Is It Safe for Dogs to Fly in Cargo? What Pet Owners Need to Know

Flying a dog in the cargo hold of an airplane is not considered safe or humane by most veterinarians and pet transport experts. While fatal incidents are statistically rare — the U.S. Department of Transportation recorded an average of 24 pet deaths per year in cargo between 2010 and 2020 — the experience exposes dogs to pressure changes, temperature fluctuations, loud noise, and hours of isolation in a dark compartment. For most dogs, cargo travel is a stressful and potentially traumatic experience. Here’s what pet owners should know about the risks, which airlines still offer cargo transport, and what alternatives exist.

While a few dogs are injured, lost, or pass away while flying in the cargo area, it’s simply not a humane solution to pet relocation. You can’t explain to a dog what is going on. Imagine being stuck in a crate, separated from your family, and placed in a strange compartment that suddenly starts shaking and jostling for hours? For almost all dogs, flying in the cargo area of the plane can be a traumatic experience.

The good news is that there are other options for transporting your dog long distance — and you don’t have to be the one driving! Using a pet transportation marketplace like CitizenShipper, you can help your dog avoid the emotional and psychological trauma of flying in the cargo area. Instead, your pet will be accompanied by an animal-loving transporter for the entire journey! 

Due to climate limitations, breed restrictions, and the high levels of stress associated with an unfamiliar situation, flying in cargo is not a good choice for many dogs. Below, we’ll explain in detail the risks of flying in cargo.

What Are the Risks of Flying a Dog in Cargo?

The risks associated with flying with your dog are mainly related to comfort. Most airlines will require that your dog fly in a carrier that is approved by the airline and that meets certain size requirements.

Another risk factor is that of high-altitude pressure changes. When a plane takes off, the air pressure outside the plane drops significantly, which can cause discomfort to animals in the cargo hold. To reduce the risk of injury, airlines must ensure that the cargo hold is pressurized and that the air is constantly monitored. Airlines restrict snub-nosed dogs and cats on planes because of the high health risks they may pose.

Temperature can also be a risk factor when flying with your dog. Most airlines will require that your dog has adequate ventilation in the carrier and that the temperature in the cargo hold does not exceed certain limits. If the temperature is too hot or too cold, it can cause discomfort to your pet and can even lead to illness.

Finally, there is the risk of mishandling. Airlines must ensure that all pets are handled properly and with care. If a pet is dropped or mishandled, it can result in injury or even death. To reduce the risk of mishandling, airlines must have trained staff and clear guidelines for how to handle pets properly.

Is It Traumatic for Dogs to Fly in Cargo?

Flying in cargo can be stressful for many dogs, though not every dog will experience it the same way. The cargo hold used for live animals is typically pressurized and temperature-controlled, but dogs are still separated from their owners, placed in unfamiliar surroundings, and exposed to loud noises, airport handling, and long periods inside a crate. For anxious dogs, puppies, seniors, and brachycephalic breeds, that combination can feel especially overwhelming.

Whether it becomes traumatic often depends on the dog’s temperament, age, health, and the length of the trip. Calm, healthy dogs with prior crate training may tolerate cargo travel reasonably well, while nervous or medically sensitive dogs may struggle with fear, dehydration, or exhaustion. Layovers, delays, and extreme weather can also add to the stress. That is why many veterinarians and pet owners prefer to avoid cargo travel unless it is truly necessary.

If a dog must fly in cargo, preparation matters. A properly sized airline-approved crate, a direct flight, updated health paperwork, and plenty of time for the dog to get used to the crate beforehand can help reduce stress. Even so, many owners choose ground transportation instead because it offers more supervision, regular breaks, and a quieter, more controlled environment. For dogs that are already prone to anxiety, ground travel is often the less stressful option.

How Many Dogs Die in Cargo on Flights?

The number of dogs that die in airplane cargo holds each year is very small—but not zero, and the exact figure varies by year and dataset. In the United States, airlines are required to report pet deaths, injuries, and losses to the Department of Transportation (DOT), giving the most reliable insight into the issue.

Recent data shows that only a handful of animals die annually. For example, in 2023, about 9 animal deaths were reported out of roughly 500,000 transported, and in 2024, there were 7 deaths out of about 530,000 animals. These figures include all pets, but dogs make up the majority of fatalities. The incident rate is extremely low—around 0.004% or less, meaning roughly 4 incidents per 100,000 animals transported.

Looking at longer-term data helps provide context. Between 2005 and 2010, there were 122 recorded dog deaths on U.S. airlines over five years. More recent annual reports typically show single-digit to low double-digit deaths per year, indicating improved safety over time.

Despite the low numbers, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of death. Short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs, account for a disproportionate share of fatalities due to breathing issues. Other contributing factors include extreme temperatures, stress, pre-existing health conditions, and sedation.

Overall, while millions of pets fly each year safely, cargo travel still carries some risk. Experts generally advise that it should be used only when necessary and with proper precautions.

