Airline Heat Embargos for Pets: What They Are, Which Airlines Enforce Them & What to Do Instead

Patrick MacFarland Patrick MacFarland · Updated July 6, 2026

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Airplane on tarmac during sunset with ground crew loading cargo, symbolizing an article on airline cargo heat embargoes affecting pet transportation.

An airline heat embargo is a temporary restriction that prevents pets from traveling in aircraft cargo holds when ground temperatures at the departure or arrival airport are too hot or too cold. Among major U.S. airlines, only Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines still accept pets in cargo for the general public, and both impose heat embargos when temperatures fall outside roughly 45–85°F. Delta, United, and American have narrowed pet cargo to active-duty military and government personnel. Between the embargos and that shrinking list of carriers, air cargo has become an unreliable option for pet transport during much of the year.

What Is an Airline Heat Embargo for Pets?

Airline heat embargos are a restriction that airlines place on pet travel because of the ambient temperature at both the departure and arrival airport.

  • Although it’s called a heat embargo, pet travel can also be restricted when the weather is too cold.
  • When temperatures climb above about 85°F, airlines will restrict travel.
  • In cooler months, once the temperature drops below about 20°F, pets are barred from the cargo area.

Why? Extreme temperatures can worsen a pet’s existing health issues, and even healthy animals can struggle when they get too hot or too cold.

Which Airlines Enforce Pet Heat Embargos?

The list of domestic airlines that will fly a pet in the cargo hold has shrunk in recent years, and the ones that still do enforce heat embargos.

  • Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines still accept pets in cargo for the general public, generally when temperatures at both airports sit between 45 and 85°F.
  • Delta Air Lines no longer flies pets in cargo for civilian travelers. Its cargo pet service is limited to active-duty U.S. military and State Department personnel, and Delta won’t carry pets as checked baggage at all between May 15 and September 15. When pets do fly, the limits are below 20°F or above 80°F.
  • American Airlines restricts cargo pets to military and State Department personnel and won’t accept them below 20°F or above 85°F.
  • United Airlines has discontinued its public PetSafe cargo program and now moves pets in cargo only for active-duty military and State Department relocations.

The takeaway: for most pet owners, flying a pet in cargo isn’t really an option anymore, embargo or not.

When Are Pet Heat Embargos Typically in Effect?

Pet travel embargos are most common during extreme-temperature seasons. Heat embargos usually run from May through September, especially in southern and southwestern U.S. cities where ground temperatures can exceed safe limits. Cold embargos are more common from November through February in northern regions where freezing conditions pose risks. Airlines evaluate temperatures at both the departure and arrival airports, so even if one location is mild, your pet’s travel can still be restricted. A July flight from Seattle to Phoenix, for example, may be denied because of extreme heat in Phoenix.

CDC Rules Affecting Pets Flying Into the U.S.

Since 2024, the CDC has required additional screening for dogs entering or returning to the United States, aimed at keeping rabies out. Every dog now needs a completed CDC Dog Import Form, and dogs arriving from countries the CDC considers high-risk for rabies, or that have been in one within the past six months, face stricter requirements. In response, some airlines refuse to fly pets into the U.S. from those high-risk locations.

Why Pet Ground Transport Is a Safer Alternative to Air Cargo

Pet ground transport is safer, more reliable, and more humane than air cargo travel. Here’s why.

Safer

  • A transporter is with your pet the entire trip.
  • They can watch for health issues and tend to your pet along the way.
  • Every eligible booking includes $1,000 Pet Protection Coverage and 24/7 on-call vet access through FirstVet for added peace of mind.

More Reliable

  • There are no heat embargos for ground transportation.
  • Flights can be canceled at any time.
  • Ground logistics are simpler and can offer door-to-door delivery.

More Humane

  • Flying can stress a pet, whereas a transporter can comfort them if they’re anxious.
  • Transporters are animal lovers who treat your pet like their own.
  • You wouldn’t put your child in the cargo area of a plane, so think twice before doing it with your pet.

Find Pet Ground Transportation on CitizenShipper

CitizenShipper is a marketplace that connects pet owners with background-checked, independent transporters who handle the trip themselves. Many have years of experience relocating pets around the country, and as animal lovers, they take the time to keep you and your pet comfortable along the way.

It’s also easy to get started: fill out a listing for pet transportation and you’ll receive quotes within minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an airline heat embargo for pets?

An airline heat embargo is a safety restriction that prevents pets from traveling in the cargo hold when temperatures are too extreme. Airlines that still carry pets typically enforce these rules when ground temperatures exceed 80–85°F or drop below 20–45°F. The limits apply at both departure and arrival airports, because even short exposure during loading or unloading can pose serious health risks to pets.

2. When are pet heat embargos most common?

Heat embargos are most common during the summer months, typically from May through September, especially in hotter regions like the southern and southwestern United States. Cold embargos usually occur from November through February in northern areas where freezing temperatures are a concern. Airlines check weather at both origin and destination before approving pet travel, so even one extreme location can result in a denied booking.

3. Which airlines still fly pets in cargo, and do they have heat embargos?

Among major U.S. airlines, only Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines still accept pets in cargo for the general public, generally within a 45–85°F range at both airports. Delta, United, and American have restricted pet cargo to active-duty military and State Department personnel. All of these carriers enforce heat embargos, and exact thresholds vary, so it’s important to check directly with the airline before booking.

4. Why are heat embargos important for pet safety?

Heat embargos help prevent serious health risks such as heatstroke, hypothermia, and respiratory distress in pets. Cargo holds may be climate-controlled in flight, but pets are still exposed to outdoor temperatures during loading, unloading, and ground delays. Extreme heat or cold can quickly become life-threatening, especially for older pets or breeds with breathing issues.

5. What are my alternatives if my pet can’t fly due to an embargo?

If your pet is affected by a heat embargo, ground transportation is often the best alternative. Door-to-door pet transport lets pets travel in climate-controlled vehicles with regular breaks and constant supervision. Unlike air cargo, ground transport isn’t subject to weather-related flight restrictions, which makes it a more reliable and less stressful option during peak summer or winter.

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