Featured

Airlines that Allow Snub-Nose Dogs and Cats In Cabin in 2023

Snub Nose Dogs and Cats are very popular breeds; however, when flying, that special little face comes at a price.  Here are all the airlines that allow snub nose or brachycephalic breeds.

Airlines that Fly Snub Nose Dogs and Cats In Cabin:


AIRLINEs Flying Snub Nose Dogs and Cats IN CabinRestrictions on Dogs or Cats Flying IN Cabin
and Pet Crate Sizes for International Flights
Restrictions for Dogs
or Cats Flying IN Cabin and
Pet Crate Sizes for
DOMESTIC Flights
UNITED
$125usd Each Way
Yes
Soft=18”Lx11”Wx11”H
Hard=17.5″Lx12”Wx7.5”H
Yes
Soft=18”Lx11”Wx11″”H
Hard=17.5’Lx12”Wx7.5”H
LUFTHANSA
17.6lbs Max w/ Carrier
Domestic=$57usd
Int’l-$69-$150usd
Yes
Soft Sided Only
22″L x 16″W x 9″H
Yes
Soft Sided Only
22″L x 16″W x 9″H
SOUTH
WEST


$95usd Each Way
No Snub Nose
Pets Allowed
In Cabin

Yes
18.5”Lx8.5”Hx13.5”W
KLM
17.6lbs Max w/ Carrier
$88-$465usd
Each Way
Yes
18″Lx11″Hx9.5″W
Yes
18″Lx11″Hx9.5″W
ALASKA AIR
$105usd Each Way

Yes
17″L x 11″Hx 7.5″W
Yes
17″L x 11″H x 7.5″W
KOREAN AIR
15.5lbs Max w/ Carrier
$150-$300usd
Each Way
Yes
Sum Total (LxHxW=45″
Soft Max Height=10″
Hard Max Height=8″
Yes
Sum Total (LxHxW=45″
Soft Max Height=10″
Hard Max Height=8″
COPA AIR
20lbs Max w/ Carrier
M-F Only for Int’l
Int’l=$125
Domestic=$25
Yes
17″Lx7.5″Hx13″W
Yes
17″Lx7.5″Hx13″W
FINNAIR
17lbs Max
Europe, Russia &
Middle East=$60
Intercontinental=
$100


Yes
Soft=22″Lx9″Hx16″W
Hard=14″Lx12″Wx8″H
Yes
Soft=22″Lx9″Hx16″W
Hard=14″Lx12″Wx8″H
AIR CANADA
Int’l=
$100-$120usd
Canada & US(Excluding
HI=
$50-60
Yes -Except HI
Soft=21.5″Lx15.5″Wx
10.5″H
Hard=21.5″Lx15.5″Wx9″H


Yes
Soft=21.5″Lx15.5″Wx10.5″H
Hard=21.5″Lx15.5″Wx
9″H
AIR FRANCE
8kg/17lbs w/ Carrier
Int’l=
Yes
18″Lx11″Hx9″W
Yes
18″Lx11″Hx9″W
AEROMEXICO
Dogs Only
7-9kg/15.5-19lbs
w/Carrier
Int’l-$125
Domestic=$50
Yes
Aircraft E-145=
16″Lx12″Hx 7″W
All Other Aircraft=
19″Lx12″Hx 10″W

Yes
Aircraft E-145=
16″Lx12″Hx 7″W
All Other Aircraft=
19″Lx12″Hx 10″W
La COMPAGNIE
Dogs and Cats
Yes
Up to 33 lbs!
All Business Class
Limited Departure and Destinations
Cost: Fare is about 8k
Your Pet’s Fare is 10% of your Ticket Price
JSX Airlines
Snub Nose Dogs Up to 79 lbs! Cost: Regular Seat Fare
Medium and Large Dogs
In Cabin will be Travel on the Floor Space Next to Your
Seat–All Business Class-Limited Cities
Chartered Air Travel with Pets
Large Dogs Accepted and Encouraged.
No Weight, No Size Restrictions
Average of 5k to 8k
for International Flights
You Can Travel with Your
Large Dog In-Cabin, More
Room on an International
Flight with Less Custom Hassle and Little Wait at
the Airport
Elite AirwaysDogs and Cats are allowed on the floor in front of the window seat (not under the seat!) You will have to purchase an adjacent seat but you’ll have a lot more room.
CompanionPetTravel.com: Snub Nose Dog Friendly Airlines IN CABIN

These are my best Pet carriers for flying.  I have used these 4 and each has its strengths and are benefits. 4 Best In-Cabin Pet Carriers for Airlines 2022

The factors that determine if your snub nose pet is allowed to fly and if in Cabin, Checked Baggage or Cargo are:

  • If your flight International or Domestic
  • If your Destination and any Layover City
  • The Size and Weight of your Pet with Carrier
  • The Length of Flight restriction are often imposed for flights over 11 hours.

See Also, Can I Buy an Extra Seat on a Plane for My Dog or Cat in Cabin?

I have tried and liked a number of carriers. My favorite bag, for the extra room a snub-nose Dog needs is also expandable and the Petmate See and Extend makes a good quality carrier at an affordable price.  I like best that it has ventilation on all 4 sides and expandability.

Can I Fly My English Bulldog In-Cabin on a Plane?

Yes, you can fly your English Bulldog In-Cabin. JSX Airlines will fly Dogs up to 65lbs in the US. Cost: Regular Seat Fare. Dogs  travel on the floor space next to your seat–All Business Class-Limited Cities. International flights for large snub nose Dogs In-Cabin  include La Compagnie Airlines and Shared Charter Flights.

(for more,see Can I Buy an Extra Seat on a Plane for My Dog or Cat in Cabin?

More About Flying with Snub Nose Pets In-Cabin

Delta Airlines–Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats and their mixes are not permitted on Delta or Delta Connection flights in cabin, checked baggage or cargo.

Southwest AirlinesAllows snub-nose pets in cabin on domestic flights only. Snub-nose pets are not allowed on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international flight. Southwest Airlines allows small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel with you in-cabin under the seat in front of you. All pets must be carried in an appropriate carrier. Pets traveling are subject to a $95 Pet Fare each way per pet carrier.

American Airlines— The airline does not allow the transportation of brachycephalic and snub-nosed cats and dogs because of safety concerns.

United AirlinesAllows snub-nose Dogs and Cats.  Pets must be at least 2 months (8 weeks) old. On international flights, Dogs and Cats must be at least 4 months (16 weeks) old due to rabies vaccination requirements. Pets can’t travel with unaccompanied minors. Cost is $125 each way. Your pet must also always remain in the floor space under the seat.

Alaska Air—Alaska Air does allow brachycephalic breeds in cabin. Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and must have been fully weaned. Up to 2 pets of the same species and similar size may travel in the same carrier, provided no body parts protrude from the carrier and the animals are not in distress. Alaska Airlines does not accept snub-nose breeds in cargo or checked baggage.

KLM—KLM allows snub-nosed pets in cabin. Cost is $65-$200usd per pet in cabin. KLM does not transport most of snub-nose pets in the hold as they may have trouble breathing during the flight due to high temperatures and stress. Great transatlantic pet travel option!

LufthansaYour snub nose dog or cat can travel in the passenger compartment/in cabin.   Snub-nosed breeds of dogs or cats can be transported as air freight, not as traditional cargo. My favorite Pet Friendly airline for transatlantic pet travel!

COPA AirlinesAllows snub nose pets in cabin and in cargo.  Cost is $25 for Domestic flights and $125 for International flights.  For International flights, you are allowed to transport pets from Monday through Friday only. Pets are not accepted on flights where the departure itinerary originates on Friday and the arrival is on Saturday morning.  One pet per container. One pet per passenger.  Children under 11 years of age are not allowed to travel with pets.

Korean AirSnub nose Dogs and Cats are accepted in cabin/passenger compartment and as checked baggage.  For In-Cabin, the Total weight of pet + carrier maximum is 7kg or less. 

For Checked Baggage, the Total weight of pet + carrier maximum is 45kg or less. The total sum of the carrier’s width, length, and height should be less than 291cm/114in and the maximum height is 84cm/33in.

Each passenger may be accompanied by 1 animal on-board or 2 as checked pets. Brachycephalic/ snub-nosed Dogs and Cats cannot be accepted as cargo.

British Airways– accepts some snub nose breeds in a larger kennel. They specifically do not allow Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese or their cross-breeds.

Emirates Airlines– does not accept snub nose breeds as of December 2020.

Aero Mexico-allows snub-nose dogs and cats in cabin and cargo.  In cabin up to 20lbs/9kg including carrier In Cargo up to 99lbs/45gk including crate. Flight must be 6 hours or less.

Finnair–Bigger dogs and all ferrets can travel in the hold on the same flight with you, if the combined weight of the pet and its pet carrier is under 50 kg (110 lb). Please note that if your pet and its box weigh together over 50 kg (110 lb), the pet needs to be shipped as cargo.

La Compagnie –Allows Larger Snub Nose Dogs and Cats! Flights from New York to Paris, Nice, Milan, Tel Aviv, Faro, Naples, Pisa, Toulouse, Rome.

La Compagnie Airlines is a great alternative to the 8kg/18lbs pet weight limit on most airlines.

Your Pet’s Flight Cost is 10% of Your Ticket Price

Book at Least 48 hours In Advance Online or by Phone. You can Book a Flight for 1 Pet In Cabin Per Person

Your Dog or Cat Must be at Least 16 weeks old, vaccinated (Pet Passport or Health Certificate required).

Great transatlantic pet travel option!

Chartered Air Travel with Pets. Yes, you can fly with your large Dog In Cabin from US to Europe, UK/England with a shared charter flight. You will need to be flexible with dates and the cost depends on how many seats are sold and is approximately $8,000 one-way from NYC to France. See Chartered Air Travel with Pets and Animal Travelers on Facebook.

Elite Airways

Large Dogs are allowed on the floor in front of the window seat (not under the seat!) You can purchase a seat for extra floor space. Dogs are not allowed on the seat or your lap but, being able to purchase an empty seat and have your large Dog in cabin on the floor space may be worth the extra seat price. (You’ll have a bit more room too!)

Pet reservations must be made at least 48-hours in advance of departure, and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.

Elite Airways is a smaller airline; however, if you are on the East coast, they are an option for Large Dogs In Cabin!


Elite Airways Allows Large Dogs In Cabin
Elite Airways Allows Large Dogs In Cabin

See Also, Best Pet Carriers & Airlines for Pugs and Snub Nose Dogs


Even airlines that allow snub-nose pets on flights, each has restrictions on the number of pets per flight and for the length of the flight (usually any over 11 hours).

Snub Nose Dogs can fly In Cabin on a Plane
Matthias Zomer from Pexels

Snub-nose, also known as brachycephalic, these pets have been bred to have noses/snouts that are shorter than most and this adorable signature feature can cause them to have breathing and heat acclimation issues. These breeds include:

DOGS

• Affenpinscher
• American Bulldog
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Boston Terrier
• Boxer (all breeds)
• Brussels Griffin,
• Bulldog (all breeds)
• Cane Corso
• Chow Chow
• Douge de Bordeaux

  • English Toy Spaniel (King Charles)
  • Japanese Chin
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Mastiff (all breeds except Great Danes)
  • Pekinese
  • Pit Bull
  • Pug (all breeds)
  • Shar Pei
  • Shih Tzu
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier Tibetan Spaniel


CATS

  • Burmese Cats
  • Exotic Cats
  • Himalayan Cats
  • Persian Cats


Why Do Airlines Not Allow Snub-Nose Breeds on Flights?

Because snub-nose breeds have smaller nostrils, a longer soft palate, and a narrowed trachea/windpipe, brachycephalic breeds don’t breathe as well as animals with average length snouts. They can have difficulty cooling off when playing, exercising, or if they are stressed or overheated.  They have difficulty breathing normally at higher altitudes. Their airway can actually collapse, either partially or completely, and cut off their airflow.

Do I need a different Crate for a Snub-Nose Pet for Air Travel?

Yes. Because of their breathing issues many airlines require a pet crate that is at least 4”/10 cm larger than the dog or cat (this includes 1 size larger is using Standard Crate Sizing or 10% larger). This additional space allows for extra ventilation and air flow.

Can I Fly My Large Dog In Cabin from US to Europe, UK/England?

Yes, you can fly with your large Dog In Cabin from US to Europe, UK/England with a shared charter flight.

You will need to be flexible with dates and the cost depends on how many seats are sold and is approximately $8,000 one-way from NYC to France. See Chartered Air Travel with Pets and Animal Travelers on Facebook. You and your Pet will fly in great comfort with your Pet by your side. without long lines at customs.

Airlines that accept brachycephalic breeds require pet owners to have an airline or IPATA approved flight pet crate that is at least one size larger than the size for a pet of equal size. Purchasing a larger pet travel crate will help minimize the risks.

Can I Fly My Snub Nose Pet in an Oversized Crate?

The correct size crate for a snub-nose pet is one size larger than the standard for their size. All other pets should use the standard crate for their size. A crate larger than one size larger is not recommended for brachycephalic breeds by airlines for two reasons: 1. Airlines have limited cargo space and each pet is apportioned their space depending on their size and breed, and 2. It can be hazardous for a pet when air turbulence occurs; your pet may be thrown against the wall of the crate instead of leaning against the wall of the crate.

Why Does United Airlines have so Many Dogs Die in Flight?

United’s sky-high numbers of recent pet deaths may be more complicated than they appear at first glance. While United does carry a disproportionate number of the animals who die on planes, the airline says the disparity results from one simple variable: United accepts higher-risk dog breeds that other major U.S. carriers do not allow.

“Snub-nosed” breeds such as French bulldogs are banned from Delta and American Airlines because their compact airway can lead to in-flight breathing problems. But up until last month, United continued to accept shipments of these dogs

See all about Flying with Pets at Companion Pet Travel: Flying with Pets

 

Featured

Shared Private Charter Flights for Pets

Pet Friendly Private Jets for Pets are more affordable and available than ever. And, for some there is no way I will put my Dog in Cargo. Here’s How

What are Shared Charter Flights for Pets?

Shared Private charters for Pets allow travel In Cabin regionally and internationally for Dogs, Cats and all Pets. Pet parent groups join together to hire and share the cost of a private jet making the flight affordable by dividing the cost among all passengers.

What makes Private Charter travel for Pets affordable is when the Jet is shared with other Pet Parents.

How Does Shared Private Charter for Pets Work?

There are Groups on Facebook that work together to cut out the middle man, share information on their Pet Travel departure and destination, choose a date and then contract DIRECTLY with a private jet company.

These Pet Parents provide their route and month of departure, and others who are looking for the same or similar route join other like-minded travelers with Pets and cut out the middle man.

Then, they contract the Private Jet company the group has found available for that route, combine their funds spreading the cost among those who join the flight to make the cost of sharing a Private Jet exclusively for Pets cost-effective.

Dogs, Cats and other Pets fly In Cabin sharing cabin with other passengers and their Pets.

Private Jets Pet Travel is typically offered on smaller 10- to 30-passenger planes flying domestic and international routes.

The most popular routes are from New York to Europe, either France, Italy or Spain.  But there are groups that focus on South American travel and Asian countries.

When the group is formed before the private jet company is contracted, you have more negotiating power than just purchasing a flight already scheduled.

You can still choose to purchase individual flights online with private companies just as they do with any other commercial airline.

  Shared private charters for Pets allow for more options and negotiating price than just buying a seat on an existing flight.

Many believe that flying on a private jet is for the rich or those who want a bit of luxury.

Still is true for some, but shared private jet travel has become a necessity for many of us.

Shared Charter Flights Facebook

Cost of Flying with Pets on a Shared Private Jet

Since you aren’t chartering the entire aircraft for just you and your Pets, the cost is spread out among the passengers who contract a private jet company. 

Cost ranges from fares that are comparable to business or first class fares on major commercial airlines flying to major hubs domestically.

Such as routes between New York and Florida for about $1,000.

Staying in the US?  Interstate flights range from $200 to $1,000 to fly with Pet in cabin on board a private jet shared with other Dogs and Cats.

Or Internationally from New York or New Jersey to Paris, Milan or Lisbon between $6,000 and $9,000. I have found Los Angeles to Los Cabos for about $2,000 one-way for me and my 2 cats. 

What Pets are Allowed on Shared Private Flights?

Sharing a Private Charter flight welcomes any Pet that can travel safely onboard–regardless of size or weight.  Of course, most Pets that fly are Dogs and Cats, but private charter flights for Pets are designed to cater to nearly all domesticated Pets.

Watch out for the middle-man! A like-minded group can organize the flight themselves saving thousands.

Large, small, and multiple pets who are often traveling for relocation and not just vacation use private charters when commercial airlines will not fly them, or the Pet Parent refuses to fly their Pet in cargo.

Most passengers choose shared jet travel because flying their beloved Pet in Cargo or as Checked Baggage is not an option because they do not feel their Pet will be safe.

Some Pet parents simply cannot find an airline to allow their Pet to travel because of country restrictions at their destination.

For some, their Pet is too big, or their breed is snub nosed or considered “aggressive or dangerous”.

RELATED: Airlines that Allow Snub-Nose Dogs and Cats In Cabin in 2022

RELATED: Flying with a Large Dog In Cabin in 2022

Why Should I Fly with Pets on Charter Flights?

As Dustin Volz in the Wall Street Journal shares in his article “Having Trouble Flying with Your Dog? Charter a Private Jet for Princess”, there are many good reasons to consider a private charter. Here are the best:

1. Cost

While there are actually some pretty great deals to be found in the semi-private flight charter groups, the flights will typically cost more than the commercial flight.

The reality is that moving or travel with Pets is a significant expense that has to be budgeted for. 

Finding an airline that will fly your Pet In Cabin is hard.  Shared Private Charter sometimes becomes the only answer. 

It becomes the primary deciding factor on how and when you travel or relocate.

However, there is a lot to be said for what these flights can save you in terms of time and frustration.

Also, be sure to do all the math regarding any additional fees you might pay on a commercial flight (e.g., for baggage) to see how a shared private flight compares.

You will have to be flexible. There are limited flights to choose from. When traveling with Pets, there are fewer routes and dates. 

The flight on your route may only fly there 5 times a year.  Especially for shared charter travel.

But when compared to leasing a private jet for you alone, the cost is significantly less and cost somewhere between the cost of a first-class ticket and double the cost of first-class.

2. No Cargo or Checked Baggage

When flying your Pet in Cargo IS NOT an option, Shared Charter flights provide a viable option.  Your Dog, Cat or other Pet will be safe In Cabin with you at your side. 

See Also, Cool Pet Travel Gear for the Stylish Dog

3. You Fly with your Pet from Smaller and Separate Terminals

This allows you to arrive with your Pets at the airport less than 1 hour before takeoff.  You are met by the flight attendant, they review your travel documents and you’re on the way without arriving hours in advance in a busy airport, queuing in multiple lines and waiting for hours.  

4. Shorter Lines at the Airport for You and Your Pet

Most carriers recommend arriving 30 to 40 minutes before your flight is scheduled to take off.  One hour to be safe.

No need to arrive at the airport three or four hours early.

There are no distracting crowds to add anxiety to your pet.  There are no long security lines.

There are few things more disheartening than arriving at the airport—even with plenty of time before your flight—only to see a line of people snaking through security—especially, the potential health and safety concerns about crowds brought on by the pandemic. 

With smaller aircraft, smaller airports, the crowds and lines are basically non-existent when flying on a shared private charter.

5.  Easier Custom Checks for You and Your Pets

You can check your bags, walk straight through security without removing your shoes or liquids.

Because you are flying through a smaller airport and have chartered a private company, you receive personal attention. Sometimes, the custom agents come aboard the flight to check documents and clear customs in the comfort of the plane.

6. Comfort

For example, JSX, 30-passenger planes have a 2-1 seat configuration and include gourmet snacks and drinks and uncrowded private lounges to enjoy before your flight.  The seats are akin to first-class—wide and comfortable.

What are the Cheapest Pets Private Charter Flights with Pets?

FB Groups should be used to cut out the middle man., If you see long posts by the charter aircraft brokers–keep looking. They are no different than any other high-priced charter flight broker on Google.

The middle-man destroys any option for a cost-effective flight with your Pet In Cabin.

Some shared charter flight groups provide the easiest on the budget. Companies like JSX, La Compagnie, and Blackbird allow Pet travelers to snag a coveted seat on a shared private jet charter—sometimes for as little as $500 each way—sharing space with only a handful of other like-minded passengers

JSX Airlines

JSX routes connect several California hubs, including Burbank, Concord, Los Angeles, Monterey, Orange County, Oakland, and San Diego.

The airline also flies to Reno-Tahoe, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Dallas, Austin, and Houston and more recently added Miami and Westchester County in New York to its roster.

JSX is by far one of the most affordable options for semi-private pet friendly travel.  They offer one-way fares starting as low as $200 on a 30-seat aircraft, which includes up to two checked bags, snacks and drinks and concierge service onboard.

The carrier recommends arriving 30 minutes before your flight is scheduled to take off. The waiting lounges, which are typically in their own terminal apart from the main airport, are Wi-Fi equipped and have coffee, tea, water, and restrooms available for passengers.

Aero Airline

Launched in 2020 is a semi-private, luxury airline.  They offer a more elevated experience than JSX, at an equally more elevated price.

One-way flights from Los Angeles to Las Vegas start at $950, one-way flights from San Francisco to Aspen start at $1,900, one-way flights from L.A. to Los Cabos start at $1,900, and one-way flights from London to Milan start at $1,625.

Aero routes include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Los Cabos (Mexico), Las Vegas, Jackson Hole, Aspen and Vail. They also have routes between European hubs, including London, Milan, Nice in France, and Geneva, Switzerland.

Another Option:  Pet Travel on Empty Leg Flights

An empty leg is a repositioning shared private jet flight—a private jet that has dropped passengers off on a one-way leg and would otherwise return to its home base empty. So, to fill the seats, they offer Pet Friendly one-way flights.

Because these are noncommissioned flights, they can often be accessed at a much lower price than a standard private jet flight as operators are happy to recuperate any of the costs and sell the flight for a deal—well, a deal for an entire private jet.

Private jet services such as Jettly and XO will often list their current empty leg deals and routes online.

Can Large Dogs Fly First Class?

Commercial airlines rarely have room under their seats in first class.  Semi-private charter flights allow first class Dogs of all sizes and breeds

Or, See Can I Buy a Seat on a Plane for My Dog? . JSX Airlines, La Compagnie Airlines, Chartered Air Travel with Pets, and WestJet Airlines are great alternatives, provide upgraded service and comfort.

Documents Needed for Moving or Flying with Pets Internationally

  • Microchip Certificate
  • Rabies Vaccination Certificate
  • Health Certificate. For International Pet Travel, you may need more than 1 Health Certificate–Some transit countries require their own Certificates.
  • Rabies Titer Test results
  • Parasite Treatment certificate—Often Deworming
  • This is just a guide on what is required, please check the requirements for your specific airline and destination country at our page: Pet Passports and Pet Health Certificates.

See more at Tips: How to Get A Pet Health Certificate from the US

The US Department of Transportation and their Department of Agriculture have the following guidelines for flying with pets within the USA:

Semi-private jet travel is not exempt from government travel restrictions. Those flying internationally need to take into consideration the specific vaccine or testing requirements for entering their destination or for their return to the United States.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has created an interactive world map that offers travelers updated COVID-19 entry regulations by country. This can serve as a handy guide for semi-private fliers.

Featured

Dogs in Airports: Where to Go When Dogs Have to “Go”

Dogs and Cats must stay in their carriers in most airports. Airports are increasingly becoming Pet Friendly Dogs can get relief at with Pet pee stations, day care and grass exercise areas, baths, swimming pools, kennels and grooming sites. Here are 15 Airports with great places for your Dog or Cat to Go:

1.    Denver International Airport


Dogs In Airports: Pet Relief Area at Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport is well known for its variety of pet-friendly amenities. It offers:

  • Three private indoor pet relief stations that offer artificial grass flooring, a drainage system, bags for waste disposal, a handwashing station, and a mural of Colorado’s outdoor scenes to enhance the ambiance
  • One outdoor pet relief and exercise area
  • Check out the 25,000 square foot “Paradise 4   Paws”, an on-site pet boarding facility and resort, including private kennels, a swimming pool, adventure jungle for cats and 24/7 care with day and overnight pet-boarding suite. Some suites for both dogs and cats offer TVs with Pet friendly programming and webcams for owners to check in on them, each animal also has access to a large indoor play area and lots of enrichment to keep them occupied while their owner is away.

2.    Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport


Pet Travel: Dogs in Airports, Playing at Grass Park Hartsfield Jackson Airport

Despite being the busiest airport in the United States, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has put careful thought into ensuring the comfort of its fuzzier guests, offering:

  • Seven private indoor Service Animal Relief Areas (SARAs) with artificial grass flooring, a handwashing station, and floor-level water fountains to provide fresh drinking water for pets
  • Poochie Park, a 1000 square foot fenced-in dog park with biodegradable waste bags, benches, a dog sculpture made out of plane parts, and a water fountain
  • Pet Paradise, a 24-hour boarding facility that also offers veterinary, grooming, and 24/7 pickup and drop off services.

See Also Companion Pet Travel: Flying with Pets

3.    John F. Kennedy International Airport


Dogs at Airports: Pet Friendly The Ark at JFK Airport

Few airports even come close to being as pet friendly as JFK, which offers:

  • Open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., The Wooftop is a 4000 square foot outdoor garden patio. It contains a large terrace with natural grass, and seating for up to 50 people
  • The ARK is a 24-hour animal care and veterinary center not only for dogs and cats, but also for horses, birds, livestock, and exotic animals. For overnight stays, it also has private pet suites with pet-friendly TV programming, webcams for owners, massage therapy, pedicures, and pre-flight microchipping so that owners can track their pets

A variety of private indoor pet relief stations with artificial grass flooring, fire hydrants, and handwashing stations.

4.    Reno-Tahoe International Airport


Pet Relief Area for Dogs to Go at the Reno-Tahoe Airport

Reno-Tahoe International Airport takes great pride in its pet-friendly amenities and services, which include:

  • An indoor enclosed pet relief station with artificial grass flooring, which is also perfect for cats
  • Two Gate K-9 Bark Parks, one 1000 square feet and the other 700. These outdoor dog parks offer running water, “mutt mitts” for waste disposal, a fire hydrant, and a canopy to shade from poor weather. To find the one located north of Baggage Claim, just follow the paw prints on the floor!
  • The Paws for Passengers program, which consists of 25 teams of service dogs that welcome and send off passengers to reduce stress and anxiety.

You May be Interested In How To Crate Train Your Pet for Air Travel

5.    Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport


Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Pet Friendly Relief Area

The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, located in the 3rd most pet-friendly city in the U.S. boasts a variety of pet-friendly areas, including:

  • A trifecta of pet relief areas: The Pet Patch (490 square feet), The Paw Pad (2200 square feet), and The Bone Yard (2700 square feet). These outdoor pet parks allow dogs to stretch their legs, drink fresh water, and relieve themselves, with cleanup mitts provided
  • A number of additional indoor pet relief areas
  • Two more designated pet relief and exercise areas located near Sky Harbor stations: The East Economy Park & Bark and The Park ‘n Play.

6.    Los Angeles International Airport


Pet Relief Area for Dogs to Go at LAX Airport

With the highest number of pet relief stations out of anywhere on this list, at LAX you’re never too far from a pet-friendly area. It offers:

  • 8 indoor pet relief stations with fake grass, fire hydrants, cleanup stations, and fresh drinking water
  • 3 outdoor animal relief stations
  • The LAX Pet Unstressing Passengers (PUP) program, which consists of 30 trained dogs in red “Pet Me” vests who interact with passengers in the various terminals so as to reduce anxiety and stress
  • Farmer’s Market in Terminal 5 and Ashland Hill in Terminal 7, where dog treats and toys can be purchased.

Can I Buy an Extra Seat on a Plane for My Dog or Cat in Cabin?

