Traveling with Pets
The information below is intended to answer the majority of questions about traveling with your pet. You can review all of our policies regarding transporting live animals in our Contract of Carriage.
Space for pets traveling in the cabin or in the cargo compartment is limited and subject to availability. Please contact an Alaska Airlines Reservations Agent for booking at
If your travel plans include travel on another airline, please contact the airline directly to reserve space, determine fees and obtain additional information about traveling with your pet on the other airline. Please note that Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air do not transfer pets traveling in the baggage compartment to other carriers. Pets must be claimed and rechecked to the connecting carrier.
Reservations for pets are accepted up to 24 hours prior to departure (subject to space availability) for all animals traveling.
Health and Vaccination Requirements
All pets crossing state borders, with the exception of guide dogs, are required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to have a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of travel. If an animal is being transported by a breeder, dealer, or research facility, then the health certificate must have been issued within 10 days. All animals crossing state borders to a cold weather destination are required to have a veterinarian's note on the health certificate that they are acclimated to temperatures below 45° F. It is the responsibility of the customer to obtain this certification.
Proof of rabies vaccination is required for animals traveling within the state of Alaska or when traveling across state lines. Proof of Parvo Virus vaccination is required before an animal can be transported to Nome or Kotzebue. Service animals traveling with a passenger are exempt from these certifications, though they are required to be in a working harness that identifies them as a service animal.
Fee Summary
Pet in Cabin - USD 100.00 each way
Pet in Baggage - USD 100.00 each way
Note: Fees indicated are for travel on Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, Pen Air and ERA Aviation. If your itinerary includes travel on another airline, the other airline fee may be assessed. Please check with the other airline for more information.
Pet Embargos
Horizon Air Holiday Embargo
Due to heavy holiday travel, Horizon Air is unable to accept pets as checked baggage November 23 - November 29, 2009, and December 21, 2009 - January 3, 2010. However, small pets may still be carried in the cabin.
Hawaii
Due to Hawaii's strict pet quarantine laws, which are designed to protect Hawaiian residents and pets from potentially serious health problems, we don't allow pets on flights to/from Hawaii.
Reno/Tahoe
We're unable to accept pets for shipment to/from Reno; however, small pets may still be carried in the cabin.
Pets in the Cabin
Customers must be 18 years or older to travel with pet in the cabin. A customer traveling with a pet may not occupy an emergency exit row seat. The First Class cabin can accommodate a total of one small pet per flight, and the main cabin can accommodate a total of up to five small pets per flight. A customer may travel with a maximum of two carry-on kennels/containers in the main cabin, only when the adjacent seat is purchased by the same customer.Pets allowed in the passenger cabin are dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and must have been fully weaned for at least five days prior to travel. The pet must stay in its container (including head and tail) at all times while onboard, and be stowed under the seat during taxi, takeoff, and landing. Animals with offensive odors or those that create a noise disturbance must travel in the climate-controlled baggage compartment.
Carriers in Cabin - Whether you purchase a carrier from Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, or plan to use your own, the USDA and IATA have specific requirements (PDF 179k). We recommend that you obtain an approved carrier in advance of travel as we are unable to guarantee availability of a carrier to purchase from Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air at the airport.
The following carrier size is accepted on both Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air for travel in the cabin:
| Size | Kennel Size | Dimensions (height x width x depth) |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin | 50 | 7.5" x 12" x 17" |
Documentation - All pets crossing state borders, with the exception of guide dogs, are required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to have a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of travel. If an animal is being transported by a breeder, dealer, or research facility, then the health certificate must have been issued within 10 days. All animals crossing state borders to a cold weather destination are required to have a veterinarian's note on the health certificate that they are acclimated to temperatures below 45°. It is the responsibility of the customer to obtain this certification.
Proof of rabies vaccination is required for animals traveling within the state of Alaska or when traveling across state lines. Proof of Parvo Virus vaccination is required before an animal can be transported to Nome or Kotzebue. Service animals traveling with a passenger are exempt from these certifications, though they are required to be in a working harness that identifies them as a service animal.
Only pets in good health are permitted. Any pet in a kennel too small or in obvious distress due to illness or injury will be refused travel. A Reservation Sales Agent or Customer Service Agent can provide further information about documentation requirements.
