Pet Connectâ„¢ Kennels and Containers

We've prepared the following guidelines to ensure your pet is prepared for safe travel with us. Please take a moment to carefully review the information below.

Multiple animals in the Same Kennel

The following conditions apply to live animals accepted in the same container:

  • Animals must be the same species and compatible with one another.
  • Infant animals will only be accepted with their mother. Exceptions: birds, fish, rats, mice and domestic farm animals.
  • A female animal in heat will not be accepted in the same container as a male animal.

The number of dogs or cats in one container shall not exceed the following limits:

  • One dog or cat six (6) months or older.
  • One puppy or kitten eight (8) weeks to six (6) months of age and weighing more than 20 pounds.
  • Two puppies or two kittens, eight (8) weeks to six (6) months of age, each weighing 20 pounds or less and of comparable size.
  • Weaned puppies or kittens under eight (8) weeks old, or littermates under eight (8) weeks old traveling with their mother.

Special considerations and exceptions apply to some animals. For more information, please contact the Cargo Call Center at 1-800-225-2752.

Kennel Size Chart

Kennel SizeDimensions
L x W x H (in)
Tare Weight (empty)
10021 x 16 x 159 lbs
20027 x 20 x 1914 lbs
30032 x 22 x 2420 lbs
40036 x 24 x 2624 lbs
50040 x 27 x 3028 lbs



  • Contact our Cargo Call Center for kennels larger than 500 series. 
  • On regional aircraft, the combined weight of the animal and kennel must not exceed 150 pounds, and kennel size may not exceed 40 L x 27 W x 30 H (in).
  • Minimum size accepted is a size 100 kennel: Approximately 21 L x 16 W x 15 H (in).
  • Kennels with wheels are not permitted. All wheels must be removed before acceptance.

Containers may be available for purchase at some stations for Pet Connect shipments traveling on Alaska Airlines. For additional information regarding kennels, please contact our Cargo Call Center at 1-800-225-2752.

Labeling and Preparation

To help ensure your pet's safety and comfort during travel, all live animal kennels must be clearly labeled and prepared with required information.

Required Kennel Labels

Each kennel must display:

  • The words "Live Animal" in letters at least one inch high
  • Directional arrows indicating the upright position
  • A securely attached document pouch containing required paperwork

Food, Water, and Contact Information

  • The name, address, and 24-hour phone number for both the shipper and consignee
  • the name of the animal, when applicable
  • Written contact information for the person to be reached if the animal cannon be delivered as planned

All certifications and documents must be attached to the top of the kennel before transport.

Food, Medication, and Special Instructions

  • A small amount of food and/or medication, limited to what is needed for the journey, may be attached to the kennel in a clear, sealed container that can withstand normal handing
  • If feeding or medication is needed while your pet is in transit, written instructions must be provided by the shipper.

Please note: For your pet's safety, we do not administer medication while an animal is in our care. If medication is required, the shipper must arrange for a licensed veterinarian or kenneling service to administer it.

Kennel Regulations and Requirements

The kennel should never:

Have broken parts or makeshift fasteners.
Have a wire roof and/or top opening door.
Have sharp edges, points or protrusions that could injure the animal(s).

Additionally, kennels should not be:

  • Held together with snap closures nor have parts replaced by zip ties, duct tape or rubber bands.
  • Dirty or have an offensive odor.
  • Collapsible in any way.
  • Made with a wire roof and/or top opening door.

The kennel should always:

Be held together with metal or plastic nuts and bolts.
Have a food and water dish clipped inside of the door.
Have handholds or handles that are on the exterior of the kennel for lifting without being tilted and to ensure that anyone handling the kennel will not come in physical contact with the animal.
  • Be of solid construction, escape-proof with one securely fastened door and able to withstand the rigors of normal transportation.
  • Contain a food and water dish clipped inside of the door.
  • Be clean and leakproof, with absorbent bedding made of material that is safe and non-toxic to the animal. Non-bedding items are not allowed, with the exception of one small comfort item.
  • Be constructed to hold the animal being shipped with no part of the animal protruding out of the kennel.
  • Be constructed to retain moisture characteristic with live animal shipments.

Kennels must allow sufficient space for the animal to:

  • Turn around freely in a standing position, using normal body movements.
  • Stand and sit erect.
  • Lie down in a natural and comfortable position.
  • Homemade containers are subject to inspection and regulatory compliance.

Kennel Size Requirements


  The kennel must allow the animal to stand without their head or the tips of their ears touching the top of the kennel.

  The animal should be able to turn around within the kennel and lie down in a normal, comfortable position.