
Traveling with your furry friend can be a breeze with Alaska Air's pet shipping services. Alaska Air has a generous pet policy, allowing pets in the cabin and as checked baggage.
Before booking your flight, make sure to check Alaska Air's pet policy and fees, which can be found on their website. You can also contact their customer service team for more information.
To ensure a smooth travel experience for both you and your pet, Alaska Air requires a health certificate for your pet within 10 days of travel. This is a standard requirement for all pets traveling on Alaska Air flights.
As for pet carrier requirements, Alaska Air allows carriers that fit under the seat in front of you, with a maximum size of 18.5 inches tall, 13.5 inches wide, and 8.5 inches deep.
On a similar theme: Air Canada Cargo
Eligibility and Requirements
To ensure your pet is eligible to travel with Alaska Air, you'll need to confirm a few things. Your pet must meet the health guidelines for travel, and you'll need to obtain a health certificate administered by a veterinarian that's no more than 30 days old.
Some destinations, like Hawaii, have specific restrictions, so be sure to check those requirements as well. Additionally, your pet must be an acceptable breed and the weather at your destination may require a Certificate of Acclimation.
Here are the key eligibility requirements to keep in mind:
- Hawai'i travel restrictions
- Pet meets health guidelines
- Health certificate requirements
- Pet is an acceptable breed
- Weather - Certificate of Acclimation
Travel Eligibility Confirmation
Before you start planning your trip with your pet, you need to confirm that your furry friend is eligible to travel. This involves checking a few key things.
First, you'll need to check if there are any travel restrictions in place for your destination, such as Hawai'i. If there are restrictions, you'll need to comply with them.
To ensure your pet's health and safety, you'll also need to verify that your pet meets the health guidelines for travel. This typically includes vaccinations and a clean bill of health from a veterinarian.
In addition to health guidelines, you'll need to obtain a health certificate for your pet, which is usually required for international travel.

Your pet's breed is also an important consideration. Some breeds are not allowed in certain places, so it's essential to check if your pet's breed is acceptable.
Finally, you'll need to consider the weather at your destination and whether your pet will need a Certificate of Acclimation to ensure they can handle the local climate.
Here's a quick summary of the key factors to consider:
- Hawai'i travel restrictions
- Pet meets health guidelines
- Health certificate requirements
- Pet is an acceptable breed
- Weather - Certificate of Acclimation
Do I Qualify for Checked Baggage?
To determine if your pet qualifies for travel as checked baggage, you'll need to meet certain requirements. Your pet can comfortably remain in its kennel for the entire flight.
The combined weight of your pet and kennel must not exceed 149 lb. This means you'll need to factor in the weight of your pet, the kennel, and any food or water it may need during the flight.
Your pet must have all necessary health documents required by your destination. This typically includes vaccination records and a health certificate.
If you're flying with Alaska Airlines, your pet must be one of the approved species, which includes cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish.
Here are the approved species for Alaska Airlines:
- Cats
- Dogs
- Ferrets
- Guinea pigs
- Hamsters
- Household birds
- Non-poisonous reptiles
- Pot-bellied pigs
- Rabbits
- Tropical fish
Your pet must also be at least 8 weeks of age and fully weaned to fly as checked baggage on Alaska Airlines.
Carrier Requirements

To ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your pet, it's essential to choose the right carrier. The carrier must have adequate ventilation on at least three sides for domestic flights or four sides for international flights.
To determine the right carrier size, you can refer to the airline's guidelines. For in-cabin travel, the maximum measurements of a hard-sided carrier are 17″L x 11″W x 7.5″H, while a soft-sided carrier can be up to 17″L x 11″W x 9.5″H.
The carrier must be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably, with no part of your pet extending out of the carrier. Additionally, the carrier should have a waterproof bottom and an absorbent pet pad for easy cleaning.
You can travel with two pets of the same breed in the same carrier if they are known to each other and there is enough room for both pets. However, pets must remain in carriers for the duration of the flight.

Here are the specific requirements for pet carriers:
Remember to also check the airline's pet travel charges, which are $100 USD for domestic flights within Alaska/Military, and $150 USD for flights to the United States/Canada.
Pre-Travel Preparations
Before you ship your pet to Alaska, make sure to acclimate it to its carrier a few days prior to travel. This will help your pet feel more comfortable and secure during the journey.
It's also essential to avoid sedating your pet, as the effects of tranquillizers at high altitudes can be unpredictable.
Give your pet some time to get used to its carrier, and you'll be well-prepared for the travel process.
Travel Options
To fly your pet as air cargo with Alaska Airlines, you'll need to make a reservation at least 24 hours prior to your departure date. Contact the Cargo Call Center between 5:00 am – 9:00 pm PST to book your pet's travel.

