Pet cargo travel may be necessary when a pet is too large for the cabin, the route does not allow in-cabin pets, or the destination requires animals to travel through a cargo process. Before booking, check the airline’s pet cargo policy, crate rules, health documents, breed restrictions, weather limits, route eligibility, and drop-off process.
Cargo travel can be safe when planned carefully, but it is not right for every pet. Your first step should always be to ask your vet if your pet is healthy enough to fly.
Quick checks before booking:
| What to check | Why it matters |
| Vet advice | Confirms whether your pet is fit to fly |
| Airline cargo policy | Rules vary by airline, route, aircraft, and season |
| Crate requirements | The wrong crate can lead to refused transport |
| Weather limits | Extreme heat or cold can make cargo travel unsafe |
| Breed restrictions | Flat-faced breeds may have higher breathing risks |
| Health documents | Missing paperwork can delay or block travel |
| Route choice | Direct flights usually reduce handling and waiting time |
When Do Pets Need To Fly In Cargo?
Pets usually need a cargo or hold option when they cannot travel under the seat in the cabin. This is common for larger dogs, some international relocations, and routes where cabin pets are not accepted.
Pets may need to fly in cargo when:
- Your pet is too large for an in-cabin carrier
- The airline does not allow cabin pets on your route
- The destination requires pets to enter through a cargo process
- You are moving internationally with a larger pet
- You are traveling with multiple pets
- The airline only accepts certain animals through cargo or freight
For smaller pets, check which airlines allow pets in the cabin first.
Is Pet Cargo Safe?
Pet cargo travel can be safe with the right airline, route, crate, documents, and health checks. It still carries risks, including stress, delays, temperature exposure, breathing problems, and handling issues.
IATA says its Live Animals Regulations are the worldwide standard for transporting live animals safely and humanely by commercial airlines. The latest edition came into effect on January 1, 2026.
Ask your vet before booking if your pet is:
- Very young or elderly
- Sick, injured, pregnant, or recovering
- Highly anxious
- Heat-sensitive
- A flat-faced breed, such as a pug, bulldog, Persian cat, or similar breed
- Not used to being inside a crate
The AVMA warns that short-nosed pets are more prone to breathing problems, which can make air travel riskier for some breeds.
What To Check Before Booking Pet Cargo
Cargo rules are stricter than regular baggage rules. Check every detail before paying for your own ticket or confirming a cargo booking.
Before booking pets in cargo, confirm:
- Airline pet cargo policy
- Pet type and breed restrictions
- Minimum age requirements
- Health certificate rules
- Vaccination and rabies requirements
- Crate size and construction rules
- Temperature and seasonal restrictions
- Aircraft and route eligibility
- Direct flight availability
- Drop-off and pick-up location
- Cargo booking deadline
- Fees and payment rules
- Destination import rules
- Return-trip requirements
American Airlines Cargo, for example, says it will not transport warm-blooded animals when ground temperatures are above 85°F or below 20°F at the origin, connection, or destination cities. If temperatures are between 20°F and 44°F, a veterinarian’s acclimation letter may be required.
Pet Cargo Crate Requirements
The crate is one of the most important parts of pet cargo travel. If the crate does not meet the airline’s rules, your pet may be refused at drop-off.
Most cargo crates should be:
- Hard-sided
- Secure and escape-resistant
- Well ventilated
- Large enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie naturally
- Leak-resistant
- Fitted with food and water containers
- Lined with absorbent bedding
- Clearly labeled with contact details
- Free of loose wheels, unless they are removed or locked
- Approved by the airline before travel
Do not buy a crate based only on the product name. “Airline-approved” does not always mean the crate meets the airline’s exact requirements for your pet, route, and aircraft.
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Documents Needed For Pet Cargo Travel
Domestic cargo travel may require fewer documents than international shipping, but requirements still vary by airline, state, country, and route.
Common documents include:
- Veterinary health certificate
- Vaccination records
- Rabies certificate
- Microchip details
- Import permit, where required
- Airline cargo booking confirmation
- Customs or quarantine documents
- Owner contact details
- Emergency contact
- Return-trip documents, if relevant
The CDC advises travelers to check destination entry requirements, carrier rules, and veterinary guidance when traveling internationally with pets. USDA APHIS also recommends working with a USDA-accredited veterinarian as early as possible when taking pets from the United States to another country, since requirements may include vaccinations, tests, treatments, or endorsed health certificates.
For full trip planning beyond cargo rules, see how to travel with pets.
Airlines With Pet Cargo Or Hold Options To Check
Airline policies change often, and not every route or aircraft can accept animals in cargo. Always check directly with the airline or cargo department before booking.
