Alaska Airlines Pet Policy

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines Pet Policy

The availability of space for pets in the cabin and in the cargo, compartments is limited. Please confirm this before you booking Alaska Airlines travel with pets

Alaska Airlines reservations can be reached at 1-800-252-7522 if you are interested in booking travel. 

For information on bookings that include travel with another airline, please call Alaska Airlines reservation at 1-800-252-7522. They will be happy to help you determine the fees and reserve space.

Note that Alaska Airlines doesn't transfer pets to other carriers in the baggage compartment. Pets must first be claimed and then rechecked with the connecting carrier.

Zones for animal relief

You can see our list of area of relief for animals at airports.

Service animals

Our policies regarding service animals can be found here.

Pet embargoes

Summer heatwaves

To avoid heat waves during the summer, please visit our advisories for pet travel advices due to extreme outdoor temperatures.

Holiday Travel

Alaska Airlines passengers flying on flights 2000-2999, 3300-34999 or flight 3300-39999 cannot check their pets into the baggage or cargo sections.

  • November 15-January 10

Alaska Airlines flights 2000-2999 may allow pets to be carried in the cargo or baggage compartments. These flights are only allowed if Alaska Airlines is operating entirely within Alaska.

During these periods, pets will be allowed in the cabin.

Hawaii

Alaska Airlines will only accept dogs and cats when they fly to Hawai'i. There are special requirements for travel to Hawaii due to Hawaii's status as the only state without rabies and strong headwinds at particular times of year. You can find more details on our Dogs and Cats Going to Hawaii page.

Breed restrictions

Alaska Airlines does not accept pets with short noses, or brachycephalic, dogs and cats on its flights. Experts in veterinary medicine say that animals with short noses are more likely have breathing difficulties. These conditions can become worse when there is stress associated with flying.

Brachycephalic, or "short nosed" cats and dogs can still travel with their passengers in the cabin provided that their pet carrier fits under their seat. This applies to all breeds and mixes of these breeds:

Dogs

American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier. Boston Terrier. Mastiff, All Breeds. Bulldog. Bulldog. Bull Terrier. Bulldog. Bull Terrier. Bulldog. Bull Terrier. Bulldog. Bull Terrier. Bulldog. Bull Terrier. English Bulldog. English Bulldog. English Toy Spaniel. French Bulldog. Japanese Boxer. Japanese Pug. Japanese Spaniel. Pekingese. Pug. Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Cats
Burmese. Exotic Shorthair. Himalayan. Persian.

Pet Fees

$50.00 per pet in cabin

Pet in luggage $100.00 each way

* Note that the $105 fee applies to flights departing Canada. Only Alaska Airlines charges the fees. You may have to pay additional airline fees if your itinerary involves travel on another airline. You can check with the other airline to find out more.

Pets are welcome in the cabin

For passengers to bring a pet into the cabin, they must be 18 or older. The pet-carrying passenger cannot use an emergency exit row or bulkhead seat. Three pet carriers can be accommodated in First Class, and eight can be accommodated in the main cabin.

Important information for traveling with your pet in the cabin

  • Your carry-on bags count the pet carrier. Either a pet carrier with personal items or a pet carriage and standard-sized carryon bags are acceptable. You cannot board an aircraft carrying a pet carrier, a standard-sized carryon bag and a personal object.
  • Customer may bring maximum 2 pet carriers on the main cabin. However, the seat adjacent must be purchased by the same customer.
  • Dogs, cats and rabbits are all allowed to travel in the passenger cabin. Dogs and cats must not be younger than 8 weeks and must have been properly weaned and trained to eat solid food.
  • If the animal is not in distress and no body parts protrude from it, up to two pets of the same species may travel in the same carrier
  • Your pet must remain in its container (including the tail and head) at all times during boarding, deplaning, Alaska Lounge and aboard the aircraft. During take-off, landing and taxi, they should be kept under the seat.
  • Animals with offensive doors and animals that cause noise disturbances should be kept in climate-controlled baggage.

Carriers for cabin

There are specific requirements for the USDA and IATA.