Often, Pets will not have much relief while flying but, they certainly will pee a soon as they are reunited with you. Bring along some pee pads in case they do not make to the relief area or outside. You can attach extra to their carrier or in your carry-on. I carry these with me everywhere.

7.    Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport


Large Dog Can Go to Pet Relief Grassy Areas at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

Although non-service animals must be kenneled while inside of airport facilities, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport still offers a variety of services and pet-friendly spaces for comfort and convenience:

  • Two indoor pet relief areas which include artificial grass flooring, a fake fire hydrant, and a handwashing station
  • Two outdoor pet relief areas for dogs to stretch their legs
  • Now Boarding, an affiliate of the Animal Humane Society, offers boarding, training, massage, nail trimming, swim therapy, and grooming services. They also offer a free shuttle service that will pick you up from Baggage Claim and bring you to your pet and vehicle for free. These services are also available to non-passengers.

See also, Where Do Dogs Pee on an Airplane?

8.    Washington Dulles International Airport


Dogs at Airport Enjoy a Grass Exercise Area

Washington Dulles International Airport was one of the first airports to do away with disposable pee pads and concrete floors in order to switch to artificial grass, drainage systems, and fake fire hydrants. While not much has changed since then, it remains one of the most pet-friendly airports in the U.S., offering:

  • 5 separate pet relief areas: two private indoor rooms, and three enclosed outdoor spaces for animals to stretch their legs
  • Indoor private pet relief areas with waste bags, artificial grass flooring, and decorative fire hydrants

See Also, 4 Best In-Cabin Pet Carriers for Airlines 2022

9.    Philadelphia International Airport has Limited Space for Dogs


Dogs Can Go at a Philadelphia International Airport Faux Grass Relief Station

Like the other entries on this list, Philadelphia International Airport offers a wide array of pet-friendly spaces so as to provide for all of their four-legged passengers with
Seven indoor pet relief areas, also known as “Pet Ports”, that range from 250 to 600 total square feet in size. These private spaces include artificial grass flooring and fire hydrants

And, fenced-in outdoor relief areas with mulch surfaces and benched seating

10.  Austin-Bergstrom International Airport


Dogs Can Go at the Airport Pet Relief Area Puppy with Leash Exercising at Airport
Dogs Can Go at the Airport Pet Relief Area

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has a variety of places that your pet can stretch their legs and do their business, including:

  • A landscaped and lit Dog Walk, which includes a pet drinking fountain, waste bags, and trash cans for waste disposal
  • An additional pet-friendly outdoor patio
  • A quarterly therapy dog event where visitors are able to interact with and pet therapy dogs
  • Bark and Zoom, a pet hotel and valet service that offers outdoor play yards, a dog only swimming pool, and 24-hour pickup and drop off services

RELATED: Best Cargo Crate for Flying with Large Dogs in 2022

11.  Dallas Love Field Airport is Great for Pets



While Dallas Love Field Airport does not offer some of the same amenities as other airports, it still provides a fantastic space for pets and their owners. To ensure the comfort of its pet-owning passengers and their companions, it offers:

  • The Pet Park, a large outdoor area that is large enough for dogs to de-stress, run around, play with each other and their owners, and relieve themselves
  • Two smaller private pet relief areas with artificial grass flooring and a fire hydrant

Here are the Pet Carriers I Use and are Great for Flying with Pets: 4 Best In-Cabin Pet Carriers for Airlines 2022

12.  George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Dogs Can Go and Exercise Outside at a Grassy Area at George Bush Intercontinental Airport

George Bush Intercontinental Airport offers a number of pet-friendly amenities and services much like the other entries on this list, including:

  • Four assigned pet relief areas throughout the airport
  • The only onsite kennel that is managed by an airline in the United States. It is approximately 1100 square feet in size, and offers exercise and run pens, both day and overnight kenneling, and grooming services

13.  Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport


Dogs In Airports: Dogs Can Enjoy the Paradise 4 Paws Pet Resort

While Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport requires that pets be kept on leashes at all times, it remains one of the most pet-friendly airports in the United States and has a number of facilities to cater to passengers and their animals:

  • Four designated indoor pet relief areas with artificial grass flooring and fake fire hydrants
  • A number of outdoor pet relief areas. However, your I.D. and boarding pass will be required for re-entry into the terminals
  • Paradise 4 Paws, a pet resort and kenneling service for both cats and dogs, which also offers 24-hour pickup and drop off services

14.  Lambert-St. Louis International Airport


Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, while it does not have any particularly unique amenities, still offers a variety of services to help pet owners keep stress induced from traveling with their animals to a minimum:

  • Two outdoor, off-leash play areas for pets to run around and relieve themselves. Both of these spaces are 400 square feet in size and are completely gated. These spaces also include benches for seating, complementary mitts for waste disposal, trash cans, and fake fire hydrants
  • Three private indoor pet relief areas, each 100 square feet in size, which include tubs lined with artificial grass, fake fire hydrants, and handwashing stations

15.  San Francisco International Airport



The final entry on this list, much like the other entries seen above, San Francisco International Airport has a number of resources and amenities for passengers and their pets:

  • Two fenced and landscaped pet relief areas, which have ready-to-use bowls, fresh drinking water, and mitts for waste disposal. Both of these pet relief areas are open 24-hours a day
  • However, all animals must be appropriately kenneled while in the airport. While in pet-friendly areas, such as the indoor relief spaces, pets are allowed outside of their kennels but must remain on a secure leash
  • 5 private indoor pet relief areas

Where Do Dogs Go for Relief at the Airport?

Pet Relief Areas at Airports include simple faux grass pee relief stations, to luxury spas with pools, kennels and grooming. Some airport have only the grass area outside the terminals where Dogs can Go and Exercise. Most airports have pet relief areas in every terminal before and after TSA inspection

Featured

Can I Fly with 2 Pets In-Cabin?

Yes, Airlines that allow Two Pets Per Person In-Cabin are: JSX, JetBlue, Chartered Air Travel, Alaska and Spirit. For Pet Travel with these airlines, you buy the seat next to yours and your Pet can either sit in the floor space, travel in the same carrier under the seat or on your lap.

Chart of Airlines that Allow Multiple Pets Per Passenger In-Cabin


Airlines that Allow
2 Pets
In Cabin
Per Passenger
CostAllowances for
Pet Travel In-Cabin
1. JSX AirlineRegular Seat FareCats and Medium &
Large Dogs travel
In Cabin
In the Floor Space
of Your Seat
2. JetBlue AirExtra Seat Fare+$125
per Dog or Cat
One-Way
Pet & carrier may be
on your lap during the
flight except for take off

and landing.
You can buy an
Extra Seat
3. Chartered Air
Travel with Pets
International Flights
from East Coast to
Europe: $7K -$10K
One luxury human seat
plus one large dog or 1-2
small to medium sized dogs
or cats
4. Alaska Air$100 each way per carrier
or Regular Seat Fare
+ $100 per carrier each way.
2 pets of the same species
and similar size in 1
carrier.
You can buy the seat next to
yours but they must remain
under the seat.
5. Spirit Airlines$110 each way2 pets/same species
& similar size in 1
carrier
Max 40 lbs total
CompanionPetTravel.com: Chart of Airlines that allow Two Pets Per Person In-Cabin

See also, Airlines that allow Dogs 40lbs+ In-Cabin

1. JSX Airline

You can fly with two Pets In Cabin and buy the seat adjacent to yours (all business class) and your Large Dog will Travel with you In-Cabin for the price of the seat.

You’ll have even more leg room sharing two seats, too! Pet Travel with JSX Airlines and Your Large Dog In-Cabin flights are limited to the US only.

As The Points Guy said when he flew JSX Airlines: “Perks of departing from the private jet terminal include being able to show up just 20 minutes before your flight.

Instead of traditional TSA security, passengers are pre-screened and bags are swabbed for explosives.

There are also noninvasive systems, which screen for weapons and elevated body temperatures. There are minimal lines, no putting stuff in bins and no taking shoes off.”

Cost: Regular Seat Fare

Medium, Large and small Dogs
In Cabin will Travel on
the Floor Space Next to Your Seat


JSX Airlines Route Map for Flying Dogs 25 lbs. plus
JSX Airlines Route Map for Flying Dogs 25 lbs. plus

2. JetBlue Air

For Pet Travel with Multiple Pets In-Cabin with JetBlue Air, you can purchase an extra seat for your Pets. The carrier may be placed on the additional purchased seat during the flight except for take-off and landing. This can be invaluable for those Pets traveling that are more anxious or not used to flying In-cabin.

Also, you may hold the Pet with carrier on your lap during the flight except for take off and landing

Cost: Extra Seat Fare+$125 per Dog or Cat
One-Way

See also, Flying a Large Dog In Cabin 2022

3. Chartered Air Travel with Pets

Pet Travel and Flying with Dogs In Cabin to and from Europe or the UK with Pets is complicated if cargo is not possible or not your preference.

Chartered private jets are expensive and only possible for most of us if shared with other travelers.

This group coordinates flights for travelers so they can fly with large Dogs In-Cabin. Pet Travel costs are expensive.

With Charted Air Travel with Pets, the cost is shared, chartered air transport a real possibility.

Cost Example: Expect to spend between $7K -$10K for a seat on a chartered jet from NY to Lisbon (shortest distance from US to EU).

  • Your seat will usually include one luxury human seat plus one large dog or 1-2 small to medium sized dogs on a flight designed for 10-14 people.
  • Each flight is unique and the group on the flight will agree on the rules of the flight.
  • You Can Travel with Your Large Dog In-Cabin, You have a luxury seat with more space for you and your Pets.
  • Less Customs Hassle. Sometimes, the Customs Agent greets you onboard and checking your documents in comfort and without lines and waiting.
  • Little Wait at the Airport and fast, easy boarding
  • VIP experience for Pet Travel
  • The same or Less Expensive than hiring a Pet Shipper
  • No Cargo or Checked Baggage for Your precious Pet.

See also, How To Choose the Best Pet Carrier Size for Flying IN Cabin

4. Alaska Air

Traveling with Multiple Pets is a bit more limited with Alaska Air and their 2 Pet Per Person policy.

You can bring 2 pets of the same species and similar size in the same pet carrier. You can buy the seat next to yours. If you purchase the seat next to you for the regular fare, a second pet can travel in another carrier. 

Your Dog or Cat cannot sit on the seat and must remain in the seat space in front of your extra seat.

Cost: $100 each way

5. Spirit Airlines

Dogs and Cats In Cabin on domestic flights only and to Puerto Rico and St. Thomas. The combined weight of the pet and its carrier can be up 40 pounds! If you have 2 Pets per Person, they can travel together if they are the same species.

The cost is $110 each way

See also,Can I Buy a Seat on a Plane for My Dog?

Flying with Multiple Pets FAQ

How to Fly with Multiple Pets?

Some airlines allow you to buy the seat next to yours and either the Pets share the same carrier, sit in the footprint of the extra seat, stay in the additional carrier under the seat or on the seat (except for take-off and landing). JetBlue, JSX, Chartered Air Travel, Alaska and Spirit, United and American.

Can My Dog Sit on My Lap During a Flight?

Yes, your Dog or Cat can sit on your lap in their carrier during a flight with JetBlue. Or without a carrier on JSX and Chartered Air Travel with Pets.

Can I Fly with My 2 Dogs in the Same Carrier?

Yes, on United Airlines, Southwest and American Airlines you can fly with 2 Pets in the same carrier.  You are allowed to have up to two Dogs or Cats in the same carrier if they are the same species.  Some will allow you to buy the seat next to you, but they must remain under the seat in front for the entire flight. 

Which Airlines Allow 2 Pets Per Carrier?

JetBlue, Alaska, Spirit, United and American Airlines allow 2 Pets Per Carrier. Most require Pets Traveling this way to be the same species, not yet weaned from their Mother or about the same size Dog or Cat. Some Airlines allow you to buy the seat next to you too! JSX JetBlue and Alaska Air.

How to Get Through TSA Security Check Point with Your Pet

Your pet must go through TSA Security. Some airports allow a private screening in a separate room so you can remove and replace your pet in a secure room.


You can either have your pet on a leash and walk them into the screener or carry your pet through.


Place your Bags, shoes first. Separate your pet food items and electronics in another bin.


Keep your lease/harness on the outside of the carrier. When you put your bags on the conveyor belt, you don’t want to scramble to get your leash.


TSA may ask you to remove their collar. Collars with metal such as clasps or Rabies Tags will be detected, and you may be subject to additional pat-down or inspection.
A Velcro-type harness works well instead of a collar with metal.


Put the carrier on the x-ray conveyor belt first so, it is ready when you get through security, and you don’t have to wait to put your pet back in its carrier.


Even for Cats that you intend to carry through, have a harness/leash on them. If you are picked for screening, often TSA Agents may not easily let you place your pet back in the carrier before your pat-down.


Working Canines are regularly at Security Check Points. Keep a leash handy even if you intend to carry your pet through an x-ray. Often, the presence of a working dog can scare or spook your pet.

What is the Standard Size for Airline Pet Carriers In-Cabin?

The Standard Size for Pet Carriers is 22”Lx14”Wx 9” and for Pets In-Cabin the average weight for your Pet is 8kg or 17lbs. Soft-Sided Carriers are best for Airlines. The top compresses 1 or 2 inches, giving you more options than a Hard-Sided carrier. The carrier must be stowed under the seat at least for take-off and landing.

Can I Bring Two Dogs or Two Cats on a Plane In-Cabin?

Yes, if your Dogs or Cats can share a carrier, if you buy the seat next to yours and your pet remains in their own carriers or the footprint (foot space) of the seat next to yours or on your lap. Airlines include: JSX, JetBlue, Alaska Air, Spirit and United Airlines.

Now that your know what Airlines allow multiple Pets to Fly with you, see Pet Travel: How to Book Your Pet to Fly In Cabin

Or, find all the information you need to fly with Pets: Companion Pet Travel: Flying with Pets

Featured

Pet Friendly San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

This UNESCO historic city is well-preserved, quaint, and the weather is great and it’s ideal for a pet friendly trip in easy reach from the US.  It’s very walkable and affordable. Here it is easier to find a restaurant that doesn’t allow pets than to list those that do.  My home is very Pet-Friendly!  No wonder it won the Conde Nast “Best Small City in the World” award for 2020, 2018, 2017 AND 2021!

Flying is the best way to get to SAN MIQUEL de ALLENDE with Your Pet

There is no quarantine for healthy Pets to travel to Mexico.

IF entering from US or Canada there is no longer a requirement for a Health Certificate.  You pet will be examined upon arrival in Mexico.  If it is deemed health, it may enter.

IF entering from other countries, the owner must present duplicate (Original and Copy) of a Health Certificate.  The Certificate must be on the Veterinarian’s Letterhead with contact info., license number, name and address of owner, physical description of the pet and state that your pet is free of any contagious disease, printed (not hand-written).

The three closest Airports to San Miguel de Allende are:

  1. Guanajuato International Airport (BJX), a 1.5-hour drive from San Miguel de Allende.
  2. Queretaro Airport (QRO) is 1 hour drive
  3. Mexico City, (MEX), Benito Juarez International Airport is a lovely 3.5 hours ride away. 

Once You Arrive at the Airport:

When you arrive, travel by Bus/Shuttle to San Miguel.  Contact Primera Plus, ETN or my favorite for reliability and price BajioGO

Pet Friendly Hotels in San Miquel de Allende Closest to City Center

There are so many pet-friendly hotels in San Miquel de Allende. I will not show you the most expensive. I walk by those beautiful hotels and their location is just not worth the extra dinero!  These are AFFORABLE and close to the Center of Town (Centro)

1. HOTEL NENA

  • PETS WELCOME: Cats and Dogs
  • FEES/DEPOSIT: FREE
  • ALLOWANCES/RESTRICTIONS:  None Stated
  • AVERAGE COST PER ROOM: $190usd
  • Address: 32 San Francisco, San Miquel de Allende (steps from the center of town)

2. SELINA SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE HOTEL

  • PETS WELCOME: Dogs and Cats
  • FEES/DEPOSIT: $10usd per night, per pet
  • ALLOWANCES/RESTRICTIONS: None Stated
  • AVERAGE COST PER ROOM: $100-150usd per night
  • Address: Cuna de Allende 11, Zona Centro (city center):

DOS CASAS BOUTIQUE HOTEL

  • PETS WELCOME: Dogs
  • FEES/DEPOSIT: $40usd per night, per pet
  • ALLOWANCES/RESTRICTIONS: Small and Medium sized Dogs
  • AVERAGE COST PER ROOM: $240usd
  • Address: Quebrada 101 Downtown,

HOTEL VILLA SANTA BLANCA

  • PETS WELCOME: Dogs
  • FEES/DEPOSIT: FREE
  • ALLOWANCES/RESTRICTIONS: Dogs up to 33lbs
  • AVERAGE COST PER ROOM: $80
  • Address: 21 Diez de Sollano y Davalos Zona Centro

HOTEL MADI

  • PETS WELCOME: Cats and Dogs
  • FEES/DEPOSIT: FREE
  • ALLOWANCES/RESTRICTIONS: up to 33lbs (specific rooms only)
  • AVERAGE COST PER ROOM: $150-320usd
  • Address: 34 San Francisco Centro

TIP:  Wifi can be spotty in hotels and villas.  Walls in this historic Colonial city are often a foot thick making browsing while relaxing after a long day a bit of a problem.  Most cafes and restaurants have reliable wifi.


Pet Friendly San Miquel de Allende City Center

See Also, my 4 favorite Pet Carriers for In-Cabin flying with Pets here:4 Best In-Cabin Pet Carriers for Airlines 2022

Where to Eat, Drink and People Watch in San Miguel with Your Dog

So many restaurants and cafes are pet friendly. With so many places having open air dining it’s not hard to find many dining options to include your furry companion. It’s harder to find restaurants that do not allow pets than it is to find pet-friendly.  San Miguel is very pet-friendly.

For Dinner: Café Rama Nemecio Diez No. 7, this cafe is super trendy, has an organic menu, it is a funky outdoor establishment that has Pop Art decor and of course… it’s pet friendly!

For Lunch:  Luna de Queso. Josephina Orozco 10.  Part gourmet grocery and part café.  They have items here that you cannot find anywhere else in San Miguel and they have a dog bar by the front door that serves water and snacks. Cheerful servers will take your order inside, and bring your items to the table outside.

For Coffee:  Geek and Coffee, Calz de la Aurora.  Not only do they have a large grass lawn for your furry friends to enjoy, they have great wifi, many connections and offer tech support all with coffee and a lunch menu.

For Dessert: San Augustin Chocolates and Churros, Calle San Francisco  21. Best Churros and Hot chocolate, even lunch in town and very close to the Jardin.  So many toppings to choose from, you’ll have to visit more than once.

For best Enchiladas:  Juan’s Café, 37 Relox. Great little café, very artsy, very homey, great service for a great price (40-230 pesos), outdoor and indoor seating, bring your fur baby for the short walk from the centro.

Petmate.com

Getting Around in San Miguel de Allende with Your Pet

  • Bus.  Allows smaller pets and the local commuter buses are only 8 pesos each way (.40 cents usd) and run all over the major routes in the city.
  • Uber and Taxi. Uber app works here, and many accept pet, just ask for a ride that allows your pet.  Taxis are waiting around town, agree upon the price before you get in, few taxis have meters.  A lot of visitors and expats walk where they want to go and only need an Uber or taxi back after a long day of seeing the sights.  Especially if you chose a hotel not in Centro or the flatter areas of town.  If your hotel is up the hill a bit, Uber and Taxis will cost about $3usd.
  • Walking.  San Miguel is very walkable.  Though San Miguel has many steep hills to climb, a significant part, popular with retirees, is fairly flat.
  • TIP:  Bring sturdy shoes, the cobblestones along many streets can be hard with heels or flip-flops.  And many of the sidewalks are quite narrow.

Services for Your Pet in San Miguel de Allende

  1. WOOW GUAU pet supply and accessory store close to Centro on Mesones

2. DUSTY PUPPIES supply store that offers grooming and the owner is a Veterinarian

3. PETCO EXPRESS is smaller than their regular stores but, does have Grooming

4. VETERINARIANS:  Some Vets and (Doctors for humans) make good old-fashioned house calls if there is an emergency or after-hours.

  • Dr. Ricardo Lopez Landeros, Emergency: 415-154-2901
  • Dr. Edgardo Rene Vazquez Olmos, Emergency:  415-154 8452
  • Dr. Michael Kronish, 415-109-9957
  • Pet Vet, Emergency:  415-152-4463

TIP: Save Money withdrawing cash at the ATMs. Written in English underneath the Spanish are instructions asking you to accept or decline 2 charges–not just the regular fee for withdrawal.  You must Accept the banks fee but  REJECT the next 2nd request to accept the CONVERSION.    Decline the Conversion and you still get your money but only pay the ATM fee.

What to Do in San Miguel de Allende with Your Pet

  • Free Walking Tours all over the city catering to interests ranging from art, history, architecture and food and drink.  One really special tour is with “Fat Bastard Art Walks”  profiling street art twice a week. 
  • There’s always brunch/lunch with the group afterwards.  Weyland always has a great turnout of newcomers and residents from all over the world bringing their furry friends.
  • Private Customized Tours with ATV, food and drink tastings and Wine.  The great weather for growing grapes has helped make San Miguel de Allende so popular and most tours allow your companion pet.
  •  Joseph Toones personal tours is a favorite here.  Joseph is a Historical Society’s short story award winner, Amazon bestseller author and few seem to know as much about the secret world of San Miguel de Allende as he does.
  • Newcomers Brunch and Dinner.  Join FB Newcomers, Expats and Friends for the schedule.  We try out a new restaurant every week and meet on Sundays and Wednesdays.
  • Jardin de Allende right outside Perroquia de San Miguel Arcangel (the Garden next to the big pink church) in the center of town is a great place to people watch, have coffee or lunch and relax with your pet anytime day or night.
  • Festivals.  Día de los Muertos on November 2 is just one of the very many festivals throughout the year including live music and dancing and parades. 
  • Art Galleries such as Fabrica la Aurora hold many shows, classes and talks ranging from abstract to folk.  Fabrica la Aurora is the largest and is pet-friendly.  Stop by  next door at Geek and Coffee’s large yard for dogs to run around and coffee and snacks for you.
  • ORGANIC MARKET.  Stroll with your pet the Organic Mercadito in Los Frailes.  Open all day Saturdays at Calle de la Pila 6, Colonia Los Frailes.
  • Park Benito Juarez is a beautiful large, dog-friendly park in walking distance from the town center with live music, art shows and food vendors.
Pet Travel is easy in San Miguel de Allende

9 Quick Fact About San Miguel de Allende:

  • Currency Conversion: As of July 2001, $1usd=19.90pesos
  • Visa:  Many Countries are allowed up to 180 days FREE visa on arrival.  No Quarantine requirement.
  • Best season to Visit San Miguel— High Season is October 15 –  April 1, (Less rain) Low Season is April 1-October 15, (more rain—usually in the afternoon).
  • Weather: Other than rain, SMA remains year-round between 73f-85f.
  • Basic lunch menu with non-alcoholic drink:  $11
  • Coffee/Cappuccino: 2.80
  • Bottled Water:  .60cents usd.  It’s best not to drink the tap water.
  • Pack of Cigarettes: 3.15
  • Many people speak English
  • Very Walkable, so long as you have sturdy shoes.

My favorite Pet Carrier is this one I found about a year ago on Petmate. I love that it has ventilation on all 4 sides and I can expand it for additional space.


Petmate See & Extend Carrier – $84.99

from: Petmate

TIP:  GET WHATSAPP—MEXICO uses Whatsapp for free texts and calls.  Restaurants, Vets, Dentist, Grocery Stores, hotels and transport companies all use Whatsapp.  It’s free.

There really is no bad time to visit San Miguel de Allende, the weather is great year-round, even when it rains in the afternoons. IF there was a time to avoid, it would be the WEEKEND. Come during the week to avoid the car traffic and enjoy your walk around town.  We are very pet friendly, walkable, affordable and close to so many cultural sites. Come join us and bring your furry companion pet.

You may be interested in my favorite 4 Pet Carriers that you too can travel to San Miquel de Allende with: 4 Best In-Cabin Pet Carriers for Airlines 2022

Flights are Affordable from the US. I have flown with my 2 fur babies from Denver with Pet Friendly AEROMEXICO-Flying with Pets to Mexico and VOLARIS-Flying With Pets to Mexico

I loved living in San Miguel de Allende (SMA) and you will love it too!

You may also like 18 Tips for Living in Mexico Including Pet Friendly Tips

Or, Guide to Pet Friendly Mexico City, Mexico

Featured

Pet Travel: Canceled Flight? Delayed Flight? What To Do

How To Make Flight Changes To Your Advantage.

When airlines Cancel or Delay your flight with no viable alternative, you are entitled to a refund and MORE.  If the airline makes a “Significant Change” and “Involuntary Denied Boarding” you can negotiate for a more convenient departure time, a route with a shorter layover, fewer connecting flights or up to 4 times the amount of your ticket as compensation.

Whether the change is a Cancelation, a Voluntary or Involuntary change determines your compensation.

Here we discuss how to turn a pain into an opportunity if you are flexible and persistent.

Most of us know that when we need to make a change or cancel the reservations, the airline and even the third-party consolidator we booked through will apply a change penalty.

Fortunately, some airlines such as Delta and Southwest have temporarily changed their policies during this pandemic eliminating change fees for all but basic economy.

Know the different types of changes: Cancellations, Voluntary Changes, Involuntary Changes and Tarmac Delays.

Flight Canceled by Airline

Cancellations are rare but if your flight is cancelled you get a refund. The refund for the unused portion of your trip in the same method you paid (cash for cash, miles for miles).

In the United States the Department of Transport (DoT) regulations on canceled flights states:

If your flight is canceled and you choose to cancel your trip as a result, you are entitled to a refund for the unused transportation – even for non-refundable tickets.

You are also entitled to a refund for any bag fee that you paid, and any extras you may have purchased, such as a seat assignment.

USDOT

Involuntary Changes by the Airline

Airlines have their own policies and it will depend on the class of ticket you booked. If they change your itinerary in a significant way after booking, they will work with you to get you on the best flight for your schedule but, also, they will try to give you as little compensation as possible.

They will claim their hands are tied. Not True! They have a lot of discretion to give you cas, vouchers, meals, Pet Friendly hotel stay and upgrades.

Flight Change. What Is a “Significant Change”?

When an airline makes a “significant change” to your flight you have the right to a) a full refund or b) to ask to be put on a different flight without a change fee, and often without having to pay regardless if the flight is more expensive. This includes your Pet’s space. It has it’s own value!

If you want to cancel, you qualify for a refund by the same method you paid. If you do want to take the trip but do not like the change offered you have the opportunity to change to a better one, free of charge.

Say you booked a red-eye flight, now you can offer to change to another time. Or, if your flight had a layover, you could offer to change to a non-stop flight or one with a shorter layover.

If the significant change moves your departure to the next day, you can ask for a hotel stay and shuttle expenses. If the change forces a longer layover, you can negotiate for lounge access so you can have a meal and rest more comfortably.

Before you negotiate your compensation, track down your airline’s individual policy and see exactly what they offer.

These can be found online in your Contract of Carriage Agreement. Next, find other flights that are available from that airline and its partners/codeshares and select the best option for your schedule.

It does not matter if the new flight is more expensive than what you booked; if there’s an available seat, the airline will likely allow you to move to the flight you request for free, regardless of what it costs.

Once you’ve decided on a new flight, call the airline to get your itinerary switched.   Bring an offer. 

Show the airline you already have other potential flights picked out instead of leaving it up to the reservationist.  Of course, listen to what they offer first, it may be better.

If the change is significant and there are no other flights get you to your destination on time you do have the option to request a cash refund (even with non-refundable basic economy flights).

Considering airlines often wait as long as possible hoping the customer may change plans voluntarily, and that last-minute flights are usually more expensive, there may not be flight available to get you to your destination on time and you are in a better negotiating position to ask for a full refund. 

