Unaccompanied pet travel is when an animal flies as cargo without their owner on the same flight. This is arranged through a dedicated air cargo booking, often with an airline’s own cargo services or an approved partner, but only if the airline permits it.

Many pet owners look into this option for relocations, military moves, breeder transport, emergencies, or situations where they’re simply unable to travel with their animal.

Airlines have strict requirements for pets flying unaccompanied, and as policies vary widely, understanding each airline’s rules is essential before booking. We’ll explain how unaccompanied pet travel works, which airlines fly pets unaccompanied, and how to plan your pet’s trip safely.

How Unaccompanied Pet Travel Works

When pets fly in-cabin or as checked baggage, the owner is on the same passenger ticket, and the animal is considered part of that booking. In those cases, pets either travel under the seat with the owner or in the aircraft’s cargo hold on the same flight.

When a pet flies unaccompanied, they always travel as cargo on a separate booking through the airline’s cargo division or a third-party carrier. These services operate under the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Live Animal Regulations, global standards for animal safety.

Most cargo programs accept domesticated pets such as dogs and cats. Some also allow birds, rabbits, and other small mammals under specific guidelines. Exotic animals and very large breeds may require specialized transport. Airlines may also have restrictions in place around snub-nosed or strong-jawed breeds.

Airlines That Allow Unaccompanied Pets

Some U.S. carriers have discontinued checked baggage pet travel and instead direct larger animals to their cargo services. Others only allow the opposite. Routes, seasonal restrictions, and destination import rules can also drastically affect what is available to you.

The list below isn’t an exhaustive one, and you should always confirm with the airline or cargo service before booking. If you’re unsure about the best airline for you and your pet’s route, working with a professional pet shipper is a great way to narrow down your options.

Air France/KLM: Pets can be shipped unaccompanied through Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, the joint cargo division serving both airlines. Booking is typically done through licensed cargo agents, such as IPATA members.
American Airlines: American offers cargo pet transport for cats and dogs through American PetEmbark. Pet travel costs vary by weight, route, and kennel size. Breed, size, and seasonal/temperature restrictions apply.
British Airways: Pets can travel as cargo via IAG Cargo, the airline’s cargo partner, on many international routes. IAG Cargo also works with Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Vueling; however, specific restrictions are tied to destination airports.
Emirates: Pets can fly unaccompanied through Emirates SkyCargo, the airline’s dedicated cargo division. Brachycephalic pets may be allowed to fly on specific aircraft during certain times of the year.
LATAM: LATAM handles unaccompanied pets through LATAM Cargo. Reservations for their live animal transport service (often referred to as ALIVE) must be made through a licensed cargo agent or freight forwarder.
Lufthansa: Lufthansa is one of the most pet-friendly airlines. Eligible pets may be booked through Lufthansa Cargo, but private individuals must book through a freight forwarder. Pets may receive care at the Frankfurt Animal Lounge during long layovers or transfers.
Qantas: Australia’s national carrier offers pet transport via Qantas Freight. Availability depends on routing and export/import rules for your origin point and destination. Pets arriving in Australia from outside the country are asked to book using a pet specialist.
Qatar Airways: Qatar runs its live animal transport service through Qatar Airways Cargo. Pets with layovers or lengthy transfers have access to their Live Animal Centre, a facility manned by veterinary staff in the case of an emergency.
WestJet: WestJet, a popular option for travel throughout Canada, allows pets to fly unaccompanied as cargo through its WestJet Cargo (Pet’Air) service. Snub-nosed pets may be allowed in cargo during certain times of year with vet approval.

Airlines That Don’t Fly Pets Unaccompanied

Not every airline supports pets flying unaccompanied. Smaller or low-cost carriers, such as Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and JetBlue, often don’t have the facilities and trained staff needed to handle live animal shipments.

Others allow pets to travel as excess baggage, or have restricted their services to the point where unaccompanied pet shipments aren’t available to most. Here are a few more notable examples:

Alaska Airlines: Larger pets are allowed in the climate-controlled baggage department on Alaska flights, but they must travel on the same ticket as their owner. The pet and its carrier should weigh no more than 150 pounds.
Hawaiian Airlines: Pets are allowed to fly in-cabin or as checked baggage on their owner’s ticket. Hawaii is the only U.S. state officially recognized as rabies-free, so pets traveling there must also meet strict import requirements.
Delta: Delta has an embargo in place for pets flying via Delta Cargo for the general public. They currently only accept cargo pets from active U.S. military members or U.S. State Department personnel on official orders.
United Airlines: United Airlines’ PetSafe cargo service is currently suspended for the general public. Military and State Department exceptions apply, and in‑cabin travel for small cats and dogs is still allowed.

If you need to ship a pet unaccompanied and your first choice carrier isn’t available, a pet transport specialist like Tailwind Global Pet can help you arrange the ideal route.

Need support shipping your pet within the US? We can help.

