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Understanding American Airlines’ Dog Policy

Written by: Erik Rivera - Updated: May 22, 2023
If you're planning to travel with your furry friend on American Airlines, it's important to understand their dog policy.
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If you’re planning to fly with your furry friend, it’s important to understand the dog policy of the airline you’re considering. This article will provide you with an in-depth guide to American Airlines’ policy regarding traveling with dogs, including requirements, fees, and restrictions.

Overview of American Airlines’ Dog Policy

Traveling with your furry friend can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to ensure that your pet’s journey is stress-free and safe. American Airlines understands this and allows dogs to travel with their owners on domestic and international flights, provided they meet certain requirements and restrictions.

Before booking your flight, it’s essential to carefully review American Airlines’ dog policy to ensure that your pet meets the requirements and that you have all the necessary documentation. This will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for you and your furry companion.

In-Cabin Pet Policy

If you’re planning to bring your dog in-cabin, it’s important to note that American Airlines has specific requirements that must be met:

  • The dog must be small enough to fit in a carrier that can be stowed under the seat in front of you. This ensures that your pet is safe and secure during the flight.
  • The carrier must not exceed the dimensions of 19 x 13 x 9 inches and must be leak-proof and well-ventilated. This ensures that your pet is comfortable and has adequate ventilation during the flight.
  • The dog and carrier combined must not weigh more than 20 pounds. This weight limit ensures that the carrier can be easily stowed under the seat and that your pet is comfortable during the flight.

American Airlines allows a maximum of 2 dogs per passenger in-cabin at a fee. However, only a limited number of pets are allowed on each flight, and a reservation is required. To avoid disappointment, it’s advised to book your dog’s reservation early and ensure that your pet meets all the requirements.

Checked Baggage Pet Policy

If you prefer that your dog travels as checked baggage, there are some additional requirements that you must meet:

  • The dog must be at least 8 weeks old and have been weaned for at least 5 days. This ensures that your pet is healthy and can handle the stress of travel.
  • The dog must have a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. This certificate ensures that your pet is healthy and fit to travel.
  • The carrier must meet the same requirements as for in-cabin travel. This ensures that your pet is safe and comfortable during the flight.

It’s important to note that there are limits to the number and type of dogs that can travel as checked baggage. To ensure availability on your flight, it’s advised to book in advance. The fee for checked baggage pet travel is higher than for in-cabin travel but allows for larger pets that can’t fit under the seat.

Cargo Pet Policy

For larger dogs unable to travel in-cabin or as checked baggage, American Airlines provides a cargo pet travel option. This option is recommended for dogs weighing over 20 pounds or that do not meet in-cabin or checked baggage travel requirements.

  • A licensed and accredited veterinarian must issue a health certificate within 10 days of travel. This certificate ensures that your pet is healthy and fit to travel.
  • The dog must travel in a crate meeting International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations for the size and weight of the dog. This ensures that your pet is safe and secure during the flight.
  • American Airlines reserves the right to refuse pets if temperatures in the departure or arrival cities are too high or low. This ensures that your pet is safe and comfortable during the flight.

It’s essential to contact American Airlines Cargo for further information, regulations, and to obtain a quote for pet travel fees. This will help you understand the requirements and costs associated with cargo pet travel.

Emotional Support and Service Animals

American Airlines welcomes emotional support and service animals on its flights, but additional documentation is required:

  • An emotional support or service animal must have a valid identification card verifying the animal’s status as a service or emotional support animal. This ensures that the animal is trained and certified to provide emotional support or perform specific tasks for its owner.
  • The animal must be trained to behave in a public setting and be under the control of its owner at all times. This ensures that the animal is well-behaved and does not cause any disruption during the flight.
  • The animal must travel in-cabin with its owner unless it is too large to fit under the seat. This ensures that the animal is safe and secure during the flight.

It’s important to note that emotional support and service animals are not considered pets and are therefore not subject to the same fees and restrictions as pets. However, it’s advised to contact American Airlines before your flight to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation and that your animal meets the requirements.

Traveling with your furry friend can be a rewarding experience, and American Airlines understands this. By following the guidelines and requirements outlined in their dog policy, you can ensure that your pet’s journey is safe, comfortable, and stress-free.

Preparing for Your Flight with Your Dog

Before booking a flight, you should take the time to prepare your dog for air travel. Here are some essential things to consider:

Booking your Dog’s Reservation

Reservations are required for all pets traveling with American Airlines. It’s essential to inform the airline of your pet upon booking and to confirm the reservation with the airline at least 48 hours before your flight. It’s also recommended to book flights that do not exceed 12 hours for the safety and comfort of your dog.

