated Department of Transportation requirements

Spirit Airlines pet policy FAQ

What is the Spirit Airlines pet policy fee?

The pet policy fee is $110 per flight, per container.

How can I avoid the Spirit Airlines pet fee?

You can use airline credits to avoid the fee with some credit cards such as the Amex Platinum Card. 

Does Spirit Airlines allow pets to fly in checked baggage?

No, Spirit Airlines only allows pets to fly as carry-ons.

How can I add a pet to my reservation?

You can add a pet to your reservation by calling the customer service phone number: 1(855) 728-3555.

What type of pets are allowed?

Domestic dogs
Domestic cats
Small household birds (except to / from Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I. )
Small domestic rabbits (except to/from Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I)

Can I bring multiple pets with me?

Yes, you can bring multiple (two) pets but they must fit in the same container as you are only allowed one container per passenger.

Will my pet have to go through security?

Yes, your pet will have to go through airport security.

Does Spirit Airlines allow pets to fly on international flights?

No, pets are not allowed to be transported on international flights.

Does my pet need a health certificate?

No, your pet will not need a health certificate unless you are traveling to specific destinations like the Virgin Islands.

Where can I sit with my pet?

You can choose a seat anywhere except for the emergency exit rows and the first row of seats.

Final word

Overall, the Spirit Airlines pet policy is pretty straightforward. It’s simple because pets are not allowed to fly in checked baggage or on international flights to most destinations. You just have to remember to make a reservation in advance and remember to account for the fee.

Allegiant Airlines Pet Policy Guide [2022]

In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about the Allegiant Air pet policy including things like fees and the restrictions and limitations.

I’ll also cover details regarding service animals and emotional support animals.

What is the Allegiant Air pet policy?

You can travel with your pet as a carry-on on Allegiant Air as long as you provide adequate carriers for your pets, supply any needed documentation, and pay the fees I’ll outline below.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

Allegiant Air pet fees

Carry-on pet fees

If your pet is traveling as a carry-on, a fee of $50 per segment per carrier will apply for all pets. This is a pretty standard amount for a pet fee when compared to many other major airlines.

If you are traveling with a service animal you will not be charged an additional fee. More on that below.

Checked pet fees

Allegiant does not transport animals in the cargo bin.

You might also be interested in Allegiant Air baggage fees.

Source: Allegiant Twitter and Airbus

How to avoid Allegiant Air pet fees

One of the easiest ways to avoid pet fees is to use the right credit card.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a good card for general travel expenses and its points can be used to offset airline pet fees since they will often code as travel.

Other cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve have a $300 travel credit that could be used on virtually any type of travel purchase including pet fees.

Related: Bringing a Dog to a Hotel: Essential Tips for a Good Stay

Allegiant Airlines carry-on pet rules

If your furry friend is going to accompany you as a carry-on, here are some things to keep in mind.

Kennel restrictions

  • Pets must fit comfortably in the carrier and may not protrude from the carrier
  • They strongly suggest a soft-sided leak-proof carrier that fits under the seat
  • The carrier may be no larger than 9”H x 16”W x 19”D

Soft sided carriers are easier to store under the seat and just remember that your pet needs to have plenty of space in the carrier. Typically this means enough space for them to turn around inside.

The other big thing to watch out for is if your pet is protruding from the carrier. Airlines do not want anything extending outside the carrier including the pet’s tail, nose, etc.

Two pets per carrier

You are not allowed to have more than two pets per carrier.

Again, remember that they need to have plenty of room to move around so you would only be able to bring in two pretty small pets inside one carrier.

One carrier per person

Each traveler can only bring one carrier.

So if you would like to bring two carriers or more, you would have to have two traveling passengers or more.

Interestingly, unlike many other airlines, Allegiant does not publish a hard limit on the number of pets allowed in a cabin.

Two months of age

All animals must be at least two months of age.

Pets must remain inside carrier

Your pet must remain inside the pet carrier at all times. This includes while you are traveling in the airport terminal and on board the aircraft.

Temperament and condition

All animals must be harmless and non-disruptive and also odorless. In addition, your pet cannot be ill, violent, or in physical distress.