LEARN MORE

Important Requirements and Considerations

When shipping pets unaccompanied, airlines require that you provide several key documents, in addition to extra preparations, to ensure your pet’s safety and compliance.

Health and Documentation

Before your pet flies, airlines require a recent health certificate from a licensed veterinarian confirming the animal is fit to travel. Vaccinations, especially rabies vaccinations, must be up to date.

International travel may require USDA-certified health certificates, import permits, microchips, titer tests, or quarantine reservations as part of their entry requirements. Pets returning to the U.S. must comply with requirements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Territories such as Puerto Rico and Hawaii may have additional or special requirements.

Some carriers may also ask for breed verification or temperature acclimation letters for high-risk breeds. Pets must generally meet minimum age requirements, usually at least 2-3 months old, and be fully weaned.

Crate Standards

All unaccompanied pets must travel in crates that meet airline and IATA standards. Crates need to be secure, ventilated, clearly labeled, and big enough for the pet to stand, turn, and lie down. Handlers should have access to water and food (if appropriate) during handling.

If your pet is a strong-jawed breed, the airline may ask that you provide a special reinforced kennel. At Tailwind, we provide custom-built CR82 crates for breeds that require them.

Breed and Risk Considerations

Snub-nosed pets are prone to respiratory issues during air travel, so some airlines will not accept them during certain times of year. (This is if they accept them at all.) Airlines also impose seasonal restrictions for all pets, limiting travel to when conditions aren’t too hot or too cold.

Booking and Cost Factors

Unaccompanied pet travel is priced separately from passenger tickets. Fees are typically based on the animal’s weight, crate size, travel route, and the season. Choosing nonstop or direct flights can reduce handling time and stress for your pet.

Since airlines limit the number of pets and live animals per flight, it’s important to book well in advance. If needed, arrange for your pet’s pickup at the airline cargo terminal or through a licensed freight forwarder well in advance of the flight.

Tips for Preparing Your Pet

Flying unaccompanied can be overwhelming for you and your pets, but there are ways you can prepare to keep their journey as stress-free as possible:

Crate train your pet. Make sure your pet is comfortable in their airline-approved crate well in advance. Practice short car trips inside. Encourage them to spend time in their crate with familiar bedding, toys, and water to reduce anxiety.
Visit your vet. Schedule a vet check-up and obtain all required health certificates and vaccinations within the airline’s timeframe. Your vet may also have tips on reducing stress for an anxious pet.
Prep their crate. Include a favorite blanket or piece of your clothing to reduce anxiety. Ensure your crate is clearly labeled “LIVE ANIMAL,” with your contact information and any special handling instructions. The airline may have additional instructions for you.
Avoid sedation. Sedation is dangerous, especially for snub-nosed breeds, and should not be used to calm a pet ahead of air travel. An airline may not allow your pet to board at check-in if your pet appears sedated.
Exercise your pet. Give your pet a chance to burn off energy before their flight. A well-exercised pet is generally calmer in the crate.
Feed strategically. Give your pet a light meal a few hours before travel, but avoid overfeeding to prevent nausea and vomiting. Your pet’s crate should have a container accessible from the outside for water.

FAQs

Trained service animals with the appropriate documentation generally fly for free in the cabin on most airlines, as required by U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rules. Emotional support animals and regular pets do not qualify for free travel.

In most cases, a 50-pound dog is too large to fly in the cabin on commercial airlines. Airlines typically only allow small dogs in-cabin that can fit comfortably in an approved pet carrier under the seat in front of you, with combined pet weight limits usually around 15-20 pounds. Small pets may count toward your carry-on or personal item allowance.

A larger dog may be permitted to fly with you in the cabin if it is a legitimate service animal trained to perform specific tasks for a disability. Emotional support animals do not qualify.

Airlines generally do not allow you to purchase a separate passenger seat for a pet. Pets must travel in-cabin under the seat if small enough, as checked baggage, or as cargo.

In the past, some airlines allowed passengers to reserve an adjacent seat for an in-cabin pet, but this option has largely been discontinued. A few exceptions remain. Travelers in Business or First Class on Etihad Airways, for example, may still purchase an adjacent seat for their pet.

Active-duty U.S. military and State Department personnel on official orders can often ship pets as checked baggage or cargo, even if the airline no longer offers that service to civilians. Many moves qualify for reimbursement of pet travel expenses under PCS orders with proper documentation.

Southwest only allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on domestic flights. Pets must stay in an approved, soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you for the entire flight. They are not allowed to sit in emergency exit rows or in a bulkhead seat.There is a per‑flight fee, and you must reserve your pet’s spot in advance since space is limited. Southwest does not offer cargo or unaccompanied pet transport.

Take the Stress Out of Pet Travel With Tailwind

Flying pets unaccompanied doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right planning, crate preparation, and a trusted cargo partner, you can ensure your pet travels safely and comfortably. Every journey is unique, and Tailwind is here to guide you every step of the way.

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

Get A Quote

Airlines That Fly Pets Unaccompanied