Airline Significant Changes Vary from 30 minutes to 4 hours

  • United –  significant change is over 30 minutes
  • JetBlue – significant change is over 60 minutes
  • Alaska Airlines -significant change is over 60 minutes
  • Delta – significant change is over 90 minutes
  • American – significant change is over 4 hours but American will compensate for changes less than hours.

PointsGuy.com says:

Airlines wait until the last minute to process flight cancellations.

If you want to voluntarily make a change wait until the latest you can, monitor the flight for any changes forced by the Airline (not you).

If the airline changes the flight and it is a significant change—you can be compensated.

zach Griff at thePointsGuy.com july 25, 2021

And Scott’s Cheap Flights says here’s what to do:

• Step 1: Hop on Google Flights and find an alternate flight on the same airline that you prefer (remember to ignore the price, you’ll likely be able to switch for free)

• Step 2: Call up the airline, tell them that their schedule change won’t work for you (you don’t really need a reason), and ask to be switched to your preferred flight

• Step 3 (if necessary): Hang up, call again. Airlines have thousands of call center agents, and each has discretion. Countless times I’ve been told no on the first two calls, only to be told yes on the third call. First, hang up and call again. Agents often have discretion about who gets refunds. Many times you will have better luck with one agent than another. Be friendly and remember the agent isn’t to blame.

scott’scheapflights.com

How many times have you been given 3 different answers by 3 different people? Work it to your benefit.

Call back and get another answer. Being nice and you’ll get a better response. Agents often have discretion about who gets refunds. Next , you can file a complaint with the DOT.

And you can dispute the charge with your credit card. Most banks guarantee that if you paid for something and didn’t receive it, you can dispute the charge and be reimbursed by the credit card.

You may be interested in: 12 Ways to Waste Time on a Layover + Give a Lonley Robot a Job.

Booking your Pet Travel Directly with the Airline is Best

Often to get the lowest price or the exact route we want we book through a consolidator such as Expedia, Kayak or Skyscanner. Booking through the airline directly may cost more but you get a number of advantages.

One of which is priority dealing with many problems and often preferential treatment in reassignment and compensation.


When you have a change or cancellation issue and you booked through a consolidator, you have to deal with 2 companies and 2 separate policies and rules.

When you book directly with the airlines you only need to deal with them and their policy on changes and cancellations.

Example: we all know there are only between 2 and 6 spots available for pets flying in cabin.

Take the situation when there is a last-minute change of planes and the passenger and pet need to be rebooked, the traveler who booked directly with the airline will get preferential for those few coveted spots.

Denied Boarding at the Gate?

There is a difference between the airline giving you notice of a change in your flight and being denied boarding at the gate.

If you are at the airport waiting to board and you are bumped, you can negotiate for compensation.

The airline will do their best and find a flight as soon as possible to your destination. For the time between the first flight and the new flight you may request lounge access, or if the flight is the next day, you can request a hotel stay near the airport and transportation costs, even a meal.

Tarmac Delays at the Airport

Tarmac delay rules that U.S. airlines must follow: carriers are not allowed to hold a domestic flight on the tarmac for more than three hours

or international flight for more than four hours, barring a couple of exceptions (like if the pilot deems it’s for a safety reason).

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

For a tarmac delay of three hours in the U.S. or four hours outside of the U.S., you must be given the option to deplane.

If you choose to leave the plane, the airline is not obligated to let the passenger back on board. This means a passenger who chooses to deplane may miss their flight and be separated from any checked luggage.

You have many more opportunities than you may realize when an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight.

Check Out Money Lawyer Erika Kullberg Tik Tok on How she Scored $1000 Compensation for Denied Boarding:

@erikakullberg

What airlines don’t want you to know about getting “bumped” 🤯 #lawyer #travel #money

♬ original sound – Money Lawyer Erika

   

Featured

Driving With Your Pet from US to Mexico

How To Drive Your Dog or Cat into Mexico from the US and Back

To drive with Dogs or Cats to Mexico from the US or Canada, Mexico does not require a Health Certificate or Rabies Certificate. Mexico is not a high-risk Rabies country (CDC). Your Pet may be visually inspected for health at the border. Car Insurance (minimum Liability only) is required.

To drive with to Mexico from a US border, Mexican Law does not require a Health Certificate or Rabies Certificate. Car Insurance (minimum Liability only) is required. Mexico is not a high-risk Dog Rabies country (CDC). Your Pet may be visually inspected for health at the border. 

To Return to the US from Mexico with a Pet Dog or Cat, you likely will need a Pet Health Certificate Vaccination Record, Rabies Certificate, (Parasite Treatment is recommended).

Driving to Mexico with Pets from the US or Canada

A. Dog and Cat Requirements:

1.No, Health Certificate is required if traveling from the US or Canada

2. No, Rabies or other vaccinations,

3. No parasite treatment is required (screwworm, fleas, ticks mite, lice etc.),

4. Your pet may be physically inspected at the border, but often is not inspected.

NOTE: If you return, you will need these documents with you in case you are asked upon reentry to the US or enter to another country.  Plans changes and if you need to fly back to the US you will need them for the airline. 

You can confirm these requirements on the USDA/APHIS official website.

And here on Mexico’s Gobiernos De Mexico official website.

B. Your and Your Vehicle/Car Requirements

DOCUMENTATION FOR YOUR VEHICLE :  You will present a passport or US ID card/driver’s license and get a Tourist Visa  (FMM) for you and a Temporary Import Pass (TIP) for your vehicle, (Except Baja Peninsular where no TIP is required).  A TIP is tied to your immigration document and is valid for as long your immigration document is valid.

A TIP is legal document that allows a foreign-plated vehicle to be imported to and driven in Mexico for a defined period of time.  The vehicle must be exported (driven out of Mexico) before the TIP’s expiry date. 

If you fail to export the vehicle and surrender/cancel the TIP, you will lose your deposit, you will not be allowed to import another vehicle in future; and you can also face fines and have your vehicle confiscated.

Anyone who wants to bring a foreign-plated vehicle into Mexico and drive outside of the Free Zones.  The Free Zones are:

  • within 25km of the land border;
  • the entire Baja California peninsula;
  • a defined area in the northern state of Sonora; and,
  • the southern state of Quintana Roo.

If you are going to drive your car farther than the 25km from the border or anywhere outside of a defined Free Zone, you must have a TIP to avoid fines and confiscation of the vehicle.

Where Can I Buy Temporary Import Permit (TIP) to Travel with My Pet to Mexico?

There are three ways: Online, At the Border, at the Mexican Consulate

1. Online

You can still obtain a TIP in-person at the border but applying for the TIP via the Banjercito site will speed the process and avoid potentially long lines at the border.

Note: If you apply online, you must first get your FMM online (or have your Residency visa or card issued) before you obtain the TIP.  When you get your FMM online, you must stop at the border and get immigration (INM) to stamp/validate the document.  Carry a printed copy of the FMM and your receipt to show proof of payment when you do this.

When approved, you will receive your TIP by email.  Print out your TIP and receipt and keep the printed copies with you while driving in Mexico.  Keep and use the email version only as verification of your TIP approval.

2. In person at a Land Border

Temporary import permits may be purchased at CIITEV offices located at Customs offices near various U.S./Mexico border locations in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. 

Check beforehand that the crossing you use has a CIITEV office.  When you apply in person, Banjercito will send an email with your TIP and hand you a printed copy of the TIP and your receipt.  

Keep the email and paper copies to hand at all times while driving in Mexico.

3. Buying a TIP at a Mexican Consulate

A limited number of Mexican Consulates in the United States offer a TIP-issuing service.  Although the Consulate acts as facilitator, it is Banjercito that issues the permit. 

Consulates in the following US States offer TIPs (we recommend you contact them beforehand to ensure that their TIP issuing service is available):

  • Arizona: Phoenix
  • California: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Sacramento
  • Colorado: Denver
  • Illinois: Chicago
  • New Mexico: Albuquerque
  • Texas: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston

Driving with Pets from US to Mexico Map of Border Entry Points
Driving with Pets from US to Mexico Map of Border Entry Points

BANJERCITO is the government authority that issues vehicle permits allowing you to travel with Pets from US to Mexico. The process can be done online, at the Mexican border, or at certain Mexican consulates in the U.S. 

The process involves leaving a monetary deposit that will be returned upon the cancellation of vehicle permit when leaving Mexico.

RELATED: 18 Tips for Living in Mexico Including Pet Friendly Tips

Auto Insurance for Your Pet Road Trip to Mexico

You are required to have a Mexican Insurance policy or to show proof of financial responsibility.  Financial responsibility is proof of liquid funds (not credit cards) in case of accident.

Your US or Canadian auto insurance policy won’t cover you for third-party liability in Mexico.  Most US or Canadian policies include coverage for damage to your vehicle and its contents—not coverage for another vehicle in an accident. 

The most important aspect of an insurance policy for driving in Mexico is third-party liability. By law, US and Canadian insurers are prohibited from providing liability coverage in foreign countries. 

Liability coverage must be underwritten by a Mexican insurance company. 

What Other Documents Do I Need to Drive My Pets to Mexico from the US?

All foreigners visiting Mexico must fill out an Official Entry Immigration Form, also called a Tourist Card, prior to their arrival. (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM),

Tourist cards are free and you can fill out and print the form at home. Keep this with you as you will need it to return or travel onto South and Central America

When you arrive at the border, present the immigration officer with your printed tourist card and your passport. Since your information will already be in their system, once your tourist card is stamped, you’ll be off to enjoy Mexico!

If you are walking across the border into Mexico, you might find the immigration officer doesn’t request your tourist card. Still, it’s better to have it prepared – just in case.

Visitors to Mexico for leisure or business visits lasting 180 days or less, and who are passport holders of one of the many countries which don’t require a visa to enter Mexico can complete a visitors permit, known as Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM, at their port of entry.

If you drive to Mexico, you will need to get a visitors permit at the port of entry;
If you fly to Mexico, air crews on international flights might hand-out the visitor permit forms before the flight lands, and they are also available at Mexican airports, near the immigration desks


You can get your FMM online and print this out to take with you; the official at the port of entry will stamp the printed form. See Here to Apply Online for your FMM


If you are visiting a Mexican port(s) as part of a cruise ship, you’ll need to get a visitors permit at your first Mexican port of call.


(If the country that issued your passport appears on this list of countries which do require a visa for Mexico, read this.)


Pet travel is welcome in San Miguel de Allende
Pet travel is welcome in San Miguel de Allende

How Much Does a Mexico’s Visitor Visa (FMM) Cost?


If you arrive by land and leave Mexico within 7 days of your arrival date, there is no fee for the permit. If you fly into Mexico from overseas, the fee is usually included within your air ticket’s “fees and surcharges.” The fee is approximately US$25.

Keep Your Visitors Permit (FMM) Safe

Once completed, the immigration official at the port of entry will stamp both halves of the form and hand you the smaller half, stamped with the date you entered the country. It’s important to keep this document safe, as you will need to surrender it when you leave Mexico.

If you are departing Mexico on a flight, your airline will insist you surrender your stamped half of the Visitors Permit to them before they allow you to board.

If you have a Visitors Permit and are leaving the country by land you should voluntarily surrender your form to an immigration official before your departure. Failure to do so might cause delays the next time you try and enter Mexico.


How long can I stay in Mexico with a Visitors Permit (FMM)?


Your visitor permit is valid for the number of days granted by the immigration official and written on the permit —that will never exceed 180 days, but may be less than 180 days— starting from the date of your arrival. The arrival date is always stamped on the permit.

The number of Days you are allowed depends on your statement of reason for travel. For example: if you have hotel reservations in Cancun for two weeks, you may be given 14-20 days. If you are visiting friends and are unsure, you can ask for longer. If you traveling on business, searching for a second home etc. you can ask for more.

Conde Nast Traveler

Your Visa on Arrival in Mexico length of stay is no longer assumed to be 180 days (6 months). In 2022, Mexico is tailoring each Visa on Arrival depending on the Immigration Officer’s assessment of your specific needs.

This allowance is given per entry: every time you exit and re-enter Mexico on another date the allowance ‘resets.’ (You surrender your current FMM when you leave and get a new FMM when you return.)

  • When you enter Mexico as a tourist or visitor, to volunteer, or as a business visitor, then the immigration official at the port of entry may grant you a maximum 180 days to stay in Mexico.
  • The number of days you are allowed to stay will be written on the part of the form that’s handed to you for safe-keeping.
  • The date stamped on your permit is your arrival date.
  • To determine the latest date you must leave Mexico, count the number days (some months are longer than others) from the arrival date stamped on your form.

RELATED: 18 Tips for Living in Mexico Including Pet Friendly Tips

What If Your Pet Has Health Issues at the US Mexico Border?


You Pet may be inspected for general health at the border. If there are signs of disease or wounds, you may need to wait while you contact a local Veterinarian to arrive and treat your Pet.

If your pet is being treated for lesions and/or infections due to a skin condition, present the SENASICA agent with the diagnosis and treatment instructions from your veterinarian.

This information should be presented on letterhead, including the veterinarian’s professional registration number (or equivalent)

If you and your Dog or Cat frequently travel between the U.S. and Mexico, consider registering in the “Pet Program – Frequent Traveler.” For further information, refer to the USDA website.

Bringing Pet Food into Mexico

Mexico allows a limited amount of pet food for you to carry with you.  A supply of one day’s meals is suggested.

Mexico has many of the same brands of Pet food as we find in the US. Mexico has many of the same retailers for Pet Supplies such as Costco, Petsmarts and Walmart.

Also, many Veterinarians make house calls in Mexico if your Pet needs medical attention.


San Miguel de Allende centro street view
My last Trip to Mexico was 6 months in Pet Friendly San Miguel de Allende

Driving Back to the US from Mexico with Your Pets

DOGS:  Dogs that have not been in a high-risk country in the previous 6 months are not required by CDC to present a rabies vaccination certificate or other paperwork, but vaccination against rabies is required. (CDC).

CATS: A Health Certificate is not required by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for entry of pet cats into the United States, although some airlines or states may require them.

However, pet cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry and may be denied entry into the United States if they have evidence of an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans.

If a cat appears to be ill, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner’s expense might be required at the port of entry.

Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the United States.

Returning Home With Your Pet
Bringing your Dog or Cat back to the U.S. from Mexico
The CDC has strict guidelines on Dogs entering the U.S. from countries that have a high risk of Dog rabies. 113 countries are on this list – Mexico is NOT a High Risk Rabies Country.

No matter what country you are coming from, the US requires an up-to-date rabies certificate be presented upon entering with a pet.

Pet Inspection at the US and Mexico Border

Your pet may be physically inspected.  It must be healthy.  If the pet does not appear healthy (sickly, fresh or healing wounds) you will likely be turned away. Mexico recognizes only Dogs and Cats as pets. All other animals enter under other rules.

SENASICA inspectors are not present at every crossing. In fact, many travelers report to us that there are very few. Still, it is possible. It is good practice to have all your Pet’s documentation with you.

Once in a while, travelers find themselves in an emergency and need to fly back to the States with their Pet. Pets will be inspected at airports. See AEROMEXICO-Flying with Pets to Mexico or VOLARIS-Flying With Pets to Mexico

TIP:  A “Pet Passport” is not an official document as are human passports.  A “Pet Passport” is all the documentation you pet may need for travel: ID, Photo, Health Certificate, Vaccination records, Rabies Certificate, Parasite Prevention documentation and Medication.

TIP: WAZE App can be very effective alternative to Google Maps. Mexican use Whatsapp as their primary means to message everyone: Veterinarians, Shopkeepers, Hotels, Restaurants and friends.


Do Dogs and Cats Need a Health Certificate to Travel to Mexico?

No. If you are traveling from the USA or Canada, your Pet (Dog or Cat) does not need a Pet Health Certificate. The USDA/APHIS as of December 16, 2019

RELATED: Pet Friendly San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

AND, Guide to Pet Friendly Mexico City, Mexico

18 Tips for Living in Mexico Including Pet Friendly Tips

Pets, US to Mexico, and Back–Fast Facts and Links

Airlines that Allow Snub-Nose Dogs and Cats In Cabin in 2023

Snub Nose Dogs and Cats are very popular breeds; however, when flying, that special little face comes at a price.  Here are all the airlines that allow snub nose or brachycephalic breeds.

Airlines that Fly Snub Nose Dogs and Cats In Cabin:


AIRLINEs Flying Snub Nose Dogs and Cats IN CabinRestrictions on Dogs or Cats Flying IN Cabin
and Pet Crate Sizes for International Flights
Restrictions for Dogs
or Cats Flying IN Cabin and
Pet Crate Sizes for
DOMESTIC Flights
UNITED
$125usd Each Way
Yes
Soft=18”Lx11”Wx11”H
Hard=17.5″Lx12”Wx7.5”H
Yes
Soft=18”Lx11”Wx11″”H
Hard=17.5’Lx12”Wx7.5”H
LUFTHANSA
17.6lbs Max w/ Carrier
Domestic=$57usd
Int’l-$69-$150usd
Yes
Soft Sided Only
22″L x 16″W x 9″H
Yes
Soft Sided Only
22″L x 16″W x 9″H
SOUTH
WEST


$95usd Each Way
No Snub Nose
Pets Allowed
In Cabin

Yes
18.5”Lx8.5”Hx13.5”W
KLM
17.6lbs Max w/ Carrier
$88-$465usd
Each Way
Yes
18″Lx11″Hx9.5″W
Yes
18″Lx11″Hx9.5″W
ALASKA AIR
$105usd Each Way

Yes
17″L x 11″Hx 7.5″W
Yes
17″L x 11″H x 7.5″W
KOREAN AIR
15.5lbs Max w/ Carrier
$150-$300usd
Each Way
Yes
Sum Total (LxHxW=45″
Soft Max Height=10″
Hard Max Height=8″
Yes
Sum Total (LxHxW=45″
Soft Max Height=10″
Hard Max Height=8″
COPA AIR
20lbs Max w/ Carrier
M-F Only for Int’l
Int’l=$125
Domestic=$25
Yes
17″Lx7.5″Hx13″W
Yes
17″Lx7.5″Hx13″W
FINNAIR
17lbs Max
Europe, Russia &
Middle East=$60
Intercontinental=
$100


Yes
Soft=22″Lx9″Hx16″W
Hard=14″Lx12″Wx8″H
Yes
Soft=22″Lx9″Hx16″W
Hard=14″Lx12″Wx8″H
AIR CANADA
Int’l=
$100-$120usd
Canada & US(Excluding
HI=
$50-60
Yes -Except HI
Soft=21.5″Lx15.5″Wx
10.5″H
Hard=21.5″Lx15.5″Wx9″H


Yes
Soft=21.5″Lx15.5″Wx10.5″H
Hard=21.5″Lx15.5″Wx
9″H
AIR FRANCE
8kg/17lbs w/ Carrier
Int’l=
Yes
18″Lx11″Hx9″W
Yes
18″Lx11″Hx9″W
AEROMEXICO
Dogs Only
7-9kg/15.5-19lbs
w/Carrier
Int’l-$125
Domestic=$50
Yes
Aircraft E-145=
16″Lx12″Hx 7″W
All Other Aircraft=
19″Lx12″Hx 10″W

Yes
Aircraft E-145=
16″Lx12″Hx 7″W
All Other Aircraft=
19″Lx12″Hx 10″W
La COMPAGNIE
Dogs and Cats
Yes
Up to 33 lbs!
All Business Class
Limited Departure and Destinations
Cost: Fare is about 8k
Your Pet’s Fare is 10% of your Ticket Price
JSX Airlines
Snub Nose Dogs Up to 79 lbs! Cost: Regular Seat Fare
Medium and Large Dogs
In Cabin will be Travel on the Floor Space Next to Your
Seat–All Business Class-Limited Cities
Chartered Air Travel with Pets
Large Dogs Accepted and Encouraged.
No Weight, No Size Restrictions
Average of 5k to 8k
for International Flights
You Can Travel with Your
Large Dog In-Cabin, More
Room on an International
Flight with Less Custom Hassle and Little Wait at
the Airport
Elite AirwaysDogs and Cats are allowed on the floor in front of the window seat (not under the seat!) You will have to purchase an adjacent seat but you’ll have a lot more room.
CompanionPetTravel.com: Snub Nose Dog Friendly Airlines IN CABIN

These are my best Pet carriers for flying.  I have used these 4 and each has its strengths and are benefits. 4 Best In-Cabin Pet Carriers for Airlines 2022

The factors that determine if your snub nose pet is allowed to fly and if in Cabin, Checked Baggage or Cargo are:

  • If your flight International or Domestic
  • If your Destination and any Layover City
  • The Size and Weight of your Pet with Carrier
  • The Length of Flight restriction are often imposed for flights over 11 hours.

See Also, Can I Buy an Extra Seat on a Plane for My Dog or Cat in Cabin?

I have tried and liked a number of carriers. My favorite bag, for the extra room a snub-nose Dog needs is also expandable and the Petmate See and Extend makes a good quality carrier at an affordable price.  I like best that it has ventilation on all 4 sides and expandability.

Can I Fly My English Bulldog In-Cabin on a Plane?

Yes, you can fly your English Bulldog In-Cabin. JSX Airlines will fly Dogs up to 65lbs in the US. Cost: Regular Seat Fare. Dogs  travel on the floor space next to your seat–All Business Class-Limited Cities. International flights for large snub nose Dogs In-Cabin  include La Compagnie Airlines and Shared Charter Flights.

(for more,see Can I Buy an Extra Seat on a Plane for My Dog or Cat in Cabin?

More About Flying with Snub Nose Pets In-Cabin

Delta Airlines–Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats and their mixes are not permitted on Delta or Delta Connection flights in cabin, checked baggage or cargo.

Southwest AirlinesAllows snub-nose pets in cabin on domestic flights only. Snub-nose pets are not allowed on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international flight. Southwest Airlines allows small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel with you in-cabin under the seat in front of you. All pets must be carried in an appropriate carrier. Pets traveling are subject to a $95 Pet Fare each way per pet carrier.

American Airlines— The airline does not allow the transportation of brachycephalic and snub-nosed cats and dogs because of safety concerns.

United AirlinesAllows snub-nose Dogs and Cats.  Pets must be at least 2 months (8 weeks) old. On international flights, Dogs and Cats must be at least 4 months (16 weeks) old due to rabies vaccination requirements. Pets can’t travel with unaccompanied minors. Cost is $125 each way. Your pet must also always remain in the floor space under the seat.

Alaska Air—Alaska Air does allow brachycephalic breeds in cabin. Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and must have been fully weaned. Up to 2 pets of the same species and similar size may travel in the same carrier, provided no body parts protrude from the carrier and the animals are not in distress. Alaska Airlines does not accept snub-nose breeds in cargo or checked baggage.

KLM—KLM allows snub-nosed pets in cabin. Cost is $65-$200usd per pet in cabin. KLM does not transport most of snub-nose pets in the hold as they may have trouble breathing during the flight due to high temperatures and stress. Great transatlantic pet travel option!

LufthansaYour snub nose dog or cat can travel in the passenger compartment/in cabin.   Snub-nosed breeds of dogs or cats can be transported as air freight, not as traditional cargo. My favorite Pet Friendly airline for transatlantic pet travel!

COPA AirlinesAllows snub nose pets in cabin and in cargo.  Cost is $25 for Domestic flights and $125 for International flights.  For International flights, you are allowed to transport pets from Monday through Friday only. Pets are not accepted on flights where the departure itinerary originates on Friday and the arrival is on Saturday morning.  One pet per container. One pet per passenger.  Children under 11 years of age are not allowed to travel with pets.

Korean AirSnub nose Dogs and Cats are accepted in cabin/passenger compartment and as checked baggage.  For In-Cabin, the Total weight of pet + carrier maximum is 7kg or less. 

For Checked Baggage, the Total weight of pet + carrier maximum is 45kg or less. The total sum of the carrier’s width, length, and height should be less than 291cm/114in and the maximum height is 84cm/33in.

Each passenger may be accompanied by 1 animal on-board or 2 as checked pets. Brachycephalic/ snub-nosed Dogs and Cats cannot be accepted as cargo.

British Airways– accepts some snub nose breeds in a larger kennel. They specifically do not allow Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese or their cross-breeds.

Emirates Airlines– does not accept snub nose breeds as of December 2020.

Aero Mexico-allows snub-nose dogs and cats in cabin and cargo.  In cabin up to 20lbs/9kg including carrier In Cargo up to 99lbs/45gk including crate. Flight must be 6 hours or less.

Finnair–Bigger dogs and all ferrets can travel in the hold on the same flight with you, if the combined weight of the pet and its pet carrier is under 50 kg (110 lb). Please note that if your pet and its box weigh together over 50 kg (110 lb), the pet needs to be shipped as cargo.

La Compagnie –Allows Larger Snub Nose Dogs and Cats! Flights from New York to Paris, Nice, Milan, Tel Aviv, Faro, Naples, Pisa, Toulouse, Rome.

La Compagnie Airlines is a great alternative to the 8kg/18lbs pet weight limit on most airlines.

Your Pet’s Flight Cost is 10% of Your Ticket Price

Book at Least 48 hours In Advance Online or by Phone. You can Book a Flight for 1 Pet In Cabin Per Person

Your Dog or Cat Must be at Least 16 weeks old, vaccinated (Pet Passport or Health Certificate required).

Great transatlantic pet travel option!

Chartered Air Travel with Pets. Yes, you can fly with your large Dog In Cabin from US to Europe, UK/England with a shared charter flight. You will need to be flexible with dates and the cost depends on how many seats are sold and is approximately $8,000 one-way from NYC to France. See Chartered Air Travel with Pets and Animal Travelers on Facebook.

Elite Airways

Large Dogs are allowed on the floor in front of the window seat (not under the seat!) You can purchase a seat for extra floor space. Dogs are not allowed on the seat or your lap but, being able to purchase an empty seat and have your large Dog in cabin on the floor space may be worth the extra seat price. (You’ll have a bit more room too!)

Pet reservations must be made at least 48-hours in advance of departure, and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.

Elite Airways is a smaller airline; however, if you are on the East coast, they are an option for Large Dogs In Cabin!


Elite Airways Allows Large Dogs In Cabin
Elite Airways Allows Large Dogs In Cabin

See Also, Best Pet Carriers & Airlines for Pugs and Snub Nose Dogs


Even airlines that allow snub-nose pets on flights, each has restrictions on the number of pets per flight and for the length of the flight (usually any over 11 hours).

Snub Nose Dogs can fly In Cabin on a Plane
Matthias Zomer from Pexels

Snub-nose, also known as brachycephalic, these pets have been bred to have noses/snouts that are shorter than most and this adorable signature feature can cause them to have breathing and heat acclimation issues. These breeds include:

DOGS

• Affenpinscher
• American Bulldog
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Boston Terrier
• Boxer (all breeds)
• Brussels Griffin,
• Bulldog (all breeds)
• Cane Corso
• Chow Chow
• Douge de Bordeaux

  • English Toy Spaniel (King Charles)
  • Japanese Chin
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Mastiff (all breeds except Great Danes)
  • Pekinese
  • Pit Bull
  • Pug (all breeds)
  • Shar Pei
  • Shih Tzu
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier Tibetan Spaniel


CATS

  • Burmese Cats
  • Exotic Cats
  • Himalayan Cats
  • Persian Cats


Why Do Airlines Not Allow Snub-Nose Breeds on Flights?

Because snub-nose breeds have smaller nostrils, a longer soft palate, and a narrowed trachea/windpipe, brachycephalic breeds don’t breathe as well as animals with average length snouts. They can have difficulty cooling off when playing, exercising, or if they are stressed or overheated.  They have difficulty breathing normally at higher altitudes. Their airway can actually collapse, either partially or completely, and cut off their airflow.

Do I need a different Crate for a Snub-Nose Pet for Air Travel?

Yes. Because of their breathing issues many airlines require a pet crate that is at least 4”/10 cm larger than the dog or cat (this includes 1 size larger is using Standard Crate Sizing or 10% larger). This additional space allows for extra ventilation and air flow.

Can I Fly My Large Dog In Cabin from US to Europe, UK/England?

Yes, you can fly with your large Dog In Cabin from US to Europe, UK/England with a shared charter flight.

You will need to be flexible with dates and the cost depends on how many seats are sold and is approximately $8,000 one-way from NYC to France. See Chartered Air Travel with Pets and Animal Travelers on Facebook. You and your Pet will fly in great comfort with your Pet by your side. without long lines at customs.

Airlines that accept brachycephalic breeds require pet owners to have an airline or IPATA approved flight pet crate that is at least one size larger than the size for a pet of equal size. Purchasing a larger pet travel crate will help minimize the risks.

Can I Fly My Snub Nose Pet in an Oversized Crate?

The correct size crate for a snub-nose pet is one size larger than the standard for their size. All other pets should use the standard crate for their size. A crate larger than one size larger is not recommended for brachycephalic breeds by airlines for two reasons: 1. Airlines have limited cargo space and each pet is apportioned their space depending on their size and breed, and 2. It can be hazardous for a pet when air turbulence occurs; your pet may be thrown against the wall of the crate instead of leaning against the wall of the crate.

Why Does United Airlines have so Many Dogs Die in Flight?

United’s sky-high numbers of recent pet deaths may be more complicated than they appear at first glance. While United does carry a disproportionate number of the animals who die on planes, the airline says the disparity results from one simple variable: United accepts higher-risk dog breeds that other major U.S. carriers do not allow.

“Snub-nosed” breeds such as French bulldogs are banned from Delta and American Airlines because their compact airway can lead to in-flight breathing problems. But up until last month, United continued to accept shipments of these dogs

See all about Flying with Pets at Companion Pet Travel: Flying with Pets

 

AEROMEXICO-Flying with Pets to Mexico in 2023

Flying a Pet to Mexico does not require Quarantine or those Pets that have a health certificate. Aeromexico allows Pets to fly In Cabin and in checked baggage. The following outlines the requirements for flying with your pet on Aeromexico and their Frequent Flyer Program.

Pets IN CABIN from US to Mexico:

1. PETS ALLOWED: Cats and Dogs. 1 per passenger including Emotional Support Dogs and Cats which must have a maximum weight of 26 lbs / 12 kg and their allowed measurements will be 22 in long x 12 in tall.

2. ALLOWANCES: Up to 9kg/20lbs including carrier. (exception for Service Animals including Emotional Support Dogs and Cats). Carrier is not counted as your carry-on.

3. RESTRICTIONS: Maximum Flight Duration is 6 hours. You may not feed your pet during the flight.

4. AGE: Pet must be 8 week or older

5. CARRIER REQUIREMENTS: Must be made of Flexible or soft plastic, adequate ventilation, sufficient space to turn and lie down.  16”/40cm x 12”/30cm x 8”/20cm.  Carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.  Passenger will be booked a window seat where available.


CARRIER IMAGE: PROPERTY OF AEROMEXICO


Remember, just because there is a seat for you, does not mean there is a spot for your pet. Each flight allows between 2 and 6 pets per aircraft.

6.      Pet Health Certificate, Vaccinations, DOCUMENTS, DOMESTIC:

  • Vaccination Card
  •  Valid Rabies Vaccine
  • Including: Date and Duration of Application, Product Information.  Pets under 3 months are exempt.
  • Certificate of Good Health. Issued by Veterinarian (original and copy) on letterhead with license number, name and address of owner, breed, gender, age, and color. Must be valid up to 5 days after the issue date.

INTERNATIONAL Pet FLIGHTS from Outside US to Mexico:

  • You will need a Vaccination Card
  • Valid Rabies Vaccine. Including: Date and Duration of Application, Product Information. First Rabies vaccine must be no later than 28 days before entry. Pets under 3 months are exempt
  • Pet Health Certificate (Pet Passport). Issued by Veterinarian (original and copy) on letterhead with license number, name and address of owner, breed, gender, age, and color. Must be valid up to 5 days after the issue date. See Our Guides for Health Certificates for Mexico.
  • A short form stating your Origin (address of departure) and Destination (this can be your hotel, Airbnb or friend’s address)
  • Export Certificate issued by SAGARPA-SENASICA (Except for flights to the US and Canada).
  • Cost to Fly Your Pet in Mexico:  Domestic: $55usd to $70usd
  • Cost to fly my Pet from USA to Mexico (International): $135usd to $145usd

How to Check your Pet in Cargo and Checked Baggage to Mexico:

  1. PETS ALLOWED: Cats, Dogs and Cocks
  2.  ALLOWANCES: Up to 99lbs/45kg including Carrier.
  3. RESTRICTIONS: At least 8 weeks old. Flights from Mexico to London Pets must fly in Cargo. Pet must travel on same flight as owner. Snub-Nosed Cats and Dogs may not fly in checked baggage.  Temperature may hinder your travel.

4. Pet DOCUMENTATION for DOMESTIC FLIGHTS:

  • A. Vaccination Card
  • B. Valid Rabies Vaccine. Including: Date and Duration of Application, Product Information.  Pets under 3 months are exempt
  • C. Certificate of Good Health. Issued by Veterinarian (original and copy) on letterhead with license number, name and address of owner, breed, gender, age, and color. Must be valid up to 5 days after the issue date.

How to Prepare a Pet Crate for Checked Baggage and Cargo

How to Prepare a Pet Crate for Air Travel

5. What Documents Do I Need to Fly My Pet from USA to Mexico or other INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS:

  • A. Vaccination Card
  • B. Valid Rabies Vaccine. Including: Date and Duration of Application, Product Information. First Rabies vaccine must be no later than 28 days before entry. Pets under 3 months are exempt.
  • C. Certificate of Good Health. Issued by Veterinarian (original and copy) on letterhead with license number, name and address of owner, breed, gender, age, and color. Must be valid up to 5 days after the issue date.
  • Address of Origin and Destination. Include your hotel or AirBnb or friend’s address.
  • Export Certificate issued by SAGARPA-SENASICA  when required. (Except for flights to the US and Canada).

6. What Size Pet Carrier Do I Need for my Pet on Aeromexico?

In-Cabin, you a soft carrier is best as it allows you to compress the top or sides a bit to allow it fit under the seat in front of you. For Checked Baggage or Cargo, a hard plastic carrier is best.

See 4 Best Pet Carriers for Airlines 2021-In Cabin

For a hard-plastic carrier, be sure to look for:

  • One-piece base of absorbent material with additional covering of absorbent or waterproof material.
  • Enough space to turn and lie down naturally,
  • Ventilation on at least 3 sides (top and 2 sides)
  • Check Handle strength. They should be strong enough for the weight including your pet.
  • At least 1 lock to ensure the carrier seals the upper and lower sections of the container door.
  • Look for carriers that are IATA compliant. “Airline Approved means very little.

7. CONTAINER DIMENSIONS:  For Aircraft: E-170, E-190=40”/100cm x 36”/90cm x 32”/80cm.  For Aircraft: B 737-700, B 737-800, B 787-8, B 787-9=48”/120cm x 44”110cm x 36”/90cm.

When is it too hot to fly my Pet to Mexico?

Check the temperatures and forecasts surrounding the origin, transit, and destination of the airports you will fly.  If the temperature is higher than 30 °C and lower than 7 °C, we will not accept your pet as checked-in luggage. 

For details and to ensure your furry friend their space on a flight Contact the Call Center before you book the flight at 1-800-237-6639 and visit Aeromexico HERE.

Visa and Permit to Enter Mexico with a Pet (Tourist Card)

Visitors with Pets also need their own documents to enter. If you enter Mexico for leisure or business visits lasting 180 days or less, and are passport holders of one of the many countries which don’t require a visa to enter Mexico can complete a visitors permit, known as Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM), at their port of entry, often when you land at the airport.

If you drive to Mexico, you will need to get a visitors permit at the port of entry;

If you fly to Mexico, flight attendants on international flights might hand-out the visitor permit forms before the flight lands, and they are also available at Mexican airports, near the immigration desks

You can get your FMM online and print this out to take with you; the official at the port of entry will stamp the printed form.

If you are visiting a Mexican port(s) as part of a cruise ship, you’ll need to get a visitors permit at your first Mexican port of call.

(If the country that issued your passport appears on this list of countries which do require a visa for Mexico, read this.)

Fee for Mexico’s Visitor Visa (FMM)

If you arrive by land and leave Mexico within 7 days of your arrival date, there is no fee for the permit.  If you fly into Mexico from overseas, the fee is usually included within your air ticket’s “fees and surcharges.”  The fee is approximately $25usd.

Keep Your Visitors Permit (FMM) Safe

Once completed, the immigration official at the port of entry will stamp both halves of the form and hand you the smaller half, stamped with the date you entered the country.  It’s important to keep this document safe, as you will need to surrender it when you leave Mexico.

If you are departing Mexico on a flight, your airline will insist you surrender your stamped half of the Visitors Permit to them before they allow you to board.

If you have a Visitors Permit and are leaving the country by land you should voluntarily surrender your form to an immigration official before your departure.  Failure to do so might cause delays the next time you try and enter Mexico.

Your Mexico Visitor Permit: FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Mexico’s visitor permit

How long can I stay in Mexico with a Visitors Permit (FMM)?

Your visitor permit is valid for the number of days granted by the immigration official and written on the permit —that will never exceed 180 days, but may be less than 180 days— starting from the date of your arrival.  The arrival date is always stamped on the permit.

Every time you exit and re-enter Mexico on another date the allowance ‘resets.’ (You surrender your current FMM when you leave and get a new FMM when you return.)

If you enter Mexico as a tourist or visitor, to volunteer, or as a business visitor, then the immigration official at the port of entry will grant you a maximum 180 days to stay in Mexico.

The number of days you are allowed to stay will be written on the part of the form that’s handed to you for safe-keeping.

The date stamped on your permit is your arrival date.

To determine the latest date you must leave Mexico, count the number days (some months are longer than others) from the arrival date stamped on your form.

Can I fly with my Emotional Support Animal on Aeromexico?

Yes. Emotional Support Dogs and Cats are welcome. Your Emotional Support Animal must have a maximum weight of 26 lbs / 12 kg and their allowed measurements is 22 in long x 12 in tall.

What is an Emotional Support Animal to Fly To Mexico on Aeromexico?

Emotional support pets (ESAN)
These are Dogs or Cats that help people by providing their owners with therapeutic support through affection and company. Flying with such an animal requires producing a certificate prescribed by a psychiatric physician.

Documentation required for our customers
A medical certificate issued within a year from traveling, indicating the need to travel with the animal due to a mental health related reason. It must also indicate that the customer is under supervision and care of the physician.

The certificate must be issued exclusively by a psychiatrist. It must be issued in letterhead and include the following information:

Date issued, medical license number, and psychiatry specialty license.

We do not accept certificates issued by psychologists or professionals of any other specialty.

All the information must be printed on the same certificate.

A certificate issued by a veterinarian stating that the animal is trained to provide emotional support is not valid.

You must complete the following form to request this service:

REQUEST OF EMOTIONAL SUPPORT PETS

This form must be completed at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure of your flight. As a result, if you purchase your flight during this period, you will be unable to access the service. Once you have completed the form, you will receive a confirmation with the confirmation number within a maximum of 36 hours.

** All emotional support animals must meet the following requirements **, which must be delivered on the day of the flight to the staff at the airport for validation and acceptance:

Requirements for animal transportation within Mexican territory:
An essential requirement for dogs and cats to be admitted for flight is that they must be at least 8 weeks old.

Vaccination record: up-to-date rabies vaccine, indicating date of application, period covered by vaccine, and product information (pets under 3 months of age are exempted from this requirement)

Certificate of Good Health, one original and one copy (valid for 5 days from date of issuance). Certificate must be issued by a veterinary physician on letterhead paper printed with the veterinary physician’s professional ID number and contain the following data: owner’s name and address. Animal’s breed, sex, age, and color. Departure and destination address.

Frequent Pet Travel Program For Mexico

Simplify and Speed up flying with your Pets to Mexico! It’s now easier than ever to travel often to Mexico with your pets using the Frequent Flyer Pet Program.

IF traveling from US or Canada, Mexico No Longer Requires Health Certificates or a Rabies Vaccination; however, Airlines still require this documentation to board a flight with your pet.
For those who frequently travelling to Mexico from other Countries, you get priority in clearing customs with this program.

Benefits And Requirements of the Frequent Pet Travel Program:

  1. You get priority when entering through Airports.
  2. The Entry Record is valid for 6 months.
  3. You will no longer have to present another Health Certificate, since the staff will do the physical inspection upon admission to verify it.
  4. Users who have this document will have priority of attention to enter the country.
  5. No data record will be necessary anymore, only the validity of the vaccine and deworming will be verified.
  6. The Import Record will be sent electronically to your email.
  7. It is free to join.
  8. Fill out the application form including:
  9. Official identification, your Email, your Pet’s photograph.
  10. Your Pet’s Vaccination Card with current rabies (showing date of application, product name, laboratory, batch number and validity), recent internal and external deworming. (no more than 15 days).Recent Health Certificate within 5 days of issue
  11. A Microchip can be included, but not required.
  12. The Frequent Pet Travel Program only applies to Dogs and Cats.

Click Here, to go to Mexico’s Frequent Pet Travel Program page. See “Registro de Ingreso”.

Application can also be made at both terminals of the Mexico City International Airport and at SENASICA’s Central Offices in Mexico City.

National Service of Health, Food Safety and Quality Mexico (SENASICA)
Telephone 59051000 ext. 51146,
Email: dgif.iica82@senasica.gob.mx
Email: mascotasaicm.dgif@senasica.gob.mx

See all information on Companion Pet Travel: Flying with Pets

Aeromexico is the largest Mexican airline, next take a look at the requirements for the second largest, Volaris.

2023 Flying with Pet Updates

Here’s the latest news, legislation changes, airline, ferry and transport disruptions that impact travel with your Pet:


AeroMexico expands Pet Friendly Flights Internationally
See AeroMexico Pet Policy here

AeromExico Pet Policy

Etihad Airways UP Pet Fee from $200 USD to $1500!

The 11 Cheapest Airline Pet Fees: 2022

Pet Friendly JSX Airlines now allows Dogs Up To 79lbs IN CABIN
All first class seats and you can purchase the seat next to you and your Pup will fly on the floor space.

cAN i BUY A SEAT ON A PLANE FOR MY DOG?

Blind woman’s guide dog was ‘squashed’ in footwell for 8 hours on 2 WestJet flights, report says
This is why I always recommend that if you book you Pet through a 3rd Party–always contact the airline directly to inform of your Pet’s Travel!. In this case, the 3rd party booking cite failed to contact the airline to reserve a larger seat space.

business insider august 2022

Airlines are separating families on rebooked flights. Here’s what to know.
“there’s no law that requires airlines to keep families or pets and owners together.”

washington post.com

Pet-Friendly Comfort in Airline Crisis Time
IATA and Humane Society International have drafted rules and guidelines for Airline Pet Travel during a Crisis.

IATA.com

Finnair says…”We have good news for pets travelling! From 1 August 2022 onwards, pets can again travel in the aircraft hold on our long-haul flights to and from the USA”. 
See also, Can I Buy a Seat on a Plane for my Dog?

Finnair.com

CBD for Pets: Benefits, Uses, and Things to Consider
We can all use a bit of Calming when traveling with Pets and none more so than our Companion Pets.

greatpetcare.com

Flying is Hard Right Now!
I would add…especially when flying with Pets in 2022. Here is some much needed advice from a Flight Attendant

Kristie Koerbel, flight Attendant reposted here on Companionpettravel

Air Canada Bans Pets From Traveling In Cargo Until September 12, 2022

FORBES.COM

Emotional support pets: experts warn of animal welfare risk
Among research into the use of emotional support animals, is a pilot study by a team including Hoy-Gerlach that paired 11 participants with serious mental illness with a rescue dog or cat. The results suggest the participants experienced an improvement in their mental health wellbeing, with reductions seen in anxiety, depression, and loneliness – however, the pilot was small and lacked a control group. The Guardian. June 3, 2022
Airlines continuing to refuse to allow ESAs is not beneficial to either the animal or the human. See all the Airlines that still allow Emotional Support Animals on Flights

AIRLINES THAT ALLOW EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOGS IN 2022

SHOULD A DOG USE PASSENGER LAVATORY ON AIRPLANE?

Live and Let’s Fly

French Bee Launches Los Angeles–Paris Flights From $321

Frenchbee Airlines

LaCompagnie Airlines Adds Pet Friendly NY to ITALY allowing Dogs and Cats Up to 33lbs IN CABIN

Travel+leisure

UK Ferry Company Fires 800 Seafarers
Ferry Transport from England, UK and France Severely Disrupting Transport of Pets and Pet Parents Travel

CNN.COM

Petition to Change Flying with Pets Airline Regulations. Join Rina Greenberg’s FB page and help make Airlines Change how Pets are Treated
Flying with Pets: Change is Coming
PLEASE take a look at the iPetition and Sign

iPetition

Counterfeit Canines: the Air Travelers with Fake Service Dogs
Bottom Line: We need Pet Friendly Alternatives for Air Travel with Pets

The Guardian

Frequent Pet Travel in the US? You May Want the Southwest Companion Pass

Southwest.com

Couple Quit their Jobs to Become Full-Time Pet Sitters
Another nomad couple finding a way to travel and earn a living while still enjoying time with Pets

MSN.COM

New Animal Welfare Law in Spain–Animals are Sentient Beings
Custody Awarded to Neighbor Who Cared for Dog for 4 Years While “Owner” was Traveling

Spanishnewstoday.com

Wave of Cancelled Flights From Omicron
Flight Cancellation, What Can You Do?

Cancelled Flight, Delayed Flight, What to Do

Dogs returning to the US from Banned Countries –Good News!
The CDC is making it easier for US Pets to Return Home from High Risk Rabies Banned Countries.

companionpettravels.com

BREXIT Changes Travel to UK for Pets
It’s getting more expensive and new paperwork for your Pet is needed including a Animal Health Certificate (ACH) as well as your Pet Passport or USDA/APHIS Health Certificate.

EuroWeeklynews.com

The Best and Worst Airlines for Pets in 2021, According to a New Study
See Also: What Airlines Allow Snub-Nose Pets in Cabin

https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/best-pet-friendly-airlines-2021

FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS CONTINUE ON AMERICAN AIRLINES
It is difficult enough to find flights for our furry friends, but with all the cancellations, American is just not a good choice.

https://liveandletsfly.com/flight-cancellations-american-airlines/

The 10 Best Fall Train Rides in the U.S.
Many Amtrak Routes Accept Small Dogs and Cats. It’s a great way travel with your companion when flying is just not an option.

https://www.smartertravel.com/fall-train-rides/

Southwest has canceled 1,018 Sunday flights as of 2 p.m. ET, according to flight tracker FlightAware. 

USATODAY.com

From the Green Book to Black & Abroad
Eric Martin reached back into the Green Book’s tradition by creating Black & Abroad, a cultural collective dedicated to redefining world experiences for the modern Black traveler.

Blackandabroad.com

Why more Travelers are Flying their Pets by Private Jet
There’s a dynamic shift in who’s traveling and why–job relocation and more available time, but the biggest reason: commercial airlines are struggling to keep up with the demand

CNN Travel Section

US State Department makes it (a bit) Easier for Transgender Pet Parents to Travel
Transgender Americans can now more easily change the gender marker on their US passports, the State Department announced Wednesday, promising to unveil more gender-inclusive changes to passport applications in the future.

By Devan Cole, CNN

My home, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico takes the Number 1 Best City in the World by Travel+Leisure
This beautiful, historic city consistently wins awards for all the wonder it shares with Travelers and their furry Pets, and this year, we did it again! See my guide to Pet-Friendly San Miguel de Allende

BY MAYA KACHROO-LEVINE SEPTEMBER 08, 2021

CEO of K9s for Warriors, says for the first time in American history, the VA can pay for service dogs for veterans with PTSD.

Author: First Coast News Staff, Casey Feindt,

LUFTHANSA PREDICTS USA WILL NOT REOPEN TO EUROPEANS UNTIL CHRISTMAS
While Lufthansa has been hit by a lack of westbound leisure demand, its transatlantic flights have been “profitable” this summer due to strong American demand and even stronger demand for cargo transport.

 MATTHEW KLINT  POSTED ON

Alitalia Cancels All Flights And Prepares For Closure In October
It’s official: Alitalia is shutting down. While the end of the airline has been clear for months now, the carrier has officially announced that it will stop flying from 14th October. All flights beyond this date are canceled, and passengers may request a refund or travel before the 14th. From the 15th of October, ITA will become the new Italian flag carrier, kicking off a new era for Italian aviation.

byPranjal Pande
August 25, 2021

WARNING: RENTAL CAR PRICING IS OBSCENE IN EUROPE TOO
If you thought the problem of depleted inventory and high pricing was constrained to the U.S. car rental market, think again. Europe isn’t much better. Be prepared for extreme sticker shock.

Matthew klint september 3, 2001 at live and let’s fly

American Airlines offers customers front-door pet delivery service provided by My Pet Cab
American Airlines offers customers front-door pet delivery service provided by My Pet Cab American Airlines has made pet travel easier through a new add-on service provided by the animal transportation experts at My Pet Cab, who offer pet owners a safe and seamless home delivery service for their furry friends, says release.

CargoConnect.com august 25, 2021

U.S. Passport Renewals Are Taking Months—Here’s What to Know
If your passport expires within the next year, you need to get moving.

BY KELSEY OGLETREE
July 29, 2021

Delta Airlines announces their new program for at-home personal COVID-19 tests for Delta customers to meet test requirements introduced by the CDC and many international governments during the pandemic. Convenient and accurate in-home rapid antigen tests that can be shipped directly to a home address or picked up locally are now available for purchase on delta.com.

delta.com

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES DELAYS OVER 1,300 FLIGHTS AS SUMMER OF MISERY CONTINUES
On Tuesday, August 17th Southwest Airlines cancelled 159 flights (roughly 4% of its schedule) and delayed 1,034 flights (29% of its schedule)
On Wednesday, August 18th Southwest Airlines cancelled 134 flights (3% of its schedule) and delayed 1,358 flights (38% of its schedule)

 MATTHEW KLINT  POSTED ONAUGUST 19, 2021

MELTDOWN: AMERICAN AIRLINES CANCELS OR DELAYS OVER 1,000 FLIGHTS

 MATTHEW KLINT  POSTED ON

Beginning July 14, 2021, there is a temporary suspension for dogs imported from high-risk countries for dog rabies. CDC has the authority to issue a CDC Dog Import Permit for US citizens and lawful residents relocating from high-risk countries to bring their dogs into the United States. Such permits will be issued on an extremely limited basis.

First 90-Day Transition Process
From July 14 through October 14, 2021, dogs coming from high-risk countries  with CDC Dog Import Permits can enter the United States at one of these 18 airports: Anchorage, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit, Honolulu, Houston (IAH), Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York (JFK), Newark, Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Juan, Seattle, and Washington, DC (Dulles).

After October 14, 2021, dogs coming from high-risk countries with CDC Dog Import Permits must enter only at approved ports of entry.

All dogs imported into the United States must be healthy on arrival.

Dogs that have not been in a high-risk country in the previous 6 months are not required by CDC to present a rabies vaccination certificate or other paperwork, but vaccination against rabies is recommended.

Bottom of Form

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EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS NO LONGER GIVEN PRIORITY TO FLY IN CABIN

Following years of abuse by too many travelers, the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) revised their regulation to exclude Emotional Support Animals as Service Animals.

You can still fly with your pet, but for most airlines, the animal must be a DOMESTIC DOG, CAT OR BIRD. 

DOMESTIC DOG, CATS and BIRDS are allowed in Cabin and Cargo or Checked Baggage.

  • These pets must meet the individual airlines’ size, weight, breed, and behavior restrictions.
  • Most airlines have temperature restrictions and do not allow pets if the plane is traveling to a destination that is either too hot or too cold.  These restrictions are in place so the animals are not exposed to extreme temperatures when in Cargo or Checked Baggage.  So, what time of year you fly, your departure location and destination choice is important. 
  • There are restrictions on long-haul flights.  Many airlines restrict carrying pets in cargo or as checked baggage on flights longer than 12 hours. 

SERVICE ANIMALS are EXCEPTIONS TO FLYING IN CABIN

For nearly all airlines, traveling with SERVICE DOGS allow the dog to travel in the cabin as long as each airline specific requirement is met including that:

  • The dog can sit at your feet, under the seat, or on your lap.  It must fit within the “footprint” of your seat.  It cannot encroach on the seat next to yours.  Also, you cannot buy your dog its own seat.   
  • The dog must be clean, healthy, and well-behaved.

EXCEPTIONS FOR FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICERS AND US MILITARY PERSONNEL Flying with a Pet.

If you are a Foreign Service Office or US Military flying with a pet, you may be able to fly with your pet but, you must have a prior approval from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as discussed above. 

We will continue to update changing rules and regulations for air travel with pets.

More and More Pet Parents are Flying with Dogs by Private Jet

The idea of flying with Pets by private charter flight might seem out of reach.

Pet parents who either refuse or cannot fly their fur babies in Cargo are choosing another option– to share a private Jet.

For relocation or vacation flying with your Pet In Cabin on a private plane may be necessary!

Instead of hiring the entire plane as the wealthy and some social media influencers do, Pet Parents are booking seats along with other Pet Parents on private jets at a much more affordable cost.


aboard G6 Aviation Pet Travel Flight
Image: Trifonova aboard G6 Aviation Pet Travel Flight

The need to relocate for work or long-term travel, especially international from the east coast USA to Europe makes private flight-sharing an option.

Pet parents can now split the costs of a jet charter either with friends or strangers.

Why travel with your Pet on a shared private plane:

  1. No waiting in long lines at the airport. You have a private gate and you arrive 30 minutes early for your flight—not hours before your flight!
  2. No weight restrictions for Pets–chubby Pugs and Pit bulls are welcome!
  3. No size restriction—no shoving your loved-one under the seat in front of you in an already cramped seat.
  4. No breed restrictions—snub-nose (brachycephalic) Pit Bulls and Pekingese travel like they should–absolute acceptance!.
  5. Your Dog or Cat or Pet does not have to endure the Cargo hold.
  6. First-class service from start to finish–private gates, larger floor space and comfortable seats!
  7. You can buy space for any number of Pets.  So, no making multiple trips to bring your family together. You can bring your Cat, Dog and Rabbit on one flight!
  8. No crowded seats—they’re all first class with wide aisle for comfort!
  9. Your Pet has more freedom to stretch their legs and roam around a little instead of being crated on a commercial flight.
  10. In this time of mass flight cancelations, private pet flights are far more reliable than commercial airlines.
  11. No temperature or pressure issues—no embargoes! They fly in cabin with you.
  12. No separation anxiety from being separated from you in a dark environment—they will be with you in cabin, right by you and can even move around and meet other Pet Parents and pups.
  13. Plus, you and your Pet won’t wait in long lines at the airport and have to stress with the hassle of the airport. You use private terminals and arrive 30 minutes before your boarding time.
  14. This means that you don’t have to find baggage claim or line up check-in.
  15. You pass through security with speed and privacy. This takes a lot of stress off your Pet and makes the entire process much smoother and easier.

Private Jet with Pets Options



1. Pet Parents on Facebook Groups such as Chartered Air Travel with Pets

There are Groups on Facebook and other social media that work together to cut out the middle man, share information on their Pet Travel departure and destination, choose a date and then contract DIRECTLY with a private jet company.

These Pet Parents provide their route and month of departure, and others who are looking for the same or similar route join other like-minded travelers with Pets and cut out the middle man.

Then, they contract the Private Jet company the group has found available for that route, combine their funds spreading the cost among those who join the flight to make the cost of sharing a Private Jet exclusively for Pets cost-effective.