Pets in the Baggage and Cargo Compartments
Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air accept most small domesticated pets. Other pets may be accepted with approval. Pets that may travel in the climate-controlled baggage and cargo compartments include: cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and must have been fully weaned for at least five days prior to travel.The health of your pet is important. Due to health risks, brachycephalic (shortnose) dogs/cats are only accepted for travel at owner's risk and excess valuation is not available. The following is a list of the affected breeds:
Dogs: American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire, Boston Terrier, Brussels Griffin, Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Chow Chow, Dutch Pug, English Bulldog, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Boxer, Japanese Spaniel, Pekinese Pug, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Terrier, Bulldog, Pug, Boxer.
Cats: Burmese, Exotic, Himalayan, Persian.
Climate-Controlled Baggage Compartment
When you check your pet using this transportation method, you must travel on the same flight(s) to your pet's destination. Check in at least one hour, but no more than two hours before departure. Your pet will be available for pick-up in the baggage claim area approximately 30 minutes after the flight arrives.
If your trip includes a transfer on Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air we will allow a maximum connection time of four hours for the animal at the connection city.
If your trip includes a transfer to another airline, you must allow time to pick up your pet in the baggage claim area and re-check your pet with the connecting airline. Neither Alaska Airlines nor Horizon Air transfer pets to other airlines.
If a delay prevents your pet's flight from departing, your pet may be placed in a kennel facility until it can be transported. Costs incurred due to weather-related delays are the responsibility of the pet owner.
Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air will accept a pet and carrier combined weight of up to 150 pounds. Should the pet and carrier weigh 151 pounds or more, please contact Air Cargo for assistance and pricing.
Carrier Sizes Accepted by Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air
Whether you purchase a carrier from Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, or plan to use your own, the USDA and IATA (PDF 289k) have specific requirements. We recommend that you obtain an approved carrier in advance of travel as we are unable to guarantee availability of a carrier to purchase from Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air at the airport.
Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air only accept non-collapsible kennels when checking a pet in the cargo compartment. In addition, the kennel must:
- Be secured with nuts, bolts and a metal grated door.
- Allow the animal to standup (head erect and not touching the top), lie down, turn around in a normal, comfortable position.
- Contain a food and water dish clipped inside of the door.
- Be clean and leak-proof, with absorbent bedding made of material that is safe and non-toxic to the animal.
The following carrier sizes are accepted on both Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air:
| Size | Kennel Size | Dimensions (height x width x depth) |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin | 50 | 7.5" x 12" x 17" |
| Extra Small | 100 | 15" x 16" x 21" |
| Small | 200 | 19" x 20" x 27" |
| Medium | 300 | 23" x 22" x 32" |
| Large | 400 | 26" X 24" x 36" |
| Extra Large | 500 | 30" x 27" x 40" |
Note: Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are unable to accept a carrier larger than a 500 size kennel.
Cargo Options
Cargo is a term used to denote goods or produce being transported generally for commercial gain. It does not include passenger baggage or animals traveling with a passenger.
View information on shipping your pet via Air Cargo
Extreme Outdoor Temperatures
Extreme hot and cold temperatures can pose a health risk to pets. In summer, choose early morning or late evening flights. In winter, choose mid-day flights. Whenever possible, book nonstop or direct flights. If temperatures at the origin, destination, or connecting airports exceed certain limits, Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air may decline acceptance for the animal's welfare.International Travel
Canada: Animals may be accepted for travel via Baggage, Cargo, and Carry-on Baggage provided all regulations are met. Horizon Air does not accept pets for GoldStreak service.Mexico: Animals may be accepted for travel via Baggage and Carry-on Baggage, provided all regulations are met. Alaska Airlines does not accept pets for Cargo or GoldStreak service to and from Mexico.
Tranquilizers
Sedation is not advised since the effects of tranquilizers on animals at high altitudes are unpredictable. The decision to prescribe a tranquilizer for your pet should be made by your veterinarian.Service Animals
For information regarding service animals, please review our Special Needs page.Animal Relief Areas
View a list of airport Animal Relief Areas. End of content. | "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Network Carriers in North America" |