What Does the Cargo Hold Look Like for Dogs?

The cargo hold where dogs are transported on commercial flights is not the same as the general baggage area many people imagine. On most modern aircraft, pets travel in a special, climate-controlled compartment designed to keep conditions similar to the passenger cabin. This section is pressurized, with regulated temperature and airflow to ensure animals can breathe comfortably throughout the flight.

Dogs are kept inside secure, airline-approved kennels that prevent movement during turbulence. These crates are placed on the floor of the compartment and carefully positioned so they won’t shift. The space itself is typically dimly lit and relatively quiet, though it can still be noisy due to engine vibrations and airflow. While it’s not luxurious, it is designed to be safe and functional.

Airline staff check on animals during loading and unloading, but pets are not continuously monitored mid-flight. Temperature settings are controlled from the cockpit, and pilots are usually notified when live animals are onboard.

Overall, the cargo hold is safe but unfamiliar and potentially stressful for dogs—more like a secure, temperature-regulated storage area than a comfortable living space.

Airlines’ Safety Protocols

The safety protocols for flying with your dog vary from airline to airline, so it’s important to research the requirements of the airline you’re flying with. All airlines require a health certificate, so make sure you have that handy. For the airlines that do allow dogs in the cargo hold – Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, they will require that your dog is in a pet carrier that meets their size and ventilation requirements, and that the crate is clearly labeled with your contact information.

Pet Crate Cargo Requirements

• The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand and turn without touching the top of the crate.
• The crate should have secure locks all around with hardware pins and fasteners that extend past the extrusions above and below the door.
• The kennel should be ventilated on all sides.
• The kennel must have your dog’s name and your contact information visible.
• A water and food bowl should be attached to the door and be accessible from outside the carrier.

Pet Travel Safety Tips

Even if you’ve done your research and followed the safety protocols, there are still a few things you can do to ensure the safety of your pet. You should always provide your pet with a comfortable blanket or bedding. This keeps your pet from being stressed and instead have them comfortable during the flight. Here are a few more tips that will help with your pet transport.

• Traveling in the off-season can help reduce costs.
• Consider the time of year before booking — airlines will cancel pet tickets if the temperature isn’t between 45°F to 85°F.
• Take direct flights with no layovers because layovers will stress your dog more when they are in the cargo hold.
• Freeze water in a large crate bowl, so your dog has enough water for the entire flight.
• Get to the airport at least half an hour earlier to check in.
• Don’t let airline attendants take your dog until 30 minutes before departure.
• Don’t board until you see that airline baggage handlers have loaded your dog onto the plane. This is important to ensure your dog is safe in the cargo hold.
• Don’t give your dog any sedatives. It makes it difficult for your dog to adjust to the cargo hold temperatures and turbulence during the flight.

The Benefits of Flying with Your Dog

Flying with your dog can provide many benefits. Because most airlines don’t allow dogs in the cargo hold, this option is only for small dogs or cats. Flying with your pup can help reduce stress. They’ll be with you during the flight — whether it is long or short. It also saves you money because the cost is usually as low as $90 and as high as $125.

Safer Alternatives to Flying Your Dog in Cargo

If you’re uncomfortable with cargo travel, several safer and less stressful alternatives keep your dog in a more controlled, human-supervised environment.

One of the most popular options is using a professional pet transport service like CitizenShipper. This platform connects you with background-checked, USDA-registered transporters who specialize in moving animals safely across the country. Instead of flying in a cargo hold, your dog typically travels by climate-controlled vehicle, with regular stops for water, bathroom breaks, and exercise—something airlines cannot provide mid-flight.

CitizenShipper also allows owners to compare bids, read reviews, and communicate directly with transporters before booking, giving you more control over who handles your pet. Many services offer door-to-door delivery, meaning your dog is picked up and dropped off at home rather than navigating busy airports. Additional safety features—like a basic pet protection plan and optional solo rides—help reduce risk and stress.

Another alternative is a “flight nanny”, where a professional accompanies your dog in the airplane cabin, ensuring constant supervision. For smaller dogs, simply flying in-cabin with you (if airline rules allow) is usually the safest option. Finally, for shorter distances, driving your dog yourself is often the least risky choice, as you can monitor their comfort the entire time.

Overall, these alternatives prioritize continuous care, reduced stress, and direct human oversight, making them preferable for many pet owners compared to cargo travel.

Should You Fly Your Dog in Cargo?

Flying with your dog can be a safe and enjoyable experience. However, it’s important to do your research and be aware of the safety protocols that airlines must follow. Make sure to research the airline’s requirements and provide your pet with a comfortable and safe crate. Additionally, follow our pet transport safety tips to ensure your pet has a safe and stress-free flight.

If cargo travel feels too risky for your dog, ground transport is a safer alternative. On CitizenShipper, listing is free, quotes arrive within hours, and every transport includes $1,000 Pet Protection Coverage with 24/7 vet access through FirstVet. Get free quotes for your dog’s transport →

Frequently Asked Questions