Dogs, Cats and other Pets fly In Cabin sharing cabin with other passengers and their Pets.

Private Jets Pet Travel is typically offered on smaller 10- to 30-passenger planes flying domestic and international routes.

The most popular routes are from New York to Europe, either France, Italy or Spain.  But there are groups that focus on South American travel and Asian countries.


JSX airlines is very Pet Friendly for Pet travel in the US
JSX airlines is very Pet Friendly for Pet travel in the US

2. JSX Airlines

You can travel In Cabin with your Pet who is up to 79lbs!

JSX routes connect several California hubs, including Burbank, Concord, Los Angeles, Monterey, Orange County, Oakland, and San Diego.

The airline also flies to Reno-Tahoe, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Dallas, Austin, and Houston and more recently added Miami and Westchester County in New York to its roster.

JSX is by far one of the most affordable options for semi-private pet-friendly travel.  They offer one-way fares starting as low as $200 on a 30-seat aircraft, which includes up to two checked bags, snacks and drinks, and concierge service onboard.

JSX passengers and their pets can valet their vehicles and arrive for the flight just 30 minutes before takeoff.

Fast and non-invasive, private security precedes your visit to the VIP lounge followed by business class amenities on a 30-seat semi-private jet with free snacks and drinks and 2 free checked bags.

3. Fly Your Pet.VIP

If you are traveling with your Pet around the US, Fly Your Pet.vip offers not only first-class pet travel, a veterinary nurse is aboard every single flight. Trips that could take days of driving now takes only hours.

Routes include: New York, Chicago, South Florida

They operate out of private terminals only so you avoid airport crowds and you stay with your pet pre-boarding and then they are safe in a crate on board until arrival. Pets are never placed in cargo or checked baggage.

  • Pull up to our private terminal 45-minutes before the flight.
  • Stay with your pet until boarding.
  • A few hours later, a happy reunion!

G6 Aviation Pet Friendly Flight
Image: Trifonova aboard G6 Aviation Flight

4. G6 Aviation

G6 Aviation is a boutique broker and flies Pets with access to 3,500 aircraft globally. Fly from your local airport to any global destination.

Pet parents and their pets enjoy the huge benefits of private jet charter during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring safe and stress-free travel for themselves, family, and employees.

They have exclusive use of a private terminal that provides the ultimate experience in social distancing. Arrive just 30 minutes before your departure and walk directly onto the aircraft.

You don’t buy a memberships like rich folks but you get the benefits of one-off private jet travel.

You will need to be much more flexible on your departure dates and locations but, if you can do that, you buy a seat just like with commercial airlines.

International Pet Travel from the East coast USA to Europe are the most popular destinations.

New Jersey or New York to Spain, Amsterdam, Ireland, or France (and then on to England by Ferry or Pet Taxi) is the most popular international pet travel flights and cost 7 to 10k per trip.

If you are traveling internationally with your Pet, you will likely need a Pet Health Certificate prepared. You can find complete instructions and links to government help HERE

Why charter a seat on a private jet flight for you and your Dog, Cat or any Pet?

When the Commercial Airlines prohibit your Pet from flying in cabin and you must fly your Pet in Cargo or Checked Baggage

Can I Buy a Seat on a Private Jet for My Dog?

Anyone can buy a spot on a private jet for their pet — there are no hidden restrictions or secret clubs you need to be a part of. Buying a seat on a private jet is similar to buying a seat for any other kind of commercial transportation.

If these options for a semi private pet friendly jet are still not affordable, there are still option. See my other articles on Airlines that Fly Large Dogs In Cabin

Is it traumatic to fly my Dog in Cargo?

Flying can be a stressful experience for your dog. It removes them from comfortable and familiar surroundings, then forces them into a situation with loud noises, bright lights, thousands of people, changes in air pressure and cabin temperature, and a limited ability to use the bathroom.

Is it safe to fly with my Dog?

Travel with Pets by Plane can be a traumatic experience for your Pet, especially if you put them in cargo.

This is the number one reason why pay extra for a seat on a private jet.  They join you in the plane cabin and enjoy much more room, right at your seat.

So your calming presence will keep them comfortable, and they don’t need to suffer separation anxiety, confusion, And more, your Dog can move around the cabin and turn the experience into something enjoyable while you can meet other Pet Parents.

It’s safe to say that most people assume that Private Jet Pet Travel is too expensive, or too unnecessary a luxury.

There are still more options:  try LaCompagnie airlines–they accept larger dogs in cabin, —see all at “Can I Buy a Seat on a Plane for My Dog?

There are even more options to fly with your pet. I have researched and written about buying a seat on a plane for your Dog here



The 11 Cheapest Airline Pet Fees: 2023

Airlines that allow flying with Pets with an affordable Pet Fee include French bee Airlines, Frontier, Aegean Airlines, Lufthansa, Virgin America, Southwest Airlines, Vueling, WestJet, lynx, Breeze, JSX airlines, and Flair Airlines. All Airline Pet Fees are $100 or less.

Airlines that allow flying with Pets with an affordable Pet Fee include French bee Airlines, Frontier, Aegean Airlines, Lufthansa, Virgin America, Southwest Airlines, Vueling, WestJet, lynx, Breeze, JSX airlines, and Flair Airlines. All Airline Pet Fees are $100 or less.


1. FRENCHBEE AIRLINES

For International flights from the US to Canada, your Pet Can Be in the Foot Space of the Seat & Not under the seat in front. International Flights for $65 each way.

The Points Guy flew with a Dog recently and has this review: “Boarding was chaotic (although I’m hoping that will improve as the airline gets more flights under its belt)…

they didn’t serve dinner, the 3-4-3 seating configuration is pretty tight, there’s no TSA PreCheck and the Wi-Fi didn’t work on my flight…

It isn’t my favorite way to travel (as seen by my purchases), but French Bee is an option for those wanting to go to Paris as cheaply as possible — especially if they manage to iron out the kinks.” FrenchBee is adding LAX to Paris in April 2022.

Cost Flat Pet Fee: $65 per trip, non-refundable. Snub Nose are NOT accepted—even in cabin.

Great transatlantic pet travel option!

RELATED: Flying with a Large Dog In Cabin in 2022


2. FRONTIER AIRLINES

A one-way, Pet Fee of $99. You can pay in advance or at check-in. Flying with Pets In Cabin, you are allowed your Pet carrier and a personal item or carry-on bag.

Pet Carrier Size allowance: 18″ length x 14″ width x 8″ height. No weight limit. Pets cannot fly as checked baggage.

RELATED: Can I Buy a Seat on a Plane for My Dog?


3.  AEGEAN AIRLINES

Maximum weight: 8 kg (including carrier). Maximum carrier size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm

Cost: $34 domestic and $68 international (prices differ depending on time of year)

Pet Fee in Cargo: $45 to $100 (prices differ depending on time of year and size and weight of Pet and carrier.


4. LUFTHANSA

Maximum weight: 8 kg / 17.6 pounds (including carrier). Maximum carrier size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm

The Pet Fee is a reasonable: $57 domestic, $68 international within Europe and $125 international outside Europe.

Each passenger is allowed to take a maximum of two animals with them.

If your pet is too large to fit under the seat, it is an animal other than a dog or cat, or if it is a very long flight, Lufthansa 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.

I fly with my cats on Lufthansa and they really are one of the best for pet safety! Also, a great choice for transatlantic pet travel!

RELATED: 7 Affordable PET FRIENDLY Hotel Chains for 2022


5. VIRGIN AIRLINES

Pet Fee: $100.00 each way. Your Dog or Cat can be booked online when booking your own travel arrangements.

Checked pets not allowed but, Cats, dogs, household birds, and domesticated rabbits can fly. Animals must be vaccinated, under 20 pounds, and at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned. 

See also, Can I Buy an Extra Seat on a Plane for My Dog or Cat in Cabin?


6. Southwest

Pet Fee: $95 each way No Maximum weight–that’s good, but must fit comfortably in carrier under seat. Pets will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached. 

Six (6) pets are allowed per flight with a limit of one pet carrier per paying Customer traveling on the same flight.

Now, from time to time, circumstances may allow for more (or fewer) than six (6) pet carriers per scheduled flight. Pets cannot fly In Cabin on International flights. Maximum carrier size: 43 x 34 x 21 cm


7. VUELING AIRLINES

Pet Fees: $46 domestic and $56 for International flights. Maximum weight: 10 kg (including carrier) or 8kg on flights operated by Iberia. Maximum carrier size: 45 x 39 x 21 cm (soft-sided crates only)

You can store you Pet and carrier on the floor, between your legs or under the seat in front. You must not take your pet out of the pet carrier until you have disembarked.

RELATED: Amazon Pet Travel Finds Under $25


8. WestJet Airlines

Large dogs are not carried by most airlines. Airlines, however, claim that they are friendly to the big furry friends in cabin or cargo and cost between $50 and $89.

WestJet Airlines is a Canadian low-cost carrier that provides scheduled and charter air service to 85 destinations in Canada, the United States, Europe, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

Working dogs will be charged the pet in cabin fee, and if the specialty dog requires additional floor space to ensure its comfort and safety on board, an additional seat must be purchased (based on availability). 

Working dogs? What’s a working Dog?

Working dogs do not provide a service to a person with a disability or provide personal assistance to their handler.

Working dogs are trained to perform tasks at the direction of their handler. These tasks may include:

locating people or items (search, rescue, avalanche, or tracking dogs)

performing specific tasks for the military or police (detection, scout, sentry)

other highly specialized skills

Please note:

WestJet offers this program, but this is not something offered by many air carriers. We strongly recommend that you confirm the policies for the acceptance of working dogs of our partner airlines or any other transportation service provider as their policies may be different from ours.

This program does not apply to WestJet Vacation package bookings.


Pet Friendly Breeze Airlines

9. Breeze Airlines

Breeze Airways is a new low-cost US-based airline started by the founder of JetBlue. Breeze Airways started flying in May 2021, and is adding new routes throughout 2022.

Breeze Airways offers point-to-point flights within the US, and will look to expand with flights to Central and South America.

Breeze just added many new budget and Pet friendly routes. Pet Fees In Cabin: $75 per one way flight per pet carrier.

Breeze Airways allows small domesticated Cats and Dogs In Cabin. The total weight of animal + carrier must not exceed 25 lbs.

Pets are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Breeze allows five (5) pets per flight with a limit of one pet carrier per Guest traveling on the same flight.

Please contact Breeze Airways directly to check availability for your flight and to reserve a spot for your pet–by phone–directly with the airline.

Pet carriers will count as the Guest’s carry-on item and must fit under the seat directly in front of you. In addition to the pet carrier, Guests are permitted to bring one personal item on board the plane. The maximum size for a pet carrier is 18 x 13 x 9 inches.

You will be charged a Pet in Cabin Fee of $75 USD.

Breeze Airwats Pet in Cabin Fee: $75 per one way flight per pet carrier

Pets must be checked in at the airport ticket counter, however, Guests can get their boarding pass online, at the airport kiosk, or the ticket counter.


La Compagnie Airline Logo

10. La COMPAGNIE

Dogs and Cats up to 33 lbs can travel with you in the cabin at a fee equal to 10% of your ticket fare.

To ensure they travel in comfort and safety, please make sure you reserve this unique service in advance as there are limited spaces.

Routes include Domestic and European Hubs in Paris, Lisbon and Milan to name a few. If your flight ticket is $900, then your Pet can fly In Cabin for $90.

You may also like Amazon Pet Travel Finds Under $25. I have found the least expensive but essential items for your Pet’s travel. My two cats, Sophie and Chihiro, use these on each trip we take. Check it out! Great transatlantic pet travel option!

You still need to know what size carrier you need for flying with your Pet In Cabin.

Here is a chart of the Carrier sizes for the major airlines for your review.

If your Dog is too big to fly in a carrier In Cabin, see this for Airlines that Fly Large Dogs In Cabin. Flying a Large Dog In Cabin 2022


11. LYNX Airlines

Pet fee is $59 and you still have a carrier-on allowance for one more item on board. Dogs and Cats

The maximum pet carrier size in cabin is 16″Lx8.5″x10″W or 41Lx21.5Hx25Wcm. A soft-sided carrier is required and I recommend one anyway.

Buy a 10″ carrier and it will compress down to 8.5 inches for under the seat. You can find my recommendations here for What Pet Carriers Fit Under the Seat on an Airline. One Pet per adult passenger. Always call or email in advance of booking to ensure your Pet gets one of the few available in each cabin class.


JSX Airlines Pet Friendly Pet Fee

12. JXS Airlines

Your Pet Travel begins and ends at private terminals, so you and your large Dog bypass the usual hassle of airport traffic and crowded terminals. Getting through customs is easier with JSX too!

JXS Airlines Flying with Large Dog In-Cabin

See Also, Airlines that Allow Snub-Nose Dogs and Cats In Cabin in 2022

As The Points Guy said when he flew JSX Airlines: “Perks of departing from the private jet terminal include being able to show up just 20 minutes before your flight. … There are minimal lines, no putting stuff in bins and no taking shoes off.”

You can buy the seat adjacent to yours (all business class) and your Large Dog will Travel with you In-Cabin for the price of the seat. You’ll have even more leg room sharing two seats, too!

Pet Travel with JSX Airlines and Your Large Dog In-Cabin flights are limited to the US only. See Flight Route Map Below.

Dogs up to 79lbs are allowed in cabin on this Pet Friendly airline–cats too!

JSX Airlines Pet Friendly Airline Route Map

Your gonna need a nice, new carrier or leash, check out our Amazon Pet Travel Finds Under $25


Flair Airlines Pet Friendly Fees

13. Flair Airlines

Pet Fee: $49-79*+ tax (if you book online). You want to do this anyway to ensure you reserve 1 of the 4 Pets allowed per flight.

Small Dogs or Cats on board in cabin. Pets must be secured in a soft-sided, airline-approved, leak-proof, and ventilated pet carrier for travel in the cabin. There is a maximum of 4 animals allowed on a flight, and each passenger is permitted 1 pet per carrier/container. The pet fee must be purchased at least 48 hours prior to departure.

Your Pet’s Carrier must fit within these dimensions: 41cm x 23cm x 25cm or 16″ x 9″ x 10″ and the maximum weight is 23 lbs, carrier included.

A pet in carrier will be counted as one standard item toward your carry-on baggage allowance.

Pets cannot travel with unaccompanied minors, passengers seated in exit or bulkhead rows, or with passengers that require the use of a medical device that must be stowed under the seat.

See also, 4 Best In-Cabin Pet Carriers for Airlines 2022


MAJOR AIRLINES IN-CABIN PET CARRIER SIZES:


AIRLINE, IN CABINMaximum Pet Carrier Size
LxWxH
DELTA
Small Dogs, Cats,
Domestic Birds
Carrier Counts as
your Carry-On

22″/56cmX14″
SOUTHWEST
Dog and Cats
1 Carrier per passenger.
Carrier may hold 2 animals:
Same Size/Same Breed.
Allows carrier and carry-on
18.5″x13.5″x10″
UNITED
Dogs and Cats
Pit-Bull Breeds prohibited
Allows carrier and a carry-on.
1 pet per carrier
Hard-Sided=
17.5″x12″x7.5″
Soft-Sided=
18″x11″x11″
AMERICAN
Dogs and Cats
Carrier counts as your carry-on.
1 carrier per parent
19″x13″x9″
FRONTIER
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Dogs,
Cats, Birds,
Rabbits, Guinea Pigs,
Hamsters
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS:
Dogs and Cats.
18″x14″x8″
JET BLUE
Dogs and Cats
1 Pet per carrier. 1 carrier
per parent.
Counts as 1 personal item
17″x12.5″x8.5″
TURKISH Airlines
Dogs, Cats, Singing Birds.
Total Weight 18lb (carrier +pet).
Carrier is not counted
as your carry on
15.7″x11.8×9″
KLM Airlines
Dogs and Cats
Total Weight 18lbs
(carrier +pet).
Carrier is not counted
as your carry on
18″x11″x9.4″
LUFTHANSA
Dogs and Cats
Total Weight 18lbs
(carrier +pet).
Soft-sided carriers only
Carrier not counted
as carry on
22″x16″x9″x
VOLARIS
Dogs and Cats
Total Weight: 22lbs/10kg (carrier+pet)
17.5×12″x7.5″
ALASKA AIRLINES

Hard-Sided=
17″x11″x7.5″
Soft-Sided=
17″x11″x9.5″
CANADA AIR
Dog or Cat
1 pet per passenger
Hard-Sided=
22″x16″x9″
Soft-Sided=
21.5×16″x10.5
AEROMEXICO
Soft carriers only
12″x16″x8″
KOREAN AIR
Total lineal dimensions=45″/115cm
Hard=8″ Height
Soft=10″ Height
FlyBondi Airlines (South American Routes)14″Lx13″Wx9″H
CompanionPetTravel.com: Chart of 14 Airlines for Pet Carrier Sizes for Pets In Cabin

Documents Needed for Moving or Flying with Pets Internationally

  • Microchip Certificate
  • Rabies Vaccination Certificate
  • Health Certificate. For International Pet Travel, you may need more than 1 Health Certificate–Some transit countries require their own Certificates.
  • Rabies Titer Test results
  • Parasite Treatment certificate—Often Deworming
  • This is just a guide on what is required, please check the requirements for your specific airline and destination country at our page: Pet Passports and Pet Health Certificates.

Saving Airline Fees when Traveling with Pets

Budget Airlines allow travelers to vacation and relocate with their Pets at more affordable prices but, there are compromises to be made to save money but, there are many tips and tricks to avoid additional fees.

Mostly, you need flexibility and an understanding that when we fly with Pets on affordable airlines, we will not get all the customary perks of regular commercial airlines.

The cheapest airlines that fly Pets almost always charge for nearly every other amenity such as: meals, drinks, baggage and seat selection.

Not choosing your seat in advance saves money–I ask the gate agent if there is a seat selection with an empty seat next to me.

The agents usually are keen to give you and your Pet extra space mostly because it makes everyone happier to give Pets extra space.

Packing light with only a free under-seat bag, packing your own food, filling up a water bottle before boarding but, after TSA and going for priority boarding.

Can I Buy a Seat on a Plane for My Dog?

What Airlines Allow Pets to Fly for Free?

Two Airlines that fly Pets for Free are Eastern Airlines and Boutique Air in 2022.

Eastern Airlines

  • Cats and Dogs with NO weight restrictions
  • Flys NY, Miami, Boston to Nicaragua, Uruguay, Paraguay and Ecuador
  • Pet must be at least 8 weeks old

Boutique Air

  • Mostly US Domestic Routes Small Airline
  • Accepts Lap-Sized Dogs and Cats OnBoard
  • No Additional Charge for Your Pet

List of More Budget or Affordable Airlines for Pets:


Best Pet Taxis from France to England with Costs

Pet Taxis from France to England through the Eurotunnel average Cost is $1,800usd including the Pet Taxi, Eurotunnel Fare, Pet Fee, and Luggage between Calais & Folkstone or Paris & London and the drive is approximately 6 to 7 hours.

We contacted Pet Taxi services in Paris and included reviews by Pet Parents from the US to the UK via Chunnel & Alternate Route Facebook groups in 2022.

Pet Taxi Costs France and England UK and Routes from Real Pet Travelers in 2022

These are the 5 that are rated the highest for timeliness, help with Health Certificate and other documents, cleanliness and being Pet Friendly. Here ares the results:

5 Pet Taxis from France to England via Eurotunnel


Pet Taxi from Paris to EnglandExamples
of Actual Costs
Happy Saluki Pet Taxi
Paris to Wickenham-All Inclusive $1,400usd
Folkstone Pet Taxi
1. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Folkstone Train Station $1707usd
Pet Caren and Kennel, 1 Pet, and 2 Humans, 1 Suitcase each, Eurotunnel fare.
2. “We were quoted 975 USD for CDG to central London. In the end we had to fly from Brussels to central London and it was 1154 USD including a Eurotunnel ticket for 1 human and 1 large dog and large a crate.”
T2Transfer
CDG to London, $1462, All Inclusive and Early Pick Up
Jane’s Euro Pet
Jane’s Euro Pet Taxi is NO LONGER one of our recommended Pet Taxi providers. I leave this entry here to advise that over the last 3 months, many Pet Parent followers have reported poor communication, poor service, and difficulty contacting this company for a refund. We do not advise you to seek a quote.
PetMoves
CDG to London, $2,332 All Inclusive Up to 5 Passengers(Pets & Humans)
CDG to Folkstone Train Station, $1532 All Inclusive
Paris to Oxford $2,791 All Inclusive
EasyPetTaxiRates Starting from $850, Door-to-Door Service France to England or England to France. Online Quotes for your Convenience are available
Chart of 6 Pet Friendly Taxis from Paris to England via Eurotunnel (Chunnel)

For MORE Options to travel to England with Pets through France—such as on Pet Friendly Ferries see Flying Your Pet to England? Problems?Transit in France Instead!

Why fly with my Pet to France Instead of Direct to England?

  1. Due to the UK’s strict and specific regulations, flying direct to London with a pet is a complicated process. For a start, your pet would have to go in Cargo, whatever their size.
  2. In many cases, they would have to wait for several hours after landing before you would be allowed to collect them at the mandatory Animal Reception Center (ARC). So, you’d be apart for much longer than you should be.
  3. Appointments for the mandatory ARC are booked months in advance.
  4. You are required to pay a Pet Receiver/Agent to present the health certificate and deliver your Dog or Cat to you—for an extra charge!
  5. Your pet could easily end up being stuck in a cage for many hours, with no breaks.
  6. When you fly to France rather than direct to London, smaller pets can usually travel with you in the cabin. Larger dogs may need to go in cargo. However, they will still board at the same time as you and exit the airport with you.
  7. As a result, your pet will spend less time apart from you, which is much less stressful for them.As an added bonus,
  8. Pet Taxi service is often more cost-effective than flying direct to England.
  9. The driver will handle the necessary document check at the France and England borders for you.
  10. And you get to see some of the beautiful French countryside from the comfort of a chauffeur driven car.

You can fly your larger dog from the US to Europe. See Flying a Large Dog In Cabin 2022 or Airlines that Fly 25lbs+ Dogs In Cabin

Factors that Determine the Cost of a Pet Taxi from Paris to London:

  • Traffic If you choose a busy time of day and there is a lot of traffic, the fare will cost more. How many breaks you choose to take and for how long can also be a factor, though breaks are common, expected, and factored into most Pet Taxi services’ fares.

  • Distance. From Paris International Airport (Charles de Gaulle) to Folkstone England is between 6 and 7 hours. If you choose another location for pick up and drop off, the service will calculate your fare again.

  • Time Delays that often include when a Pet Parent has issues with the documents needed to transit the Dog or Cat from France to England

  • Size of the Vehicle you need.  Pet Taxi services have sedans, minibus and multi-seat shuttles where you can save money by sharing the ride with other pet parents

  • Peak Times You can stop as often as you and your pets need. Many people choose to stay overnight in Paris or nearby and leave early the day to avoid stress and traffic.

  • The Number of Pets, How Many Pieces of Luggage and Whether you Share a Ride with other Pet Travelers and Booking Less than 7 Days in Advance

Instead of flying to Heathrow in London England, where your companion Pet will be stressed and scared by the mandatory cargo, you can fly to France and take a Pet Taxi or Ferry.

This means that your Dog or Cat can travel with you In a Cabin to France, the Taxi service you select will meet you at the airport and chauffeur you, your pet, and your luggage to England via the Eurotunnel.

For MORE Options to travel to England with Pets through France—such as on Pet Friendly Ferries see Flying Your Pet to England through France? (Options for Dogs In-Cabin 2022)!

How Much is a Pet Taxi from Paris to London?

Pet Taxis from Paris France to London England via the Eurotunnel (Chunnel) allow Dogs, Cats and Ferrets. 

The average Cost is $1,800usd including the Pet Taxi, Eurotunnel Fare, Pet Fee, and Luggage between Calais & Folkstone or Paris & London and the drive is approximately 6 to 7 hours.

How to Get Through TSA Security Check Point with Your Pet

Your pet must go through TSA Security. Some airports allow a private screening in a separate room so you can remove and replace your pet in a secure room.


You can either have your pet on a leash and walk them into the screener or carry your pet through.


Place your Bags, shoes first. Separate your pet food items and electronics in another bin.


Keep your lease/harness on the outside of the carrier. When you put your bags on the conveyor belt, you don’t want to scramble to get your leash.


TSA may ask you to remove their collar. Collars with metal such as clasps or Rabies Tags will be detected, and you may be subject to additional pat-down or inspection.
A Velcro-type harness works well instead of a collar with metal.


Put the carrier on the x-ray conveyor belt first so, it is ready when you get through security, and you don’t have to wait to put your pet back in its carrier.


Even for Cats that you intend to carry through, have a harness/leash on them. If you are picked for screening, often TSA Agents may not easily let you place your pet back in the carrier before your pat-down.


Working Canines are regularly at Security Check Points. Keep a leash handy even if you intend to carry your pet through an x-ray. Often, the presence of a working dog can scare or spook your pet.

Can I Buy a Seat on a Plane for My Large Dog?

When You want to Buy a Seat for Extra Space on a Plane for Your Pets, you still have options. Here are 10 airlines that fly Large Dogs In Cabin.

If you still cannot find an airline that suits your route or other needs, here’s a list of Airlines that allow Dogs In-Cabin larger than the Standard for most commercial airlines.

Airlines that Allow You to Buy a Seat or Extra Space on a Plane for Your Pet


Airlines That Allow You to Buy Extra Seat or Extra Space
Pet on a Plane
Extra Seat or Extra Space
JSX Airlines
Cost: Regular Seat Fare
Yes. You can buy the seat next to yours. Medium and Large Dogs
In Cabin will Travel on
the Floor Space Next to Your Seat.
All Dogs up to 79lbs are allowed. (cats too!)
Chartered Air Travel with Pets
Cost: Large Dog In Cabin: Average of 5k to 8k
You will have 1 luxury Human
seat plus one large dog or 1-2
small to medium-sized dogs
United Airlines
Extra Seat Fare
+125 per Dog or Cat
One-Way
Your Pet May Sit on Your lap 2nd
Pet Must Remain
in a Carrier under the seat
in front of the extra Seat.
JetBlue
Extra Seat Fare
+$125 per Dog or Cat
One-Way
Your Pet & Carrier May Sit on Your Lap
You Can Buy a Seat–Pet & Carrier Can
Be On the Seat
Alaska Air
Extra Seat Fare+$100
One Way
2 Carriers Allowed. Carriers & Pets
Must Remain in the Carrier under the
seat in front.
WestJet Airlines
You can buy Extra Space for a
“Working Dog”
Working Dogs are Allowed In Cabin
in the Foot Space of your Seat or Buy an Extra Seat
Frenchbee
International Flights for $65 each way Pet Fee
International flights: the US to Canada, Pet Can Be in the Foot Space of the Seat & Not under the seat in front. International Flights for $65 each way
Elite AirwaysLarge Dogs are allowed on the floor in front of the window seat. You can purchase a seat for extra floor space
Etihad AirwaysYour Pet & Carrier May Sit on Your Lap
You Can Buy a Seat–Pet & Carrier Can
Be On the Seat
Vueling AirlinesExtra Space. Your Pet can travel on the floor, between your legs in their carrier
CompanionPetTravel.com: Chart of Airlines that Allow You to Buy a Seat on a Plane for Your Dog or Cat

I have another chart of more airlines that fly larger Dogs In Cabin at the end of this article.

See My Favorite Pet Travel Finds here: Travel with Dogs–Give the Gift Pet Parents Actually Want!

10 Airlines that Allow Large Dogs on a Plane IN CABIN

1. JSX Airlines

Your Pet Travel begins and ends at private terminals, so you and your large Dog bypass the usual hassle of airport traffic and crowded terminals. Getting through customs is easier with JSX too!

