Pet Policy United Airlines
Click here for Airline Forms and Pet Policies - United Airlines
United Airlines accepts dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs as checked baggage. Birds including parrots, cocktails
and ferrets are accepted in the cargo area, whether or not you are on the same flight. Small dogs and cats over 8 weeks months old and
household birds that fit comfortably in carriers underneath the seat in front of you, are accepted as carry-on.
IN CABIN TRAVEL: FLY WITH A SMALL DOG OR CAT
If your pet meets the requirements listed in United Airlines pet policy to travel in-cabin,
you will need an approved airline pet carrier.
You must notify United Airlines that you are traveling with a pet. Reservations cannot be made online.
CHECKED BAGGAGE OR CARGO TRAVEL: FLY WITH A LARGER DOG OR
CAT OR OTHER ANIMAL
If your pet is too large to fit
under the seat, if it is an animal other than a dog or cat, or if it
is a very long flight, United Airlines may transport your pet in the cargo section of the aircraft according to its regulations.
This section of the cargo department has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin.
TIP: Be sure to tell the Captain of the aircraft that your pet is
flying in the cargo hold so that they can be sure to keep the temperature at the proper level. Find more tips
on airline pet travel in cargo.
If your pet is traveling in the cargo section, whether through the cargo department or
as checked baggage, it must be in a
pet crate that is IATA compliant.
Learn more about IATA compliant
pet crates. We also suggest that you consider
crate hardware for your pet's crate
as more airlines are requiring it.
HEALTH CERTIFICATE
Many airlines require a health certificate
indicating that the pet is healthy enough for travel, is free of diseases communicable
to humans and has been properly vaccinated, especially when traveling in the
cargo section of the aircraft.
HOT AND COLD WEATHER RESTRICTIONS
When runway temperatures are above 84F (29C) degrees at the departure
airport, United Airlines may refuse to board your pet as cargo
or checked baggage. When the weather is very
cold with a runway temperature below 45F (7C) degrees at the time of
departure, United Airlines may require what is called an
Acclimation
Certificate. Learn more about the pet travel airline temperature restrictions.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
If you are traveling to another country, United Airlines will want to see
that you have the proper documents to enter that country with your
pet. Most countries have their own version of a Veterinary
Certificate. In addition, some countries require an Import Permit. Find
pet passport forms and instructions
in the Pet Travel Store.
MORE TIPS FOR FLYING WITH A DOG OR CAT
- It is a good idea to take your pet for a health checkup prior to flying. You will want your veterinarian to make sure that your pet is in top condition and all vaccinations are up to date. It is mandatory to see your vet if you are flying internationally.
- Never give your pet a medical (prescription) sedative. If you want your pet to be more relaxed, then give it a natural pet calmer. Many airlines will refuse to ship a pet that has been sedated.
- If your pet tends toward motion sickness, limit food intake until you have reached your destination. Be sure that your pet gets some hydration prior to travel. It is best to accomplish this at home if possible.
- Always purchase your pet carrier or pet crate well in advance of your trip so that the pet can get used to it. Measure your pet from tip of nose to base of tail and from top of head to floor in order to select the proper size carrier. The airlines will require that your pet be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier.
- Be sure to tell the airline you will be flying with a pet when you make your reservation as they impose restrictions on the number of pets on a specific flight. You must make your reservations on the telephone. You cannot make reservations for your pet online.
- Even though air travel can be stressful for your pet, both planning and preparation will make things easier for you both. More information on airline travel tips can be found in our articles on pet travel.
QUESTIONS If you have questions or comments about traveling with your
pet send your question to info@PetTravel.com or post them to our
blog or forum.
United Airlines Pets - Forms and Instructions