Is flying dogs cargo safe?

According to the DOT's newly released annual report, just over half a million pets flew in cargo in 2016. Of those animals, 26 died and 22 were injured, an incident rate of less than 1 per 10,000 pets. Nine deaths and 14 injuries occurred on United flights, a rate double that of the U.S. industry.



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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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CRATE TRAIN YOUR DOG. Keep the travel crate in a well-trafficked part of your home with the door open, and encourage your dog to relax, sleep, and play in the crate during the day. The more comfortable your dog is in the crate at home, the more relaxed he'll be in there when flying in the hold of the plane.

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Our specialized shipping service Delta Cargo provides safe, reliable, year-round transportation, with service to address the needs of all pets that are shipped without their owners. Review the following before booking: A separate booking from their flight itinerary is required. Additional fees and charges may apply.

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Throughout the loading and unloading process, your pet likely will encounter many strangers, which can be scary. Your pet's experience flying as cargo will depend on his natural personality and temperament, as well as which airline you fly and the quality of the staff.

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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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Most airlines require that pets travel with a small zip-lock bag of their food attached to the top of the crate - but they are not provided food to eat during the flight. Again, this is to avoid an upset stomach or going to the bathroom inside the kennel.

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Line the pet carrier: Place an absorbent pad or puppy training pad at the bottom of the carrier. If your dog needs to go to the bathroom during the flight, the pad will absorb any waste and help keep your pet comfortable.

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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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Undeniably, cargo is the more dangerous option for pet travel. The safest way for any animal to fly is in the cabin as carry-on luggage, provided that's an option.

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If you aren't flying with your dogs, you'll need to organize for someone to take them to the departure airport and meet them upon arrival at the destination. This could be a friend, family member, or a hired pet travel agent.

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Flying a dog in the cabin usually costs between $125 and $200, while the cargo hold is typically over $1000. There are also licensed companies that offer international pet shipping companies — they usually charge between $1000 and $6000.

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There are three ways you can ship your pet via the airlines:
  1. Your pet can travel on the plane with you (either in-cabin, as accompanied baggage, or as cargo). Your pet will be charged accordingly. ...
  2. You can book your pet on a separate flight. ...
  3. You can have your pet shipped through a licensed commercial shipper.


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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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Dogs can survive a 12-hour flight, but it's important to take steps to ensure their safety and comfort during the journey. Before the flight, it's important to prepare your dog properly by providing them with plenty of food, water, and opportunities to exercise.

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The cargo area of the plane is pressure and temperature controlled and, with pet-friendly airlines pets are the last to be loaded and the first to be removed upon arrival. They are situated securely and carefully with the pet's safety and comfort in mind.

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We've all heard the term fight or flight. But what does that mean when we're talking about our pets? Failure to understand this instinct can make pet owners feel helpless when their dog experiences stress. Fight or flight is a survival instinct, humans have it, dogs have it.

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