Pets must be small enough for them to be able to sit comfortably under the seat.

These are the acceptable carrier sizes for travel inside the cabin

 

For travel in a cabin, a chart of kennel sizes is available

Type

Kennel size

Dimensions (length, width, and height)

Hard-sided

50

17"x11"x7.5"

Soft-sided

50

17"x11"x9.5"

You must have for your pet to be allowed on travel.

  • Please adhere to the following dimensions
  • Make sure your pet is comfortable and clean with absorbent bedding.
  • You can completely enclose your animal and make it impossible to escape.
  • A good air supply is essential
  • Don't let tears, cracks, and breaks ruin your life


Tranquilizers

It is not recommended to sedate your pet as the effects of tranquilizers at high altitudes can be unpredictable. Your veterinarian should decide whether to prescribe tranquilizers for your pet.

Pets in the cargo and baggage compartments

Alaska Airlines allows small domestic pets to travel. The climate-controlled cargo and baggage compartments can be used for pets such as cats, dogs and ferrets.

These regulations are in effect:

  • Each animal that is accepted for transport as checked baggage must have a valid health certificate. For more information, see Health and Vaccination Requirements.
  • Cats and dogs must be at the age of 8 weeks and have been weaned.
  • One pet dog or cat may not be transported with another, regardless of their age.
  • One live puppy (aged between 8 and 6 months) and not more than 20 lbs may be transported in one kennel.
  • Two live puppies or kittens of similar size and weight, aged 8 to 6 months, can be transported in one kennel.

Animals should be friendly, harmless, and inoffensive to themselves or their kennel. They also need no attention during transit.

Cargo options

Find out more about how to transport your pet with Pet Connect(tm).

Water and food for checked animals

  • According to regulations, animals that are checked baggage must be given food and water within four hours of check-in
  • The animals must have enough water and food to sustain them throughout their journey.
  • Customers who have a connection lasting four hours or more must request access for their animal in the connecting city to provide additional water and food.
  • When rechecking an animal, the customer must provide a receipt and the city connection.
  • You will need to fill out a Pet Check Record to confirm that your pet was given food and water before you can accept them.

Climate-controlled luggage compartment

You must check your pet on the same flight to their destination if you use this transport method. You must check in at least 2 hours before your departure time, and at least 90 minutes prior to departure in Seattle or Guadalajara.

All other airports require you to arrive at least 1 hour before departure. For recommended arrival times at your departure airport, visit the airport guide. Within 30 minutes of your flight arriving, your pet will be available at baggage claim.

We allow an animal to connect for a maximum of 4 hours if your trip involves a transfer to another flight operated either by Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air or SkyWest Flight Series 33300-3499.

Alaska Airlines doesn't transfer pets to other airlines. You must allow enough time to collect your pet at baggage claim and then re-check it with the connecting airline.

Your pet can be kept in a kennel until transport is possible if there is a delay. The pet owner is responsible for any costs resulting from weather-related delays. 

Alaska Airlines will take a pet and their kennel together weighing up to 150 pounds. Air Cargo will assist you with pricing and assistance if your pet and kennel are more than 151 pounds.

Extreme outdoor temperatures

Pets can be exposed to extreme heat and cold temperatures. Choose early morning or late-night flights in summer. Mid-day flights are best in winter. Book direct or nonstop flights whenever possible. Alaska Airlines can decline to accept animals if temperatures exceed certain limits at their destination, origin, or connecting airports.

 

Pets are welcome to travel internationally

Only dogs and cats are allowed in the United States and international locations.

We strongly recommend that you check the requirements for vaccinations and health certificates when traveling internationally. All U.S. and international regulations and restrictions applicable to your animal's travel, including vaccination and health certificates, are your responsibility. 

Alaska Airlines will not pay for any costs incurred by guests who do not possess the necessary health and vaccination documentation in order to enter foreign countries.

There is limited space for pets in the cabin and in the baggage compartment. To book Alaska airlines travel with pets, please call 1-800-252-7522Contact the partner airline if you have plans to travel on another airline. You can reserve space, find out fees, and get additional information.