JXS Airlines Flying with Large Dog In-Cabin

See Also, Airlines that Allow Snub-Nose Dogs and Cats In Cabin in 2022

As The Points Guy said when he flew JSX Airlines: “Perks of departing from the private jet terminal include being able to show up just 20 minutes before your flight. … There are minimal lines, no putting stuff in bins and no taking shoes off.”

All well-trained Dogs up to 79lbs can fly in cabin with you–cats too!

jsx airlines

You can buy the seat adjacent to yours (all business class) and your Large Dog will Travel with you In-Cabin for the price of the seat. You’ll have even more legroom sharing two seats, too!

Pet Travel with JSX Airlines and Your Large Dog In-Cabin flights are limited to the US only. See Flight Route Map Below.

See Also, Amazon Pet Travel Finds Under $25


Pet travel JSX Airline Route Map for Flying with Pets Buy a seat on a plane for a dog
Flying with a Large Dogs In Cabin–JSX Airlines Flight Route Map

2. Chartered Air Travel with Pets

Pet Travel and Flying with Dogs In Cabin to and from Europe or the UK with Pets is complicated if cargo is not possible or not your preference.

Chartered private jets are expensive and only possible for most of us if shared with other travelers. This group coordinates flights for travelers so they can fly with large Dogs In-Cabin the. Pet Travel costs are expensive. With Charted Air Travel with Pets, the cost is shared and chartered air transport is a real possibility.

  • Cost Example: Expect to spend between $7K -$10K for a seat on a chartered jet from NY to Lisbon (shortest distance from US to EU).
  • Cost to Fly with a Large Dog In Cabin: Average of 5k to 8k
  • Your seat will usually include one luxury human seat plus one large dog or 1-2 small to medium sized dogs on a flight designed for 10-14 people.
  • Each flight is unique and the group on the flight will agree on the rules of the flight.
  • You Can Travel with Your Large Dog In-Cabin, You have a luxury seat with more space for you and your Pets.
  • Less Customs Hassle. Sometimes, the Customs Agent greets you onboard and checking your documents in comfort and without lines and waiting.
  • Little Wait at the Airport and fast, easy boarding
  • VIP experience for Pet Travel
  • The same or Less Expensive than hiring a Pet Shipper
  • No Cargo or Checked Baggage for Your precious Pet.

See Also, Can I Fly with 2 Pets In-Cabin?

CompanionPetTravel is a participant in Affiliate programs including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and ESA Doctors affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and others.

3. United Airlines

United Airlines allows with small Dogs, Cats and Rabbits In-Cabin. Pets must remain inside their pet carrier underneath the seat in front your seat You can buy the seat adjacent to yours and bring an additional carrier with another Dog, Cat or Rabbit. Only 1 adult cat or dog is allowed in each carrier. The fee for pets in the cabin is $125 each way on United Airlines flights.

See Also, Companion Pet Travel: Flying with Pets for all options to fly with your Dog or Cat.

4. Jet Blue Airlines

You may hold the carrier on your lap during the flight except for take-off and landing. If you purchase an extra seat for your pet, the carrier may be placed on the additional purchased seat during the flight. This is better than flying with your Pet under the seat. You must purchase the extra seat at regular fare +$125 per Dog or Cat
One-Way.

5. Alaska Air

You Can Travel with 2 Carriers and 2 Pets. Both Carriers and Pets Must Remain in the Carrier under the seats in front of them and cannot travel on the seat. There is no Weight Limit. You will have to buy the extra seat at regular fare, plus a +$100 pet fee each way.

See also, Flying with a Large Dog In Cabin in 2022

6. WestJet Airlines

WestJet is a Canadian Airline with routes to many cities in the US allows Dogs and Pets In Cabin.

WestJet offers a unique program, not offered by many air carriers.

WestJet allows Working Dogs to fly In Cabin and you can buy an adjacent seat if your Working Dog needs more space than your seat allows

What is a Working Dog. A Working Dog is not considered a Service Dog so this policy allows large Dog to fly In Cabin and with additional space.

  • Working dogs do not provide a service to a person with a disability or provide personal assistance to their handler.
  • Working dogs are trained to perform tasks at the direction of their handler. These tasks may include:
  • locating people or items (search, rescue, avalanche, or tracking dogs)
  • performing specific tasks for the military or police (detection, scout, sentry)
  • other highly specialized skills. Working dogs will be charged the pet in cabin fee, and if the specialty dog requires additional floor space to ensure its comfort and safety on board, an additional seat must be purchased (based on availability).

Please note:
WestJet offers this program, but this is not something offered by many air carriers. This is an opportunity to make flying with a pit bull easier. Pit Bulls, in addition to their loving nature, are naturally very strong and often trained for work. We strongly recommend that you confirm the policies for the acceptance of working dogs of our partner airlines or any other transportation service provider as their policies may be different from ours.
This program does not apply to WestJet Vacation package bookings.

You may interested in Should I Buy a Pet Stroller?

7. Frenchbee Airlines

For International flights from US to Canada and US to France (LAX to Paris beginning April 2022), your Pet Can Be in the Foot Space of the Seat & Not under the seat in front. International Flights for $65 each way.

The Points Guy flew with a Dog and has this review: “Boarding was chaotic (although I’m hoping that will improve as the airline gets more flights under its belt), they didn’t serve dinner, the 3-4-3 seating configuration is pretty tight, there’s no TSA PreCheck and the Wi-Fi didn’t work on my flight. It isn’t my favorite way to travel (as seen by my purchases), but French Bee is an option for those wanting to go to Paris as cheaply as possible — especially if they manage to iron out the kinks.”

Cost Flat Pet Fee: $65 per trip, non-refundable. Snub Nose are NOT accepted—even in cabin.

Great transatlantic pet travel option!

See also, Cool Pet Travel Gear for the Stylish Dog

8. Elite Airways

Large Dogs are allowed on the floor in front of the window seat. You can purchase a seat for extra floor space. Dogs are not allowed on the seat or your lap but, being able to purchase an empty seat and have your large Dog in the cabin on the floor space may be worth the extra seat price. (You’ll have a bit more room too!)

Pet reservations must be made at least 48-hours in advance of departure, and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.

Elite Airways is a smaller airline; however, if you are on the East coast, they are an option for Large Dogs In Cabin!

This also is an opportunity to make flying with a Pit Bull easier. Pit Bulls, in addition to their loving nature, are naturally very strong, and finding a carrier to travel in cargo is problematic. If the Pit Bull were to fly in cargo, airlines often require the crate to be stronger and therefore heavier.

Sometimes, this pushes the maximum weight beyond what is feasible for the Dog. Being able to purchase the seat next to you is a step forward–even if your furry friend has to remain on the floor space.


Elite Airways Allows Large Dogs In Cabin
Elite Airways Allows Large Dogs In Cabin

See also, Shared Private Charter Flights for Pets

9 Eithad Airways

  • Dog and Cats are accepted.
  • If you are traveling in Economy, your pet will sit in their carrier under your seat, or you can purchase an adjacent seat for them to sit in their carrier next to you. The pet travel bag or kennel must not exceed 40 x 40 x 22cm (L x W x H) to fit under your seat or 50 x 43 x 50cm (L x W x H) if you have purchased an adjacent seat
  • If you are traveling in Business or First, you can purchase an adjacent seat for your pet to sit in their carrier next to you. The pet travel bag or kennel must not exceed 50 x 43 x 50cm (L x W x H)
  • Your cat or dog must be at least 16 weeks old and weigh no more than 8kg including their carrier
  • Pets will not be accepted on flights operated by our partner airlines.
  • You must be at least 18 years old to travel with a pet.

10. Vueling Airlines

  • Pets Accepted In Cabin: Dogs, Cats, Birds (excluding birds of prey), Turtles/tortoises
  • Your Pet is permitted on board (In Cabin) and must be carried in an approved pet carrier that is not rigid and that is the following size: 45x39x21 cm and no heavier than 10 kg with the pet inside.
  • On flights operated by Iberia, the carrier with the pet inside must not weigh more than 8 kg.
  • You must store your Pet carrier with your Pet inside on the floor, between your legs or under the seat in front. 

More Airlines that Fly Dogs In-Cabin

Airlines that Fly Larger Dogs IN CABINPets In Cabin, Aboard Details
Breeze Airways
Pet Fee: $75 Each Way
Mostly US Domestic Flights. Option if
you Need to Get West Coast to East
Coast
25 lbs Max Pet with Carrier
Max Carrier: 18″x13″x9”
Boutique AirMostly US Domestic Routes Small Airline
Accepts Lap-Sized Dogs and Cats On
Board

No Additional Charge for Your Pet
 JSX AirlinesYour Dog Can Weigh Up to 65 lbs.!
You Can Purchase the Seat Next to Your and Share the Footprint with Your Pet.
No having to Fit Under the Seat
Chartered Air Travel with PetsUS to Europe
$7K -$10K

No Crates or Carriers
First-Class at a more affordable price than Pet Transportation Companies
Eastern Air
Pet Fee: Free
Cats and Dogs with NO weight restrictions
Flys NY, Miami, Boston to Nicaragua, Uruguay, Paraguay and Ecuador
Pet must be at least 8 weeks old
iFly Air
Pet Fee: $30 to $150
“Generally about 20″x15″x10” and weighing less than 40 pounds”
La Compagnie
Pet Fee: 10% of Your Ticket
Dogs and Cats Up to 33 lbs!
No Carrier
VIP experience for Pet Travel
WestJet AirlinesUS to Central America & Europe
WestJet allows Working Dogs to fly In Cabin
& you buy an adjacent seat if your Working Dog needs more space than your seat space allows
Spirit AirlinesDogs, Cats & Household Birds United States
Up to 40 lbs/18 kg.
Domestic and flights to/from Puerto Rico
& St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
Table of airlines from table airlines that allow Dogs In-Cabin

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Can I Purchase Extra Space on a Plane for a Pet?

Yes, these Airlines allow you to buy an extra seat, more space or allow your Pet to sit on your lap: JSX Airline, Chartered Air Travel with Pets, United Airlines, Alaska Air, JetBlue Airlines, WestJet Air, Elite Airways, JXS Airlines and Frenchbee Airlines.

Airlines that let you buy an extra seat on a Plane for your Pet(s) are: JSX Airline, Shared Charter Flights with Pets, United Airlines, Alaska Air and JetBlue and Frenchbee. For JXS and Chartered Air Travel with Pets, your Pet must remain in the footprint of the floor space adjacent to your seat. For Commercial planes, your Pets must be in a carrier under the seat.

You can see all my information for Pet Travel Here: Companion Pet Travel: Flying with Pets

Flying Internationally with your Dog or Cat? Chartered Air Travel with Pets, JXS airlines and Frenchbee Airlines fly larger Dogs In Cabin Aboard their Aircraft.



Can an Airline Deny my Pet to Fly?

Airlines may deny your Pet to Fly if they violate Safety Requirements set be each airline. This usually applies to Dogs.

If the Dog is too big, too heavy, is ill-behaved (excessive barking, growling, jumping, lunging, nipping, or biting), or appears unhealthy or unclean, the airline can deny you boarding a plane at the gate or ticket counter.

Poorly behaved Pets are the primary reason ESAs (Emotional Support Animals) are now no longer given the same priority on planes as qualified Service Dogs. There are more reasons, but ill-behaved Dogs are the primary reason.

Your Dog must be well-socialized to be around people in crowded spaces. Airlines are allowed to observe your Pet in the Airport, particularly at the ticket counter and while waiting at the gate.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) of the United States recently issued a ruling prohibiting airlines from denying boarding to dogs based on their breed. This includes Pitbulls or other pitbull-type breeds. 

According to the ruling effective Jan 11th 2021, any breed of dog may accompany passengers on a plane. 

Documents Needed for Moving or Flying with Pets Internationally

  • Microchip Certificate
  • Rabies Vaccination Certificate
  • Health Certificate. For International Pet Travel, you may need more than 1 Health Certificate–Some transit countries require their own Certificates.
  • Rabies Titer Test results
  • Parasite Treatment certificate—Often Deworming
  • This is just a guide on what is required, please check the requirements for your specific airline and destination country at our page: Pet Passports and Pet Health Certificates.

See Also, Flying with a Large Dog In Cabin in 2022

Can a Dog Crate be Too Big?

There are 3 reasons people provide a crate for their Dog: Pet Travel on Planes, Ships, Trains, and Cars, and a Safe space for their Pet, and Potty training.

1. Can a Dog Crate be too big for airline travel?


Yes, a Dog’s crate for airline travel is too big when the additional space causes your Dog to shift from leaning against the crate wall to being thrown against the crate wall during air turbulence or airport transportation vehicles that jostle the crate.

To find the right cargo crate for your pet’s plane travel: measure your pet’s nose to the base of the tail, width, and height, and add 3”-5” for the room on each side (top, sides, front, back).


Be sure to allow for space when your Dog is lying on their side, taking into account how they like to sleep with its legs extended. Every Dog wants to be able to stretch out a bit when sleeping—not curled up for the entire flight.


If your Dog can stand up fully, turn around comfortably, and has room to stretch its legs, you have the right size.

Here, you can find Pet Cargo Crate Requirements for Airlines–A Complete Guide

2. Can a Dog crate be too big for road travel?

Yes. If you’re in a car or truck, your Dog’s crate or kennel can be a bit larger than for air travel. However, the same principles apply.
Since you’re using it for your Dog’s safety, there should not be so much room that turns, and sudden deceleration causes your Dog to be thrown against the wall of the crate.

You can compensate for the additional space and add more safety with padding and later remove the padding when at a campsite or at home. Otherwise, 3-inch clearance on the top and sides will give them room to stand up and turn around comfortably but still remain safe from turbulence.

3. Can a Dog Crate be too big for potty training?

Yes, your Dog’s crate can be too big if it allows your Dog or Puppy to pee of poop in one corner of the kennel and sleep in another. A too-big crate defeats the purpose of using a crate for potty training—that is to prevent your Dog from having “potty accidents” inside.

Your Dog Crate is Too Big IF:

  • Your Dog or puppy can run back and forth inside the crate or express the zoomies inside. The crate is for quiet respite, safety, or potty training
  • Your Dog can pee or poops in one area and sleeps in another
  • More than one dog can fit in the crate (unless you are using for airline travel

Your Crate Is Too Small IF:

  • Your Dog hunches over to get in the crate
  • Your Dog can sit or stand on all fours in the crate
  • Your Dog touches the crate wall while standing
  • Your Dog can’t lay down on their side

You have the right size crate IF:

  • Your Dog can comfortably turn around and lie on their side—not just curled up.
  • Your Dog can stand straight up without hunching over (if your Dog is hunching over, your crate is too small).
  • Your Dog can stand up and turn around without any issues
  • The crate is about 3 inches larger on each side, back and top

Why do people use a crate for Dogs?

There are 3 reasons many people provide a crate for their Dog: Potty training, Pet Travel on Planes, Ships, Trains, and Cars, and a Safe space all their own.

You can find out more here, How to Prepare a Crate for Air Travel


Pet Travel. If you’re in a car or truck, your Dog’s crate or kennel can be a bit larger than for air travel. However, the same principles apply.


Since you’re using it for your Dog’s safety, there should not be so much room that turns, and sudden deceleration causes your Dog to be thrown against the wall of the crate.


You can compensate for the additional space and add more safety with padding and later remove the padding when at a campsite or at home.

Otherwise, 3-inch clearance on the top and sides will give them room to stand up and turn around comfortably but still remain safe from turbulence.

A safe place to go when they’re tired or scared. Thunder, a respite from other Pets or just having a quiet space all their own is a good reason to give your Dog its own crate.

If a crate is too big, the den-like quality may be lost and your dog (puppies especially) may feel uncomfortable, lonely, or anxious.


If you’re not using the crate for air travel or potty training, there’s no harm in sizing up.
Many crates can “grow” with your Dog from Puppy to adult.

These crates come with 2 doors and a divider to reduce the size of the crate, as needed.

You relocate the divider as your Puppy grows, and eventually remove it.

You can use:

  • cardboard boxes
  • laundry basket
  • Plexiglass.
  • Wire closet shelves.
  • Empty plastic bottles.
  • Thoroughly cleaned 5-gallon paint buckets.

Potty training. You want to use it as a guide and tool. You do not want the crate to be too large, because it will leave room for your Dog to pee or poop and still have a clean space to walk in and out.

This might sound mean, but you want them to have just enough room to stand up and turn around. They naturally do not want to sleep in their own potty, so they’ll learn to hold it.

The benefits of crates for Pets are many—they are safe places for your Dog to have respite and to keep them out of harm’s way. Also, as a tool for potty training, they can be helpful, and you can then reuse the crate for Pet travel.

Benefits of Crate Training for Airline Travel. When your dog or cat feels they are in a familiar, safe environment, they are less stressed. They will actually be safer because they are less likely to try to escape and damage the crate or their paws.


Pet Cargo Crate for Air Travel
Pet Cargo Crate for Air Travel


FAQ: Animal Health Certificate and Airline Pet Travel

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Animal Health Certificates for Pet Travel:

My Name is on the Animal Health Certificate but, I am not traveling with my Pet.

USDA/APHIS allows you to designate a person to represent you so long as they are traveling on the same plane as your Pet.


USDA/APHIS Website

So, if your plans change and someone else needs to fly with your Pet or your Veterinarian chose the wrong Pet Parent’s name to include on the Animal Health Certificate, draft a letter, hand-sign (notarize if you want additional assurance) and your designated person can travel with your Pet.


What is a Animal Health Certificate?

A pet health certificate is an official document issued and often endorsed by USDA/APHIS, through your Veterinarian certifying that your Pet is fit to travel. including vaccination, Rabies & Titer tests, Microchip, age, breed, and health conditions required to travel with pets. Many Airlines require a Certificate to be issued within 10 to 14 days before travel.

Can my Vet send my Animal Health Certificate to any USDA Endorsement Office?

The answer is yes. Your vet can send your documents to any USDA Endorsement Office that is available.

If for whatever reason your pet will travel on a 48-hour health certificate, you may want your vet to send it to the closest operating office to your departure location to shorten the “in transit” time for the documents to be sent back to you.

“If you’re traveling on 48 hours – you’re going to want to request Next Day Early A.M. return service regardless of where / when you depart”. PawPawsExpress, Misty Collins.

Not all USDA offices are “Endorsement” offices. Most states only have one and it is usually in the state capital. Some states do not have an operating Endorsement Office at all (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Wyoming) just to name a few.

You can search for an Accredited USDA/APHIS Veterinarian from the USDA/APHIS site here.


USDA/APHIS Find an Accredited Veterinarian for Animal Health Certificate
USDA/APHIS Find an Accredited Veterinarian for Animal Health Certificate

What if I Want or Need to Pick Up My Pet’s Animal Health Certificate paperwork in person?


You will need to check with that specific office to see if they are allowing pick-up. Just as an example, the Ohio office did allow pick up in person (from an exterior mailbox only) just a few months ago, but now says to send your documents to Wisconsin.


How can find the information for USDA Endorsement Office locations? https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/endorsement-offices

One final tip, if you find yourself in an emergency, maybe you’re already traveling or maybe your vet can’t see you…..as long as you have your pet’s current rabies vaccination certificate and it has all of the required information on it (microchip number, manufacturer and brand of vaccine), most PetSmart locations can do a health travel certificate for you.

Call to verify and make sure you specify that it’s for international and will need to be submitted to the USDA for you. PawPawsExpress, Misty Collins.

Cost of Pet Health Certificates for Travel—Prices from Actual Travelers  


Small Yorkie in a Pet Carrier
Small Yorkie in a Pet Carrier

USDA APHIS Endorsement and When to Go to the Veterinarian for Airline Travel

You can take your Pet to the veterinarian visit up to 30 days before we travel and can submit the paperwork to the USDA right away (either electronically or by mail), instead of waiting until 10 days before the flight. 

The USDA/APHIS will review the paperwork and notify the veterinarian if there are any errors.  They will hold off stamping it until 10 days before the flight (the travel date will be in the paperwork). 

This is great since any errors can get fixed in advance of the 10-day period. They told me that more than half of the submissions contain errors!


Tips from the USDA APHIS office:


1) Make sure the microchip number is written on the rabies certificate and that the certificate has an original vet signature.
2) Make sure the dates are written in the European format: dd/mm/yyyy.
3) Include your address in the US and Europe.


When Does the 10 Days Begin from USDA APHIS Endorsement?

10 days or less from ARRIVAL not departure—you could be traveling for one or a number of days. 10 or less from arrival date.


Do I need an Animal Health Certificate to Fly with my Pet?

Yes, Pet Health Certificate requirements are set by the destination country and airline to fly with Pets. Requirements: Vaccinations, Rabies & Titer test, Microchip, Medications, Parasite Treatments, Age, and Breed. Pet Health Certificates often are issued 10-14 days before entry and must be endorsed by the USDA and APHIS through your Veterinarian.

Each Country has their own requirements for the Documents you need. You can find these requirements for each specific country here. Pet Health Certificates and Pet Passport US to Everywhere


How Much Does an Animal Health Certificates Cost in 2022?

The Cost of a Pet Health Certificate is between $30 and $400 depending on location and number of certificates. You can have up to 5 animals on your Certificate and you may need multiple certificates even if you are transiting through countries.

See all our information on Cost from Actual Travelers here: Cost of Pet Health Certificates for Travel—Prices from Actual Travelers  


Pet Travel Heath Certificate

TIP: Ask your Veterinarian not to require a signature on the Overnight return envelope for delivery—just in case you miss the delivery man.


Pet Travel to or Through More than 1 Country?

Your Pet Health Certificate is often time sensitive, often valid only 10 to 14 days prior to entry to your destination Country.

What do you do when flying with your Pet takes more than 10 or 14 days to arrive? You can usually arrange to have your Pet Health Certificate for the final (destination country) issued at your Layover or Stopover country.

For example, if you are traveling to England through France (it is easier and cheaper Flying Your Pet to England through France? (Options for Dogs In-Cabin 2022)!), you can make an appointment for the US to France leg of travel in the US and have an appointment for the France to England leg in France.

This way, you have the 10-to 14 days to arrive in France and another 10 to 14 days to arrive in England.


What is the Cost of a USDA/APHIS Pet Health Certificate and Rabies Titer Test?

The Cost includes your Veterinarian’s Examination, Vaccination, and tests, the USDA/APHIS Endorsement Fee, and the cost to deliver the documents to you.

So, In addition to the Cost your Vet charges for the Pet Certificate, there is an additional $38usd fee to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to endorse the Certificate.  This amount is paid to the US Gov’t. through the Vet you choose.

For countries that require a rabies titer or blood tests, there is an additional cost of between $121.00 and $173.00usd per pet depending on the number of tests or non-rabies vaccinations. (1-2 will be $121.00 | 3-6 will be $150.00 | 7 or more will be $173.00)

Additional pets included on the same form are between $7.00 and $14.00usd.

See examples of actual travelers costs in 2022 here: Cost of Pet Health Certificates for Travel—Prices from Actual Travelers  


Why are Animal Health Certificates so Expensive?

Factors that determine the cost of your Pet’s Animal Health Certificate are primarily due to the Veterinarian you choose including the season and time of travel and geographical area of your Veterinarian.

Veterinarians can charge whatever amount they like and examinations, microchip implants, vaccinations, and blood tests are routine and do not require new expensive technology and yet, because the Veterinarian knows you are traveling shortly, often they take advantage and charge exorbitant rates.

APHIS/USDA charges have not changed in years but, Veterinarians continue to raise prices on the same physical examination they did 20 years ago.

You can find all the fees on the USDA/APHIS site here.


How Long Does it Take to Get an Animal Health Certificate? 

Your Pet’s veterinarian should submit your Certificate for endorsement electronically to the USDA/APHIS System (VEHCS system, Vet Export Health Certificate system) at the appointment

The USDA/APHIS systems takes 1-3 Business days to process your Veterinarians Animal Health Certificate.

You should include payment of an Overnight delivery fee.  If you pay this fee, the USDA/APHIS will “overnight” the certificate back to you via USPS, FedEx or DHL.

Most countries require the Pet Health Certificate be issued within 10 days of your Pet’s Travel.


Animal Health Certificates to Multiple Countries 

If you are traveling with your Pet through more than one country before your final destination, you may need more than one Pet Health Certificate.

If you are staying in the airport for your connecting flight to your final destination, you usually are considered “transiting”.  In this case, you will only need the certificate for the destination country.

If you are leaving the airport, flying out another day, traveling to your final destination by another method such as train, ferry or car, you will not be considered transiting.  

This is a stop over and you will need a certificate for the both the interim country and the final destination. It is a good practice to have an appointment with a Veterinarian locally in the Country you are traveling through.



How Do I find an USDA/APHIS approved Veterinarian?

You can find an accredited Veterinarian to obtain your Animal Health Certificate for Pet Travel Internationally and Domestically at the USDA/APHIS site here.


Is a Pet Passport the Same as an Animal Health Certificate?

The Terms “Pet Passport” and “Animal Health Certificate” are essentially the same. Pet Passport is a term used in the EU and UK and means all the documents you need to travel with your Pet. An “Animal Health Certificate” is one of these documents and sometimes all you need.


How Long is a Animal Health Certificate Valid for?

Your Pet’s Animal Health Certificate is valid for the 10 days following the date of issue for entry to the EU and the UK England and, it is valid for a total of 4 months for onward travel within the EU after the first entry.


Pet Cat in her Stroller
Pet Cat in her Stroller

Where to Find Low Cost Pet Health Certificate Veterinarians:

If you have access to a Military Veterinarian, they are almost always great to work with and are experienced in Pet Travel and importing Pets to many countries including the Pet Health Certificates. 

Also, fees are often less expensive at your local Animal Shelters or retail outlets such as Petsmart. 

You can have more than 1 Dog or Cat or other Pet on a single health certificate. You can have up to 5 animals per Certificate

Find a Step-by-Step Guide to Your Country Requirements for a Pet Health Certificate here: Pet Health Certificates and Pet Passport US to Everywhere



Can an Airline Deny My Service Dog to Fly?

Airlines may deny a Service Dog to Fly if the Dog violates Safety Requirements: If the Dog is too big, too heavy, is ill-behaved (excessive barking, growling, jumping, lunging, nipping or biting) or appears unhealthy or unclean.

Flying with My Dog: Can the Airline Deny My Service Dog Boarding the Plane?

Most Service Dogs are well-trained, highly socialized to avoid external distractions and focus on their Companion.

If the Service Dog is too large it may not be allowed to fly In-Cabin.  If your Service Dog is too large to fit in the footprint of the aircraft seat, an otherwise qualified Service Dog may not be able to fly.

The airline is required to try to move you and your Dog to another seat that can accommodate your Service Dog.

CAVEAT:  the new seat assignment MUST be in the same class–the airline is not required to upgrade your flight.  But, the flight attendants do have discretion to move you to another class if they choose to and have room. 

Air Carrier Access Act

If the Service Dog is too heavy to be accommodated in the cabin, the airline may accommodate the traveler and Dog in another seat.  Usually, this accommodation must be in the same class of cabin; however, the airline staff has discretion.

Your Service Dog may be denied boarding an aircraft if it poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.

The Service Dog or any Dog In-Cabin that causes a significant disruption in the cabin or at airport gate areas such as excessive barking, growling, jumping, lunging, nipping or biting.

If your Service Dog violates health requirements such as not having the proper vaccinations or Health Certificates.

Airlines may also deny transport to a Service Dog if the airline requires completed DOT service animal forms and the service animal user does not provide the airline these forms. This is a simple form and is usually available at the check-in counter.


brown and white short coated military dog on green grass
Photo by Katie Bivens on Pexels.com

What Is a Service Dog for Flying?

A service Dog is defined as a Dog that’s individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability, including but not limited to:

  • Sight Impairments
  • Deafness
  • Seizures
  • Mobility impairments
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Psychiatric Conditions

Fully-trained Service Dogs usually fly In-Cabin for free if they meet the requirements.

