Loading Page...

Do I need a letter to fly with my dog?

You will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to travel and some airlines require an acclimation certificate.



People Also Ask

U.S. Airline Pet Policies Typically, airlines require pet health certificates that are no older than 10 days, even if the receiving country accepts an older one. Some countries, however, require a health certificate to be even less than 10 days. Check directly with the airline.

MORE DETAILS

At the time you book your trip, call the reservations number of the airline (in-cabin and checked baggage) and tell them that you will be traveling with an animal. In many cases, you cannot book your pet's reservation online.

MORE DETAILS

You will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to travel and some airlines require an acclimation certificate. Both of these certificates can only be completed and signed by a federally accredited veterinarian.

MORE DETAILS

Never place a pet in the x-ray tunnel. The x-ray at the security checkpoint is used to screen passengers' personal property and carry-on luggage only. If possible, carry the pet during the screening process. Alternately, a pet can walk through the screening process if the owner has the pet on a leash.

MORE DETAILS

When checking a pet, you need to:
  1. Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel.
  2. Check in at the ticket counter with your official orders.
  3. Allow extra check-in time (at least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours before your flight)
  4. Complete a checklist with an agent.
  5. Provide a health certificate.


MORE DETAILS

Pets must be checked in at the airport ticket counter, however Customers can still secure their boarding pass online, at curbside check-in, the airport kiosk, or the ticket counter. A pet that engages in disruptive behavior may be denied boarding.

MORE DETAILS

In general, if your pet carrier (with your pet inside) can fit under the seat in front of you, your dog can ride in the cabin on flights that permit it. Typically, this would be a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.

MORE DETAILS

Pets traveling in the cabin need to stay inside a carrier. Carrier requirements may change from airline to airline, but dogs should be able to stand naturally and turn around inside it without touching the sides or top. Can my cat or dog sit on my lap? No.

MORE DETAILS

They must be able to fit in a small, ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. One pet is permitted per kennel with the following exceptions: One female cat/dog may travel with her un-weaned litter if the litter is between 10 weeks to 6 months of age.

MORE DETAILS

All dogs, cats and ferrets must have proof of a current rabies vaccination administered after a microchip was implanted to enter France. If your pet is entering France from a Listed Third Country, the primary rabies vaccination must be administered no sooner than 21 days before entering France.

MORE DETAILS

The whole process of flying can be stressful for a dog, but those levels of stress can be greatly reduced with a few simple home comforts and reassurances. Ensuring your flight is a non-stop flight rather than one with changeovers can be a huge benefit to your dog, as can looking to travel at a suitable time.

MORE DETAILS

You probably have a plan for your own passport, but your animal companion needs one too. All pets traveling to and from the United States need a passport. Keep in mind, a “pet passport” in the U.S. refers to the extra documents you need to travel to other countries with your pet.

MORE DETAILS

If you have a large dog, you can still take them on the plane but not in the cabin. Depending on how large your dog is, they could travel as checked baggage or as cargo. The first option means your dog is on the same flight but crated and placed in the cargo hold beneath the plane.

MORE DETAILS

Booking pet tickets All you have to do is select “Travel with a pet” as a traveler during booking on united.com. Or, you can go to My Trips to add a pet to an existing trip. You cannot add a pet to your trip on the United app. There is a $125 fee each way for traveling with your pet.

MORE DETAILS

Pets are placed in “hold 5”, at the rear of the plane. It is part of the cargo area underneath the cabin, but it is separated and it is heated. It is kept at the same temperature and pressure as the cabin, since the captain is notified of animals on board, and will make sure of this.

MORE DETAILS

Pets. Animals are not allowed on our flights, apart from recognised registered guide and assistance dogs. Also see our service dog policy: Special assistance.

MORE DETAILS

Generally, airlines charge a pet fee of $100 to $200 each way, but prices will vary depending on where you're traveling and your airline. Check the airline's pet policy before purchasing a ticket to make sure your pet meets the airline's breed and size requirements. If not, the airline won't let them board.

MORE DETAILS

Depending on the airline, your pet may be able to travel on your flight either in the cabin or in the cargo hold. Confirm this ahead of time with your airline. On airlines that allow pets to travel, only small dogs and cats that can fit in special carriers under the seat are allowed in the cabin.

MORE DETAILS

Most airlines ensure your pet boards and disembarks the aircraft on priority. The cargo hold has a special area for pets, and your pet's crate is secured in the plane in its designated space. During the flight, the lights are dimmed, and even the most anxious of pets tend to calm down after the plane takes off.

MORE DETAILS

While screening luggage as it passed through the X-ray machine at Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin, agents discovered a dog packed into what appeared to be a backpack small enough to fit in one of the security trays, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

MORE DETAILS

Dogs' ears can be sensitive to changes in air pressure during flights, which can cause discomfort or pain. Providing your dog with plenty of water and a comfortable carrier can help alleviate these symptoms.

MORE DETAILS