American Airlines Pet Policy 2025: What Pet Parents Need to Know

Published on July 21, 2025

Last updated: August 28, 2025

Traveling with a pet can be a smooth experience, especially when you’re familiar with the airline’s policies. If you’re flying with American Airlines in 2025, here’s a breakdown of their pet policy for in-cabin travel, cargo transport, and service animals to help you prepare for your journey with your furry companion.

In-Cabin Pet Travel on American Airlines

American Airlines allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on most domestic flights and some international routes. To be eligible, your pet must fit comfortably in a soft-sided or hard-sided kennel that fits under the seat in front of you.

Key Guidelines:

• Eligible Pets: Only cats and small dogs.
  
• Kennel Requirements: Must fit under the seat (dimensions vary slightly by aircraft).
  
• Cost: $150 each way (subject to change).
  
• Routes: Allowed on flights within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America, and some Caribbean destinations.
  
• Age Requirement: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old.
  
• Tip: You can bring either a carry-on bag or a pet—not both. So plan accordingly.

Pet Travel via American Airlines Cargo

For larger pets or those not eligible for in-cabin travel, American Airlines offers pet transportation through its cargo service, also known as American PetEmbark.

Cargo Travel Highlights:

• Accepted Species: Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and some reptiles (species restrictions apply).
• Kennel Standards: Must comply with IATA regulations. Kennels must be secure, well-ventilated, and large enough for the pet to stand and turn around.
• Cost: Varies; fees will be confirmed at the time of booking.
• Temperature Restrictions: Pets are not accepted if forecasted temperatures exceed 85°F or drop below 45°F.
  • From May 1 to September 30, pets are not permitted to fly in cargo to or from Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, or Palm Springs.
• Breed Restrictions:
  American Airlines does not accept certain snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds in cargo due to increased respiratory risks during air travel.
  • Restricted Dog Breeds include (but are not limited to):
    Affenpinscher, American Bully, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer (all breeds), Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all breeds), Cane Corso, Chow Chow, Dogue De Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all breeds), Pekingese, Pit Bull, Presa Canario, Pug (all breeds), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel.
  • Restricted Cat Breeds include:
    Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, and Persian.
    

Note: Cargo travel must be booked separately from passenger reservations, and availability may vary by aircraft and destination.

Service Animals on American Airlines

American Airlines complies with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations for service animals. As of 2025, only dogs trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with a disability are recognized as service animals. Team members may ask questions to verify service animal status. Service animals may fly in the cabin at no charge.

Key Points:

• Emotional Support Animals: No longer classified as service animals and must meet in-cabin pet requirements.
  
• Forms Required: Passengers must submit the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form at least 48 hours before the flight.
• Behavior and Age Requirements: Service animals must remain under control at all times and may not obstruct aisles or exits. Animals under 4 months of age are not permitted to travel as service animals.

Preparing for Your Flight

Here are a few final reminders to ensure a stress-free trip:

• Reservations: Pet spots are limited—reserve early.
• Documentation: Ensure your pet meets destination-specific health and vaccination requirements.
• Check-In: Arrive early, especially if traveling with pets in cargo.

Final Thoughts

American Airlines continues to offer pet-friendly travel options in 2025, but with clear rules in place to ensure safety and comfort for both pets and passengers. Whether you’re flying with your cat in the cabin or booking international pet cargo transport, planning ahead is key.

For the most current details, visit:

• In-Cabin Pet Policy
• Service Animal Policy
• AA Cargo Animal Transport

Looking for more airline pet travel policies? Explore our related guides:

• Delta Pet Travel Policy: Everything Your Need to Know
• Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Policy: Everything You Need to Know
• Which Airlines Ship Cats? A Pet Parent’s Guide to Feline-Friendly Flights (U.S. Edition)

Valerie Neyra

Valerie Neyra is the Marketing Coordinator at WorldCare Pet and a proud cat mom to Lucky. She is dedicated to creating resources that simplify domestic & international pet transport. Valerie understands how important pets are to our lives and works to help pet parents feel supported and confident every step of the way during their global moves.