Flying with a pet can feel overwhelming, especially if it is your first time navigating airline rules, paperwork, and safety requirements. It is completely normal to worry about how your pet will handle the experience.

The good news is that pet air travel in the United States is generally very safe. Millions of pets fly each year without incident, and airlines follow strict regulations to protect animals in transit. With the right preparation and a clear understanding of the requirements, you can help your pet travel safely and comfortably.

This guide explains which pets are eligible to fly, the federal and airline rules to follow, and all of the key steps you should take before booking a trip.

What Pets Are Eligible to Fly?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines pets as privately owned companion animals that are not intended for resale or research. Most common household pets are eligible to fly, although individual states and airlines may restrict certain species.

Eligible pets under USDA guidelines include:

Amphibians
Birds, with some exceptions
Cats
Dogs
Ferrets
Hedgehogs
Rabbits
Reptiles
Rodents

Birds regulated as poultry, like chickens, ducks, and pigeons, are not included on this list. Exotic species are limited or prohibited in many states, and some states or local municipalities add their own restrictions that go beyond federal rules.

In Colorado, only African pygmy hedgehogs are legal, and all other hedgehog species are banned. California bans hedgehogs and ferrets altogether. Hawaii’s list is even more restrictive. It is illegal to bring in ferrets, rodents such as gerbils and hamsters, several parakeet species, and additional nonnative animals into Hawaii.

The airline you choose to fly your pet to your destination may have additional restrictions. Many carriers allow high-risk snub-nosed breeds to travel only as in-cabin pets, and some ban breeds they classify as potentially dangerous from flying altogether.

Airlines that do accept these pets may require reinforced crates for strong-jawed breeds or larger kennels for brachycephalic pets to ensure proper airflow. Some airlines, like American Airlines, ask for breed verification forms for dogs that are mixed breeds.

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Federal Rules and Airline Policies

Both federal agencies and individual airlines have rules for pet owners to follow to make sure pets are safe during loading, transit, and arrival.

Federal rules require that your dog or cat must be older than 8 weeks and weaned for at least 5 days. Your pets cannot be brought to the airline more than 4 hours before departure unless you make arrangements in advance. Food and water must accompany animals in transit, along with written instructions on how to feed them.

Each airline has its own rules for flying with pets. That includes breed restrictions, kennel requirements, seasonal restrictions, and limits on the number of pets per passenger. There may be exceptions for service dogs.

Be sure to either check their website or contact the airline directly to ensure that you have everything you need before domestic pet travel. See our guide to common U.S. airline pet policies for more information.

International Travel Note: If you’re traveling internationally to destinations such as Canada, Australia, or the European Union, or to U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, additional documentation and vaccinations may apply.

What to Do Before Booking Your Pet’s Flight

Before you book your pet’s flight, take time to make sure they meet all necessary health and safety requirements. Airline and state rules can vary, but the steps below outline the general process to help your pet travel safely and comfortably.

Get Required Documentation and Vaccinations

To fly domestically, most airlines require a health certificate (typically APHIS Form 7001) issued within 10 days of departure by a licensed veterinarian. This certificate confirms your pet is healthy enough to travel.

For domestic flights, the veterinarian on your pet’s health documents does not need to be USDA-accredited. USDA accreditation is required for international flights, but domestic health certificates can be issued by any licensed veterinarian in the U.S.

Some carriers may also request a rabies certificate, although your pet’s rabies vaccination history is usually included on the health certificate. Certain states may have additional vaccine requirements, particularly if your pet will spend time in quarantine, as is the case in Hawaii. See our guide to vaccines that dogs and cats may need to fly for a detailed list.

Any animals that appear ill will not be allowed to board. If your pet has special medical needs, consult your veterinarian early to allow time to gather the necessary paperwork.

Ensure Your Crate Is IATA-approved

Your pet’s travel crate must meet International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards, even for domestic flights. These are available at most major pet retailers and online stores. The crate should be large enough to allow your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Staff at the airport will inspect the crate to make sure your pet has enough room for its size. It must have secure ventilation on at least 3 sides, spill-proof food and water dishes, and absorbent bedding that stays flat during transit. Airlines may have additional crate rules for strong-jawed and snub-nosed breeds.

If you are not sure what size crate you need, see our guide to pet crates and kennels. We include advice for small dogs and carry-on pets traveling in soft-sided pet carriers. Our Crate Calculator is also a helpful tool to help you get the sizing right.

Be Sure Your Pet Is Microchipped

Microchipping is not required in every state, but some airlines may ask for it at check-in, especially for pets flying in cargo. We strongly recommend that all traveling pets be fitted with an ISO-compliant microchip either way.

A microchip greatly increases the chances of being reunited if your pet is separated during the trip, and it’s generally part of the entry requirements for international travel. Confirm that the microchip is registered and that your contact information is current.

Properly Prepare Your Pet

Air travel is stressful for many animals, so help your pet adjust well before their trip. Pets traveling in cargo or in-cabin must be fully crate-trained.

They should be comfortable entering the crate, resting inside, and staying calm with the door closed for extended periods. Practice with increasing periods of crate time and short car rides so the experience feels familiar.

Try to expose your pet to travel-like noises and routines so they can handle airport environments more confidently. If your pet is extremely anxious or reactive, consider working with a certified trainer or behaviorist before booking the trip.

Cargo vs In-Cabin

When flying domestically in the U.S., pets can travel either in-cabin or in the cargo hold, depending on their size, breed, and airline rules. We have a detailed guide to both, but generally, in-cabin travel is limited to smaller pets. (Service animals are the exception.)

