Major U.S. Airlines That Allow Dogs in Cargo
American Airlines allows dogs in cargo on most flights operated by American Eagle and American, with the pet traveling in the pressurized and temperature-controlled baggage hold. United Airlines permits dogs in cargo on United-operated flights and some regional partners, while Delta Air Lines allows pets in cargo on Delta and Delta Connection flights, subject to kennel and health certificate requirements. Alaska Airlines permits dogs in cargo on flights operated by Alaska and its regional partners, and Hawaiian Airlines allows pets in cargo on its mainline flights within Hawaii and between Hawaii and the mainland. Southwest Airlines does not allow pets in cargo and only permits small dogs and cats in the cabin, while JetBlue and Spirit Airlines have limited or no cargo pet options depending on the route and aircraft type.
For shippers and pet owners, the key differences are in kennel size acceptance, breed restrictions, seasonal embargoes, and required documentation. American Airlines requires an IATA-compliant kennel, a health certificate dated within ten days of travel, and advance reservation for pets in cargo, with fees typically ranging from $125 to $200 each way depending on the route. United Airlines charges a similar fee and requires the kennel to fit under the seat in the cabin for in-cabin pets, but for cargo the kennel must meet IATA standards and the pet must be at least eight weeks old. Delta Air Lines provides detailed kennel specifications and requires a current rabies vaccination certificate, while Alaska Airlines restricts certain breeds from cargo travel during warm weather months and Hawaiian Airlines enforces a similar seasonal embargo for brachycephalic breeds.
International Airlines That Accept Dogs in Cargo
Lufthansa Cargo and KLM Cargo are widely used for pet air travel because they operate dedicated pet-friendly programs with climate-controlled holds and trained ground staff. Lufthansa allows dogs and cats in the cargo hold on most long-haul flights, with the pet traveling in an IATA-compliant kennel and a health certificate issued within ten days of departure, while KLM Cargo accepts pets on KLM and Air France flights with similar requirements and offers a live animal desk for routing assistance. Emirates SkyCargo allows pets in cargo on Emirates flights, but only for certain routes and with strict kennel and documentation rules, and Qatar Airways Cargo accepts pets in cargo on Qatar Airways flights with advance booking and a valid health certificate.
Other major international carriers include Turkish Airlines Cargo, which allows pets in cargo on Turkish Airlines flights with an IATA kennel and health certificate, and Cathay Pacific Cargo, which accepts pets in cargo on Cathay Pacific flights subject to breed and seasonal restrictions. For frequent pet shippers, cargo brokers and specialized pet relocation services often use these carriers because they publish clear live animal policies, provide temperature-controlled holds, and offer tracking options. The International Air Transport Association publishes guidelines on live animal transport, and many airlines reference IATA standards when setting their own kennel, documentation, and fee requirements.
Cargo Pet Travel Requirements, Fees, and Practical Tips
Most airlines require an IATA-compliant kennel that is well-ventilated, secure, and labeled with the animal's name, owner contact details, and live animal arrows. Required documents typically include a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within ten days of travel, proof of current rabies vaccination, and sometimes an acclimation certificate for cold-weather or warm-weather routes. Fees vary by airline and route, with domestic U.S. cargo pet fees commonly ranging from $125 to $200 each way, while international routes can cost several hundred dollars depending on the destination and kennel size. Some airlines impose breed restrictions, seasonal embargoes, or limits on the number of pets per flight, so booking early and confirming cargo pet availability is essential.
Practical tips for pet owners include booking the cargo pet space as early as possible, choosing flights with minimal layovers, and avoiding extreme temperatures