When booking your dog’s reservation, it’s important to consider the breed and size of your pet. Some airlines have restrictions on certain breeds or sizes of dogs. It’s best to check with the airline beforehand to avoid any last-minute complications.

Required Documentation

Depending on the travel type for your dog, you may need to provide additional documentation. It’s essential to get in touch with American Airlines at least a week before your flight to review all the documentation needed for the specific travel type.

The required documentation may include a health certificate, proof of vaccinations, and a certificate of acclimation for pets traveling in the cargo hold. It’s important to ensure that all the necessary documentation is in order to avoid any issues during travel.

Health and Vaccination Requirements

All pets traveling with American Airlines must have all required vaccinations up to date. A health certificate is also required depending on the travel type. You should consult your veterinarian to ensure your dog has all the necessary vaccinations and a valid health certificate within ten days of travel.

It’s important to note that some countries or states may have additional health requirements for pets entering their borders. It’s best to research and comply with these requirements before booking your flight.

Choosing the Right Pet Carrier

Choosing the right pet carrier is crucial for your dog’s safety, comfort, and convenience. Your pet carrier should be well-ventilated and large enough for your dog to sit, stand, and turn around. American Airlines has specific requirements for each type of travel, so it’s essential to comply with these for a smooth travel experience.

When selecting a pet carrier, it’s important to consider the size and breed of your dog. Some carriers may be too small or uncomfortable for larger breeds. It’s also important to ensure that the carrier is sturdy and secure to prevent any accidents or injuries during travel.

It’s recommended to acclimate your dog to the carrier before the flight by gradually introducing them to it and allowing them to spend time inside. This will help your dog feel more comfortable and relaxed during the flight.

Overall, preparing for your dog’s air travel requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these essential tips and consulting with your veterinarian and airline, you can ensure a safe and stress-free travel experience for you and your furry companion.

Fees and Charges for Traveling with Your Dog

Traveling with your furry friend can be a wonderful experience, but it’s important to be aware of the fees and charges that come with it. American Airlines offers several options for pet travel, each with its own set of fees and requirements. Here’s what you need to know:

In-Cabin Pet Fees

If your dog is small enough to fit in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, you can bring them with you in the cabin. However, there is a fee of $125 per carrier each way. Keep in mind that there are also requirements for the size and type of carrier allowed, so be sure to check with American Airlines before your trip.

Checked Baggage Pet Fees

If your dog is too large to travel in the cabin, you can check them as baggage. The fee for checked baggage pet travel depends on the route and the weight of the dog and carrier. The fee starts at $200 each way, but can be higher for longer flights or larger dogs. It’s important to note that not all flights allow checked baggage pet travel, so be sure to check with the airline before booking your trip.

Cargo Pet Fees

If your dog is too large to travel in the cabin or as checked baggage, they can be transported as cargo. The fees for cargo pet travel depend on the route, the size of the crate, and the weight of the dog. You should contact American Airlines Cargo for a quote on fees, as they can vary widely depending on your specific travel plans.

Additional Fees and Charges

In addition to the fees for pet travel, American Airlines charges an additional $125 fee for any stopover of more than 4 hours between domestic flights and $200 for stopovers between international flights. It’s important to check for any additional fees that may apply to your specific travel plans, such as fees for overweight baggage or changes to your itinerary.

Overall, traveling with your dog can be a great experience, but it’s important to be prepared for the fees and requirements that come with it. Be sure to check with American Airlines before your trip to ensure that you have all the information you need for a smooth and stress-free journey.

Conclusion

Traveling with your furry friend can be a delightful experience, but it’s crucial to ensure compliance with airline policies, requirements, and fees for your safety and the safety of your pet. American Airlines’ dog policy is clear about its requirements, restrictions, and charges, and it’s important to review and adhere to these to ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for you and your dog.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to train your service dog?

Service dogs can be trained by their handler, a professional trainer, or obtained through organizations that specialize in training service animals. Regardless of who does the training, every service dog must be individually trained to perform specific tasks that directly relate to their handler’s disability. These dogs must also learn to remain calm, polite, and focused in public places. While some people successfully train their own service dog, working with an experienced professional often yields the best results. A qualified trainer can tailor the dog’s skills to your unique needs (whether that’s retrieving items, providing balance support, interrupting panic attacks, or alerting to medical conditions) ensuring your service dog is reliable and confident in any situation.

What organizations train service dogs?

