Alaska Airlines Pet Policy: Learn How to Fly With Your Pet

Alaska Airlines offers one of the most transparent and pet-friendly travel policies in the U.S. airline industry, emphasizing its “Fur-st Class Care”™ approach. Whether your companion is a small dog, a traveling cat, or a trained service animal, the airline outlines clear, comprehensive procedures that accommodate pets in both the cabin and cargo hold while complying with all federal transportation standards.

This guide details Alaska Airlines’ pet policy as of 2025, covering pet eligibility, fees, carrier requirements, international restrictions, breed-specific limitations, and special considerations for service animals.

Booking a Flight with a Pet: First Steps Matter

Before reserving a spot for your pet, Alaska Airlines requires that passengers first book their own ticket via alaskaair.com. After confirming your reservation, you must contact Alaska Airlines reservations to add your pet to the booking. This step ensures that space is available in either the cabin or the baggage compartment, as both options have capacity limits.

Pet space is limited and subject to availability, especially in the cabin, so early reservations are essential. Additionally, passengers should allocate extra time at the airport for check-in and take their pet to a designated animal relief area before the flight. These facilities are available at many major airports served by Alaska Airlines.

Pets Allowed in the Cabin: Restrictions and Rules

Eligible Animals

As of June 5, 2025, only dogs and cats are permitted to fly in the cabin. Domesticated rabbits and household birds are temporarily allowed through April 4, 2026, but only if tickets were booked before June 5, 2025. For flights to Hawaii and international destinations, only dogs and cats are accepted in the cabin without exception.

Cabin Fees

Passengers will be charged a $100 USD/CAD fee per direction for each pet traveling in the cabin.

Carrier & Size Requirements

Cabin pets must remain fully enclosed within a carrier at all times—including head and tail—and the carrier must fit under the seat in front of the passenger. Approved soft-sided carrier dimensions are 17″ x 11″ x 9.5″. The carrier counts toward the passenger’s carry-on allowance.

Two pets of the same species and similar size may travel in a single carrier, provided they are comfortable and show no signs of distress.

Passenger Requirements

Passengers bringing pets in the cabin must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Not sit in exit or bulkhead rows
• Ensure their pets remain in the carrier throughout boarding and flight
• Understand that disruptive or odorous pets may be moved to the baggage compartment

Health Certificates

Alaska Airlines does not require a health certificate for pets traveling in the cabin. However, it’s the passenger’s responsibility to verify entry requirements (vaccination and health documentation) with the destination’s state veterinarian office.

Checked Pets: Baggage Compartment (Cargo) Pet Policy

Animals Accepted in Cargo

Alaska Airlines allows a wide range of domesticated animals to travel in the baggage or cargo compartment, including:

For travel to Hawaii or outside the U.S., only cats and dogs are accepted.

Cargo Fees

• $150 USD/CAD per direction
• Discounted to $100 USD/CAD for active-duty military or flights within Alaska

Weight Limitations

The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 150 lbs. If your pet exceeds this limit, Alaska Air Cargo’s Pet Connect™ service may be used instead.

Kennel Requirements

Pet kennels must:

• Be escape-proof
• Include a metal grated door secured with releasable zip ties
• Comply with USDA and IATA regulations

Plastic doors or flimsy locks are not allowed. Food and water must be offered within four hours of check-in. For layovers exceeding four hours, passengers must be able to access their pet to feed and hydrate.

Breed Restrictions

Short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not permitted in the baggage compartment due to health risks:

• Dogs: Boston Terrier, Boxer, Pug, Bulldog, Shih Tzu, American Pit Bull
• Cats: Persian, Himalayan, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair

However, these animals may still travel in the cabin, provided the carrier meets size requirements.

Weather Embargoes

Alaska Airlines may suspend cargo pet travel during periods of extreme heat or cold, prioritizing animal safety. Passengers should schedule nonstop flights and avoid high-heat midday departures in summer or frigid early-morning flights in winter.

Required Documentation

Pets traveling in cargo must have a health certificate:

• Dated within 10 days of departure
• Valid for 30 days on return travel

International and Hawaii Pet Travel Rules

General International Rules

Only dogs and cats are accepted for international and Hawaii flights. Passengers are responsible for meeting all import/export regulations, including:

• Rabies vaccination certificates
  
• Quarantine documentation (especially for Hawaii)
  
• Country-specific requirements (e.g., screwworm tests for Mexico)
  

Failure to meet these standards may result in denial of entry, quarantine, or return of the animal at the owner’s expense.

Country-Specific Notes

• Canada: Cats must have a rabies certificate issued within the last three years
  
• Guatemala: Pets not accepted for travel
  
• Mexico: Dogs must be screwworm-free; only two pets per family per flight allowed into the U.S.
  
• Hawaii: Due to its rabies-free status, pets arriving without required documentation may be quarantined for up to 120 days
  

Checked Pet Limitations to Hawaii

Flights to and from Hawaii are restricted due to strong headwinds:

• No dogs or cats accepted as checked baggage in February
• Limited to one dog or cat per aircraft between Nov 1–Jan 31 and Mar 1–Apr 1
• These restrictions do not apply to in-cabin pets

Service Animals: Differentiating from Emotional Support Animals

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

Following the 2021 DOT Final Rule, Alaska Airlines no longer classifies ESAs as service animals. ESAs must now travel as pets and are subject to standard pet fees and carrier rules.

Definition of a Service Animal

A service animal is:

• A dog, regardless of breed
• Individually trained to perform tasks related to a disability

This includes psychiatric service dogs (PSDs). ESAs that only provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals.

Travel Fees

Service animals travel free of charge.

Service Animal Requirements and Documentation

DOT Forms

Passengers may be required to submit:

1. Service Animal Air Transportation Form (attests to health, behavior, vaccination, and task training)
2. Relief Attestation Form (required for flights over 8 hours, stating how the animal will relieve itself)

Forms may be submitted 48 hours prior or at the gate if booked last minute. Airlines are required to provide access to forms online, at airports, or by mail.

Control and Conduct Standards

Service animals must be:

• Harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times
• Well-behaved (no barking, jumping, biting, or urinating indoors)

Animals that fail to meet these behavioral standards may be:

• Reclassified as pets (subject to fees)
• Denied transport

Breed and Quantity

• Alaska Airlines cannot deny a service animal based on breed
• Each passenger is limited to two service animals
• Each service animal requires separate DOT documentation

Seating and Space

Service animals can sit:

• On the passenger’s lap
• In foot space, as long as FAA safety rules are not violated

If a dog is too large, passengers may:

• Be reseated
• Use cargo at no charge
• Purchase an extra seat for space accommodation

Liability and Damage

Passengers are financially responsible for any damage caused by their service animal, similar to other passengers.

Conclusion: Flying with Pets on Alaska Airlines in 2025

Alaska Airlines sets the bar for pet travel with safety-first policies, reasonable fees, and clear distinctions between pet types. Whether you’re traveling with a household pet or a trained service dog, knowing the airline’s up-to-date pet policy ensures smooth boarding and stress-free travel.

To recap:

Plan ahead, confirm all requirements based on your destination, and consult with Alaska Airlines if traveling with pets internationally. With preparation and compliance, your pet’s journey will be just as comfortable and safe as your own.