5 Airlines That Allow Dogs In The Cargo Hold [Updated 2022]
When traveling abroad with your dog it can be hard at times, to find and go through all the airlines that allow dogs to travel in the cargo hold. And if you are one of these people, then don’t worry!
There are plenty of airlines out there! The hardest part is knowing where to start! Each airline has different rules and regulations when it comes to traveling with dogs! This can make it hard to narrow down which one is best for your dog.
Some airlines are better for small dogs, while others may suit larger dogs! This is why it’s important to research the different airlines first and see what options you have.
There are a few things that make some of these airlines more appealing than others: fees, weight limits, and restrictions (like no direct flights). All of this information will help you decide which airline may be right for you!
Airlines That Allow Dogs In The Cargo
1. American Airlines
American Airlines allows dogs in the cargo and is a fantastic option for those who want to travel with their dog! Just as long as you follow their regulations.
Your dog must be able to stand up and move around inside their kennel without assistance. The weight limit for American Airlines is a combined weight of 100 pounds, which is more than enough for most dogs!
There are some restrictions to consider, though such as the type of kennel, weight, size, and age of your dog all come into play when booking your flight with American Airlines.
You can book your reservation for you and your dog 10 days to 24 hours before your flight. Your dog also needs to be at least 8 weeks of age and healthy enough to fly.
Make sure you also check American airline’s restricted breeds list as some breeds (like snub-nosed dogs) cannot fly on this airline. The price of your booking will also depend on the drop-off point and destination.
All travelers to the U.S that are 2 years or older must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken one day before departure (or proof of recovery) regardless of citizenship or vaccination status!
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You can book either online or by phone, however, if your planning on transporting your dog in the next 72 hours you will need to book by phone at 1-800-227-4622, or for more info visit: aacargo.com
Cargo Requirements:
- A Breed Verification Form
- A Pet’s Health Certificate
- A Rabies Vaccination Certificate
- Dog Must Be At Least 8 weeks old
- Kennel Must Meet Their Requirements
Weight & Size
| Kennel Size | Kennel Type | External Dimensions (Inches) | Kennel Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 100 | 21 x 16 x 15 | 7 lbs (3 kg) |
| Medium | 200 | 27 x 20 x 19 | 13 lbs (6 kg) |
| Intermediate | 300 | 33 x 22 x 23 | 18 lbs (8 kg) |
| Large | 400 | 36 x 24 x 26 | 24 lbs (11 kg) |
| X-Large | 500 | 40 x 27 x 30 | 32 lbs (15 kg) |
| XX-Large | 700 | 48 x 32 x 35 | 51 lbs (23 kg) |
2. Air Canada
Air Canada has some great options for those who are looking to travel with their dog in the cargo. They have a variety of services with round-the-clock specially-trained staff to care for your pet while traveling in the cargo.
But, what’s really impressive is Air Canada was the world’s first airline to be awarded IATA’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators for Live Animal Logistics (CEIV Live Animals) Certification.
To be able to use this airline your dog must be healthy enough to fly as well as within the size requirements which are determined by their kennel dimensions. You must have all the relevant paperwork for your dog, including a health certificate, and proof of vaccinations.
It’s very important that you know and are up to date with “IATA Regulations” for traveling with live animals this way your be prepared and also know what to expect.
You can also view IATA’s Live Animal Acceptance Checklist Here.
Their fees can vary depending on what service you choose, but Air Canada Airlines will only charge additional taxes and not any extra weight charges!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic: Any International bookings for pets travelling in cargo must be made with a registered IPATA agent. All travellers are now required to be fully vaccinated!
To make a booking simply call their cargo booking center at 1-800-387-4865 or if you have any questions regarding flight info like fees or reservations contact Air Canada Customer Support.
Cargo Requirements:
- A Valid Health Certificate
- Proof Of Vaccinations
- Dog Must Be Over 12 weeks Of Age
- Kennel Must Meet Their Requirements
- Confirmed Booking From Origin To Destination
Weight & Size
| Kennel Size | Kennel Type | External Dimensions (CM) | Kennel Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 100 | 53 x 40 x 38 | (0-14 kg) |
| Medium | 200 | 68 x 51 x 48 | (15-29 kg) |
| Intermediate | 300 | 81 x 56 x 58 | (30-44 kg) |
| Large | 400 | 91 x 61 x 66 | (45-64 kg) |
| X-Large | 500 | 102 x 69 x 76 | (65-99 kg) |
| XX-Large | 700 | 122 x 81 x 89 | (100 + kg) |
3. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines allow dogs in the cargo and they have some fantastic services to assist your dog while they are flying. Their fees will depend on several things like the origin of travel or destination of travel as well as what type/size kennel you plan on using for your pet.
Important: Alaska Airlines also require that you book 24 hours in advance, and if your traveling by connecting flight you must book 3 days in advance and no more than seven days before travel.
They also require that all the relevant paperwork is up-to-date before traveling such as proof of vaccinations, and health certificates which need to be processed at least two hours before scheduled departure.
All health certificates must be signed and dated by a veterinarian no more than 10 days prior to travel.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic: Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is now required and masks must be worn throughout the flight even if you are fully vaccinated.
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The Combined weight of the dog and kennel is limited to 150 pounds and must have clear Labeling. If your unsure where to get kennel containers some can be available for purchase at some stations for Pet Connect shipments traveling on Alaska Airlines.