American Airlines Cargo
American Airlines says pets may travel as carry-on or through American Airlines Cargo, depending on breed, size, route, and eligibility. Carry-on pets are limited to cats and dogs that meet size, age, and destination requirements.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa says animal transport may be possible in the passenger cabin or in the aircraft’s air-conditioned cargo hold, depending on the animal’s type, weight, size, and destination rules. Lufthansa Cargo also transports animals as air freight.
Air Canada Cargo
Air Canada Cargo offers AC Animals, a specialized service for transporting pets and other animals. Some small cats and dogs may also be accepted in the cabin or checked baggage compartment, depending on the route and rules.
Do not assume that a pet-friendly passenger airline also offers cargo transport on your route. Cargo bookings may be handled by a separate team.
How To Prepare Your Pet For Cargo Travel
Preparation should start weeks before departure, not the night before.
Helpful steps include:
- Let your pet spend short, calm periods in the crate
- Add familiar bedding if the airline allows it
- Keep feeding and walking routines steady
- Avoid new food before travel
- Trim nails to reduce the risk of snagging
- Exercise your pet before drop-off
- Keep documents in a folder and saved digitally
- Confirm drop-off and pick-up times in writing
Avoid sedatives unless your vet specifically recommends them. Many veterinary sources caution against sedating pets before flying because medication can affect breathing, balance, or heart function at altitude.
When To Avoid Pet Cargo Travel
Cargo travel may not be the best choice for every pet or every trip.
Avoid or postpone cargo travel when there is:
- Extreme heat or cold
- Long layovers
- Multiple connections
- A very young, elderly, sick, injured, or pregnant pet
- A flat-faced breed with breathing risk
- Severe anxiety
- Unclear destination import rules
- No direct or suitable route
- A crate your pet has not used before
A trusted sitter, boarding facility, road trip, or delayed flight may be safer when the risks are too high.
How To Book Pet Cargo
Book cargo directly with the airline cargo department or an approved pet shipper when required.
A safer booking flow:
- Check the airline's cargo policy before buying your own ticket.
- Ask your vet if your pet is fit to fly.
- Confirm the route, aircraft, and weather rules.
- Check destination import requirements.
- Get the right crate approved early.
- Prepare documents before the deadline.
- Confirm drop-off and pick-up locations.
- Save all confirmations.
- Recheck weather and flight status before departure.
For airport preparation, see The Ultimate Airport Survival Guide: Smart Hacks and Essentials.
Keep Cargo Updates And Documents Easy To Reach
Pet cargo travel depends on timing. You may need flight status, cargo tracking, vet contacts, import paperwork, pick-up details, airport maps, and hotel messages within minutes.
Eskimo is useful for this kind of trip because its Global Plan covers 110 countries, and fixed data plans come with 2-year validity. The same eSIM can be used again on future trips, which is helpful when pet relocation or return travel happens in stages.
New users can also get free 500MB of Global Data valid for 2 years, with no credit card required for the free trial.
FAQs
Is pet cargo safe?
Pet cargo travel can be safe when the pet is healthy, the crate is approved, the route is suitable, the weather is safe, and the airline has proper animal-handling procedures. It is not risk-free. Ask your vet before booking.
Which pets can fly in cargo?
Dogs, cats, and some other animals may be accepted by certain airlines, but rules vary by airline, country, route, aircraft, breed, and season. Always check the airline’s current cargo policy.
What size crate do I need for pet cargo?
The crate must usually be large enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie naturally. It should also be secure, ventilated, leak-resistant, and accepted by the airline for your pet’s size and route.
Can dogs fly in cargo?
Yes, many dogs can fly in cargo if they meet the airline’s health, breed, crate, route, and weather rules. Flat-faced dogs may face higher risks and may be restricted by some airlines.
Can cats fly in cargo?
Yes, some cats can fly in cargo if accepted by the airline and destination. Flat-faced cat breeds, older cats, sick cats, and highly anxious cats need extra veterinary advice before flying.
How much does pet cargo cost?
Pet cargo costs vary by airline, route, crate size, pet weight, destination, and handling requirements. Ask the airline cargo department or an approved pet shipper for a written quote.
Do airlines allow flat-faced dogs in cargo?
Some airlines restrict or refuse flat-faced breeds because they have higher breathing and overheating risks during air travel. Ask both your vet and the airline before planning cargo travel for a flat-faced dog or cat.
Is pet cargo the same as checked baggage?
Not always. Pet cargo is usually handled through an airline cargo service or air freight process. Checked pets may be handled through the passenger ticket process on certain airlines and routes. The rules, drop-off location, documents, and fees can be different.