Learn more about booking pet transportation, including breed restrictions, standard pet fees and kennel requirements.

Visit the United States

Only cats and dogs will be allowed to travel to the United States from non-US locations. The owner is responsible for ensuring that their pet meets U.S. immigration requirements. Your dog/cat could be refused entry if they fail to comply with the U.S. import requirements. 

Visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/bring-pet-into-the-united-states "This indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. 

You agree to share your data by selecting a partner link. " To find out if your destination has any import restrictions.

It is possible that a valid health certificate is required. A valid health certificate should include the following information: the breed, age, description, and date of examination.

When issued, a health certificate is valid for transportation.

  • Within 10 days from the date of origin
  • Within 30 days of the return flight on the same ticket
  • If the return journey is by separate travel, within 10 days

When transporting high-risk animals in the aircraft cabin or baggage compartments, a proof of rabies vaccination may be required. For more information, please visit the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention website cdc.gov.

Two (2) animals per family are allowed to enter the United States.

Belize: Travel

Transport to/from Belize is not permitted for pets.

For cargo service to Belize, pets are not allowed.

Canada: Travel

Travel is only allowed for dogs and cats.

A health certificate is not required for cats and dogs older than 8 months of age.

A proof of rabies vaccination for dogs belonging to the following categories is sufficient:

  • Any dog older than 8 months.
  • If the dog's owner is the person who takes it to Canada, assistance animals can be certified as hearing, guide, or service dogs.
  • A minimum of two pet dogs must be accompanied by their owners to Canada.
  • If proof of entry to a show/trial is presented at importation, any dog that was exported temporarily for competition in a trial or show may be imported.

Dogs-A Rabies vaccination certificate to prove rabies vaccination:

  • All dogs over 3 months old must be registered (except assistance dogs that are certified as hearing, guide or service dogs and accompany their owner into Canada).
  • Documentation from a licensed veterinarian proving that the vaccination was received within three years after importation to Canada.
  • If required, proof of rabies vaccination must be documented on a medical certificate.

Cats- Rabies vaccination certificate. Provided by licensed veterinarian. Valid for 3 years after importation to Canada.

  • Kittens younger than 3 months old are exempted from rabies vaccination
  • The vaccination certificate must contain the date of vaccination and the type vaccine.

Find out more about travelling with your dog to Canada from the U.S. This link may lead to another site, which may not have the same privacy or accessibility policies as Alaska Airlines. You agree to share your data by selecting a partner link. "

A health certificate may be required for dogs younger than eight months of age by a licensed veterinarian in the United States.

  • Only proof of current Rabies vaccination is required for shipment of dogs under 8 months old.
  • Dogs under three months of age are not required to have rabies vaccinations. However, Canadian officials must be provided with proof of the dog’s age. To travel to Canada, all dogs over 3 months old, except assistance dogs that are certified as guide, hearing, or service dogs, must show proof of current rabies vaccination.

Find out more about travelling with your dog to Canada from the U.S. This link may lead to another site, which may not have the same privacy or accessibility policies as Alaska Airlines. You agree to share your data by selecting a partner link. "

Costa Rica: Travel

Travel is only allowed for dogs and cats.

Alaska Airlines will not transport pets to/from Costa Rica.

You will need to have a valid health certificate and specific documentation for pets that are being transported in the cabin or baggage compartments.

When issued, a health certificate is valid for transportation.

  • Within 10 days from the date of origin
  • Within 30 days of the return flight on the same ticket
  • If the return journey is by separate travel, within 10 days

You may need to provide proof that you have been vaccinated against rabies.

You can find more information about specific requirements by clicking one of these links:
Embassy of America -- Costa Rica
Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture
US Department of Agriculture - APHIS

Mexico: Travel

Travel is only allowed for dogs and cats.

Alaska Airlines will not transport pets to Mexico via Cargo Service.

To contact SENASICA officials, you must first visit Mexico's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Office (OISA) upon arrival. These details will be verified by the official personnel:

  • There are no signs that the dog or cat has contagious and infectious diseases.
  • Ectoparasites are not allowed in the dog or cat.
  • Dogs and cats do not have to present new wounds or heal wounds.