If you need more information regarding containers, contact Alaska airline’s cargo call center at 1-800-225-2752. For bookings or general information visit: alaskacargo.com
Cargo Requirements:
- A Valid Health Certificate
- Proof Of Vaccinations
- Kennel Must Have Clear Labeling
- Kennel Must Meet Their Requirements
- Dogs Must Be At Least Eight Weeks Of Age
Weight & Size
| Kennel Size | Kennel Type | External Dimensions (Inches) | Kennel Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 100 | 21 x 16 x 15 | (9 lbs) |
| Medium | 200 | 27 x 20 x 19 | (14 lbs) |
| Intermediate | 300 | 32 x 22 x 24 | (20 lbs) |
| Large | 400 | 36 x 24 x 26 | (24 lbs) |
| X-Large | 500 | 53 x 48 x 34 | (28 lbs) |
4. Delta Cargo
Delta Cargo is another airline that will allow dogs in the cargo with a variety of services to choose from. They also require you to book 24 hours before your departure and no more than seven days before your flight.
From August 1, 2018, all live animal shipments were limited to one connection only which means they can’t travel more than two flight segments. The USDA regulations also require that your dog needs to be at least 8 weeks old to travel.
When you check-in you must arrive three hours before the flight within the US or 5 hours for International. The kennel needs to be clearly marked “live animals” and you must have all the recent paperwork for your dog.
Your dog must not be able to touch the top while it sits or stands inside the kennel. You also need to provide two empty dishes inside the kennel (one for food and one for water). Rates for domestic pets to transport are based on kennel size and location.
Delta cargo only approved health certificates that are the APHIS 7001 form or digitally signed health certificates (eCVIs) from approved providers. All required documents must be original and in English.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic: Delta Cargo will temporarily embargo all PET shipments effective April 1, 2020, until further notice. The embargo applies to all live animals transported in cargo under the PET product code.
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If you need more information regarding the kennel they require you to use, contact Delta airlines Cargo at 1-800-352-2746. Also, check out their website for more information regarding fees and conditions of travel at deltacargo.com.
Cargo Requirements:
- A Valid Health Certificate
- Proof Of Vaccinations
- Snub-Nosed Dogs Are Not Allowed
- Labeling Must Be Clearly Marked On Kennel
- Dropping Off Needs To Be 3 Hours Before Departure
Weight & Size
| Kennel Size | Kennel Type | External Dimensions (Inches) | Kennel Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 100 | 21 x 16 x 15 | (0-14 kg) |
| Medium | 200 | 27 x 20 x 19 | (15-29 kg) |
| Intermediate | 300 | 32 x 22 x 24 | (30-44 kg) |
| Large | 400 | 36 x 24 x 26 | (45-64 kg) |
| X-Large | 500 | 40 x 27 x 30 | (65-99 kg) |
| XX-Large | 700 | 48 x 32 x 35 | (100 + kg) |
5. United Airlines
United Airlines allows dogs to travel in the cargo hold in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico when traveling on a non-stop flight for more than four hours in duration.
PetSafe launched by United Airlines provides excellent care and will always put your pet’s safety as a top priority. Once you drop off your pet they will then be loaded onboard in a climate-controlled, pressurized compartment.
Your dog’s kennel must meet United Airlines, USDA, and International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements so keep this in mind!
Like all airlines, you must have all the correct paperwork including a health certificate and proof of vaccinations. If your from the EU, you can use an EU pet passport instead of a health certificate just as long as it includes all the required information.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic: Federal law requires all travelers age 2 and older to wear a face mask with no vents or openings that fully cover their nose and mouth.
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For a more in-depth look at United Airlines, regulations, and fees visit United.com or contact their customer support at 1-800-575-3335 within the US.
Cargo Requirements:
- Proof Of Vaccinations
- Pet’s Original Health Certificate
- EU Pet Passport As A Health Certificate
- Kennel Must Meet Their Requirements
Weight & Size
| Kennel Size | Kennel Type | External Dimensions (Inches) | Kennel Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 100 | 17 x 12 x 13 | (0-14 kg) |
| Medium | 200 | 23 x 16 x 19 | (15-29 kg) |
| Intermediate | 300 | 28 x 16 x 24 | (30-44 kg) |
| Large | 400 | 32 x 24 x 28 | (45-64 kg) |
| X-Large | 500 | 36 x 24 x 28 | (65-99 kg) |
| XX-Large | 700 | 42 x 30 x 32 | (100 + kg) |
Cargo Hold Checklist
When your dog is traveling in the cargo hold of the plane make sure you take into consideration all of the necessary preparations before air travel. This checklist will help make sure your furry friend is safe and comfortable during the trip.
Checklist For Transporting Your Dog In The Cargo:
- Make Sure To Get Your Pet Microchipped
- Make Sure Your Dog Is In Good Health
- Supply A Dog Bowel For Food & Water
- Purchase A Good Quality Kennel
- Name, Tags, And Your Details On Kennel
- Provide All Paperwork And Vaccinations
- Kennel Must Be Properly Labeled
Check With The Airlines For Size Requirements As Well As Other Restrictions and Regulations Regarding Cargo Traveling Of Pets.
Its important that all your dog’s vaccinations are up to date before you transport them in the cargo hold. Certain counties will not allow your pet to enter without proof of rabies and other vaccinations.
In the united states, the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) requires all dogs to be immunized against rabies to be able to enter the country with your dog.
Make Sure You Have The Following:
- Vaccination Date
- Vaccine Batch Number
- Date The Vaccination Is Valid Until
- Vaccine Manufacturer And Product Name
- The Vet’s Signature And Contact Details
Conclusion
While the coronavirus pandemic is in full swing, many airlines are making changes to their pet policies. So be sure to check with your airline about any restrictions or requirements regarding traveling with pets in cargo.
Most airlines allow dogs to travel in the cargo hold as long as they have all of their required vaccinations and paperwork.
However, always contact the airline ahead of time if you plan on shipping your pet in cargo to avoid any surprises. And remember, always keep your pet’s safety as the number one priority!
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