Can an Airline Ask What Your Service Dog is For?


question marks on paper crafts
Photo by Olya Kobruseva on Pexels.com

Airlines can determine whether a Dog is a Service Dog vs a Pet by:

  • Asking an individual with a disability if the Dog is required to accompany the traveler because of a disability
  •  What work or task the Service Dog has been trained to perform;
  • The airline staff may not request that your Service Dog demonstrate the tasks
  • Looking for physical indicators such as the presence of a harness or vests.  These are not required but, can be helpful to distinguish you Service Dog from pets 
  • Looking to see if the animal is harnessed, leashed, or otherwise tethered; and
  • Observing your Service Dog’s general behavior

What Documents Does My Service Dog Need to Fly?

The Airline may Require the Following Documentation for Your Service Dog to Fly:

  • Health Certificate
  • Vaccination Record
  • A U.S. DOT form attesting to the animal’s health, behavior, and training; and
  • A U.S. DOT form attesting that the animal can either not relieve itself or can relieve itself in a sanitary manner, if the animal will be on a flight that is 8 or more hours.
  • Further, the DOT’s Rule state: “If a passenger’s reservation was made less than 48 hours in advance of the first originally scheduled departure time on the passenger’s itinerary, you may not require that passenger provide advance notice of his or her intent to travel with a service animal. You may require that the passenger complete the forms … and submit a copy of the form to you at the passenger’s departure gate on the date of travel.”

Flying with a Service Dog Restrictions:

  • Service Dogs in Airports and In-Cabin must be harnessed and leashed at all times.
  • Dogs under 4 months of age may not travel as a Service Dog
  • Service Dogs must be clean and well-behaved
  • Your Service Dog must be able to fit within the foot print of your airline seat, under the seat in front of you or in your lap.  Dogs that are the size of an average 2 year old child may sit on your lap during the flight
  • You are limited to 2 Service Dogs per flight
  • Service Dogs in training, emotional support animals, and comfort animals are not Service Dogs but may travel as pets for the regular fee for all pets flying.

Service Dogs are protected when Traveling on Planes; however, some airline staff are ill-trained and ask inappropriate and illegal questions when flying.


Most Recent Changes to Air Carrier Access Act for Service Dogs

In December 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation revised the Air Carrier Access Act states how airlines must accommodate passengers traveling with service animals. The changes included:

  1. No longer allowing emotional support animals as service animals.
  2. Narrowing the definition of a service animal to only include dogs.
  3. Requiring airlines to treat psychiatric service animals the same as other service animals without additional documentation.
  4. Allowing airlines to require passengers to submit paperwork before boarding with their service dog.
  5. See the full text at the Department of Transportation Air Carrier Access Act

Rules for Airlines and Flying with Service Dogs

  1. Airlines can require a traveler with a service dog to complete a DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form and a Service Animal Relief Attestation Form at least 48 hours prior to departure.
  2. Airlines are no longer required to recognize non-task-trained animals such as emotional support animals, comfort animals and service animals in training as service animals.
  3. Airlines can limit passengers to two task-trained service animals per person.
  4. Miniature horses, cats, rabbits and other animals are no longer considered service animals.
  5. Airlines cannot require passengers with psychiatric service animals to provide a letter from a licensed mental health professional.
  6. Passengers traveling with service animals cannot be required to physically check in at the airport.
  7. Service animals can be required to fit within the handler’s foot space on the plane.

Can I Be My Service Dog’s Trainer?

Yes. On the Service Animal Air Transportation Form, service dog users are asked to fill in the name of the animal trainer or training organization and the trainer’s phone number. If you task-trained your dog yourself, you are permitted to write your own name.

According to the final rule, “service animal users are free to train their own dogs to perform a task or function for them.”

“While DOT provides space on its form for a service animal handler to state the organization or individual that trained the service animal to do work or perform tasks to assist the handler, DOT does not require that individuals with disabilities have their animal trained or evaluated by an accredited organization as a condition of transport,” the final rule reads.


Does My Service Dog Need to Wear a Vest or ID?

Service dogs are not required to wear anything that identifies them as a working dog. However, service dogs must be harnessed, leashed or otherwise tethered at all times, whether in the airport or on an aircraft.

Airline employees are allowed to ask “whether the animal is required to accompany the passenger because of a disability and what work or task the animal has been trained to perform,” observe its behavior and look for physical indicators such as harnesses and vests in order to verify a dog is a service animal.

According to the final rule, air carriers “are free to view such paraphernalia as evidence that an animal is a service animal; conversely, they are also free to give the presence or lack of presence of such paraphernalia little weight.”


What do I Need To Fly with My Service Dog?

There are two forms that airlines can require of passengers with service animals. These are the DOT’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form and Service Animal Relief Attestation Form.

Carriers can choose to not require any forms from these travelers.

The Service Animal Air Transportation Form is intended to “allow airlines to receive direct assurances from service animal users of their animal’s good behavior and training,” according to the DOT’s final rule. It educates passengers on how their service dog is expected to behave and potentially deters “individuals who might otherwise seek to claim falsely that their pets are service animals.”

Flights that are eight hours or longer can require a Relief Attestation Form, which confirms that the service dog “can relieve itself on the aircraft without creating a health/sanitation issue.”

Airlines can require that these forms be submitted at least 48 hours in advance of  departure, and most have adopted this rule. If a last-minute flight is booked, the traveler can submit the forms at the airport. One form covers all segments of a round-trip flight.

The DOT’s final rule reads: “If a passenger’s reservation was made less than 48 hours in advance of the first originally scheduled departure time on the passenger’s itinerary, you may not require that passenger provide advance notice of his or her intent to travel with a service animal. You may require that the passenger complete the forms … and submit a copy of the form to you at the passenger’s departure gate on the date of travel.”

It is a federal crime to give false information on the forms. If an airline suspects fraud, it can notify the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, which may refer reports to the Office of the Inspector General for investigation and prosecution.

The forms can be found at https://www.transportation.gov.


Why did the DOT change its service animal Dogs and Airlines?

The changes were prompted in part by inconsistent definitions among federal agencies on what constitutes a service animal and an increase of travelers fraudulently claiming their pets were service animals.

“It is reasonable to predict that the Department’s definition will result in an overall reduction in the number of uncrated animals onboard aircraft, thereby reducing the overall number of animal misbehavior incidents (and the overall number of potential allergic reactions) onboard aircraft,” the final rule reads.

The final rule more closely aligns the DOT’s definition of a service animal with the Department of Justice’s definition under the Americans With Disabilities Act.

According to the final rule, the Service Animal Air Transportation Form “would have the potential to serve as a deterrent for individuals who might otherwise seek to claim falsely that their pets are service animals, as those individuals may be less likely to falsify a federal form and thus risk the potential for criminal prosecution.”

The two DOT forms are also intended to help service animal handlers as they “will no longer have to navigate different forms propounded by different airlines.”

Airline Service Dog Policies


What To Do If the Airline Denies My Service Dog?

Travelers who experience disability-related problems can call the DOT’s toll-free hotline at 800-778-4838 or 800-455-9880 (TTY). The hotline can provide general information about your rights and assist with time-sensitive, disability-related issues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time on weekdays, with the exception of federal holidays.

“If you encounter a disability-related issue about an airline accommodation or service, ask to speak to the airline’s Complaint Resolution Official. A CRO is the airline’s expert in disability related issues in air travel and has the authority to resolve complaints on behalf of the airline,” the DOT’s page for air travel complaints reads.

A spokesperson for the DOT told The Republic, “If a consumer believes that an airline has discriminated against him or her on the basis of his or her disability, which includes not providing required accommodations, the consumer can quickly and easily file a complaint with the Department’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection through its online complaint form.”

The complaint will be forwarded to the airline for response, at which point an analyst at the DOT will review both statements and determine whether the airline violated the traveler’s rights. A DOT attorney will then review the case, and an analysis of their findings will be mailed to the complainant.

For more information, go to https://www.transportation.gov.

If an airline denies transportation to a service animal, it is required to provide a written statement of the reason for refusal.

According to the final rule, “This statement must include the specific basis for the carrier’s opinion that the refusal meets the (DOT’s) standards.” The airline should provide this written explanation either at the airport or within 10 days of refusal.

According to the DOT’s website, “You may be able to seek recourse through small claims court.” A separate page explains that “You may file a complaint in small claims court when you can show that a person or a business owes you money or has harmed you financially and will not pay.”

Corey Lovato, a staff attorney at the Arizona Center for Disability Law, told The Arizona Republic that options for recovery are limited because the ACAA “does not allow for, essentially, a person to file a lawsuit against the airline.”

“All they can do is file a complaint with the Department Transportation that they may or may not investigate, and if they don’t (investigate), (the person’s) only remedy is to file a lawsuit against the Department of Transportation,” he said.

See Also, Flying with a Service Dog


Best Airline Pet Carriers for Large Dogs In Cabin

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So you are flying with your Doggo in cabin but, maybe they’ve put on a few pandemic pounds or maybe they have longer legs than other breeds or are snub-nose and need a bit more room to fit under the seat on a plane. 

These are the best In Cabin Pet Carriers for Large Dogs and Pets over 17lbs traveling on planes.

Who Needs a Larger In Cabin Pet Carrier for Flying with Dogs?

  • Dogs larger than 10″ in their carrier flying In Cabin on Airlines
  • Dogs that are comfortable in the carrier but can’t really stand up and turn around as Airlines require
  • Heavier Dogs or Cats that can travel in cabin but are at the maximum weight allowance for airlines
  • Snub-nose Breed Dogs and Cats (Brachycephalic)–for the extra ventilation they need
  • If you Travel On Board a Plane with 2 Pets in a Carrier like my 2 Kitties, Sophie and Chihiro.

Standard Size In Cabin Pet Carrier Does NOT Fit All Dogs!

The Standard Size for Pet Carriers In-Cabin on Airlines averages 22”Lx14”Wx 10”H and 8kg or 17lbs for your Pet. Soft-Sided Carriers are best for Airlines.

Since your carrier must be stowed under the seat at least for take-off and landing, having a compressible carrier for Dogs taller than 9″ high or heavier than 17lbs.

You Should Buy a Carrier Larger than the Airline Maximum

Airlines have their own maximum weight and height.

Finding the right carrier for a Dog that is over 17lbs or too tall to stand up and turn around comfortably is always the biggest issue when flying with large dogs in cabin.

Most airlines allow for up to 8 or 10 inches in height. This is the standard size for in cabin pet carriers.
A Pet Travel Carrier that compresses is the key! Compression is your friend!
I recently flew Southwest Airlines and La Compagnie Airlines with our 2 cats in cabin with the SturdiBag XL and Katziela bag and both worked perfectly for the extra space we need but still complying with the carrier dimensions.
And, I like the extra space when in hotels, in the airport and at my friends’ homes.

I always want to be sure that they will not be denied boarding when I check-in at the airline counter.

I have bought, traveled with and tested different bags over the last few years for my two cats, Sophie and Chihiro. Here are my 3 favorite (and affordable) Pet Carriers for Dogs that need more space.


1. SturdiBag XL Pet Carrier



  • “My Doggo is 28lbs! La Compagnie Airlines approved this carrier for our flight in March.”–Animal Travelers Reader on Facebook 2022
  • “I have used this for my two Cats Sophie and Chihiro on Southwest Airlines in 2021 and they both had plenty of room.”–Anne Travel, Companion Pet Travel.
  • Flexi-Height is the defining feature of this bag–the Curved, Flexible Top Allows for the Compression you need
  • Lightweight at 3.2lbs and is IATA approved
  • Allows Dogs to Stand Up and Turn Around but still fit under the seat for takeoff and landing
  • Comfortable for 2 Cats in the same carrier

“My Springer Spaniel fits in a regular carrier but her legs are long and she can’t really stand up and turn around and I chose the Sturdibag XL for Lufthansa and she was measured at the check in counter and we passed so, I reco the Sturdibag XL”

Animal Travelers Group–Facebook

2. Katziela Airline Approved Pet Carrier



  • Size: 22”longX14”highX13”wide
  • This is the Luxury Lorry style.
  • It fully complies with IATA and most airlines that allow larger pets in cabin.
  • This one compresses perfectly to fit underneath seats during takeoff and landing.
  • The curved, flexible wires on the top and the ventilation mesh that almost completely covers the top of the carrier compresses to fit into a 10″ high airline seat
  • The wheels are removable but great for use at your destination or for Vet visits

3. Maskeyon Airline Approved Pet Carrier



  • This is the most affordable of all the larger carriers I bought.
  • Size: 19.5″L x 12″W x 12″H
  • The additional 2-4″ are easily compressed to fit under the seat on a plane
  • Still, the additional space is more comfortable for taxis,hotels and at home
  • IATA approved

Now that you know you can find a comfortable pet carrier for your large dog or 2 pets, here’s the airlines that will fly large Dogs and multiple pets in cabin:

Flying a Large Dog In Cabin 2022

Airlines that Allow Snub-Nose Dogs and Cats In Cabin in 2022

Can I Buy a Seat on a Plane for My Dog?


MAJOR AIRLINES IN-CABIN PET CARRIER SIZES:


AIRLINE, IN CABINMaximum Pet Carrier Size
LxWxH
DELTA
Small Dogs, Cats,
Domestic Birds
Carrier Counts as
your Carry-On

22″/56cmX14″
SOUTHWEST
Dog and Cats
1 Carrier per passenger.
Carrier may hold 2 animals:
Same Size/Same Breed.
Allows carrier and carry-on
18.5″x13.5″x10″
UNITED
Dogs and Cats
Pit-Bull Breeds prohibited
Allows carrier and a carry-on.
1 pet per carrier
Hard-Sided=
17.5″x12″x7.5″
Soft-Sided=
18″x11″x11″
AMERICAN
Dogs and Cats
Carrier counts as your carry-on.
1 carrier per parent
19″x13″x9″
FRONTIER
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Dogs,
Cats, Birds,
Rabbits, Guinea Pigs,
Hamsters
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS:
Dogs and Cats.
18″x14″x8″
JET BLUE
Dogs and Cats
1 Pet per carrier. 1 carrier
per parent.
Counts as 1 personal item
17″x12.5″x8.5″
TURKISH Airlines
Dogs, Cats, Singing Birds.
Total Weight 18lb (carrier +pet).
Carrier is not counted
as your carry on
15.7″x11.8×9″
KLM Airlines
Dogs and Cats
Total Weight 18lbs
(carrier +pet).
Carrier is not counted
as your carry on
18″x11″x9.4″
LUFTHANSA
Dogs and Cats
Total Weight 18lbs
(carrier +pet).
Soft-sided carriers only
Carrier not counted
as carry on
22″x16″x9″x
VOLARIS
Dogs and Cats
Total Weight: 22lbs/10kg (carrier+pet)
17.5×12″x7.5″
ALASKA AIRLINES

Hard-Sided=
17″x11″x7.5″
Soft-Sided=
17″x11″x9.5″
CANADA AIR
Dog or Cat
1 pet per passenger
Hard-Sided=
22″x16″x9″
Soft-Sided=
21.5×16″x10.5
AEROMEXICO
Soft carriers only
12″x16″x8″
KOREAN AIR
Total lineal dimensions=45″/115cm
Hard=8″ Height
Soft=10″ Height
FlyBondi Airlines (South American Routes)14″Lx13″Wx9″H
CompanionPetTravel.com: Chart of 14 Airlines for Pet Carrier Sizes for Pets In Cabin

Does the Airline Weigh or Measure my Dog at the Airport?

Sometimes. Airlines have discretion to weigh and measure both your Dog and carrier.  Lufthansa checks regularly, AeroMexico usually no. Agents will observe your Pet. If the Dog seems calm and comfortable or if they are very busy, the chances are less than that you will be subject to a weight check.


15 Hotel Pet Amenities that Score with Pet Parents too!

Pet Friendly Hotels and Resorts are big business as travelers in 2022 bring their furry friends on vacation even more than any year before. Here ared 15 Pet Amenities that Dogs and Cats love!

In the USA alone there are over 60 million Dog owners. That is a huge Pet Travel market when you consider that 50% of them travel with their Pets.

Some 25% of listings on the website hotels.com now accept pets when accompanying their owners, and offer limited pet friendly, hotel amenities However, some hotels have aggressively gone after that demographic, going far beyond mere permission to bring a pet, with some extraordinary amenities and services they are now offering.

1. In-Room Pet Massages

In 2022, we have witnessed an huge increase in interest in Pet Massages. The American Kennel Club is one organization that offers guidance on the subject, and the website PetMD also provides training on the advantages of doing so.

One chain of upscale boutique hotels in the United States,Provenance Hotels, provides in-room pet massages performed by trained professionals. The goal of this service is to alleviate some of the anxiety that may be caused by traveling for dogs who are accompanied by their human companions. The massage sessions go for a total of thirty minutes and cost the about fifty dollars.

2. Dog Sitting Services

Taking your Dog with you on vacation can add a whole new dimension to your trip. However, there are occasions when you face a problem and you are unable to take your Dog to a particular restaurant or theater.

This is when you have to leave your Dog back at the hotel. Some hotels will not allow you to leave the pet in the room unattended, while others will allow it.

Even so, it does present a problem, as your Dog in strange surroundings may suddenly choose to carry out an uncharacteristic attack of the furnishing and cause expensive damage. Or, maybe it makes such a noise that other guests complain.

This is where a dog sitting option is invaluable. Many Hotels arrange this concierge service in two ways. They may have there own staff to sit with your furry friend or in some cases they have an arrangement with a local doggie day care provider.

The Williamsburg Hotel, Brooklyn, New York, for example, has an arrangement with nearby Le Doggie Cool for your Pup to have a private caregiver and you are free to enjoy a human-only event.

Don’t go on vacation without these Pet travel essentials Amazon Pet Travel Finds Under $25

3 – Doggy Cabana

It is no longer an uncommon occurrence to bring along your pet with you when you cross the border into Mexico.

Spending relaxing time at the beach may be a lot of fun, but it’s important to remember that your Dog might become sick from being exposed to too much sun.

At least one hotel provides a pet-sized beach cabana for each guest’s animal to help them cope with the effects of the sun. This is just one of the numerous amenities that the Four Seasons Punta Mita has developed specifically for the convenience of its four-legged visitors.

Dog Friendly Cabanas and Plunge Pools are on top of the list of Pet Amenities
Dog Friendly Cabanas and Plunge Pools are on top of the list of Pet Amenities

4. Doggy Plunge Pool

The Four Seasons Punta Mita also has various beach amenities for dogs, such as the “Doggy Plunge Pool,” which offers a little reprieve from the searing heat of the sun while also providing the dog with an opportunity to cool down. It certainly sounds like a beach heaven for Dogs.

5. Complimentary Fit Bark Device

I am sure that most of us have heard of Fitbit, the divide that tracks many human metrics related to fitness. You may not have heard of Fit Bark, which is a Fitbit style of device designed for Dogs. It is a GPS Tracker which can help in finding your dog should he become lost while in strange surroundings on your trip, The data from the fit bark can be transmitted to the Fitbit app on your smart phone and can even be displayed on a smart watch. The Arrabelle at Vail Square offers complimentary use of this device for guest’s Dogs.

see also, Pet Friendly Getaway Hotels in All 50 States

6. Pet Psychic

Portland Oregon is one of the most pet friendly cities in the USA, and Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Portland tries to offer the best pet friendly hotel amenities that it can. It has been very through in creating services that it offers to its guests, with pet beds, bowls, and treat supplied.

They also offers one less than obvious service not offered elsewhere, and that is a Pet Psychic service. Once a month a pet psychic called Deborah comes along to the complimentary wine tasting and offers free insights into the pets thoughts for guests staying at the property.

This is a free service and offered without appointment. She also offers, at a charge, Reiki for dogs, and that can be booked through the hotel concierge.

7. Free Bandanas and Neckwear

Every well dressed Dog wants to look its best for a vacation stay at a hotel, and the Perry Lane Hotel has that covered, by offering every Dog guest a Bandana to wear, together with other gifts, and dog treats.

The hotel also offers doggies daycare and a pet taxi service for the convenience of their guests. This is provided in partnership with Savannah Pet Sitter, a local specialist pet sitting company.

7 Affordable PET FRIENDLY Hotel Chains for 2022

8. Dog Butler

Another feature that is often provided in these super pet friendly hotels are designated staff to care for your pooch. They go by different names, but they all have a similar role, and that is to totally pamper your dog. Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos,

Mexico has what it describes as a dog butler, and Barnsley Gardens Resort in Adairsville, Ga has someone referred to as a “furry Godmother”, who will pamper your Pup with belly rubs and special treats.



9. Scented Pet Facials and Paw Conditioning

Whatever possible amenity that you can imagine your dog might need or enjoy is available somewhere in the USA. It has gone way past just providing a dog basket and feeding bowl these days.

Dogs are carefully pampered and preened to perfection in every conceivable way. How can your dog possibly be expected to stay at a hotel that does not provide a scented facial or has a paw conditioning service?

These are two of the services that are available at a resort called Nemacolin in Pennsylvania. The resort has dedicated 2,2000 acres for furry guests to enjoy while the human guests enjoy a range of activities.


Pet Friendly Cuisine Cater to Dogs
Pet Friendly Cuisine Cater to Dogs

10. Pet Cuisine Menu

Just like human guests, our pets are also treated to first class food with special doggie diets created especially for them.

Some hotels have created their own special doggie treats, others provide a Kong Toy stacked with delicious fillings and Montage Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, South Carolina has created a menu that includes Angus Beef and choice vegetables to pamper their taste buds.

All of these listed in special doggie menus created by the chef.

11. Dog Surfing Classes

Earlier we mentioned beach Cabanas made just for Dogs, and of course like humans our pets also want some action too. Hotels and resorts have thought about this too and have devised many ways of keeping your family pet amused.

These range from pools to dog surfing classes. What dog has not dreamed of standing astride his board while surfing the waves? It is just such a cool look for dogs after all. The Four Seasons Punta Mita has arranged special dog surfing sessions at just $165 per Dog.


white dog on shore
Photo by Dominika Roseclay on Pexels.com

12. Dog Yoga

Maybe your Dog is more passive and would prefer something more spiritual and with a slower burn. Never fear, the same hotel that offers dog surfing also offers Dog Yoga.

Yoga for dogs is called Doga, and when you check into Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos, Mexico, you can get your dog his own butler who will look after all of his needs and take him along to Doga sessions so while you are out and about enjoying the beach or snorkeling, your dog can recharge his Zen.

13. Dog Happy Hour

The Liberty in Boston Massachusetts is just one hotel that offers a Happy Hour to canine guests. Every Monday and Wednesday evening they hold “Yappier Hour” in the courtyard of the hotel’s restaurant, where dogs receive pup-tails and featured treats, while their owners enjoy cocktails and snacks.

In Milwaukee, the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel offers a nightly pet friendly wine tasting reception. Taking your dog along to an event like this can open doors for single travelers to meet new people.

See also, Should I Buy a Pet Stroller?

14. Dog Weddings and Birthday Celebrations

Four Seasons Punta Mita also offer a complete service to arrange Pet Weddings and Pet Birthday Parties. After all, why shouldn’t your dog celebrate these special days in luxurious surroundings?

Pet weddings cost around $3,000 and pet birthdays celebrations will depend on the choice of menus selected. I think we have to admit that the hospitality industry has thought of every conceivable way they can develop new services to offers pets and their owners.


Kimpton Pet Friendly Hotels Cater to Pets with Varied Amenities
Kimpton Pet Friendly Hotels Cater to Pets with Varied Amenities

15. Canine Staff Members

Some hotels and resorts are so committed to ensuring the quality of service for their canine guests that they employ dogs on the staff. Kimpton Journeyman hotels refer to these staff members as Directors of Pet Relations, and they are there to greet pets as they arrive in the hotel.

Now there is a career opportunity for your pet that maybe you have never considered.

Today’s best hotels and resorts cater to Pets and Pet Parents. Pet friendly accommodations keep in tune to the pet traveler’s wants and needs and cater to both pet parents and their precious pooches and kitties by providing pet pampering services that leave both pets and their parents begging for more.



Plan your Travel with Pets by Train instead of Airlines

Want a getaway with your Furry friend?  A scenic train ride with your Dog or Cat is a great way to have a Pet Friendly vacation and getaway by Train with Your Pet.

So many reasons to have a getaway –You and your furry friend deserve a special, quick and scenic trip just to get away for a bit to a Pet-friendly spot for a long weekend or even the week!

Airline travel is so hard time right now.  Train travel with your Dog is a perfect alternative

Why Take a Train instead of an Airline for Pet Travel in the US?

  1. Train travel with a Dog Cost Less than flying with airlines.  The average cost to take your pup on a plane is at least another $125 and as high as $350 for a ticket. But, Amtrak trains are only $26 for your Pet’s train ticket.
  2. No long waits at the airport or having to get there 3 or 4 hours early.  You can arrive at the train station with your Pet only 30-minutes prior to departure or 45-minutes if you have luggage to check.  (Your Pet Carrier will count as a carry on.)
  3. No dog breed restrictions on Amtrak—only size. So many airlines ban snub nose (brachycephalic) Dogs. Shih Tzu, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, pugs—they’re all welcome! No breed bans on traveling with Pets on Amtrak.  All small breeds are welcome.
  4. Unlike Dogs on planes, with Dogs on Trains, you don’t have to worry about your Dog being cold and there’s no pressurization issues.  You won’t have to drag your Pet’s carrier across a huge airport’s terminal. 
  5. You can bring your small emotional support dog or cat on a train without any additional documentation.
  6. There are Dedicated Coach Cars for Pets and you’ll a lovely, scenic trip!

Digital Image by Chuck Gomez; Interior of Amfleet cars showing a customer with her dog. Pets on Trains photoshoot.
Digital Image by Chuck Gomez; Interior of Amfleet cars showing a customer with her dog. Pets on Trains photoshoot.

While almost all trains will allow you to bring your pet, there are a handful of Amtrak routes with a designated Coach car for pets.  These train routes include Amtrak Cascades, Carl Sandburg, Illinois Zephyr, Illini, Lincoln Service, Saluki, Pere Marquette, Wolverine, Blue Water, Hiawatha and Missouri River Runner.

What Pets Can Travel on Amtrak?

  1. Dogs and Cats—even snub nose and emotional support Pets
  2. Dogs and Cats up to 20 pounds
  3. Pet Carrier size: At maximum your Pet’s carrier size can be 19″ long x 14″ wide x 10.5″ high. You can find my recommendations for carriers for snub nose dogs here: Best Pet Carriers & Airlines for Pugs and Snub Nose Dogs
  4. Any route that is 7 hours or less, so there are a number of specific routes (not every route but there are many).

Backpacks make great carriers for Pet Travel on Trains
Backpacks make great carriers for Pet Travel on Trains

Backpacks are a great option for both trains and airlines. See here for our recommendations: Are Pet Backpacks Allowed on Airlines?

Amtrak Pet Policy for Traveling with Your Pet on Board a Train

  1. Book in advance!—each train has a max of 5 pets, so there will be plenty of room for each—all 5 spots are first-come, first-served basis.
  2. 1 Pet per passenger, and they may only ride in coach class (so no business class or any sleeper services).
  3. Pets travel in a pet carrier measuring no larger than 19 x 14 x 10.5 inches and must be well ventilated and leak proof. See the best carriers that fit these dimension here: Best Pet Carriers & Airlines for Pugs and Snub Nose Dogs and all breeds.
  4. The total weight of the pet inside the carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds.
  5. Pet carriers count towards a passenger’s carry-on allowance and must be placed under the passenger’s seat.
  6. You and your Pet must check-in at the ticket desk no later than 30 minutes before the train departs, to allow time to complete the pet release paperwork.
  7. Pets must be 8 weeks or older to travel on Amtrak services and be odorless and non-disruptive to other passengers.

See also, Amazon Pet Travel Finds Under $25

What Documents Do I Need to Travel by Train with my Dog or Cat?