Many organizations, both nonprofit and for-profit, specialize in training service dogs for specific types of work, such as guide dogs for the visually impaired, psychiatric service dogs, mobility assistance dogs, and more. These organizations carefully train dogs to perform tasks tailored to various disabilities, ensuring they’re well-prepared to support their future handlers. Training a service dog can be expensive, and many organizations charge fees to cover these costs. However, there are nonprofit groups dedicated to providing service dogs at low or no cost, particularly for individuals with disabilities who meet certain qualifications. These nonprofits focus on making life-changing service dogs accessible to those who need them most.

What are service dog training requirements?

Service dogs must be individually trained to perform specific tasks directly related to their handler’s disability, such as retrieving items, guiding through crowds, or alerting to medical conditions. Beyond task training, they must be well-behaved, calm, and able to focus in public without posing a threat or disruption. While there’s no official certification required under federal law, proper training is essential to ensure a service dog can reliably assist its handler and navigate public spaces safely.

What is a psychiatric service dog?

A psychiatric service dog (PSD) is a specially trained assistance animal that performs specific tasks for individuals living with mental health conditions. These tasks are directly related to the handler’s disability and help mitigate its symptoms. People with diagnoses such as depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, autism, bipolar disorder, social disorders (like agoraphobia or claustrophobia), schizophrenia, and more may benefit from a PSD. These dogs can provide tactile stimulation and pressure therapy, helping to ground their handler and offer therapeutic distraction. For example, a psychiatric service dog might apply gentle pressure to their handler’s chest or lap to promote emotional regulation and bring calm during moments of distress. Get your PSD here

How much do service dogs cost?

The cost of a service dog can vary widely, often ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the type of tasks the dog is trained to perform and the organization providing the training. This price includes expenses like breeding, intensive training, veterinary care, and ongoing support. While some nonprofits help reduce or cover these costs for individuals with disabilities, it’s important to plan for additional expenses such as food, regular vet visits, and equipment over the dog’s lifetime. People can always purchase dogs and train them by themselves, and adopting dogs from shelters is another great alternative. There are many success stories of shelter dogs who successfully trained as service dogs.

What is an emotional support animal?

An emotional support animal (ESA), sometimes called a companion animal, is a pet that provides comfort and emotional support to its owner simply through its presence. Unlike service dogs, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability, but they help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, or loneliness by offering companionship and emotional stability. Only a licensed professional (such as a mental health specialist, therapist, counselor, or primary care physician) can designate a pet as an emotional support animal after conducting a thorough psychological evaluation of the individual seeking support, and prescribing them as part of a patient’s treatment plan. Get your ESA here

What is the difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal?

Service animals are specially trained assistance animals that perform specific tasks to help individuals manage their disabilities and navigate daily life safely and independently. In contrast, emotional support animals (ESAs) provide comfort and emotional stability simply through their presence, without being trained to perform particular tasks related to a disability.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), only dogs (and in rare cases, miniature horses) qualify as service animals. Emotional support animals, however, must be prescribed by a licensed medical or mental health professional, and many different types of animals can serve as ESAs, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and more. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not have the same public access rights but can qualify for housing accommodations under laws like the Fair Housing Act.

What is the difference between a service dog and a therapy animal?

A service dog is specially trained to perform specific tasks that help an individual manage a disability, giving their handler greater independence and support in daily life. In contrast, a therapy animal provides comfort and emotional support to many people in settings like hospitals, schools, or nursing homes but is not trained to assist a specific person with a disability. While service dogs have legal public access rights under laws like the ADA, therapy animals do not have the same access privileges and are only allowed in places where they’re invited or permitted as part of therapeutic programs.

Are service dogs permitted in public transportation?

Yes, service dogs are allowed on public transportation, including buses, trains, subways, and other transit systems. Under federal laws like the ADA, they have the right to accompany their handlers anywhere the public is allowed, ensuring individuals with disabilities can travel safely and independently.

When are service dogs not allowed in public places?

Service dogs can be denied access to public places under two circumstances:

  • If the dog is out of control and the handler cannot effectively manage its behavior. For instance, if the dog is barking excessively, acting aggressively, or otherwise posing a threat or nuisance to others.
  • If the dog is not housebroken, meaning it cannot reliably control its bathroom needs in public spaces.

Even though service dogs have broad public access rights, businesses and facilities are permitted to ask a handler to remove a dog that falls into either of these categories. Service dogs cannot be discriminated against if someone is allergic or scared of them.

Do service dogs in training have the same legal rights as fully trained service dogs?

No, at a federal level service dogs in training do not have the same legal protections as fully trained service dogs. There are instances of state laws that extend certain rights to service dogs in training as well, but in general, service dogs in training are not considered service dogs.

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