Does cold sweat run down your back when you think about all the preparation needed to travel with your dog on a plane? Pet parents of large dogs may have it even more difficult due to the size and breed restrictions many airlines impose.
While we want to travel with our beloved paw friends in the cabin or at least as checked baggage, sometimes, transporting them in cargo may be the only option. Fortunately, many airlines offer the option to transport dogs in cargo, ensuring they will join their owners on their trips!
However, each airline has its own policies, fees, and requirements, making it challenging to navigate.
Today, we will help you familiarize yourself with the policies of several major airlines regarding the transportation of dogs in the cargo hold.
Checked Baggage or Cargo?
Before we list several major airlines that offer this service, we want to clarify the difference between transporting pets as checked baggage and as cargo. This can help you better understand your travel options, especially if bringing your dog in the cabin isn’t possible.
Checked Pets
Checked pets travel on the same flight as their owner but are placed in the cargo hold as part of the baggage allowance. They must be in an airline-approved crate, checked in like luggage, and retrieved at baggage claim upon arrival. The cargo hold is temperature-controlled for their safety.
Cargo Pets
Cargo pets travel separately from their owner as freight, requiring a specialized booking process through the airline’s cargo department. They are also transported in a pressurized and temperature-controlled cargo hold.
The first option is suitable for small to mid-sized dogs and cats that meet the airline’s requirements. It is more affordable and ensures the pet travels with their owner.
The main disadvantage of traveling with pets as checked baggage is the restrictions related to extreme weather and size limitations.
Traveling with your dog as cargo is suitable for large canines or exotic animals, where accommodation in the cabin or as checked-in baggage is not possible.
A drawback of this option is related to higher costs and additional logistics, including documentation and handling by cargo teams.
American Airlines
American Airlines offers a pet transport service called PetEmbark, designed for larger pets that cannot travel in the cabin. The airline provides detailed guidelines on crate sizes, pet health, and documentation requirements and restrictions.
Confirm Eligibility
Before booking, pet owners must verify that their pet meets the airline’s requirements. Dogs must be at least eight weeks old for domestic travel and six months old for international flights. Additionally, certain breeds may be restricted, and travel routes must be checked for aircraft compatibility. For pets originating outside the US, travelers must coordinate with a local sales representative.
Temperature limits apply, with flights only permitted if the forecast remains 85°F / 29°C or below.
Select an Approved Kennel
Pet owners must ensure they have the right kennel for their paw friends and that it meets the airline’s construction guidelines.
Book the Flight
Pet transport reservations should be made at least 24 hours in advance, with a maximum of 10 days before travel (30 days for flights arriving at London Heathrow).
Payment is only required upon acceptance at the airport. American Airlines encourages pet owners to sign up for tracking notifications and consider creating an account for future bookings.
Drop-Off Procedures
On the day of travel, pet owners must:
- Confirm the correct drop-off location and hours.
- Re-check temperature conditions for safe travel.
- Provide a light meal and water within four hours before drop-off.
- Attach a bag of food to the kennel or secure it inside.
- Bring two forms of identification and all required health documents.
- Ensure the pet is not sedated or tranquilized, as sedated animals are not accepted.
Tracking During Travel
Owners who sign up for notifications receive email updates on their pet’s trip. Tracking is also available online using the air waybill number.
Pick-Up Process
Pets are generally available for pick-up one hour after arrival, however, the time may vary depending on the destination and service type. Owners should confirm the pick-up location and bring their air waybill number and ID. Also, customs clearance may take some time when traveling internationally, and additional fees may apply for international handling.
Reunite With Your Pet
After the flight, owners can reunite with their pets and ensure they are comfortable.
We also highly recommend reviewing the new requirements listed on the AA website regarding dogs entering the US from all countries.
On August 1, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) enforced new regulations regarding dogs traveling to the US.
“Due to these new requirements, American Airlines Cargo will place an embargo on new bookings for dogs originating in a CDC-classified high-risk country for rabies until further notice”.
Fees
Fees for transporting pets via American Airlines Cargo may vary depending on the specific route and size of the pet and their kennel.
You can calculate your shipping costs through the airline’s rate calculator.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines offers various pet travel options, including in-cabin, checked baggage, and cargo services through their Pet Connect Air Travel program. Pet Connect is designed for pets traveling without a passenger or those that don't meet in-cabin size requirements.
The following steps aim to help pet owners go through the process more easily and better prepare them for their pet’s trip.
