How safe is it to fly a dog in cargo?

With that said, assuming your dog or cat is in very good health (as confirmed by your licensed vet) and assuming you properly prepare your pet for cargo travel (i.e. ensure he or she knows how to eat and drink from the kennel's bowls), cargo travel should be a safe travel option for your four-legged family.



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Cargo travel is stressful for any pet, young or old. Senior pets, pets prone to anxiety, or those in general poor health are at increased risk of heart failure during travel.

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The cargo area is climate-controlled and pressurized to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet. Reputable airlines also enforce seasonal restrictions and temperature-related rules.

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Thanks for your questions/concerns about the safest method of travel for your dog! Many other pet owners have pondered the same question, and we're happy to provide some guidance. Having your pet travel via cargo instead of checked baggage would be best.

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On The Plane: Most likely, your pet's carrier will be one of the last things to go on board and one of the first items to be unloaded. Your pet will be in his crate for the entirety of the flight in a temperature-controlled portion of the cargo hold.

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How Do I Prepare My Dog For Flight Cargo? A Step-By-Step Guide
  1. Choose an IATA-Compliant Crate.
  2. Acclimate Your Dog to the Crate.
  3. Visit the Veterinarian.
  4. Review Airline Policies and Documentation Requirements.
  5. Provide Comfort Items and Essentials.
  6. Exercise Your Dog Before the Flight.
  7. Arrive Early at the Airport.


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By Plane: Fly with your dog. Several airlines do accept large dogs by storing them in the plane's cargo. The hold is temperature-controlled and pressurized, so it is a humane way to transport them. For most airlines, pets weighing 17 pounds or more qualify as large and must travel in the hold.

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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.

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Cargo travel is stressful for any pet, young or old. Senior pets, pets prone to anxiety, or those in general poor health are at increased risk of heart failure during travel. Please consult your vet before travel to ensure your dog or cat has a clean bill of health and is an appropriate candidate for cargo travel.

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It is natural and normal for your pet to relieve themselves in the crate during the flight. Make sure you line the crate with an absorbent mat or puppy pads to soak up the urine. All Petraveller crates are lined with super absorbent and washable Petraveller Sky Beds to ensure your pet's flight is comfortable.

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Airlines That Allow Pets in Cargo
  • Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy.
  • Alaska Airlines Pet Policy.
  • American Airlines Pet Policy.
  • Delta Airlines Pet Policy.
  • United Airlines Pet Policy.
  • Southwest Airlines Pet Policy.


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Most of the time, dogs travel quite easily and do well without the need for medication. Some dogs, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your dog if he doesn't travel well.

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If you have an anxious dog too large to fly in the cabin with you, it's best you do NOT fly her unless she is a legitimate service dog. Transporting your dog via cargo can be a very stressful and traumatizing experience for your dog, especially if she is anxious to begin with.

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If you're considering flying with a dog If you want more space, some airlines let you buy an extra seat that you might be able to use to place your pet's carrier on during the flight. However, your pet generally needs to stay in its carrier the whole trip.

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Southwest Airlines will only carry pets in the cabin; pets are not permitted as checked baggage. There will be no more than six (6) scheduled pet carriers per scheduled flight.

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Can I buy a seat for my dog on United Airlines? Yes, if you're traveling with an additional pet. United will let you buy an extra seat if you're traveling with more than one dog – you'll need to buy an extra ticket for the pet and pay an additional $125 each way. Read more detailed info here on flying with your dog.

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Yes. The main cabin can accommodate up to five pet carriers per flight; first class can accommodate one. A customer can have a maximum of two pet carriers in the main cabin, provided that the adjacent seat is also part of their own booking.

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Your pet dog or cat is secured inside their IATA-compliant crate before boarding the flight. 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.

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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.

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Sedating cats or dogs during air travel can increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), sedatives should not be dispensed for transporting animals except in rare circumstances.

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