As a pet owner, you might consider traveling with your furry companion on an airplane. However, you must be aware that there may be certain restrictions and guidelines that you need to know before making any travel arrangements.
Suppose you’re interested in understanding airlines’ policies and procedures for pets, including any size or breed restrictions, fees, and required documentation. In that case, you can learn everything by reading this article about the United Airlines pet policy.
You will also learn about the options available for pet travel, such as in-cabin or cargo hold, and any specific requirements for service animals. Overall, we have all the necessary information to ensure you have a safe and comfortable travel experience for yourself and your pet.
United Airlines Pet Policy
United Airlines allows pets to travel in the cabin on most flights within the U.S. and to select international destinations, as well as in the cargo hold on many of its flights.
United Airlines have specific size and breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin, and there are fees for each service. In addition, customers must provide a veterinarian health form for their pet and book in advance.
For pets traveling in the cargo hold, United Airlines has specific guidelines and regulations that must be followed to ensure the safety and comfort of the animal.
It’s important to note that service animals have different policies and procedures, so it’s best to check with the airline directly if you plan to travel with a service animal.
Size & breed restrictions
In-cabin
When it comes to traveling in the cabin with your pet on United Airlines, there are a certain size and breed restrictions that you need to know.
The airline only allows small cats and dogs that can fit comfortably in a carrier under the seat in front of you. The carrier must not exceed the dimensions of 9 inches high x 18 inches wide x 14 inches deep.
The airline has a list of breeds that are not allowed to travel in the cabin; these breeds include American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Chinese Shar-pei, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, Pit Bull, Presa Canario, Rottweiler, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The airline also doesn’t accept the following cat breeds: Exotic Shorthair, Persian, Himalayan, and Burmese.
Additionally, United Airlines only allows one pet carrier per passenger and a maximum of two pet carriers per flight. So, ensure to book your flight in advance and check for the availability of traveling with your pet.
| Type of carrier | Height | Length | Width |
| Hard-sided carrier | 7.5 inches | 17.5 inches | 12 inches |
| Soft-sided carrier | 11 inches | 18 inches | 11 inches |
Cargo hold
Larger pets or those that not meeting the size and breed restrictions for in-cabin travel can travel in the cargo hold. However, it’s important to note that it’s not as comfortable as traveling in a cabin.
Additionally, the cargo hold option is not available on all flights or destinations, and checking with the airline directly for availability is recommended.
Fees
United Airlines charges a fee for passengers who bring their pets on board and in the cargo hold.
| Domestic Travel | International Travel | |
| Cargo hold | $200 | $250 |
| In-cabin | $125 | $125 |
It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the destination and class of service. Additionally, additional fees and taxes may be imposed by certain countries for international travel.
Required documentation
United Airlines pet policy requires certain documentation for traveling with a pet on its flights. The following are some of the required documents:
| Type of Document | Description |
| Health Certificate | A veterinarian health certificate, issued within 10 days of travel, is required for all pets traveling in the cabin and cargo hold. |
| Vaccination Records | Pets must have current vaccinations and records of the same. |
| Import/Export Permits | Some countries have specific regulations for pets entering or leaving the country, so it’s important to check with the destination country’s embassy or consulate for additional documentation or permits that may be required. |
| Identification | Pets should have proper identification on their collar |
It is important to note that these requirements are also subject to change and may vary depending on the destination and class of service. It’s best to check with the airline directly and get the most up-to-date information on the required documentation before making any travel arrangements with your pet.
Age requirements
United Airlines has some age restrictions for pets traveling on the flights.
Pets less than eight weeks old are not accepted for travel on the airline. Pets older than eight weeks, but less than six months old, are not accepted for travel on a case-by-case basis. Customers must provide a veterinarian’s statement certifying that the pet is healthy enough to travel.
Additionally, pets over the age of seven years old must have a veterinary certification of good health within the past 10 days before travel.
Making a reservation
| Steps | Description |
| Check availability | Contact United Airlines or check their website to confirm that pet travel is allowed on the flight you want to book. |
| Book your flight | Book your flight for yourself and your pet, paying attention to the size and breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin. |
| Reserve your pet’s spot | Call United Airlines’ special line at 1-800-864-8331 to make a reservation for your pet. You will be asked to provide your pet’s information and pay the appropriate fee. |
| Obtain the required documentation | Obtain a veterinarian health certificate, vaccination records, and any other required documentation. |
| Arrange for transportation to the airport | Make arrangements to transport your pet to the airport. |
| Check-in | Check-in for your flight and show all required documentation, including your pet’s health certificate, vaccination records, and any other required permits or documents. |
| Prepare your pet’s carrier | Make sure your pet’s carrier is properly labeled, meets the size and weight restrictions, and is equipped with water and food dishes. |
PetSafe partnership
United Airlines has a partnership with PetSafe, a program that offers specialized travel options for pets that cannot travel in the cabin or cargo hold. The program is designed to provide safe and comfortable travel options for pets that are large, have certain medical conditions, or are of certain breeds.
