Can Pets Fly Alone? Airlines That Allow Unaccompanied Pet Travel in 2026

Transporting a pet can be a stressful experience, particularly when it comes to air travel. If you cannot be on the same flight as your dog, this adds even more stress to the situation. Some airlines will ship a dog alone, but they are few and far between. Most major U.S. airlines no longer accept pets traveling unaccompanied in cargo, but a few programs remain available. As of September 2026, American Airlines Cargo and Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines Pet Connect offer pet cargo options, while United Cargo/PetSafe and Delta Airlines still offer unaccompanied pet shipping to qualifying military and State Department personnel. Let’s explore more about this option!

Airlines That Allow Dogs in Unaccompanied Cargo

Verified September 2026. Airline cargo programs change frequently, and acceptance can depend on breed, temperature, aircraft, route, kennel size, and destination for pet transport. The table below focuses on major U.S. airlines with documented cargo options for dogs; always confirm the specific route before booking.

The Limitations of Airlines that Fly with Dogs Unaccompanied

All airlines that allow a dog to fly alone require the animal to fly in the cargo area (and not in the cabin). Most airlines also have a minimum age for puppies and kittens, typically between 8 and 10 weeks old. Let’s discuss other limitations of cargo transport.

Heat Embargoes

• With the summer months approaching, many airlines have a heat embargo that restricts you from shipping an animal in cargo.
• If the ground temperature is more than 85 degrees Fahrenheit or less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you won’t be able to transport a large pet in cargo.

Breed Restrictions

• Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dog breeds like Boxers, French Bulldogs, and Pugs are at a higher risk for health complications, which include respiratory distress, during flight.
• Because of this, airlines don’t allow those breeds in the cargo hold.

So yes, there are some airlines that fly pets unaccompanied, but this approach to transport comes with significant limitations. Own a Boxer, French Bulldog, Pug, or another snub-nosed breed? Ground transport has no breed restrictions. Your pet rides comfortably with a driver who understands their needs.

Don’t let an airline rejection stop your move. Post your route, compare quotes, review transporter profiles, and choose a driver who fits your dog’s needs.

Why to Choose Ground Transportation for Your Dog

By choosing ground transportation, you can avoid restrictions and transport your pet any time of the year. Plus, the personal touch of ground transportation could make it safer and more humane.

You wouldn’t put your kids in the cargo area of a plane, so why put your beloved pet through that experience? Instead, choose ground transportation for humane pet travel. You can find a reliable, vetted, animal-loving driver using a pet transportation marketplace like CitizenShipper. That way you’ll know your pet is being cared for at all times.

Shipping an Animal by Plane: Can You Send Your Pet on a Plane Without You?

There’s good news on the horizon. The simple answer is yes, you can send your pet on a plane without you. But the more detailed answer is a bit more complicated. When it comes to transporting a pet internationally, most airlines let you send them in the cargo hold. For domestic flights, there are only a handful of airlines that allow pets in the cargo hold and, therefore, alone.

The cost of a pet in the cabin is between $90-$125. For the cargo hold, the cost can range from as low as $100 to $1,000.

So now you know you can send a pet on a plane without you. You know there are certain airlines that allow that and some that do not. But which ones are the ones that do and don’t? Let’s take a look below.

Finding Flight Nannies on CitizenShipper

One of the most efficient ways to transport your pet long distances is by hiring a flight nanny for domestic and international travel. What is a flight nanny?

• Also known as air nannies, these are pet transportation professionals specifically dedicated to accompanying your pet as they travel through the air, ensuring safe pet transport.
• You’ll meet up with your flight nanny at the airport, where they’ll accompany your furry family member through the security process, boarding, and arrival.
• This is the perfect option for pet owners who want their fur babies to be transported by air but aren’t able to join them on the flight.

You can hire a flight nanny whether your pet flies in the cargo area or in the cabin if you want someone to accompany your pet. The best way to find a flight nanny for your pet is by using a pet transportation marketplace like CitizenShipper. On the platform, you can find flight nannies with a wide range of experience and price points. What’s great about using CitizenShipper is you can get a cost estimate completely free of charge by posting a listing.

Note: Availability depends on the airline’s route and details.

