Before Travel

• Reservations are required for all live animals shipments and must be made at least 24 hours and no more than 35 days before departure.
• Live animals must be tendered and all paperwork completed no more than four (4) hours before departure.
• For most flights, acceptance is completed two (2) to three (3) hours before departure.
• For flights departing Hawai'i, acceptance and paperwork must be completed three (3) to four (4) hours before departure.
• Animals must be offered food and water within four (4) hours prior to departure, as certifed by shipper.

During Travel

• Feeding during transit is generally not required.
• One small comfort item and a small amount of food may be place in the kennel.
• A food and water dish must be securely attached inside the kennel and accessible from the outside.

After Arrival

• Live animals are typically available for pickup with one (1) hour after arrvial.
• The consignee must pickup the animal within four (4) hours of arrival.
• If an animal is not picked up with four (4) hours, kenneling may be required to ensure your pet's comfort and care.

Pet Connect reservations are accepted a minimum of 24 hours and a maximum of 30 days before travel. Reservations requiring travel partially on other airlines domestically or international travel must be booked within three (3) to seven (7) business days prior to travel.

Contact the Cargo Call Center between 5:00 am - 9:00 pm PST at 1-800-225-2752 to make a reservation.

Animal Eligibility and Document Requirements

• Combined animal and kennel weight is limited to 150 pounds. Other restrictions may apply depending on aircraft type.
• Animals showing signs of being agitated, aggressive, or unwell cannot be accepted for travel.
• Muzzles, harnesses, choke collars, or restraints that may restrict breathing or cause injury are not permitted during transport.
• Kennels must be clean, secure,and free of strong or offensive odors.
• Dogs and cats must be at least eight (8) weeks of age and weaned.
• Puppies/ kittens may travel together (referencing same species) in one kennel only when:
  • They are between eight (8) weeks and six (6) months of age
  • Are of comparable size 
  • Weigh 20 pounds or less each
  • No more than two animals per kennel

Health Certificates and Vaccinations

• Animals traveling as cargo must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by a licensed verterinarian.
• Health certificates must be signed and dated no more than 10 days before travel (14 days for dogs and cates traveling to Hawai'i where applicable).
• Required permits, health declarations and other documentations must be provided based on the origin, destination, and any transit locations.
• A rabies vaccination certificate is required for:
  • Interstate travel within the Continental U.S.
  • All travel to, from or with Alaska
  • All travel to or within Hawai'i

Special Care Instructions

• Shippers must provide written handling, feeding, and watering instructions for their animal.
• A food and water dish must be securely attached inside the kennel and accessible from the outside.
• For additional kennel and labeling requirements, please review the Labeling and Preparation of Animal Containers section.
  
  PLEASE NOTE:  The Carrier will not administer medication of any kind while the animal is in custody of the carrier. The Shipper must arrange for a vet or kenneling service to admnister any medication while an animal is in our care. 

• Pet Connect ™ shipments are provided as airport‑to‑airport service only. Pickup and delivery services are not available.
• All live animal shipments must be prepaid prior to travel.
• Live animals are accepted on select aircraft types, subject to space, weight, kennel size, and safety requirements.
• Acceptance may vary by city and routing based on local regulations, facility capabilities, and animal type.

Delays, Diversions, and Cancellations

In the event of a flight delay, diversion, or cancellation, our cargo support teams closely monitor your pet’s journey and will notify you if there is a schedule disruption. Your pet’s safety and well‑being remain our top priority throughout the travel process.

For questions about specific routes or eligibility, please contact the Cargo Call Center for assistance.

Cargo Call Center
5:00 am - 9:00 pm PS
1-800-225-2752

Health Certificate

All live, warm‑blooded animals traveling as cargo must be accompanied by an original health certificate or a printed copy of an electronic health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian.

The health certificate must confirm that the animal:

• Was examined within 10 days prior to travel
  • For dogs and cats traveling to Hawaiʻi, the certificate may be issued within 14 days
• Appears healthy for travel and free of infectious, contagious, or communicable disease

• Additional destination‑specific documentation may be required for international travel, based on the regulations of the country of entry.

  Special vaccination requirement:
  Proof of parvovirus vaccination is required for dogs traveling to Nome or Kotzebue. Please contact the Cargo Call Center for details.

Rabies Certificate

A rabies vaccination certificate is required for:

• Transport between the Lower 48 states and Alaska
• Travel within the state of Alaska
• Travel to or within Hawaiʻi

Dogs and cats under three months of age are not required to have a rabies certificate.
A combined health and rabies certificate is acceptable when applicable.

Certificate of Acclimation

Weather conditions are reviewed for the entire itinerary, including departure, transfer, and arrival locations.

• Pets are generally accepted for travel when forecasted temperatures are between 45°F and 85°F.
• Travel below 45°F may be permitted if a valid certificate of acclimationis provided.
  • The certificate must:
    • Be issued by a licensed veterinarian
    • Specify the temperature range to which the animal is acclimated
    • Be issued within 10 days of travel

Acceptance is based on forecasted temperatures and facility capabilities at each location on the itinerary.