Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Policy: Everything You Need to Know

Published on August 18, 2025

Last updated: August 28, 2025

Here’s a quick overview of what to know when traveling with or transporting your pet on Alaska Airlines:

• In-cabin pets (small dogs & cats only): $100 each way; limited spots per flight; soft-sided carrier max 17″ x 11″ x 9.5″; pet stays under the seat.
• Checked/baggage compartment: Most domesticated pets are allowed; $150 each way ($100 within Alaska or on active military orders); pet plus the kennel up to 150 lb combined; health certificate required.
• Cargo (Pet Connect): Used when shipping pets (dogs, cats, birds, and other approved pets) without the passenger or oversized; temperature window for both departure and arrival city are 45–85°F; health and rabies certificate required.
• Breed safety: Brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs/cats are not accepted in cargo; may still fly in cabin with a passenger, if they fit under the seat.
• Service animals: Only trained service dogs fly free. It is recommended to submit the DOT Service Animal form. 

What’s New for 2025

As of June 5, 2025, only dogs and cats can be booked to travel in cabin. Rabbits/household birds are grandfathered only if the ticket was bought before June 5, 2025, and travel must occur by April 4, 2026. For Hawaii and international flights, only dogs and cats are permitted in the cabin.

In-Cabin Pets (Dogs & Cats)

Fee: $100 USD/CAD each way, per carrier. Space is limited; book your pet with Alaska Air Reservations as soon as you have finalized your travel plans.

Flight limits & seating

• Max carriers per flight: 3 in First Class and 8 in Main Cabin.
  
• You must be 18 years old or older to fly with your pet; no exit rows; pet carrier counts toward your carry-on allowance.
• Up to two same-species pets may share one carrier if they fit comfortably.

Kennel size & setup

Alaska Airlines follows USDA and IATA requirements. A soft-sided only listed: 50 17″ L x 11″ W x 9.5″ H maximum. The kennel must be leak-proof and lined with absorbent padding, ventilated, escape-proof, and fit fully under the seat in front of you.

Pet age & behavior

• Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old, fully weaned, and able to stay comfortably in a closed, ventilated carrier that fits under the seat. For safety, your pet must remain fully inside the carrier at all times, this includes in lounges, at the gate, and onboard.
• Do not sedate your pet for air travel. Sedatives can be risky at altitude. If your pet is anxious, talk to your veterinarian about safer alternatives.

Traveling to Hawaii or internationally? Additional documents and health requirements apply. Only dogs and cats are permitted to fly in cabin to Hawaii and on international routes.

Pets in the Baggage Compartment (Climate-Controlled)

Fee: $150 each way (or $100 for pets traveling within Alaska / active-duty military or dependents on orders).

Weight: Your pet and kennel can be up to 150 lb combined. 

Age: For cats and dogs, they must be at least 8 weeks old and weaned. 

Who can travel: Accepts most domesticated pets (cats, dogs, rabbits, household birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, non-poisonous reptiles, etc). 

• • To Hawaii/international: only dogs & cats are allowed in cargo.

Required

• A Health certificate from a licensed veterinarian will be needed.

Kennel standards

• • The kennel must be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If you’re unsure how to measure, see our pet measurement guide
  • Must be hard-sided with a secure metal door. Food and water dishes must be attached inside and easily accessible to your pet. Bedding must be leak-proof/absorbent. 
  • Accepted kennel sizes: 100 (21×16×15), 200 (27×20×19), 300 (32×22×23), 400 (36×24×26), 500 (40×27×30).  If you work with WorldCare Pet Transport, your relocation counselor will confirm the correct size.
    • If you’ve traveled before and already have a kennel, it’s a good idea to recheck fit and rules, as airline requirements can change.

Kennels that are not accepted: 

• • Collapsible designs
  • Cardboard, wicker, mesh, or wire crates
  • Snap-top closures
  • Soft-sided carriers

Embargoes & safety

Brachycephalic dog and cat breeds are not accepted in checked baggage/cargo due to elevated breathing risk. To see whether your pet’s breed is affected, review Alaska Airlines’ brachycephalic breed policy.

Shipping Without You (Alaska Air Cargo Pet Connect™)

Use Pet Connect when your pet travels unaccompanied or if combined kennel and pet weight exceeds the 150 lb combined limit.

• Temperature window: Accepted only when both origin and destination are between 45–85°F.

Kennel standards

• Within the U.S.: Kennels must meet USDA standards.
• International travel (or to/from the U.S. internationally): Kennels must comply with IATA regulations.

How We Help

WorldCare Pet specializes in door-to-door pet shipping. Your dedicated pet relocation counselor will handle routing, paperwork, and ensure your kennel meets all requirements.

How to Prepare Your Pet for Travel

• Measure & weigh: Confirm your pet and carrier meet cabin fit or baggage/cargo eligibility.
• Gather documents: Vet health certificate, rabies vaccination record, and any destination-specific import requirements (especially for Hawaii and international travel). If you’re unsure, WorldCare Pet can help you verify what’s needed.
• Crate prep: Crate-train well in advance, line the carrier with absorbent, leak-proof material, and do not sedate your pet. If your pet is anxious, consult your veterinarian for safe alternatives.

Day-of-Travel Checklist

• Arrive early and check in at the counter with plenty of time.
  
• Exercise before the airport (a brisk walk/playtime for dogs).
  
• Final potty break in the designated pet-relief area right before boarding.
  
• Feeding: Skip large meals; a small meal 4 hours before the flight is okay.
• Hydration: Offer sips of water, avoid overwatering right before the flight.

FAQ for Pet Travel with Alaska Airlines 

How much is it to fly with a pet on Alaska Airlines?

$100 in cabin; $150 in the baggage compartment ($100 within Alaska / military orders). Fees are per carrier, each way. 

What size carrier fits under the seat?

Soft-sided carrier up to 17″ x 11″ x 9.5″. The pet must fit comfortably and stay fully inside with the door closed.

How many pets are allowed per flight?

For in-cabin travel, each flight accepts up to 3 pet carriers in First Class and 8 in the Main Cabin. Because space is limited and fills quickly, reserve your pet’s spot as early as possible.

Are short-nosed breeds allowed?

They’re not accepted in baggage/cargo due to safety risks, but may travel in cabin if they meet size and carrier rules.

What if temps are extreme?

Cargo shipments follow a 45–85°F window. Baggage acceptance may also be limited by temperatures for animal welfare.

Kuma’s Big Adventure with WorldCare Pet and Alaska Airlines 

Our team at WorldCare Pet has partnered with many pet-friendly airlines, including Alaska Airlines. Kuma, a Shiba Inu, traveled with us from Vancouver, Washington to Washington, DC, and his journey went off without a hitch.

What Kuma’s pet parents said:

“WorldCare Pet Transport provided us with excellent service from start to finish. Our counselor provided us with clear, easy-to-follow instructions, and the entire team kept sending us regular updates throughout our pet’s journey across the country. We cannot recommend the WorldCare team enough!”

Ready to plan your pet’s move?

Looking for a reliable pet shipping company? Fill out our free Request a Quote form, and a member of our team will reach out shortly.

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

• Delta Pet Travel Policy: Everything Your Need to Know
• American Airlines Pet Policy 2025: What Pet Parents Need to Know
• Which Airlines Ship Cats? A Pet Parent’s Guide to Feline-Friendly Flights (U.S. Edition)