Our Alaska Air Cargo and Hawaiian Air Cargo team are committed to the safety of the animals that travel with us and, as our global network grows, we are updating some of our pet shipping policies. 

Connecting flight requirements: 

• Minimum and maximum connection times
  •  Connections must be a minimum of two (2) hours for animals traveling on or connecting to flights operating by Alaska Airlines aircraft, as well as for animals traveling between Hawaiian Islands on Hawaiian Airlines aircraft.  
  • Connections must be a minimum of four (4) hours for animals connecting to or from Hawaiian Airlines Transpacific aircraft.
  • Connections must not exceed six (6) hours, regardless of aircraft type, unless kenneling is arranged in advance by the shipper

Required care and kenneling stops:

• Care stops - A care stop allows your pet to receive food, water, medication, and comfort during extended travel. A care stop is required when:
  • The first flight is seven (7) hours or longer and included a connection.
  • The connection between booked flights are six (6) hours or longer.
  • A same-day connection is not possible.
  • The total itinerary exceeds 24 hours.

Care stops must be arranged in advance with a local kennel facility or an authorized individual who can properly care for your pet during the layover.

• Kenneling- Kenneling must be pre-arranged by the shipper when:
  • A required care stop cannot be accommodated during a connection.
  • A connection exceeds six (6) hours.
  • A same day connection is not possible.
  • The total itinerary exceeds 24 hours.

Shipping within the U.S.: Kennels for animals traveling between cities within the U.S. must meet USDA kennel standards. 

Shipping Internationally: Kennels for animals traveling to or from international locations must comply with IATA Live Animal Regulations.

Timely pick-ups: All animals must be picked up from their destination within four (4) hours of arrival. Consignees must present a photo ID to pick up animals.