  1. Passengers must sign a Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement for each segment of your Pet Travel by Train.  You can find the form here. But you do not have to print the form or bring it to the station. The agent or conductor will give you the form at the station.
  2. Passengers will certify that their pet is up-to-date with all required vaccinations before travel.
Amtrak in Pennsylvania Pet Friendly Train Travel
Amtrak in Pennsylvania Pet Friendly Train Travel

How to Book your Pet Travel on Amtrak

First, you can search for routes (“services”) on Amtrak.com.

Type in where you want to go with your Dog or Cat, one-way or round-trip and the dates for your travel and then click “Find Trains.”

Then you will check that the train service (route) you want to book is pet friendly. 

You can do this by clicking on “Details” and then under the service click on “Services” Underneath that click on “Add-On” and you can see “Pet”.  This shows that you can add your Dog or Cat to the booking.

Now, you know that the service/route you want allows Pets.

You select your train route, enter your personal details.

You’ll then need to select your preferred train service, seat type and option (such as Saver or Flexible), then enter your travelers details.

Then, add your Dog or Cat to the booking on the “Add-Ons” page.

Then it’s time to finalize your booking and pay for your ticket. Amtrak also lets you make your reservations via their customer call center reservation over the phone (1-800-USA-RAIL) or at staffed Amtrak stations.

The fee for traveling with a pet is currently $26 USD (or 800 Amtrak Guest Reward points) per segment. but it is much cheaper than flying with your pet.


Amtrak with Pets on Trains

Checking in with Your Pet at the Train Station

Once your arrive at the station (at least 30 minutes before and 45 minutes if you are checking a bag), go to the Amtrak ticket office.

 A ticket agent will look up your booking, check your carrier –usually, just a quick glance with your Pet inside (readers report back that the agent did not weigh or measure their Pet or carrier)

You’ll be given a Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement to sign.  You can see here for the form, but you do not have to print it or bring it to the station.

If you are traveling from an unstaffed station, speak to the conductor who will confirm your Pet’s ticket and provide you with this release form—one for each segment of travel.

Boarding the Train with Your Dog or Cat

There’s a bit of a wait from check-in to when the train platform number is announced.

Once your platform is announced, head to the train.

You can board the train.  Make sure you keep your tickets handy as a ticket inspector will come onboard and make their way seat-by-seat and ask for your tickets.

Don’t worry about finding your specific seat—you can select any seat in your car.

Be as early to board as you can because the “reserved coach” tickets, reserves you and your Pet a seat on the specific car, it does not reserve a specific seat. “Reserved” simply means you are guaranteed a seat and you get to choose your own.

Except for a few trains that have a specific cars dedicated for pets, you can sit anywhere, on any coach car (although perhaps skip the quiet car if your Pup may bark a bit).

The trains with a specific car for Pets are: Amtrak Cascades, Carl Sandburg, Illinois Zephyr, Illini, Lincoln Service, Saluki, Pere Marquette, Wolverine, Blue Water, Hiawatha and Missouri River Runner.

Once you’ve found your seat on the train, place your pet in their carrier bag underneath your seat. The seats are different than on airplanes and you’ll have a space separate from the seat in front of you.

If you choose the Amtrak Cascades trains you can have your pet carrier on the floor in front of the seat next to you where there’s a bit more room.

TIP:  Since your Pet must remain with you at all times and you can’t leave them alone, either bring your own beverages and snacks or maybe someone will go to the dining car or cafe for you.

Here are all the Pet Friendly Trains Routes for Travel with Pets on Amtrak:


EASTERN USA Amtrak Pet Friendly Train Routes:

  • Capital Limited
  • Carolinian
  • Cardinal
  • Crescent
  • Lake Shore Limited
  • Piedmont
  • Palmetto
  • Silver Star
  • Silver Meteor

Western USA Amtrak Pet Friendly Train Routes

  • Amtrak Cascades (excluding Canada)
  • California Zephyr
  • Coast Starlight
  • Southwest Chief
  • Sunset Limited
  • Texas Eagle

MidWest USA Amtrak Pet Friendly Train Routes

  • California Zephyr
  • Capitol Limited
  • Cardinal
  • City of New Orleans
  • Empire Builder
  • Hiawatha
  • Carl Sandburg
  • Illinois Zephyr
  • Saluki
  • Pere Marquette
  • Wolverine
  • Blue Water
  • Lake Shore Limited
  • Missouri River Runner
  • Southwest Chief
  • Texas Eagle

NorthEast Amtrak Pet Friendly Train Routes

  • Acela Express (Weekends and holidays)
  • Adirondack (Excluding Canada)
  • Downeaster
  • Empire Service (Excluding Canada)
  • Ethan Allen Express
  • Maple Leaf (excluding Canada)
  • Northeast Regional
  • Vermonter (Washington – Springfield)

You can plan a great pet-friendly train trip with your Dog for cheap without the hassle of airline travel. You can search for and book your Amtrak pet friendly trip at Amtrak.com


Airlines that Allow Emotional Support Dogs 2023

Airlines that allow Emotional Support Dogs in 2022 are: China Air, Latam, Norwegian Air, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Australia, Volaris, AeroMexico, Air France, Asiana Air, KLM, Lufthansa, Viva Aerobus and FlyBondi (South America).

CompanionPetTravel is a participant in Affiliate programs including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and ESA Doctors affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and others.

Rule of Law for Airlines Flying with Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

As of March 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation took away the protections emotional support dogs enjoyed for years.

This new rules let airlines to choose not to allow emotional support animals on their flights.  They were given discretion to say yes or no to your ESA and many chose NO.

But, there are still some airlines that allow Emotional Support Dogs on Planes.

Here are the airlines that allow still Emotional Support Dogs on Planes in 2022:


Airlines that Fly Emotional Support Animals

Airlines that Fly
Emotional Support Dogs
Requirements to Fly with ESA
Westjet Update-no longer accepting ESAs–
Only Service Dogs in 2022
China Air Update-no longer accepting ESAs–
Only Service Dogs in 2022)
LatamRoutes from or to Mexico, Colombia and on domestic flights
within Colombia
Norwegian AirAll Direct flights to and from the U.S (excl. flights to the UK)
Notice: 48 hours prior to departure.
Singapore Airlines❏ Import and/or export permits (subject to country-specific regulations)
❏ Transshipment licence, if your dog is transiting through Singapore
❏ Veterinary health certificate
❏ Rabies vaccination letter
❏ Signed statement from a licensed mental health professional no
older than one year prior to your flight date stating:
– you have a mental or emotional disability recognised in the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), and is under
his or her professional care
– you need the emotional support dog for air travel and/or for activities at your destination
– licence information of the mental health professional (issue date, licence
type, and jurisdiction and state where it was issued)
❏ A completed acknowledgement form
Virgin AustraliaTo request to travel with your Emotional Support on a Virgin Australia
operated flight* to or from the United States, please call our Guest Contact Centre.
VolarisThe emotional support animals service is free of charge and is
available on the following routes:
■ Within Mexico
■ From Mexico to Central America and vice versa
■ Within Central America
■ Within South America
■ From Central America to South America and vice versa
Follow the SAGAPRA requirements
AeroMexicoDog and Cat ESAs allowed.
Emotional support animals which must have a maximum weight
of 26 lbs / 12 kg and their allowed measurements will be 22 in
long x 12 in tall.
Follow the SAGAPRA requirements
Air FranceBook for you and your pet at the same time by telephone.
Or, Book your flight on Air France website, then
contact our customer service team
as quickly as possible afterwards by telephone to add your
pet to the booking.
Asiana AirUpdate-no longer accepting ESAs–
Only Service Dogs in 2022)
KLM AirlinesUpdate-no longer accepting ESAs–
Only Service Dogs in 2022)
LufthansaYour Dog must be trained to be obedient to your commands and
must behave appropriately in a public space (in other words, no
barking, growling, or jumping up at people or other animals).
Viva AerobusPresent a medical prescription on letterhead issued by an institution
or a doctor specializing in mental health (psychologist or psychiatrist)
that contains: 
– Full name of the passenger. 
– Name, medical license, and signature of the person who issued
the document. 
Leash, harness, and ID tag 
FlyBondiEmotional support Dogs fly free of charge, as long as he/she
has identification and a health certificate, which may be
requested by Flybondi staff
Notice: at least 24 hours before the flight departure through the
ticket purchasing process.
CompanionPetTravel.com: Chart of Airlines that allow Emotional Support Animals on Planes in 2022

So, if you are flexible with your route and airline, you still can fly with your ESA in 2022. Once you find your airline, you need to have the right documents. Here is a list of documents you need to fly with an Emotional Support Animal:

What Documents Do I Need to Fly with an ESA Emotional Support Dog?

1. ESA Letter from a Mental Health Professional

First and foremost, find an airline and a route to get you where you want to go, then go to a trusted Mental Health Professional for flying with ESAs. You can reach out to ESADoctors to walk you through the process and get you on your way.

You must have an ESA Letter from a Licensed Mental Health Professional (Stating you have a mental or emotional need for an ESA Dog and the letter is no older than 1 year from the date of flying with your Dog.

You can make an online appointment with ESADoctors for either an ESA or Psychiatric Service Dog. ESADoctors are most trusted and well accepted to handle all your needs for an ESA Letter to fly with your Dog.

ESADoctors will ensure that your Letter includes all the Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements including:

  • That the passenger has a mental or emotional health-related disability recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM); the note does not have to disclose the specifics of the disability
  • That having the animal accompany them is necessary for their mental health or treatment, or to assist them with their disability during the flight or upon their arrival
  • That the individual providing the assessment is a licensed mental health professional and that the passenger is under his or her professional care
  • The date and type of the mental health professional’s license and the state or other jurisdiction in which it was issued
  • The ESADoctor’s signature
Emotional Support Pomeranian Dog ready for Airline Travel
Emotional Support Pomeranian Dog ready for Airline Travel

For Example, here is the email a Pet Traveler with Dog received from Singapore Airlines on their requirements to fly with an ESA.

ESADoctors is fully compliant with the requirements of Singapore and many other airlines including Lufthansa, AeroMexico, Alaska Air and many other to fly with your ESA.

2. Animal Health Certificate from USDA/APHIS

A pet health certificate is an official document issued and often endorsed by USDA/APHIS, through your Veterinarian certifying that your Pet is fit to travel. including vaccination, Rabies & Titer tests, Microchip, age, breed and health conditions required to travel with pets.

Many Airlines require a Certificate to be issued within 10 to 14 days prior to travel.

See How to Obtain a Pet Health Certificate for domestic and international Pet travel here with links to the USDA/APHIS and Veterinarians to provide the Animal Health Certificate

3. Your Statement of Your Dog’s Good Behavior

This is the easiest. You can write your own statement and many airlines have a simple form for you to fill out stating that your Dog is well-socialized enough to be calm and behave on a flight.

Airlines often have their own statement form on their website or at the checkin counter. Once you have chosen your airline and booked your flight, be sure to add your Dog and have this simple, one-page statement typed, printed and signed by you.

See also, Airline that Allows All Large Dogs In Cabin

Next, if you travel internationally with a Pet you will need additional documents. Here’s a complete list. Depending on if your companion pet is a Dog, Cat or Ferret, you will need the following:

Documents Needed for Moving or Flying with Pets Internationally

  • Microchip Certificate
  • Rabies Vaccination Certificate
  • Health Certificate. For International Pet Travel, you may need more than 1 Health Certificate–Some transit countries require their own Certificates.
  • Rabies Titer Test results
  • Parasite Treatment certificate—Often Deworming
  • This is just a guide on what is required, please check the requirements for your specific airline and destination country at our page: Pet Passports and Pet Health Certificates.
3 Small Emotional Support Dogs Ready for Airline Travel
3 Small Emotional Support Dogs Ready for Airline Travel

Most Airlines Have Chosen Not To Allow ESAs (Dogs) on Planes In Cabin

Most domestic airlines including United Airline, American Airline, Jetblue, Frontier, Alaska and Southwest Airlines have decided to take full advantage of the new rule put out by the U.S. Department of Transportation and stop accepting ESAs in the airline cabin.

Some believe the reason airlines have stopped accepting ESAs is because too many Pet Parents were abusing and taking advantage of the old regulations, passed their Pet off as an Emotional Support Animal and brought all manner of exotic animals on flights—for free including peacocks and miniature horses. 

Some believe that it is simply a matter of Pet Parents who have failed to properly socialize their Pets for flying on Planes.

I believe that airlines continue to choose to stop flying Emotional Support Animals because there’s money to be made by charging a Pet Fee for an ESA that they cannot charge for a Service Animal. ESAs are another way to increase airline profits at your expense. Not good for us or our Pets!

You only to look at the huge number of rude human passengers flying on airlines in the last year to see that poor behaved animals is not as much an issue as the Airlines say.

companionpettravel–AnneTravel

And even when flying with your Pet In Cabin counts as your carry-on or personal item which is usually included in the fare for your ticket, they still charge a Pet Fee for flying on a Plane In Cabin.

‍Airlines Still Accept Dogs In Cabin On Planes

If your Dog Does not qualify as an ESA or Service Dog, you can still fly with your Pet on a Plane In Cabin.

If your Dog or Cat meets the standard size to fit under the seat on a plane, airlines will still allow them and you are permitted to bring them on an airline for a Pet fee ranging from free to $125.

What is the Standard Size for Airline Pet Carriers In-Cabin?

The Standard Size for Pet Carriers is 22”Lx14”Wx 9” and for Pets In-Cabin the average weight for your Pet is 8kg or 17lbs. Soft-Sided Carriers are best for Airlines. The top compresses 1 or 2 inches, giving you more options than a Hard-Sided carrier. The carrier must be stowed under the seat at least for take-off and landing.


MAJOR AIRLINES IN-CABIN PET CARRIER SIZES:


AIRLINE, IN CABINMaximum Pet Carrier Size
LxWxH
DELTA
Small Dogs, Cats,
Domestic Birds
Carrier Counts as
your Carry-On

22″/56cmX14″
SOUTHWEST
Dog and Cats
1 Carrier per passenger.
Carrier may hold 2 animals:
Same Size/Same Breed.
Allows carrier and carry-on
18.5″x13.5″x10″
UNITED
Dogs and Cats
Pit-Bull Breeds prohibited
Allows carrier and a carry-on.
1 pet per carrier
Hard-Sided=
17.5″x12″x7.5″
Soft-Sided=
18″x11″x11″
AMERICAN
Dogs and Cats
Carrier counts as your carry-on.
1 carrier per parent
19″x13″x9″
FRONTIER
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Dogs,
Cats, Birds,
Rabbits, Guinea Pigs,
Hamsters
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS:
Dogs and Cats.
18″x14″x8″
JET BLUE
Dogs and Cats
1 Pet per carrier. 1 carrier
per parent.
Counts as 1 personal item
17″x12.5″x8.5″
TURKISH Airlines
Dogs, Cats, Singing Birds.
Total Weight 18lb (carrier +pet).
Carrier is not counted
as your carry on
15.7″x11.8×9″
KLM Airlines
Dogs and Cats
Total Weight 18lbs
(carrier +pet).
Carrier is not counted
as your carry on
18″x11″x9.4″
LUFTHANSA
Dogs and Cats
Total Weight 18lbs
(carrier +pet).
Soft-sided carriers only
Carrier not counted
as carry on
22″x16″x9″x
VOLARIS
Dogs and Cats
Total Weight: 22lbs/10kg (carrier+pet)
17.5×12″x7.5″
ALASKA AIRLINES

Hard-Sided=
17″x11″x7.5″
Soft-Sided=
17″x11″x9.5″
CANADA AIR
Dog or Cat
1 pet per passenger
Hard-Sided=
22″x16″x9″
Soft-Sided=
21.5×16″x10.5
AEROMEXICO
Soft carriers only
12″x16″x8″
KOREAN AIR
Total lineal dimensions=45″/115cm
Hard=8″ Height
Soft=10″ Height
FlyBondi Airlines (South American Routes)14″Lx13″Wx9″H
CompanionPetTravel.com: Chart of 14 Airlines for Pet Carrier Sizes for Pets In Cabin

If your Dog cannot fit under the seat in front of you, you may still be able to fly with a larger Dog on a Plane, in cabin. See, Can I Buy a Seat on a Plane for My Dog?

Of Course, this does not help the majority of Pet Parents who cannot fly with their pet that is over 20lbs.

See: The 10 Most Affordable Airlines Pet Fees: 2022

And, Flying a Large Dog In Cabin 2022

Service Animals on Airlines Are Still Protected in 2022

Service Animals are still protected by the US Federal Government and every airline must still allow properly trained Service Dogs to fly In Cabin without a Pet Fee.

Service Animals are federally protected, in part because they have been individually trained for the owner’s specific disability.

If a fully trained service Dog meets the requirements, they may fly free by sitting at its owner’s feet in the seat’s footspace.

Further, if the seat chosen is not large enough for the Dog, the airline must accommodate the owner with a larger seat in the same class of cabin.

Service Animals typically extremely well behaved as well as individually trained to perform a task that can help someone with a specific disability.

Service Dog and Psychiatric Service Dogs come in many sizes
Service Dog and Psychiatric Service Dogs come in many sizes

Psychiatric Service Dogs are Service Dogs and Must Be Allowed to Fly On All Airlines

Thankfully many travelers with a mental disability are turning to service animals, specifically psychiatric service Dogs as an alternative to ESAs.

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in air travel, according to the Department of Transportation.

What Is A Psychiatric Service Dog And Service Animal?

A psychiatric service dog is very similar to an ESA in that they help alleviate symptoms of a person’s disability.

Psychiatric service dogs and service animals have emerged as the new standard for flying for a qualified individual.

How Are Psychiatric Service Dogs Different From ESAs?

Psychiatric service dogs and service animals are different from an animal that provides emotional support in that they are specially trained to do work.

When it comes to what mental and emotional disability qualifies for a psychiatric service animal it is the exact same standard as an ESA.

Psychiatric Service Dogs are protected by US Federal Law and ESAs are no longer.

Emotional support dogs (ESDs) are dogs that are required for a person’s ongoing mental health treatment by a licensed mental health professional.

These professionals include licensed therapists, psychologists and doctors (General Practitioners).

An ESD brings comfort and minimizes the negative symptoms their human companion’s emotional or psychological ‘disability’.

Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs do not need any specific task-training because their very presence alleviates the symptoms associated with a personal psychological or emotional disability.

The only requirement is that the dog is fully under control in public and does not cause trouble in or around the domestic environment.

There is No US Government Registry for Emotional Support Animals BUT, there are Registries in other Countries

It is important to remember with all the private companies offer to register your ESA, that there is NO official registry for ESAs in the USA. There are official ESA Registries in other Countries.

In order to prove your Dog is your Emotional Support Dog for flying on Airlines, you will need a letter from an accredited medical health practitioner.

Still, Airlines often get it wrong and arbitrarily deny Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) and ESAs.  Often this is due to a lack of understanding of the American with Disabilities Act and the DOT Ruling on Emotional Support Animals. 

I have heard from other Pet Parents that if the ticket reservationist or other airline staff cannot see the disability, no disability exists.

Therefore, it is wise to have a letter from a Mental or Medical Health professional with you when you arrive at the airport. 

No such letter is required by US law; however, it helps confused or poorly-trained airport staff to better accept that PSD or ESA.

What Documents are Required By Airlines to Fly with an Emotional Support Animal?

Dogs must meet the standard of training laid out by the ADA and DOT before you can fly with your Pet.

You also need a form that the DOT requires you fill out before boarding your flight.

US Department of Transportation Service Animal AIr Transportation Form
US Department of Transportation Service Animal AIr Transportation Form

1.  Obtain a Medical Assessment Letter / ESA Letter

Remember there is no Certification for a Dog as an ESA. There are no official certificate and no official Governmental registration database for Emotional Support Animals (ESAs).

To fly with an Emotional Support Dog, you need an ESA letter, which is a letter from a medical or mental health professional—preferably, your own therapist or physician.

SCAMS EXIST.

Many websites offer ESD/ESA “Certificates” in exchange for a fee and a quick survey on their site. Avoid any websites offering such service or to add your Pet to their “official registry. There is no such thing as an official ESD/ESA certificate or registry. 

They are simply charging you to create their own database and add your Pet to it. They have no legal force.

The Letter from a Medical or Mental Health Professional is most effective in convincing the Airline your Pet really is your ESA:

The Letter is on the professionals letterhead, with contact information, written by a qualified physician or mental health provider.

Includes the professional’s license number, as well as their signature and date the letter is signed.

The letter should clearly state your need for an Emotional Support Animal.

What qualifies Your Dog as an Emotional Support Dog?

Many people who suffer from a variety of illnesses, including mild to severe depression, phobias, PTSD, anxiety, and panic attacks have found that companionship of an emotional support dogs alleviates symptoms, sometimes even when prescription medications failed or had adverse side effects.

To qualify for an ESD, a licensed medical health care professional will determine whether you have a disability and whether an ESD would help alleviate your symptoms.

A “disability” for purposes of qualifying for an Emotional Support Dog means a mental health condition like depression or severe anxiety.

It includes any mental health condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as the ability to study, work, travel or sleep.

Please note that under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), emotional support animals are not considered service animals and are therefore not given the same rights and privileges.

However, ESDs in many instances, such as traveling, have more rights to accompany their owners than standard Pets.

2. Obtain your Emotional Support Dog’s  Health Certificate for Pet Passport

In order to fly with emotional support dogs, they must have a Pet Passport or Pet Health Certificate. See Pet Health Certificates and Pet Passport US to Everywhere

3. Book Flights and Inform Your Airline Directly of Flying with ESA

It’s important to check that your airline allows emotional support dogs on board with you, as many do not.  

Different airlines have different restrictions on the dog breeds they allow on their planes.

If your airline does not allow flying with an emotional support dog, your dog will need to adhere to the airlines standard pet policies.

When booking your flight, it’s important to note that you may be restricted to sit in specific seats on the plane.

Most airlines require that passengers flying with an ESA dog sit in certain seats on the plane.

Therefore, it is important to check these specific requirements, when booking your flight or reserving your seats.

Generally, you will need to inform the airline that you will be bringing an ESD, at least 48 hours before the flight.

As well as providing your ESA letter, some airlines may also require you to complete a form.

The letter will state the address and jurisdiction of the health professional who approved your use of an ESD.

Additionally, it will state that you have a mental health related disability and are under the care of a health professional.

The amount of notice the airline will need, may differ between airlines.

So, again, please check the policies before booking your flight. If you fail to give some airports sufficient notice, then your ESD may need to be checked into the cargo compartment of the plane.

4. Complete the Airline’s Sanitation Form

A sanitation form is required by some airlines,if your flight is over 8 hours long.

This form states that during the flight, your emotional support dog will not defecate or urinate on a flight.

These forms require you to inform the airline how you’d go about dealing with a scenario in which they will need to defecate or urinate.

Check the airline policy of who you are flying with, to see if a sanitation form is required.

Your Dog Must be Well Behaved

This does not mean your ESA needs to be trained to do work that helps your disability. For an airline that accepts traveling with an ESA (Dogs) they are not allowed to ask what tasks the Dog can perform and they do not need to know how to work or perform tasks.

However, the better trained your Dog, the less airline staff will be inclined to ask you questions and make your life more challenging as you board your flight. It’s best if your pet is well behaved.

See also, Can an Airline Deny My Service Dog to Fly?

What Airlines Do Not Allow Emotional Support Animals (Dogs)

Most domestic airlines including United Airline, American Airline, Jetblue, Frontier, Alaska, even our beloved Southwest Airlines have decided to take advantage of the new rule put out by the U.S. Department of Transportation and stop accepting ESAs in the airline cabin.

What Disabilities Qualify as a Psychiatric Service Dog or Service Animal?

Any mental or emotional disability that qualifies for an ESA can qualify for a psychiatric service animal. This includes:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Phobias
  • Personality Disorders
  • Bi-Polar Disorder
  • ADHD
  • Schizophrenia

A psychiatric service dog or service animal provides the same mental health support as an emotional support animal.

Next see, Can my ESA Be a Psychiatric Trained Service Dog for Flying?

And, Flying a Large Dog In Cabin 2022


Can I Bring Pet Food On An Airplane

Yes. Follow the TSA 3-1-1 Rule and know these tips: there are stricter limits on “wet” than “dry” food. Moist Pouches and dehydrated food are easiest to get through security. Separate pet food from your bags at the check point No exceptions for prescription food or food for Service Dogs. .

CompanionPetTravel is a participant in Affiliate programs including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and ESA Doctors affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and others.

TSA (Transportation Security Administration) says

YES, You Can Bring Pet Food On A Plane Just know these rules and tips

WET FOOD:  must follow TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule

3-1-1 Liquids Rule for your carry on bag on a plane includes the Pet Food you travel with you onboard. Simply, here’s how it goes:  3.4oz./100ml or smaller container, in a 1 quart-sized clear baggie and 1 baggie per passenger.  Passengers can bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint, limited to 3 ounces or less per item.

TSA.GOV for liquids on Planes--the 3-1-1 Rule applies to Dog and Cat Food
TSA.GOV for liquids on Planes–the 3-1-1 Rule applies to Dog and Cat Food

TSA Security Rule applies to the Pet Food you need for the trip with your Dog or Cat on board the Plane and while moving through the airport.

Problem: Most cans of Wet Food are Larger than 3.4 ounces or they are made of Metal and so, they may not make it past security easily. It’s best to leave those favorite cans for the checked baggage. We have enough hassle getting through the airport–getting stuck at TSA security is the least of the obstacles. Let’s make it easy. Did you know…

Solution: “Moist” Pet Food is considered “Dry” by Airport TSA Security this means you can bring larger containers than if you bring Wet. If you can get your fur baby to accept Pet food moist packets over canned, you can easily bring them on the plane:


Metal Canned Pet Food Can Set off TSA Security
Metal Canned Pet Food Can Set off TSA Security

Remember to choose and pack your Cat or Dog’s favorite flavor that has the mildest scent—least smelly. Canned Tuna is my Chihiro and Sophie’s favorite but not a good choice for the trip—its smell is just too strong!

Dehydrated Pet food is another great option–it weighs even less than regular moist and canned Pet food and, if your Pet likes it, you can pack even more and have some extra for unexpected layovers or if the grocery isn’t nearby when you arrive at the hotel. Bring some as a back up!

I always bring moist and dehydrated for Sophie and Chihiro just in case we are delayed or cannot easily find a shop nearby where we are staying.


  • Moist Pet Food takes up less space, so you can pack more!
  • The scent is milder compared to canned
  • Easier clean up–just crumple & toss
  • No metal! No sharp edges like with cans
  • So much easier to get through TSA Security
  • My Sophie’s favorite is Portland Pet Food moist packets.

TIP:  If you are still not sure if you can bring your Pet Food on a Plane, have no fear…simply snap a picture or send a question to AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or Twitter from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET weekdays; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends/holidays.  They are surprisingly responsive.  They really want to make your trip as smooth as possible.

See Also, Amazon Pet Travel Finds Under $25

DRY Dog and Cat Food 

TSA or Airlines rarely limit how much of your Pet’s food you can bring in checked baggage; But the TSA officer has a lot of discretion in how much you bring onboard the plane, In Cabin.

Pet food or human food containers, can obscure x-ray screening at check points so, they are subject to higher scrutiny. 

Keep about 3 or 4 meals worth of kibble in 1 quart bags.  For checked bags, it is best to bring Pet food in its original, sealed package.     

  • Prescription pet food:? No exception for prescriptions going through TSA–it’s all the same to them.
  • Service Dogs: No exception for Service Dogs. There should be but, bring enough for your travel days plus two.

How Do You Pack Pet Food For Airplane Travel?

Carry-On: Use 1 quart bags, Separate 1-quart bags in bin for inspection. Pet food and other food can disguise/obscure other items in your bag, so TSA Officers will inspect more carefully.  Keeping them out until you pass through TSA allows you to move faster.

Checked Bag:  Try to keep as much in the original, sealed package.  Self-packaged containers should list the contents, weight, and origin.  Consider tearing off the label from the original package and stick it on or in your packaging. 


You may be interested in Pets in Airports: Everything You Need to Know