Reservations for international flights or flights to or from Hawaii require special consideration. For example, pets are not accepted as air cargo on flights to or from Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, or Guatemala.
You'll need to choose between flying your pet as checked baggage or air cargo. If you're traveling to or from Hawaii, only one pet is accepted per aircraft as checked baggage.
The following breeds are accepted as checked baggage on flights to or from Hawaii: American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Mastiff (All Breeds), Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Chow Chow, Dutch Pug, English Bulldog, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Boxer, Japanese Pug, Japanese Spaniel, Pekingese, Pug, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Here are the requirements for flying your pet as checked baggage on flights to or from Hawaii:
- One pet is accepted per aircraft
- Only during November 1 – January 31 and March 1 – April 1
- Maximum weight of pet and crate is 150 lbs
- Crates must conform to IATA regulations
- Health certificate required within 10 days of initial travel and 30 days of return travel
- Neighborhood Inspection Permit required for pets arriving in Hawaii out islands
Carrier Sizing
Carrier Sizing is a crucial aspect to consider when traveling with your pet. The carrier must be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn, and lie down comfortably.
For in-baggage travel, the carrier size depends on the size of your pet. Here are the permitted carrier sizes:
For in-cabin travel, the carrier size is more restrictive. For domestic flights, the maximum measurements of a hard-sided carrier are 17" x 11" x 7.5", while for soft-sided carriers, the maximum measurements are 17" x 11" x 9.5".
Preparing for Cabin Travel
To prepare your pet for cabin travel, start by acclimating it to its carrier. Give your pet some training for a few days before the day of travel to get it comfortable with its carrier.
You'll want to make sure your pet's carrier meets the airline's requirements, including having adequate ventilation, being large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably, and being able to fit under the seat in front of you. A hard-sided carrier can be up to 17" long x 11" wide x 7.5" high, while a soft-sided carrier can be up to 17" long x 11" wide x 9.5" high.

Don't sedate your pet before flying, as the effects of tranquillizers at high altitude can be unpredictable. Make sure to check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Here's a summary of the pet carrier requirements:
- Have adequate ventilation on at least three sides (domestic) or four sides (international)
- Be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably
- Be able to accommodate your entire pet. No part of your pet can extend out of the carrier
- Be able to fit under the seat in front of you
- Have a waterproof bottom and absorbent pet pad
- Have secure fasteners (heavy duty zippers are recommended)
- Be marked with your name, address and mobile number.
Documentation and Health
Alaska Airlines requires a health certificate, administered by a veterinarian, that is no more than 30 days old.
This certificate is crucial to ensure your pet's health meets the airline's standards. You should consult your veterinarian and the Department of Agriculture to ensure your animal complies with all requirements.
Breeds Banned
Alaska Airlines prohibits transporting brachycephalic breeds with restricted breathing in the cargo hold on any of their flights.
Some dog and cat breeds are banned by international destinations, which means they won't be accepted for carriage.
The Bahamas specifically prohibits importing the following cat breeds.
Special Considerations
If you're planning to travel with your pet, there are some special considerations to keep in mind. For brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, it's not safe to travel in the luggage compartment, so you'll need to book a seat for them in the cabin.

Brachycephalic breeds are not allowed to travel in the luggage compartment, so be sure to book a seat for them in the cabin if you're flying with one. You can also consider booking a seat in the cabin for small dogs that can fit inside a carrier under the seat.
In terms of feeding your pet before traveling, it's best to give them food and water no later than 4 hours before checking in. This will ensure they're comfortable and hydrated during the flight.
You should also consider the length of your flight and whether you'll have enough time to give your pet food and water during the journey. If you'll be making a connection, be sure to request access to your pet so you can give them more food and water.
Here are some pet travel requirements to keep in mind:
Keep in mind that these requirements may vary depending on your specific flight and airline, so be sure to check with Alaska Airlines for the most up-to-date information.
Required Health Documentation

When traveling with your pet, it's essential to have the right health documentation. Alaska Airlines requires a health certificate, administered by a veterinarian, that is no more than 30 days old.
This health certificate is crucial for ensuring your pet's safety and compliance with regulations. Some states and countries require additional health documents, so it's crucial to check with your veterinarian and the Department of Agriculture to ensure you have all the necessary documents.
You should consult with your veterinarian to determine what specific documents are required for your pet's trip.
Policies and Guidelines
Alaska Airlines has a pet policy that varies depending on the route, so it's essential to check with the operating airline as well as the airline that owns the route. This can be a bit confusing, but it's crucial to ensure a smooth journey for your pet.
You can reserve a space for your pet in the baggage compartment through Alaska Airlines' Reservation Centers by calling 1-800-252-7522 or initiating a chat on the website. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis, and the number of seats is limited.
The combined weight of your pet and carrier can be no more than 150 lbs, and your pet should have a health certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of traveling. This certificate can be up to 30 days old if you're returning using the same ticket.
Policies

