United Airlines Pet TravelUA
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FAQ about United Airlines pet policy
Policy last updated: April 19, 2026
In-Cabin Travel
AllowedFee is $150 each way per pet. On most flights up to 2 pets per person are allowed, but only 1 pet per person on A319, A320, A321neo, 737-800/MAX8, 737-900/MAX9. If bringing 2 pets, passenger must purchase an additional adjacent seat. Hard-sided carrier max dimensions: 22 cm x 44 cm x 30 cm (9 in x 17.5 in x 12 in). Soft-sided carrier max dimensions: 27 cm x 45 cm x 27 cm (11 in x 18 in x 11 in). On Boeing 737 MAX, carrier height cannot exceed 10 inches. Pet must remain in carrier under the seat at all times. Cannot sit in exit rows, United Premium Plus seats, or front row of each cabin. Pets cannot be booked via the United app; must be booked on united.com or via My Trips. International pet bookings require a phone call.
Cargo / Hold
AllowedCargo transport (PetSafe program) has been discontinued for general passengers. Cargo/checked baggage is only available to active-duty U.S. military personnel, State Department Foreign Service Personnel (FSP), and their spouses traveling between Guam (GUM) and Honolulu (HNL) via the Military Pet Program. Combined weight of pet and crate must be under 99.9 lbs (45.31 kg). Maximum crate height is 34 inches (86.4 cm); 700 series crates not accepted. Crates must meet USDA and IATA requirements. Up to 4 pets on GUM-HNL flights; up to 2 pets on HNL-GUM flights. One pet move per PCS order. Must email militarypets@united.com 5–10 days before travel. Health certificate required within 10 days of travel. Signed acknowledgement form required.
Service Animals
AllowedOnly trained service dogs are permitted; no dogs in training. For domestic flights, dogs must be over 4 months old. For international flights, dogs must be at least 6 months old. Up to 2 service dogs may travel per passenger, or 1 service dog and 1 pet (requires purchase of an extra adjacent seat). Small service dogs may sit on lap. Service dog may be placed in a carrier meeting size requirements. Cannot sit in exit rows. For international flights and flights to Hawaii and Guam, must call Accessibility Desk at 1-800-228-2744 (US) or 313-234-6992 x81067 (international) to add service dog. Some international destinations require service dog trained by a recognized accredited organization. Therapy and emotional support animals must travel as pets.
Species Rules
Cats and dogs may travel on the same flight in cabin. Service animals (dogs only) are exempt from pet carrier and fee requirements.
Breed Restrictions
- Breed restrictions apply — see United Airlines breed restrictions list. Purebred and mixed breed pets with a restricted dominant breed on health certificate are not allowed on military pet program flights.
Documentation Required
- Health certificate (required for international travel, dated within 10 days for military pet program)
- Rabies vaccination certificate (required for international travel; vaccination must be completed at least 28 days before travel)
- CDC Dog Import Permit (required for dogs entering the US from international destinations)
- USDA screwworm certificate (required for dogs from countries/regions where screwworm is known to exist)
- Service Animal Training and Behavior Attestation Form (for service animals)
- Service Animal Relief Attestation Form (for service animals on flights 8+ hours)
- Active PCS orders (for military pet program)
- Signed acknowledgement form (for military pet program)
- What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?
- Only cats and dogs are permitted in the cabin. All other animals, including therapy and emotional support animals that are not dogs trained to assist with a disability, must stay at home or follow pet policies.
- What is the maximum weight allowed for a pet in the cabin?
- There is no weight limitation for pets in the cabin on United. However, the pet must fit in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
- What are the carrier size requirements for in-cabin pet travel?
- Hard-sided carriers: maximum 9 in x 17.5 in x 12 in (22 cm x 44 cm x 30 cm). Soft-sided carriers: maximum 11 in x 18 in x 11 in (27 cm x 45 cm x 27 cm). On Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, the carrier height cannot exceed 10 inches. The carrier must be ventilated and fit under the seat in front of you.
- Can pets travel in the cargo hold, and what are the requirements?
- Cargo travel is only available to active-duty U.S. military personnel, State Department Foreign Service Personnel (FSP), and their spouses traveling between Guam and Honolulu under the Military Pet Program. The general PetSafe checked pet program has been discontinued. For the military pet program, email militarypets@united.com 5–10 days before travel with your itinerary, active PCS orders, a pet health certificate dated within 10 days of travel, and a signed acknowledgement form.
- What are the fees for traveling with a pet?
- Pet tickets cost $150 each way for cabin travel. If bringing 2 pets, you must also purchase an additional seat next to your assigned seat.
- Is there a limit on the number of pets per passenger or per flight?
- On most flights, you can bring up to 2 pets per person, but you must buy an additional adjacent seat for the second pet. On A319, A320, A321neo, 737-800/MAX8, and 737-900/MAX9 aircraft, only 1 pet per person is allowed due to limited under-seat space. The total number of pets per flight varies by aircraft type, ranging from 1 pet to 6 pets per cabin depending on the plane.
- Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?
- There are no weight or breed limitations stated for cabin travel. However, breed restrictions may apply, particularly for the military pet program cargo travel. Purebred and mixed breed pets with a restricted dominant breed noted on their health certificate are not allowed on military pet program flights. See United's breed restrictions list for details.
- What documents and health certificates are required to travel with a pet?
- For international travel, rabies and health certificates are required for both dogs and cats. Rabies vaccinations must be completed at least 28 days before travel. For dogs entering the U.S. from international destinations, a CDC Dog Import Permit is required. Dogs from countries/regions with screwworm also require a USDA certificate. For domestic travel, a health certificate is encouraged as some destinations may request it on arrival. For the military pet program, a health certificate dated within 10 days of travel is required.
- How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?
- Select 'Travel with a pet' as a traveler during booking on united.com, or add a pet to an existing trip via My Trips. You cannot add a pet to your trip on the United app. For international travel, you'll need to call to add a pet to your reservation.
- Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?
- Yes. Rabies and health certificates are required for all international travel. Rabies vaccination must be completed at least 28 days before travel. Additional CDC requirements apply for dogs entering the U.S., including a CDC Dog Import Permit. Dogs from screwworm-affected regions need a USDA certificate. Many countries have additional or specific entry/exit requirements. You must call United to add a pet for international reservations. Pets are not permitted to/from many international destinations.
- Are there temperature-related restrictions for pets traveling in the cargo hold?
- No specific temperature embargo information is provided for the military pet program cargo travel.
- What is the airline's policy on sedating pets during travel?
- No sedation policy is explicitly stated on the pages reviewed.
- Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?
- For the Military Pet Program, email militarypets@united.com (5–10 days before travel) or militarypetsafe@united.com for other questions. For service animal inquiries involving international flights or flights to Hawaii and Guam, call the Accessibility Desk at 1-800-228-2744 (U.S.) or 313-234-6992 x81067 (international). For general pet travel assistance, use the 'Let's Chat' feature on united.com.
Source: Official pet policy page ↗