United Airlines Pet Travel Policy

UA • United States • Star Alliance

Complete guide to flying with your pet on United Airlines. Cabin and cargo rules, crate requirements, breed restrictions, and required documents. Last verified: 2026.

⚠️ Snub-Nosed Breed Restrictions

United Airlines restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds from cargo transport. Affected breeds include: Affenpinscher, American Bully, American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier and others.

PetSafe does not accept snub-nosed dogs or cats. Cabin travel only where applicable.

✓ Yes
Cabin Pets
✓ Yes
Cargo Pets
8-12%
Est. Rejection Rate
Must fit in carrier under seatkg
Cabin Weight Limit

Cabin Travel

Max Weight
Must fit in carrier under seatkg (including carrier)
Carrier Dimensions
18 x 11 x 11 inches (hard), varies (soft)
Fee
$125 USD each way

Note: Max 2 pets per carrier if small. Carrier replaces carry-on.

Cargo / Hold Travel

Max Weight
150 lbs max for PetSafe programkg (including crate)
Minimum Age
8 weeks
Fee
$497-2,158 USD depending on size and route
Program
United PetSafe

Crate Requirements (IATA Compliant)

material: IATA-compliant hard kennel
ventilation: Ventilation on at least 3 sides
door: Metal door that closes securely
bolts: Metal bolts or screws on all 4 corners - NO PLASTIC CLIPS
floor: Leak-proof with absorbent liner
size: IATA sizing guidelines - clearance above head when standing
labeling: Live Animal labels, feeding instructions attached

⚠️ Common Rejection Reasons

  • • Plastic clips instead of metal bolts
  • • Crate size non-compliant
  • • Brachycephalic breed
  • • Temperature embargo

Verify your crate compliance against United Airlines's requirements before you travel. Our AI check is based on official IATA Live Animal Regulations.

Breed Restrictions

Snub-Nosed (Brachycephalic) Breeds

PetSafe does not accept snub-nosed dogs or cats. Cabin travel only where applicable.

AffenpinscherAmerican BullyAmerican Pit BullAmerican Staffordshire TerrierBoston TerrierBoxerBrussels GriffonBulldog (all)Cane CorsoChow ChowDogue de BordeauxEnglish Toy SpanielJapanese ChinLhasa ApsoMastiff (all)PekingesePit BullPresa CanarioPugShar PeiShih TzuStaffordshire Bull TerrierTibetan Spaniel

Don't Risk Rejection

Get your crate checked by AI before you get to the airport. Know in minutes if you'll pass United Airlines's inspection.

Documents Required

  • Veterinary health certificate (10 days)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Acclimation certificate if applicable
  • Import permits for destination country

Official Policy

Always verify with United Airlines directly before travel.

United Airlines Pet Policy

Last verified: 2026

Temperature Embargo

No cargo pets when ground temperature is below 45°F or above 85°F.

Seasonal embargoes apply

Flying with Your Pet on United Airlines

United Airlines (UA) is an American carrier and member of the Star Alliance alliance.The airline allows small pets to travel in the cabin under your seat, as well as offering cargo transport for larger animals.

Understanding United Airlines's Pet Policy

United Airlines's pet travel policy follows IATA (International Air Transport Association) Live Animals Regulations, with some airline-specific additions. All crates must be IATA-compliant with rigid construction, adequate ventilation, secure metal door, and proper labeling. Pets must have current health certificates and rabies vaccinations.

Brachycephalic Breed Restrictions

Like most major airlines, United Airlines restricts snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds from cargo transport. These breeds have compromised respiratory systems that make them vulnerable to heat stroke and breathing difficulties in the cargo hold environment. Affected breeds include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and similar flat-faced dogs and cats. If you have a brachycephalic breed, you may only transport them in the cabin (if they meet weight requirements) or consider alternative transport methods.

How to Avoid Rejection at Check-In

The most common reasons for pet crate rejection at United Airlines check-in include: incorrect crate sizing, plastic clips instead of metal bolts, insufficient ventilation, missing or expired health certificates, and attempting to fly restricted breeds in cargo. Using our AI pre-check service can identify these issues before you arrive at the airport, giving you time to make corrections.

Don't Risk Airport Rejection

Our AI analysis is based on official IATA Live Animal Regulations and airline-published requirements. Get your compliance check in minutes.

Fly-Confident Guarantee — or your money back

If our report misses an official IATA or airline-published requirement and your pet is refused because of it, you get a full refund.