If your pet exhibits any of these qualities they may not be allowed on the plane. You know your pet best so you will have to make the judgment call.

Select seats

If you are traveling with your pet, you were not allowed to sit anywhere in the plane. Seats that are off-limits include the emergency exit row, and one row before or after an exit row or a seat in the bulkhead.

Check in time

If you were traveling with a pet, you will need to check in at the ticket counter or a gate counter at least one hour prior to the scheduled departure to ensure that your pets and pet carriers are compliant with all of the guidelines.

You definitely don’t want to be rushing to the airport and traveling with pets. Not only will it stress you out but the stress could also affect your pet.

Health certificates

Health certificates are not required for you to travel with your pet.

Allegiant Airlines pet international restrictions

When traveling to international destinations and U.S. territories, including San Juan, Puerto Rico, destinations may not accept all pets.

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Service and support animals (and notice)

Service animals and emotional support animals have specific requirements but there is no additional charge for them if they meet all of the requirements.

Some people get confused about the difference between these two types of animals and hopefully this will clarify. Emotional support animals assist individuals with emotional, psychiatric or cognitive disabilities.

Trained service animals have been specifically trained to perform life functions for individuals with disabilities like visual impairments, deafness, etc.

Emotional support animals documentation

When traveling with emotional support or psychiatric service animals, you will have to complete three forms.

  • Form 1 – Veterinary Health Form
  • Form 2 – Mental Health Professional Form
  • Form 3 – Animal Behavior & Responsibility Form

These forms must be completed by your veterinarian, health professional, and yourself so make sure you leave plenty of time to sufficiently complete these forms.

The three completed forms MUST be presented to an Allegiant representative at least one hour prior to scheduled departure at the ticket counter.

Documentation must be presented for all flights, inbound and outbound.

Your forms will be good for one year.

Service animals documentation

Allegiant requires the following documentation for travel with a fully trained service animal:

  • Trained Service Animal(s) Veterinary Health Form

By the way, you can find all of the forms here.

Service and support animal guidelines

Below are some of the key points to know when traveling with service or support animals on Allegiant.

Limit on emotional support animals

Effective January 11, 2021, the Department of Transportation will no longer require air carriers accept the transport of Emotional Support Animals.

Kennels

Allegiant highly recommends that you use a soft sided and leakproof carrier that fits under the seat whenever the size of the animal allows. The carrier may be no larger than 9”H x 16”W x 19”D.

Size/seat requirements

Unlike pets that must remain in a pet carrier at all times, service animals can remain on the floor, under the seat, or in the passenger’s lap if the animal is no larger than a two-year-old child which is less than approximately 30 pounds.

If the animal encroaches on the seat of another passenger or on their foot space, you may be required to purchase a second seat.

Also, animals may not extend into the aisle.

You can occupy any seats except an exit row or a bulkhead seat if the animal is in a carrier.

Types of animals accepted

Allegiant only accepts for transport domestic dogs, cats, and miniature horses.

Pit bull type breeds are prohibited from travel on Allegiant.

If you have a different type of animal, those will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Age requirement

  • Animals must be 2 months or older

Behavior

All animals are expected to be sufficiently trained to be able to properly behave in a public setting.

Per the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 14, Part 382, Allegiant reserves the right to deny transport to any animal displaying disruptive behavior, such as, but not limited to:

  • Growling, snarling, biting, attempting to bite or acting in an aggressive manner
  • Running around or jumping on other passengers
  • Relieving themselves in the airport terminal or in the aircraft cabin
  • Barking excessively (other than alerting passenger as trained)

Approval

You will not receive final approval until you arrive at the airport and it is determined by Allegiant that the animal will safely fit at your feet.

Keep in mind that your animals on board cannot:

  • Be seated in an exit row
  • Protrude into or block aisles
  • Occupy a seat
  • Eat from tray tables

Find out more about Allegiant Airlines service animals and emotional support animals.

Final Word

Allegiant has a pretty simple pet policy especially since they do not allow pets to fly as checked animals in the cargo bin.

Cover photo by Raymond Wambsgans via Flickr.