Beginning August 1st all dogs entering the United States will need additional documents and entry requirements. All new regulations are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

For additional information please visit the CDC website. Link opens on a new window

Traveling with pets

Bringing your cat or dog with you on your trip is fun, but there are some rules you’ll have to follow. If you’re looking for information on traveling with service animals, we can also help with that.

Getting ready

At the airport

On the plane

Getting ready

We no longer let you check your pets through the PetSafe program or fly pets in cargo, unless traveling as active-duty military or with the State Department. If you plan to fly with your pet, they must be a cat or dog and be in the cabin with you (if there’s space available).

You can bring up to 2 pets per person. However, you must buy 2 seats on your flight if you’re bringing 2 pets. Your second seat needs to be next to your assigned seat so you can care for both pets.

Some destinations don’t let you bring a pet with you. So, be sure to double check before your flight.

Where can I fly with my pet?

As long as your destination allows pets, you can take them with you on any flight operated by United or United Express. If you’re flying internationally, you’ll need to call 1-800-864-8331 to add a pet to your reservation. If you’re traveling on multiple airlines, including our partners, you’ll also need to check with each one to see what their pet policy is.

United does not allow pets to fly to, from or even through the below list of states and countries.

Australia
Barbados
Brazil
Cuba
French Polynesia (Tahiti)
Guam *
Guyana
Hawaii
Hong Kong
Iceland
Ireland
Jamaica
Marshall Islands
Micronesia, Federated States of
New Zealand
Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan)
Palau
Philippines
Saint Kitts and Nevis
South Africa
Sweden
Trinidad and Tobago
United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
United Kingdom

* You can bring a pet on flights from Guam to Tokyo-Narita or to the U.S. mainland. You cannot bring your pet on the flight back to Guam. Pet travel from Guam to the U.S. mainland is considered international.

Book trip

While there are no weight or breed limitations for pets, they must travel in either a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier. This carrier must fit under the seat in front of you or you cannot fly with your pet. The only animals allowed on planes without a pet carrier are service animals.

Hard-sided carrier

Soft-sided carrier

Prepping to fly

Gather paperwork

Some countries don’t allow pets to travel at all. Others have strict rules for rabies vaccines. Make sure you have all your paperwork and proof of vaccination in order before you leave.

Booking pet tickets

All you have to do is select “Travel with a pet” as a traveler during booking on united.com. Or, you can go to My Trips to add a pet to an existing trip. You cannot add a pet to your trip on the United app.

Book now

For tickets purchased before 4/26/24, there is a $125 fee each way for traveling with your pet. There is also a $125 fee for each layover of more than four hours for flights within the U.S. and more than 24 hours internationally. You cannot use travel credits to pay this fee.

For tickets purchased on or after 4/26/24, the fee is $150 each way for traveling with your pet.

Traveler pro tips

We have a few recommendations to help you pack a pet-friendly travel kit:

Remember to bring all the essentials to care for your pet while you’re still at the airport, including a collapsible water bowl, leash, treats and plastic bags.
To keep them calm on the flight, it always helps to have a favorite toy, blanket or pillow that smells familiar.

At the airport

Here’s what you need to know once you get to the airport.

Checking in

Check in for your flight at the ticket counter. You’ll need both your own and your pet’s confirmation numbers, which you can find in your email or in My Trips. We’ll also give you a special bag tag for your pet’s carrier.

Pet relief areas

Many airports have places you can take your pet to use the bathroom while you’re there. Use the airport maps feature on the United app to see where they’re located.

Please note, therapy and emotional support cats and dogs must fly as pets, not service animals. They must follow all rules outlined in this policy both at the airport and on the plane.

On the plane

Once you’re on your flight, there’s only one rule you need to follow. Your pet must stay in their carrier with the door closed, and under your seat at all times.