Understanding the policies and guidelines for traveling with your pet can be overwhelming, but it's essential to know the basics. Alaska Airlines has its own pet policy, which varies from other airlines.
Some airlines allow small pets to fly in the cabin, but not all do. Alaska Airlines allows pets in the cabin, but only if they meet specific requirements.
To fly your pet in the cabin on Alaska Airlines, you'll need an airline-compliant pet carrier, unless you're flying with a service dog. Service dogs are exempt from this requirement.
The cost to fly a dog or cat on Alaska Airlines is not specified in the provided article sections, but it's essential to know the cost before making a decision. You'll need to check with Alaska Airlines directly for this information.
You'll need to provide specific documents when traveling with your pet on Alaska Airlines. The article doesn't specify what documents are required, so be sure to check with the airline for this information.
The carrier or crate requirements for Alaska Airlines are not fully specified in the provided article sections, but it's mentioned that an airline-compliant pet carrier is required for in-cabin travel.
Air Cargo Policies
Air Cargo Policies can be complex, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown.
All live animals flying as air cargo travel under an airline manifest or air waybill and are tracked throughout the entire flight.
The airlines are responsible for caring for your pet during layovers as well. This facility is located on airport grounds; however, not the terminal.
Minimum age is eight weeks and fully weaned for pets flying as air cargo.
Reservations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the departure date for most routes, but 3 days prior if the itinerary involves a transfer to another airline.
Maximum weight of your pet and its crate is 150 lbs.
Food should be offered to your pet 4 hours prior to transport.
All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Pets are not accepted as air cargo on flights to or from Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize or Guatemala.
Broaden your view: Alaska Car Transport Tacoma Port

Dogs and cats are the only acceptable animals allowed between the U.S. and an international location or Hawaii.
Pets are not accepted on Airbus aircraft.
November 1 – January 31 and March 1 – April 1: Only 1 dog and/or cat is accepted per aircraft as checked baggage on flights to or from Hawaii.
A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of initial travel and within 30 days of return travel on the same itinerary is required for all pets flying in the cargo hold.
Your pet will be checked in at the Alaska Airlines cargo facility which is located on airport grounds; however, with few exceptions, not at the airport terminal.
The cost to fly your pet as air cargo will depend on the crate size, the weight of your pet and its crate and the route.
Only 1 pet is accepted per aircraft as checked baggage on flights to or from Hawaii.
Baggage and Luggage

If you're planning to ship your pet with Alaska Air, you'll want to know the baggage and luggage requirements. Pets flown by Alaska Airlines as checked baggage include cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish.
To ensure a smooth journey, make reservations for your pet as soon as possible after booking your flight by contacting Alaska Airlines' reservation team. This will help guarantee a spot for your pet in the cargo hold.
Your pet must be at least 8 weeks of age and fully weaned to fly as checked baggage. This is a crucial requirement to ensure your pet's safety and comfort during the flight.
The combined weight of the animal and kennel must not exceed 149 lb. This is an important factor to consider when choosing a kennel for your pet.
Here's a quick rundown of the kennel requirements:
- Your pet can comfortably remain in its kennel for the entire flight.
- The kennel meets all requirements.
Make sure your pet has all necessary health documents required by your destination. This will help avoid any last-minute issues or delays.
Cost and Reservations
When flying with your pet on Alaska Airlines, reservations are a must. Make them as soon as possible after booking your flight by contacting Alaska Airlines' reservation team.
The cost to fly a pet in the cabin is $100 per carrier in each direction. Pet carriers will be priced as excess baggage and cannot be allocated towards a personal item.
Cost
Flying with your pet can be a costly endeavor. The cost to fly a pet in the cabin on Alaska Airlines is $100 per carrier in each direction.
Pet carriers are priced as excess baggage, so you can't use the cost towards your personal item. This is a standard policy across many airlines, so be sure to factor it into your travel budget.
Reservations
Reservations are a crucial part of traveling with your pet. Make your pet's reservation as soon as possible after booking your flight by contacting Alaska Airlines' reservation team.
For flights where your pet can fly in the cabin with you, reservations should be made as soon as possible after booking your flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strict are Alaska Airlines with Pet Carriers?
Alaska Airlines has strict pet carrier requirements, mandating that pets stay in their carriers with secured doors/flaps at all times, including during taxi, takeoff, and landing. Pet owners must ensure their pets are stowed under the seat in their carrier at all times.
Sources
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