Airlines That Ship a Dog Alone: The Ultimate Guide For Pet Owners

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. There are some airlines that will ship a dog alone, but they are few and far between. While we don’t recommend this approach to pet transportation, these are your options for flying a dog in the cargo area of a plane.

Before we discuss the airlines that will ship a dog alone, it’s important to know the limitations of cargo transport. With the summer months approaching, many airlines have a heat embargo that restricts you from shipping your pet 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. Additionally, snub-nosed dogs like Boxers and Pugs are at a higher risk for health complications during flight, so airlines don’t allow those breeds in the cargo hold.

By choosing ground transportation, you can avoid these restrictions and transport your pet any time of the year. Plus, the personal touch of ground transportation makes it safer and more humane to transport your pet on the ground than via a plane in the cargo hold. 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.

What to Consider Before Booking a Flight for Your Pet

According to IPATA, over 4 million pets are transported via plane worldwide each year, with 2 million in the United States alone. Before booking a flight for your beloved companion, it’s important to research the various regulations and requirements of each airline.

• Every airline that will ship a pet alone has different sets of rules that can make it confusing for the average person.
• When it comes to shipping your pet, read up on the specifics before making any commitments.

You also want to consider your pet’s size and breed. Some airlines only allow certain size and breed restrictions when it comes to flying pets. Be sure to double check with the airline before booking a flight for your pet.

Furthermore, you should make sure you have all the necessary paperwork — like the health certificate required for pet travel and your pet’s vaccinations. You should get this from a veterinarian that is accredited by the USDA, or else your pet won’t be allowed to fly. Depending on where you’re traveling to and from, you may also need to provide more paperwork, so make sure you read the rules and regulations of your destination.

Below are the required vaccinations for cats and dogs:

Vaccinations for dogs:

• Canine parvovirus
• Distemper
• Canine hepatitis
• Rabies

Vaccinations for cats:

• panleukopenia (feline distemper)
• Feline calicivirus
• Feline herpesvirus type I (rhinotracheitis)
• Rabies

The CDC recently passed new laws regarding flying with pets. These new rules are intended to limit the exposure of rabies in the United States. Due to these new rules, American Airlines has embargoed pets from flying into the United States from countries or territories considered “high risk” for rabies, or if the pet has been in a high risk location within the past six months.

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. 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.
• 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. 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.

• Simply create a profile, enter the details of your flight — the dates, arrival and destination, type of pet and any other specifics
• Within minutes you’ll receive quotes from flight nannies.
• It’s always free to view these quotes and even chat with the flight nannies that bid on your listing.

Choosing an Airline That Specializes in Pet Transportation

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. Like most airlines, they also allow pets to roam (not literally) in the main cabin. The prices for pets to go in the cargo hold varies and will be determined at the time of booking. For pets to be checked, that is unfortunately not available for passengers unless they are in the military under military orders or they work for the State Department and are on relocation orders. However, American offers PetEmbark for animals that must fly in cargo and don’t meet the checked luggage requirements. In its webpage, American Airlines outlines all its rules and regulations on pet transportation for pets in cargo, as checked items, and for those pets going in the main cabin.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines allows a lot of animals on the plane. Only dogs, cats, household birds, and rabbits are allowed 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.

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.

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.

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. Make sure your pet has a health checkup and all the necessary paperwork and vaccinations. If your pet is flying in the cargo area, it’s important to make sure they have enough food and water for the duration of the flight.

You’ll also want to make sure your pet is comfortable in their kennel. Familiarize your pet with the carrier. During the flight, they can become restless and anxious, so it’s important for them to be comfortable with the carrier that they will be in for various hours. You should start putting them in the carrier weeks before departure until they get comfortable being in the carrier for long periods of time.

Is it Safe to Fly Pets in Cargo?

Flying your pet in the cargo hold is safe for most breeds and most pets. There are some that 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.

Another tip is to provide them with calming chews specifically to help with anxiety and stress. By giving your pet a calming chew, it will get him to be less anxious and less stressed throughout the flight, especially if they are in the cargo hold.

Kennel Cargo Requirements

There are airline requirements for pets if they are going in the cargo hold. 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.

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, with the exception of a select few, don’t provide a cargo hold option for domestic flights, which can be difficult to transport a large pet.
• Flying can have a negative effect on 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.

Alternative Solutions

Traveling with a pet can be a stressful experience, but there are several airlines that allow you to fly your dog alone in the cargo area. Before booking a flight for your pet, it’s important to research the various regulations and requirements of each airline. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure your pet is comfortable and prepared for the journey. With the right preparation and planning, your pet can have a safe and comfortable journey.

Of course, if you feel that your pet may struggle or be super stressed during the flight, there are other alternative solutions. You can 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, background-checked and registered with the USDA.
• After posting your pet’s info, you will receive many quotes within minutes 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 FirstVet.