Traveling with pets requires careful planning, and United Airlines’ pet policy provides travelers with structured guidelines to ensure safety, compliance, and comfort. The policy addresses in-cabin arrangements, military cargo allowances, and detailed rules for service animals and emotional support animals. By outlining carrier dimensions, fee structures, and documentation requirements, United Airlines helps pet owners prepare for domestic and international journeys.
What is United Airlines’ Pet Policy
United Airlines has a comprehensive pet policy that outlines how to travel with dogs, pets, and emotional support animals, whether in-cabin, as checked baggage, or via limited cargo. Service animals are accommodated separately under Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, allowing them to bypass standard pet restrictions.
It is essential to understand the details of United’s policy, including in-cabin requirements, international travel guidelines, crate size specifications, and regulations for emotional support animals.
Recent updates reflect federal changes that distinguish emotional support animals from service animals, aligning United’s practices with industry standards. Current regulations emphasize approved carriers, species limitations, and route restrictions. United also outlines documentation requirements for service animals in accordance with DOT guidelines. The overall approach maintains a balance between passenger rights, animal welfare, and regulatory compliance.
What Is United Airlines’ Service Dog Policy?
United Airlines allows fully trained service dogs to travel in the cabin free of charge.
In compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), United only accepts fully trained service dogs, including psychiatric service dogs. Emotional support animals (ESAs) and service dogs still in training are not permitted.
United does not impose breed restrictions, but the service dog must remain under the handler’s control, behave appropriately in public, and be harnessed, leashed, or tethered during the flight. If the dog acts aggressively, becomes disruptive, or poses a health or safety risk, boarding may be denied.
How Do You Add a Service Dog to a United Airlines Reservation?
If you’re flying with a service dog on United, here’s what you need to do:
- Confirm Eligibility: Only fully trained service dogs are recognized. ESAs and service dogs in training are not allowed.
- Obtain the DOT Form: Download the Service Animal Air Transportation form from the U.S. Department of Transportation website.
- Complete the Form: This form certifies that your dog is trained to assist with a disability, has up-to-date vaccinations, and can behave properly in public.
- Submit the Form: United requires the completed DOT form to be uploaded through their website at least 48 hours before departure. If your reservation is made within 48 hours of travel, bring the completed form to the airport.
Handlers are responsible for their dog’s safety and behavior. Service dogs must remain leashed or harnessed and under control at all times.
Do You Need to Notify United Airlines Before Flying With a Service Dog?
Yes. United requires advance notification when traveling with a service dog.
The DOT Service Animal Air Transportation form must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure. If the booking is made later, the form can be provided at the airport on the day of travel.
While health certificates are not required, the DOT form is mandatory to verify the animal’s status as a trained service dog, its vaccinations, and its ability to behave properly in public.
Do Service Dogs Fly for Free on United Airlines?
Yes. United Airlines allows trained service dogs to fly in the cabin at no charge.
Under DOT rules, airlines cannot apply pet fees to service animals. However, United does charge pet fees for non-service animals, including ESAs, which are no longer accepted as service dogs.
Are There Breed Restrictions for Service Dogs on United Airlines?
No. United Airlines does not restrict service dogs by breed.
All breeds are accepted as long as the dog is trained to perform disability-related tasks and demonstrates proper behavior during the trip.
Can You Travel With More Than One Service Dog on United Airlines?
Yes. Passengers may bring more than one service dog on United flights, provided that each dog is individually trained to perform disability-related tasks and a DOT form is completed for each one.
Dogs must remain leashed, tethered, or harnessed at all times and under the control of their handler.
Are There Size Restrictions for Service Dogs on United Airlines?
United Airlines does not enforce specific size restrictions for service dogs, but the dog must fit within the passenger’s seating area.
Service dogs may sit on the floor at the handler’s feet or, if small enough, on the handler’s lap. If a dog is too large to be safely accommodated in the cabin space, alternative arrangements may not always be available.
What is United In-Cabin Pet Policy
United’s in-cabin pet rules permit small dogs and cats, provided they fit in a carrier that is stored under the seat. One carrier per pet is required, with restrictions on premium cabins (e.g., United Premium Plus), exit rows, and bulkhead seating.
The carrier dimensions are listed below.
- Hard-sided carriers: approximately 17.5″ × 12″ × 9″
- Soft-sided carriers: approximately 18″ × 11″ × 11″
Up to two pets are permitted per traveler, provided separate seats are reserved for them.
Aircraft-specific restrictions apply. On the A319, A320, A321neo, 737-800, MAX 8, 737-900, and MAX 9, only one pet per traveler is allowed due to space limitations. Destination rules prohibit pets on flights to countries such as Australia or the United Kingdom.
What is United Checked Baggage Pet Policy
Checked baggage pet transport was discontinued with the retirement of PetSafe in 2018, with exceptions only under the Military Pet Program. Civilian passengers no longer have access to checked baggage pet services.
What is United Cargo Pet Policy
United Airlines restricts pet cargo transport to active-duty U.S. military personnel and foreign service members with Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. Fees apply and vary depending on the route and animal size. Civilian travelers lack access to cargo transport under United Pet Cargo rules.
What is United Emotional Support Animals Policy
Emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals. Under the United Airlines pet policy for emotional support animals (ESAs), ESAs must travel as in-cabin pets, using approved carriers, with applicable fees.
How to Prepare for Traveling with a Dog
United Airlines’ pet travel guidance outlines clear steps that promote smoother journeys while minimizing stress. Preparation includes booking in advance, securing proper documentation, selecting appropriate carriers, and acclimating pets before the flight.
Booking the Dog’s Reservation
Reservation in advance is mandatory. Up to two pets per traveler are allowed when separate seats are booked, ensuring each carrier fits under a seat. Notification during booking secures compliance with United Airlines’ in-cabin policies. On select aircraft models, only one pet is allowed per traveler.
Required Health Certificates and Documentation
International travel requires health certificates and documentation of rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccines must be administered at least 28 days before travel. Domestic travel regulations vary by destination, with some requiring health certificates or other documentation. All certificates must confirm the animal is free from contagious diseases and up to date on vaccinations.
Choosing the Right Carrier or Crate
Carriers must fit under the seat and remain ventilated, secure, and fully closable.
- Hard-sided carriers: ~17.5″ × 12″ × 9″
- Soft-sided carriers: ~18″ × 11″ × 11″
Pets must be able to stand, turn, and rest naturally without assistance. Service dogs remain exempt from carrier confinement.
Preparing the Dog for the Flight
Gradual carrier familiarization, short practice sessions, and comfort items such as blankets or toys help reduce stress. Absorbent pads and cleanup supplies are recommended for unforeseen situations.
What are United Pet Fees for Traveling with a Dog
Understanding United Airlines’ fee structure simplifies travel budgeting and compliance. Charges depend on the transport method and travel circumstances.
In-Cabin Pet Fees
A fee of $150 per pet applies per one-way journey, including emotional support animals. Additional charges apply for extended layovers or itineraries with multiple flight segments. Service dogs remain exempt.
Checked Baggage Pet Fees
No longer available for civilian travel. The Military Pet Program provides exceptions under specific conditions.
Cargo Pet Fees
Applicable only for military relocations under PCS orders. Rates vary depending on the route and size.
Additional Charges and Taxes
Additional charges are incurred due to extended layovers, destination-specific restrictions, or customs fees. Pets are not permitted in premium seating or gate strollers. Emotional support animals are treated as pets and are subject to the same fees.
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