Through the PetSafe program, United Airlines can offer various travel options for pets, including ground transportation, temperature-controlled facilities, and flights on specially equipped aircraft. The program provides additional services such as pre-flight veterinary consultation and post-flight follow-up.
To book a PetSafe flight, you need to contact United Airlines’ PetSafe Desk at 1-800-575-3335, where a specialist will help determine the most appropriate travel option for your pet.
You can only book a PetSafe flight for a certain origin and destination; thus, checking with the airline for availability and restrictions is recommended.
Emotional support pets
United Airlines has specific restrictions for emotional support animals on their flights. Only one emotional support animal per passenger is allowed; the animal must be a dog or cat at least four months old. The animal must be well-behaved and cannot threaten other passengers’ health or safety.
Passengers must provide documentation from a mental health expert declaring that the passenger’s mental health and well-being need the animal, a veterinary health form, and a signed statement of responsibility for the animal. The animal must also be trained to behave in a public setting.
United Airlines reserves the right to deny transportation to any animal that appears too large or too heavy to be accommodated in the cabin or poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
Types of pets allowed
United Airlines pet policy allows various pets to travel with passengers on their flights, including cats, dogs, household birds, and small household animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters.
However, each type of pet is subject to different guidelines and restrictions. Cats and dogs can travel as either carry-on or checked baggage but must be in a carrier that meets United Airlines’ requirements.
Household birds must be in a cage that meets United’s guidelines and can travel as either carry-on or checked baggage. Small household animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters can also travel as carry-on or checked baggage if they meet United’s guidelines.
It’s important to check the airline’s official website to read the most up-to-date information concerning these guidelines for traveling with pets.
Number of pets allowed
United Airlines allows a limited number of pets to travel with passengers on their flights. The number depends on the type of pet and the specific flight. For example, for cats and dogs, United Airlines generally allows up to two per passenger, with one pet per carrier.
For household birds and small household animals, the number allowed may be less, depending on the flight you’re taking. If you have multiple pets you want to travel with, checking out United Airlines’ “PetSafe” program might be the best option.
It is more flexible and allows more pets than regular travel but may have different rules and restrictions.
Route restrictions
United Airlines has certain route restrictions when it comes to traveling with pets. Not all destinations or flights accept pets; certain destinations may have additional restrictions or regulations.
For example, flights to Hawaii, certain international destinations, and United’s Basic Economy fare do not accept pets. Additionally, pets are not allowed on flights operated by United Express, which are flights operated by regional partners.
These regulations may vary, so checking United Airlines’ website for the newest information is best. Also, some destinations may have specific restrictions or regulations regarding the importation of animals, and it’s the passenger’s responsibility to comply with those regulations.
It’s important to note that during hot weather months, United Airlines may restrict the acceptance of pets in the cabin or cargo for certain flights depending on the destination to ensure the animal’s safety.
Service animals
United Airlines has specific regulations for passengers traveling with service animals. Animals specially trained to carry out duties or work for people with impairments are referred to as service animals. Under the Air Carrier Access Act, United Airlines must allow travelers with impairments to travel with service animals.
Service animals are allowed in the cabin with the passenger at no additional cost. United Airlines does not require documentation for service animals but may ask for documentation to confirm that the animal is a service animal and the task it has been trained to perform.
Passengers traveling with service animals must also ensure that the animal is well-behaved and does not directly threaten other passengers.
Traveler Tips
Here are a few recommendations to help you prepare a pet-friendly travel kit.
- Don’t forget to bring all the essentials needed to care for your pet while you’re still at the airport. This includes the leash, treats, water bowl, and plastic bags.
- Always bring your pet’s favorite toy, blanket, or anything of the sort, to keep them calm during the flight.
Conclusion
Overall, United Airlines pet policy is designed to provide a safe and comfortable travel experience for you and your pet.
It’s important to gather all the necessary information and make all the required arrangements before your trip to ensure a smooth travel experience. We hope that we’ve helped you learn more about animal policies with this article, and if anything is unclear, you can find more information on the airline’s official website.
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