Can Dogs Get on Planes in 2025
Yes, dogs can get on planes in 2025, but they must follow airline-specific pet policies and government regulations. Most major U.S. airlines allow dogs in the cabin, on a leash, inside an approved carrier under the seat in front of you, with fees typically ranging from $95 to $200 each way. Larger dogs that do not fit in a carrier usually travel as checked cargo in the pressurized and temperature-controlled hold, subject to breed and health restrictions. Some airlines also offer specialized pet programs that require advance reservations, documentation, and compliance with IATA Live Animals Regulations. For details on cabin and cargo options, see the latest pet travel guidelines from the U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. DOT Pet Travel.
Airline policies vary by carrier, route, and aircraft type, and they can change without notice. Airlines such as Delta, American, United, Alaska, and Southwest publish detailed pet pages that list breed restrictions, kennel dimensions, seasonal embargoes, and per-segment fees. Delta, for example, restricts certain brachycephalic breeds from the cabin and cargo holds during warm weather months, while United operates a dedicated cargo program called United Pets for pets that do not qualify for cabin travel. Alaska Airlines allows small dogs in the cabin for a fee and provides a pet-friendly checklist that includes carrier requirements and health certificate timelines. Always confirm the current pet policy directly on the airline's website before booking, as rules for in-cabin versus cargo travel are updated frequently.
Airline Pet Fees, Documentation, and Requirements
Most U.S. airlines charge a non-refundable pet fee for in-cabin travel, commonly between $95 and $200 per segment, with some carriers capping the number of pets per flight. Checked cargo fees for dogs are higher and depend on the kennel size, route, and whether the pet travels as manifest cargo or in a dedicated hold. Airlines may also require a current health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination, and an acclimation certificate for temperature-sensitive flights. International flights add import permits, microchip identification, and country-specific quarantine rules that travelers must verify with the destination country's agriculture or customs authority. For fee structures and documentation checklists, see the American Veterinary Medical Association's travel resources AVMA Pet Travel.
Documentation requirements are strict and non-negotiable, and missing paperwork can result in denied boarding or rerouting to cargo. Airlines use centralized reservation systems that flag pet reservations and require digital or physical copies of health certificates at check-in. The International Air Transport Association maintains the latest regulations for live animal transport, which airlines reference when setting kennel standards and acceptance criteria. Some airlines also limit the number of pets in the cabin to two or three per flight, on a first-come basis, and require advance notification during booking. For international pet travel rules and IATA standards, see the IATA Live Animals Regulations page IATA Live Animals Regulations.
In-Cabin vs Cargo Travel for Dogs
In-Cabin Pet Travel
In-cabin travel is allowed for small dogs that remain inside an approved soft-sided carrier under the seat in front of you, with dimensions typically around 17 by 12 by 8 inches depending on the airline. Carriers must allow the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally, and they must fit within the airline's specified weight and size limits, which are enforced at check-in. Most airlines restrict