Other requirements/information about inspection at the OISA, upon presentation of the shipment in Mexico:

  • Your dog/cat should be presented to the SADER/SENASICA staff with any treatment or diagnostic instructions. This information should be included on a letterhead. It can be attached to the letterhead with a copy the professional registration number or equivalent.
  • The importer must comply with all requirements and procedures.
  • If the cage/carrier becomes dirty or contains disposable bed (newspaper, wood, other materials), toys, or edible products, disinfection will apply to it.
  • Only the amount of food that was used to feed the animal on the day of its arrival will be permitted.

You may need to provide proof that you have been vaccinated against rabies.

If the pet is packed in a kennel, no bedding or other similar material are permitted to enter. Acceptable are shredded paper and absorbent pads.

It is okay to have less than enough food for one day of travel.

Additional importation fees for passengers with more than 3 pets will apply. This is mandated by SAGARPA (Secretary to Agriculture, Livestock Production, Rural Development) Customs officers will guide you to the area for the commercial importation of pets upon arrival. 

A customs broker may be required for clearance. For more information, please visit the Senaida webpage.

NOTE When traveling to Mexico with more than two animals, there are only 2 animals that can travel into the United States. This applies to each family member who is flying from Mexico.

NOTE: If your dog travels frequently between the U.S.A. and Mexico, you may request registration in the "Pet Program Frequent Traveller". 

Contact the following numbers for more information: 59051000, ext. 53611, 54326, and 51020, (0155), 43130154, 43130155, 43130155, and 43130155, and 43130152 and 43130152, respectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (Faqs)

Flying with Flight Pass guests will be seated alongside standard Main cabin guests, unless the guest is a Mileage Plan Elite member and/or paid for a Premium Class upgrade or First-Class upgrade.

The same steps apply to Main cabin itineraries. Check-in at the airport or on alaskair.com up to 24 hours before you fly.

Alaska Airlines Flight Pass holders may bring one item personal and one bag with them onboard.

A Flight Pass subscription does not grant a subscriber free checked bag. Travelers may opt to pay for checked baggage according to the Alaska Airlines baggage policy.

You can add checked baggage to your booking and pay for it up to 24 hours before your flight departs. The process for checking baggage is the same as for other tickets.

It is important to give your pet the opportunity to get used and comfortable with their carrier. It is a good idea to keep your pet's routine the day before you go. You can fit in walks or a run in the morning if your dog enjoys a stroll in the park. Stress can be reduced by avoiding unnecessary stress and chaos. You should allow your dog to rest in the pet area before you put your pet into the carrier.

Proper identification is essential when you travel with your pet. You can write your pet's name, address, and phone number on the carrier, whether you are taking your pet along or picking it up. Also, ensure your pet is wearing a collar or harness that fits properly and microchipped. While collars and harnesses may be lost, microchips are permanent and can be used by any pet-related agency (shelters/vets), to scan pets who have been brought to them. A current photo of your pet is a good idea for travel.

All pets travelling in the cargo section of Alaska Airlines (including flights operated under Horizon and SkyWest) must have a current health certificate that was valid within 10 days of departure and 30 days after return travel.

Pets traveling with passengers will not require a health certificate. However, some states have special importation and vaccination requirements. To determine the required documentation, it is a good idea to consult with the state veterinarian in your destination before you travel. Alaska Airlines Cargo requires a health certificate for animals; a Cargo representative will provide more information.

Brachycephalic and "short-nosed breeds" are at greater risk of respiratory distress than other breeds. Therefore, careful planning is required when traveling. These pets can still be brought onboard an airplane if they are under the constant care of their owners.

Flying should not be dangerous for a healthy pet. Travel stress can put pets at risk if they are elderly or sick. If you are concerned about your pet flying, it is best to consult your veterinarian. You should plan your trip so that there are fewer stops and you arrive in the coolest part of the day for hot climates. There may be restrictions for pets travelling under the plane when it is in severe weather conditions.

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