Most major U.S. airlines allow small dogs and cats in-cabin. Carriers require that in-cabin pets remain in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. They are not allowed in exit rows and may count toward your carry-on allowance.

Larger pets or those not eligible to fly in the cabin travel in the cargo hold. Despite common misconceptions, cargo travel is safe. In fact, it’s our preferred way for pets to fly, as it often means the most efficient route. Pets travel in temperature-controlled and pressurized holds with proper air circulation to maintain comfort.

Seasonal conditions may affect cargo travel. Some airlines restrict pet cargo travel during extreme summer or winter months to protect pets from heat or cold stress. Always check your airline’s seasonal pet policies before booking.

Read Next: Pet Shipping Costs

Travel Day: What to Expect

On the day of your pet’s flight, preparation is key to a smooth experience. Start by looking up your airport ahead of time so you know where to take your pet. If your pet is flying in the cargo hold, find the airline’s cargo facility and confirm their check-in procedures.

Plan to arrive at least 3 hours before departure. This gives you time to use the pet relief areas one more time and gives you enough of a buffer for security, crate inspections, and paperwork verification.

Airline staff will review your pet’s documentation and ensure the crate meets their standards. Once everything is approved, the crate door is typically zip-tied to keep your pet secure during loading, flight, and unloading.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are some things that you don’t want to do when flying with your pet. To ensure a safe and smooth journey, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

Traveling with a sick pet: If your pet is feeling under the weather, it’s best to keep them home. Any animal appearing sick cannot travel by air. A qualified veterinarian won’t issue a health certificate for a sick or injured animal, either.
Using sedatives: Do not sedate or give medication to calm your dog or cat before a flight. Doing so is highly dangerous, and airlines don’t allow it. Airline staff will ask if your pet has taken medication, and if the answer is yes, they will not be allowed to fly.
Non-approved crates: If you don’t use an IATA-compliant kennel, the airline will likely reject your pet because of safety concerns. Staff at the airport will inspect and measure it to make sure your pet has enough room for its size.
Ignoring airline or state regulations: Each airline and state may have unique rules about size, breed, or documentation requirements. Those are even more involved in destinations like Hawaii with strict rabies rules.
Arriving too late at the airport: Not giving yourself enough time for crate inspection, documentation checks, and check-in can lead to missed flights or denied boarding. We’ve said it already, but arrive at least 3 hours before boarding to get your pet checked in.
Failing to prepare your pet: Pets that are not crate-trained or accustomed to travel may experience stress and anxiety during the flight. We know last-minute plans happen, but try to give your pet as much time as possible to get acclimated to their crate before travel.

Expert Pet Travel Tips

Flying can be stressful for pets, but a few thoughtful steps can ensure your pet has a great flight:

Choose nonstop flights when possible. Nonstop flights reduce the stress of layovers, crate handling, and additional time in transit. If a layover is unavoidable, working with a professional pet shipper can help you determine your best options.
Check weather restrictions. Airlines may limit cargo travel during extreme heat or cold, even limiting travel to certain months out of the year. Even if you’re booked on a flight, monitor your flight day’s forecast just in case you need to adjust your plans last-minute.
Confirm airline policies in advance. Double-check restrictions on breeds, crate dimensions, and in-cabin allowances to avoid surprises at the ticket counter. If you miss anything at the time of booking, you and your pet may be denied boarding.
Pack familiar comfort items. Include a favorite blanket or worn t-shirt in your pet’s crate to provide a sense of familiarity. Use our pet packing list for more tips on what to bring and what to leave behind.
Plan feeding schedules carefully. Avoid feeding your pet right before the flight to prevent nausea. Give small meals a few hours in advance, instead. Provide water in a spill-proof dish.

FAQs

The TSA allows pets to travel in-cabin or as checked/cargo baggage, depending on size and airline rules. Pets traveling in-cabin are screened with you through security, but are not X-rayed. You may need to carry them through metal detectors while the carrier is screened separately.

The USDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) do not regulate domestic, interstate air travel. Their rules primarily focus on importing animals from other countries or controlling disease outbreaks that might cross borders, like rabies or avian influenza.

Regulations are handled by individual states and airlines, instead. All pets require a recent health certificate and an IATA-compliant crate. Some states may have additional vaccination requirements and restrictions on certain species.

Unlike service animals, emotional support animals don’t have the same legal protections under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Most airlines treat them the same as regular pets, with the same pet fees.

Emotional support animals are generally only allowed in the cabin if they fit in a carrier on the floor in front of you. Larger emotional support animals may need to travel in cargo, following the airline’s standard process of flying with a dog.

Active-duty U.S. military members traveling with pets for relocation may qualify for military pet travel reimbursement. This covers certain pet travel expenses for shipping dogs or cats through approved channels. State Department exemptions may also apply for diplomats or foreign service members relocating overseas.

Larger pets still cannot fly in-cabin, though. They must travel as cargo, just like with civilian travelers.

Pet Travel Made Simple

Flying with your pet doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding airline rules, preparing the right documentation, and choosing the best travel option, you can help make sure your pet has a safe, comfortable journey.

Working with our experts at Tailwind Global Pet takes even more of the guesswork out of pet travel. We provide VIP care from booking to drop-off, so you can relax knowing your pet is in expert hands.

Ready to get started? Each pet relocation situation is different, so to get an idea of the costs involved, fill out a quote request.

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How to Safely Fly Your Pet in the U.S.