Live Animals

Transporting Live Animals as Air Freight

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air provide transportation for live animals as Animal Express. Dogs, cats, birds, and other animals (subject to approval) are accepted for transportation.

We comply with U.S. Department of Agriculture and International Air Transport Association regulations for the humane treatment and transportation of animals. All animals are transported in a pressurized and temperature controlled aircraft compartment.

The following detail is required when booking:

Shipper and consignee name, address and phone contact.
Length, width and height dimensions of the kennel.

The non-collapsible 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, and 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.
Not exceed 40 inches in length x 27 inches wide x 30 inches high.
(Kennel sizes 400 and 500 are accepted as an exception to the size limitations)

The following regulations apply:

Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks of age and weaned.
The shipper shall provide applicable health declarations and permits required by authorities of countries of export, transshipment import.
Food and water must be offered within 4 hours of flight departure.
No more than one live dog or cat, 6 months of age or older, may be transported in the same kennel.
No more than one live puppy, 8 weeks to 6 months of age, and weighing over 20 lbs, may be transported in the same kennel.
No more than two live puppies or kittens, 8 weeks to 6 months of age, that are of comparable size, and weighing 20 lbs or less each, may be transported in the same kennel.

Live animals cannot be shipped as Animal Express to Mexico on Alaska Airlines. Animal Express shipments are transported Airport to Airport service only (Courier pickup / delivery service is not available). Other cities may prohibit live animal shipment during extreme weather seasons. Please refer to our Cargo Station Information for details regarding your specific origin or destination.

Live animal reservations are accepted in advance at a minimum 24 hours, maximum 20 days for online travel and 7 days for interline domestic or international travel. Live Animal bookings are accepted Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Animals traveling as cargo must have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian.