Military pet program

Military pet program

We're proud to help active-duty U.S. military personnel, State Department Foreign Service Personnel (FSP), and their spouses transport their dogs and cats while traveling on assignment between Guam and Honolulu.
We're proud to help active-duty U.S. military personnel, State Department Foreign Service Personnel (FSP), and their spouses transport their dogs and cats while traveling on assignment between Guam and Honolulu.
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This service is for members of the U.S. Military on current orders, and State Department Foreign Service Personnel (FSP) on reassignment traveling between Guam (GUM) and Honolulu (HNL).
If you do not have these reassignment orders, or you're not in the military or an FSP, your pet can't travel in cargo. Visit the traveling with pets page for more information on our regular pet policy.
With our military pet program, you won't need to pay a shipping company or customs broker. Dogs and cats that meet our requirements can get checked in at the airport counter and travel in cargo on your flight.
With our military pet program, you won't need to pay a shipping company or customs broker. Dogs and cats that meet our requirements can get checked in at the airport counter and travel in cargo on your flight.

Safety and crate acclimation

The safety and wellbeing of your pets is very important to us. You should get an airplane crate as soon as possible so your pets have time to get used to it. We recommend letting your pets try out the new crate for at least 2-3 weeks before traveling. There are also 3 other safety rules you'll need to follow:

  • Pets must travel in their own separate crates.

    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 breed restrictions may apply.

    Read the FAQ for more details.

  • If your pets seem stressed or uncomfortable during check-in, we may not let them on the plane.

    For tips on how to get your pet ready for travel, watch this video.

How to book

To book cargo travel for your pets, email militarypetsafe@united.com 5-10 days before your trip. You will need to provide the following:

  • Your itinerary.

  • Active PCS orders.

  • A pet health certificate dated within 10 days of travel.

  • A signed acknowledgement form.

The pet owner's name must be the same on all the required documents. You're allowed one pet move per PCS order, and you can only travel with your personal pets. Transportation of other people's pets is strictly prohibited and will result in the refusal of all animals at the time of tender.

Crate information

Pets traveling in cargo must use a crate that meets USDA and International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements. Crates are subject to inspection at check-in. If your pet's crate does not follow these rules, it will not be allowed on the plane.
Each pet in the crate must have enough space to stand, turn around, sit up, and lie down in a natural position. We do not accept 700 series crates, or crates that are more than 34 inches (86.4 cm) tall. If you need help picking the right size crate, watch this video.
This crate is the RIGHT size for your dog
This crate is the WRONG size for your dog
This crate is the RIGHT size for your dog
This crate is the WRONG size for your dog

Military pets FAQ