Confirm Travel Eligibility
Pet owners should verify that their pet meets all health and travel requirements. This includes compliance with state-specific restrictions (such as those for Hawaii), breed acceptance, and health certification guidelines. Additionally, a Certificate of Acclimation may be required, depending on weather conditions.
Proper Kennel
A well-fitted, properly labeled kennel is essential for the pet to feel comfortable and safe during the flight. The kennel must meet airline specifications, including size and structural requirements.
The minimum acceptable kennel size is 21" L x 16" W x 15" H, while the maximum dimensions for cargo kennels on Alaska Airlines are 53” L x 48” W x 34" H. Kennels with wheels must have them removed.
Make a Reservation
Pet travel reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance and no more than 30 days before departure. For international or interline travel, bookings should be completed 3 to 7 business days prior to departure.
When calling to book, owners should provide details such as their pet’s breed, age, weight, the size of the kennel and travel itinerary.
Drop-Off Preparations
On the day of travel, owners must bring their pet to the designated cargo facility with all required documentation, including:
- Air waybill
- Health certificate signed by a veterinarian
- Completed food and water certificate attached to the kennel
- Properly labeled kennel with food and water dishes accessible from the outside
- Clearly marked flight details and contact information for both the sender and recipient.
Weather restrictions should also be considered.
Tracking the Pet’s Journey
Passengers who opt for notifications will receive status updates via email. Alternatively, pets can be tracked online using the air waybill number.
Picking Up the Pet
Pets are typically available for pickup within one hour of arrival. However, additional charges may apply if the pet is not retrieved within four hours. Owners should confirm pickup locations and hours in advance and have the air waybill number ready for reference.
Fees
You may want to review the airline’s rate calculator for cargo shipment.
Air Canada
Air Canada permits cats and dogs to travel in the cargo hold. Similarly to other airlines, reservations should be made in advance to ensure that a pet can be accommodated.
Before booking, pet owners must comply with the airline’s specific policies and requirements. The process is divided into three major steps:
-Preparing in Advance
-On the Day of Travel
-Picking Up the Pet at the Destination.
Advance Preparations
Purchase and Prepare the Kennel
Passengers are advised to purchase an IATA-compliant kennel in advance to allow their pets time to adjust. The kennel should be large enough to meet airline requirements. If the kennel dimensions change, passengers must update and reconfirm the booking, as this may affect the ability to transport the pet.
Arrange Veterinary Appointments
Passengers are required to arrange necessary veterinary appointments to obtain a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. The certificate must include the pet’s age, sex, breed, and overall health status, and must be provided no later than 30 days before travel. Additional destination-specific documentation may also be required.
Document Special Care Instructions
Pet owners should include any special feeding, watering, and care instructions, particularly for the Toronto Pet Stop if applicable.
Kennel
Passengers must ensure that the kennel is properly labeled with the pet’s name and appropriate live animal shipping instructions.
Water for the Flight
Travelers are advised to fill the kennel’s water dispenser halfway the night before the flight and freeze it. On the day of travel, the frozen water bowl should be reinstalled, ensuring it does not spill and stays cool during the flight.
On the Day of Travel
Confirm Booking Details
Passengers need to verify the status of their booking to avoid delays, cancellations, or changes. The booking confirmation, required documentation, and air waybill should be ready for inspection.
Check Flights and Weather
The weather and flight conditions at each city on the route should be considered, as temperature-related restrictions may affect the transport of animals.
Avoid Sedating Pets
Passengers are highly advised not to sedate their pets without veterinary consultation, as sedatives can have unpredictable effects under different atmospheric pressures. If sedation is necessary, it must be documented.
Prepare the Pet
Pet owners should ensure their pet has had plenty of exercise, a light meal, and water two hours before travel.
Final Kennel Preparations
The kennel should be prepared by securing the frozen water bowl and placing a comforting blanket inside for a calming effect. Passengers must make sure the kennel is properly labeled.
Pet Drop-off
Pets must be dropped off at the designated Air Canada Cargo facility, not at the passenger terminal. Travelers should check the station information page for location and contact details.
Timing of Drop-off
Passengers are advised to drop off their pets only at the specified tender time to minimize stress. Arriving too early should be avoided.
Shipment Readiness
Pet owners must ensure that the kennel is properly secured, appropriately labeled, and complies with IATA shipping standards.
Documentation
All required documentation should be securely attached to the kennel in a waterproof plastic bag or pocket.
Pickup Details
Passengers should ensure that the receiving party has the air waybill number and flight details to ensure timely pickup upon arrival.
On the Day of Pickup at the Destination
Check Flight Arrival
The airline recommends that its passengers confirm the flight’s arrival time before leaving to pick up the pet.