Choosing an Airline That Specializes in Pet Transportation with their Pet Policies

Choosing the best airline for pet transportation is essential for your pet’s safety and comfort. You don’t want to choose an airline just because it’s cheap. You have to choose an airline that specializes in pet transportation and one that is pet friendly. Let’s take a look at the best pet-friendly airlines.

American Airlines

American Airlines is one of the only airlines that allows pets to travel in the cargo hold through its PetEmbark program. Like most airlines, they also allow pets in the main cabin.

The prices for pets to go in the cargo hold varies and will be determined at the time of booking. On its website, American Airlines outlines all its rules and regulations on pet transportation for pets in cargo and for those pets who can ride in the main cabin.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines allows dogs, cats, household birds, and rabbits in the cabin. The cost is $100 one way (and $105 if flying from Canada). When it comes to flying a cat or dog alone, Alaska Airlines allows a very diverse selection of pets. It also costs $100 for each pet one way, which includes: dogs, cats, household birds, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, non-poisonous reptiles, tropical fish and even pot-bellied pigs. These animals will ride in the cargo area. For checked baggage, it costs about $200, and for PetConnect as cargo, it costs $300+.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines allows pets in the main cabin, in the cargo hold, and unaccompanied. They allow dogs, cats, and household birds. There are several restrictions when it comes to some airports in North America, but for the most part, your pet is allowed to travel anywhere domestically. The fees for traveling within Hawaii are quite low — $60 one way in the cargo hold. If you’re flying to North America, it costs $225 one way in the cargo hold.

The biggest downside to Hawaiian is that it only offers flights to and from Hawaii — meaning you can’t use the airline to travel from say, Los Angeles to New York City.

United Airlines PetSafe Program

The United Airlines PetSafe program was a program that provides pet transportation where your pet goes as a checked item in the cargo hold. Unfortunately, as of 2023, that program is no longer available to anyone.

There are exceptions, however. If you are a member of the military on current military orders or an employee of the State Department on current relocation orders, then you can transport your pet (cats and dogs) from Guam to Honolulu only. Unfortunately, if you are not connecting between those two cities, the program is not available anymore. Service animals are still permitted for any route, though.

JetBlue Jetpaws Program

Unfortunately, JetBlue discontinued this program. The current JetBlue pet transportation program that is running is one that allows small dogs and cats in the main cabin. A total of six pets are allowed in the cabin, so make sure you secure your spot before it’s too late.

You need to have the proper health paperwork, and JetBlue recommends bringing food, water, chews, and toys along for ease and comfort. On its pet transportation page, JetBlue outlines all its requirements and regulations for pets, including the rules for pet carriers that you must follow. They have some good tips to make the flight as stress-free as possible. Pets are still allowed in the cabin if they fit under the seat, and it costs $150 one way.

And for your information, below are the airlines (and their pet policies) that prohibit pets from flying alone:

• Delta Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• JetBlue

Preparing Your Pet for Travel

Once you’ve chosen an airline, it’s time to start preparing your pet for travel. There are things you have to do on your end, as well as preparing your pet for traveling alone. Here are a few tips:

• Start by getting them comfortable with their soft-sided carrier weeks in advance for travel. Make it a safe, positive space by placing treats, toys, or familiar bedding inside.
• On the day of travel, provide a light meal and water a few hours before departure, but avoid overfeeding. A long walk or play session before leaving for the airport can help reduce anxiety and burn off excess energy.
• It is generally not recommended to sedate your pet for air travel, as it can interfere with their ability to regulate body temperature and balance; always consult your veterinarian first.
• Finally, double-check that the carrier is clearly labeled with your contact information, your pet’s name, and prominent ‘Live Animal’ stickers.
• Make sure your pet has a health checkup and all the necessary paperwork and vaccinations.

Is it Safe to Fly Pets in Cargo?

Flying your pet in the cargo hold is safe for most breeds and most pets. Some may not be able to adjust to the cargo hold area. There are also various dangers to flying your pet in the cargo hold. Your pet can experience discomfort, lack of oxygen, air pressure changes, and respiratory distress. On top of that, because cargo holds are not climate-controlled, there is a huge possibility of heat stroke or hypothermia.

Your pet can also experience extreme stress or trauma that can have long-lasting effects on your dog’s emotional and physical well-being. Some will experience more stress than others. The best thing you can do to ease the stress and anxiety is that you should pack chew toys, a security blanket, food, and water.

