Planning to fly with your furry friend? This complete guide to the United Airlines pet policy 2025 breaks down everything you need to know—from fees and documentation to carrier requirements and booking procedures. Ensure a smooth and stress-free trip for you and your pet by following United’s latest travel rules.
Detailed Overview of United Airlines Pet Policy
| Category | Details |
| Pets Allowed | Cats and dogs only |
| In-Cabin Travel | Small pets only, must fit under the seat |
| Checked Baggage | Permitted only for U.S. military or State Dept. personnel on official duty |
| Documentation | Rabies vaccination and (for international) USDA-accredited health certificate |
| Age Requirement | Domestic: 2 months+, International: 4 months+ |
| Booking Process | Book in advance online or via customer service |
| Restrictions | Emotional support animals not accepted; snub-nosed breeds restricted |
Allowed Pets on United Airlines
Under the United Airlines pet policy 2025, only cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin or (in limited cases) as checked baggage.
- In-Cabin Pets: Allowed if they fit in an approved carrier under the seat. One pet per passenger.
- Checked Pets: Only for active military and U.S. State Dept. personnel with official orders.
- Emotional Support Animals: Not recognized. Must travel as regular pets.
- Service Animals: Permitted with DOT certification and documentation.
United Airlines Pet Carrier Requirements
Make sure your pet’s carrier complies with United Airlines pet policy 2025 to ensure safety and avoid issues at the airport.
| Carrier Type | Max Dimensions (L x W x H) | Key Features |
| Hard-Sided | 17.5” x 12” x 7.5” | Rigid build, ventilated on two sides, escape-proof |
| Soft-Sided | 18” x 11” x 11” | Flexible, water-resistant, must fit under seat |
General Rules:
- Only 1 pet per carrier
- Pet must be able to stand, turn, and lie down naturally
- Carrier counts as a personal item
United Airlines Fees for Pet Travel 2025
The United Airlines pet policy 2025 outlines specific charges for in-cabin travel. No pets are accepted as general checked baggage except for certain government-related travel.
| Service | Fee (USD) | Conditions |
| In-Cabin Pets | $150 each way | Applies after April 26, 2024 |
| Long Layovers | Additional $150 | Domestic >4 hrs, International >24 hrs |
| Service Animals | Free | Must comply with DOT service animal regulations |
Note: Excess baggage charges apply if the pet carrier exceeds standard item dimensions.
Breed and Destination Restrictions on United Airlines
Certain restrictions apply under the United Airlines pet policy 2025 to ensure animal safety and legal compliance.
- Banned Destinations: No pet travel allowed to Australia, Hawaii, Guam, UAE, the UK, and more than 20 countries.
- Aircraft Restrictions: No in-cabin pets in First/Business Class on Boeing 747/757/767/777.
- Banned Breeds: Snub-nosed dogs (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus) not allowed in cargo from May to September.
United Airlines Health and Documentation Requirements
To comply with United Airlines pet policy 2025, your pet must meet the following health standards:
- Vaccinations: Rabies vaccination administered at least 28 days before travel.
- International Travel: USDA-accredited health certificate issued within 10 days of flight.
- Age Minimum: 2 months (domestic), 4 months (international).
How to Book Pet Travel with United Airlines?
Here’s how to secure your pet’s spot under the United Airlines pet policy 2025:
- Check Availability:
- Call +1-800-UNITED-1 or use the “Travel with Pets” section online
- Only 2–5 pets allowed per flight (varies by aircraft)
- Call +1-800-UNITED-1 or use the “Travel with Pets” section online
- Pay Fees:
- $150 per pet, per direction
- Additional $150 for long layovers
- $150 per pet, per direction
- Submit Documents:
- Rabies certificate (domestic)
- USDA health certificate (international)
- DOT forms for service dogs
- Rabies certificate (domestic)
Traveling with Service Animals on United Airlines
United Airlines pet policy 2025 allows trained service dogs to travel free of charge, but they must meet strict federal guidelines.
| Requirement | Details |
| Documentation | DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form (submitted 48+ hours pre-flight) |
| Behavior | Animal must remain seated at your feet and not block aisles |
| Limit | Max 2 service dogs per passenger |
| Fees | Free of charge |
In-Cabin vs. Checked Travel for Pets on United Airlines
| Factor | In-Cabin | Checked Baggage (Limited) |
| Pet Type | Cats and dogs under seat limit | Military/State Dept. pets only |
| Fee | $150 each way | Varies by arrangement |
| Temperature Risk | Lower | Not allowed in extreme weather conditions |
| Breed Restrictions | Snub-nosed breeds discouraged | Not allowed May–Sept for sensitive breeds |
Temperature Guidelines and Seasonal Embargoes
The United Airlines pet policy 2025 includes temperature-related restrictions to protect animal welfare:
- Temperature Limits: Pet transport is banned if ground temps exceed 80°F (27°C) or fall below 20°F (-7°C)
- Embargo Periods: Summer embargo from May to September for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds
United Airlines Pet Travel Checklist
Health & Documents:
- Rabies vaccination proof (28+ days before)
- USDA-accredited health certificate (intl.)
- DOT forms for service dogs (if applicable)
Carrier Prep:
- Label carrier with contact info and “Live Animal”
- Add absorbent liner and collapsible water dish
Booking & Timing:
- Book early due to limited in-cabin availability
- Avoid long layovers if possible
How United Airlines Ensures Pet Safety?
Even with strict policies, United Airlines pet policy 2025 focuses heavily on pet safety:
- No cargo option for general public—only official duty pets allowed
- In-cabin rules ensure ventilation and space
- Trained personnel monitor pet handling and logistics
Final Thoughts:
The United Airlines pet policy 2025 prioritizes safety, clarity, and comfort. While restrictive in some areas (no emotional support animals, no general cargo option), the policy remains clear and well-structured for compliant passengers. For latest updates and booking, visit the United Airlines Pet Travel Hub or call +1-800-864-8331.
FAQs on United Airlines Pet Policy
Yes, under the United Airlines pet policy, small cats and dogs are allowed to travel in-cabin if they fit in an approved pet carrier under the seat. Only one pet per passenger is allowed, and the in-cabin pet fee is $150 each way.
United Airlines pet travel rules specify that soft-sided carriers must not exceed 18” x 11” x 11”, while hard-sided carriers can be up to 17.5” x 12” x 7.5”. The carrier must fit under the seat and allow the pet to move comfortably.
No. As of 2025, emotional support animals are not recognized under United’s pet policy. Only trained service dogs are permitted and must meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements
The standard fee for flying with pets on United Airlines is $150 each way. Additional charges apply for long layovers—$150 extra if the domestic layover exceeds 4 hours or the international layover exceeds 24 hours.
Pets are not accepted as checked baggage for general passengers. Only active-duty U.S. military and State Department personnel on official orders can travel with pets in the baggage hold, per United Airlines pet travel rules.
If you’re flying with pets on United Airlines internationally, pets must be at least 4 months old, have a rabies vaccination administered at least 28 days before departure, and a USDA-accredited health certificate issued within 10 days of the flight.
Yes. Snub-nosed breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus) face restrictions, especially for cargo travel between May and September due to heat sensitivity. These breeds may be allowed in-cabin if they meet all requirements.
United requires a USDA-endorsed international health certificate and proof of up-to-date rabies vaccination. The documents must meet both U.S. and destination country guidelines.
To reserve pet travel, call United Reservations at +1-800-UNITED-1 or use the “Travel with Pets” section on United’s website. Only 2 to 5 pets are allowed per flight, so booking early is recommended.