Pickup Location
Pets cannot be retrieved at the passenger terminal. Passengers should visit the station information page to locate the Air Canada Cargo facility at the destination.
Retrieve the Pet on Time
Pets must be picked up within 4 hours of arrival. If not retrieved in time, they will be sent to a kennel or veterinarian at an additional cost.
Customs Clearance
For US transborder and international flights, the arriving pet must clear customs. An Air Canada Cargo agent at the destination will provide the necessary documentation to clear customs, after which the pet can be retrieved.
Fees
Fees depend on the pet's size, crate dimensions, and route. It's recommended to contact Air Canada Cargo directly for more detailed information on their fees.
Turkish Airlines
Pets that are not allowed to travel in the passenger cabin due to non-compliant carriers/bags may be transported in the cargo, provided the carrier meets the required dimensions.
Transporting pets incurs additional fees. The regulations and fees for pets traveling on Ajet (formerly branded as AnadoluJet) flights may differ. Please note that AJet is a Turkish low-cost airline that operates as a subsidiary of Turkish Airlines.
Carrier Specifications and Considerations
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To be allowed in the cargo, a pet carrier must not exceed 50 kg in weight and must have maximum dimensions of 75 cm in height, 75 cm in width, and 125 cm in length.
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Only hard-sided carriers are permitted. Soft-sided carriers, bags, or cages are not accepted.
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Carriers should be spacious enough to allow the pet to lie down, stand, and turn around comfortably. It must also be well-ventilated and watertight, with a lateral locking system for added security.
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For pets flying with layovers longer than four hours or flights exceeding eight hours, carriers must include food, an automatic water dispenser, and any special instructions for the pet’s care. Additionally, carriers must have a tag with the pet’s identification information.
Breed Restrictions
As of October 1, 2021, cats and dogs with respiratory problems are no longer permitted in the cargo compartment.
Brachycephalic Breeds
Some cat and dog breeds may face restrictions due to respiratory concerns. For example, short-muzzled breeds like the Persian, Pekingese, Pug, Bulldog, etc., may be restricted from cabin travel but can be transported in the cargo section of the aircraft via Turkish Cargo.
You can find more detailed information on the restricted breeds on the airline’s website.
Dangerous breeds
Breeds like the American Bulldog, Rottweiler, Doberman, etc., which are classified as dangerous, may only travel in the cargo compartment if Turkish Cargo explicitly accepts them for transport.
Multiple Pets in a Single Carrier
The airline allows up to 3 animals (cats/dogs) aged between 10 and 24 weeks, born to the same mother, to travel together in one carrier in the cargo compartment.
Animals of the same breed, weighing no more than 14 kg each, and accustomed to each other, may also share a carrier. However, if any animal exceeds 14 kg, they must travel separately.
We recommend reviewing the complete information about the airline's animal cargo transportation services on Turkish Cargo.
Iberia Airlines
In certain situations, pets that cannot travel with their owners in the cabin or hold may be transported as cargo. This applies in the following cases:
- The total weight of the animal and the carrier exceeds the allowed limit of 45 kg.
- The destination country has legal entry restrictions for animals, or the pet is only accepted as cargo.
- The pet’s breed is subject to transport restrictions, such as dangerous breeds or brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats.
- The pet does not belong to one of the species accepted for cabin or hold transport.
- The pet needs to travel separately from the owner.
For any of these situations, passengers are advised to contact WOOF Airlines for further assistance.
WOOF Airlines
WOOF Airlines offers various animal transport services, whether for relocation or other purposes.
They provide international dog transport services, either with airline personnel or through manifest cargo, depending on the travel requirements. Similar services are available for cats, with the option to be accompanied by WOOF Airlines staff or transported as manifest cargo. Transport for other animals, such as ferrets, birds, and more, can be arranged upon request.
The airline offers various approved travel kennels, which can be supplied as part of the service when necessary.
Pet Transport Process
Request a Quote
Interested individuals can contact WOOF Airlines to request a quote based on the specifics of their pet’s transport needs.
Travel Kennel Arrangement
If a travel kennel is needed, the airline can assist in securing one suitable for the pet’s flight.
Itinerary Organization
The airline will organize the transport itinerary and keep the pet owner informed at every stage of the process.
Pet Collection
The airline will coordinate the collection of the pet at a time that is convenient for the passenger.
Transport
The airline helps ensure pets are transported in the safest, quickest, and most comfortable manner, considering their needs.
Delivery
Upon arrival at the destination, the airline ensures the pet is delivered according to the prearranged plan.