Worried about putting your pet in cargo? Ground transport with a vetted, animal-loving driver means your pet is never alone — with door-to-door service, photo updates, and a $1,000 Pet Protection Guarantee. Get free quotes and compare drivers for pet transport with no commitment.

Kennel Cargo Requirements

There are airline requirements for pets if they are going in the cargo hold, including the number of pets allowed. Here are the rules you should follow:

• Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around in the crate, and make sure they do not touch the top.
• The crate should have secure locking with pins that extend past the extrusions above and below the door. The pins should be hardware instead of plastic fasteners.
• The crate needs to be ventilated on all sides.
• The crate needs to have your pet’s name and your contact information.
• Water and food bowls need to be attached to the door and accessible from outside the crate.

Airport Drop-off and Pickup Procedures

The logistics for dropping off and picking up a pet flying solo differ from passenger travel. Let’s take you through the process of traveling with a pet.

• You will not go to the main terminal ticket counter. Instead, you’ll need to go to the airline’s specific air cargo facility, which is often in a separate location at the airport. Be sure to look up the exact address and hours of operation in advance.
• For drop-off, you’ll typically need to arrive 2-3 hours before the flight to complete paperwork, present your pet’s health certificate, and pay the fees.
• For pickup, the designated recipient must go to the destination’s cargo office and present a valid photo ID and the flight’s air waybill number.
• Your pet will usually be ready for pickup within 1-2 hours of the flight’s arrival. It’s a good idea to bring a leash, a bowl for water, and some cleanup supplies for when you are reunited with your pet after their journey.

CDC Rules for Dogs Entering the United States

The CDC has specific requirements for dogs entering the United States. Under the current rules, dogs must appear healthy, be at least 6 months old, have a microchip, and have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Additional documentation may be required depending on where the dog has been in the past six months and its rabies vaccination history.

These requirements apply to dogs entering the United States, including dogs traveling by air. They do not mean that airlines broadly prohibit all dogs from high-risk rabies countries. Instead, travelers may face additional CDC documentation and entry requirements based on the dog’s travel and vaccination history, as well as separate airline policies.

Updated September 2026

When is a Pet Transporter Needed?

There are times when a pet transporter is needed. Even though airlines are definitely the faster mode of transportation, there are some cons to this option.

Here are a few reasons why a pet transporter may be the best choice for transporting your pet:

• Most airlines have restrictions on pets other than cats and dogs. They also have restrictions on snub-nosed dogs and cats. Most airlines, except a select few, don’t provide a cargo hold option for domestic flights, which can be difficult to transport a large pet.
• Flying can hurt your pet, especially if they are in the cargo hold. Ground transport will be less stressful and your pet will be happier.
• If there are flight cancellations, you’re out of luck until they can get your pet on another flight. Flying can be unreliable because of weather and other factors. Ground transport does not have that unreliability. Regardless of the weather, your pet will get to its final destination in a matter of hours.
• Ground travel logistics are easier and can offer door-to-door delivery, which is impossible with air travel. Door-to-door delivery offers you peace of mind.

Looking for a ground alternative to flying?

Alternative Solutions

When an airline won’t accept your dog because of breed, size, temperature, route, or cargo restrictions, professional ground transport is the practical alternative. A dedicated pet transporter can provide door-to-door service without putting your trip at the mercy of an airline’s cargo availability, while allowing you to communicate directly with the driver throughout the journey.

Opt for ground transportation. If those options are too expensive, you should consider an amazing alternative like CitizenShipper. Because drivers compete for your business, you can be assured you’ll get affordable rates.

The Benefits of CitizenShipper

Let’s take a look at some advantages of CitizenShipper.

• Drivers are screened and background-checked.
• After posting your pet’s info, you will receive many quotes within a short period, where you can chat with drivers before making your decision.
• There’s an instant messaging system where you can chat with your driver about the entire journey’s details, including getting updates on the journey.
• There’s an option of doing a “rideshare” (where the driver takes several pets during the journey at the same time). This can save you a lot of dinero (but you can always opt for “solo rides,” too)!
• You get added benefits like a VIP Service, a $1,000 Pet Protection Guarantee, Booking Assurance Guarantee, direct communication with the driver who provides updates, and 24/7 TeleVet access through our partner Vetster.

Frequently Asked Questions