Alaska Airlines is the kind of policy that fits neatly into a spreadsheet, which is exactly why I like it. Every big variable — cabin fee, snub-nosed rule, booking deadline, cold cutoff — has a clean number attached. When I first booked Luna's flight I mapped all four in one row and never had to guess. Get those columns filled and Alaska becomes very predictable.
Alaska Airlines's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
How Alaska Airlines handles your pet Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets in cabin Pets that fit in an under-seat carrier can travel in a cabin verified 2026-08-21 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✓ NoAlaska Airlines does not allow brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats to travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold. Restricted dog breeds include Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all breeds), Bull Terrier, Brussels… verified 2026-08-28 Minimum age 8 weeks Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned. verified 2026-08-19 Advance booking notice 48 hours Reservations Reservations for your pet to fly with you in the cabin should be made at least 48 hours prior to departure by contacting Alaska Airlines’ reservation team Reservations Reservations for your… verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking required ✓ YesPlease contact Alaska Airline at 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522) to add your pet to your reservation. verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per flight 1 November 1 – January 31 and March 1 – April 1: Only 1 pet is accepted per aircraft as checked baggage on flights to or from Hawaii verified 2026-07-20 Booking method contacting Alaska Airlines’ reservation team Reservations Reservations for your pet to fly with you in the cabin should be made at least 48 hours prior to departure by contacting Alaska Airlines’ reservation team. verified 2026-08-19 Banned destinations ✗ YesThese pets may travel in the cabin if carrier requirements are met, but Alaska Airlines may limit travel due to extreme temperatures, seasonal embargoes, or route restrictions, particularly to and from Hawai‘i. verified 2026-07-20 Max per flight 1 Between November 1 and January 1, only one pet per flight to Hawaii will be accepted. verified 2026-07-20 Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesYour pet can fly in your lap, at your feet or beside you comfortably without being confined. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to anywhere you need to go on your time schedule, without the crowds or… verified 2026-07-20 Carrier size 43 × 28 × 19 cm For pets traveling in the cabin, hard-sided carriers must not exceed 17" x 11" x 7.5" (43 cm x 28 cm x 19 cm) and soft-sided carriers must not exceed 17" x 11" x 9.5" (43 cm x 28 cm x 24 cm). verified 2026-08-27 Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, absorbent liner, a carrier For pets traveling in the cabin, hard-sided carriers must not exceed 17" x 11" x 7.5" (43 cm x 28 cm x 19 cm) and soft-sided carriers must not exceed 17" x 11" x 9.5" (43 cm x 28 cm x 24 cm). verified 2026-08-27 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedto travel as checked baggage if the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg). verified 2026-08-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesAlaska Airlines does not allow brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats to travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold. Restricted dog breeds include Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all breeds), Bull Terrier, Brussels… verified 2026-08-14 Hold: One-way fee 150 USD The cost for a pet to fly in the baggage compartment is $150 verified 2026-07-21 Hold: Minimum age 8 weeks Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old to travel as checked baggage. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking notice 24 hours Reservations for pets are accepted up to 24 hours prior to departure (subject to space availability) for all animals traveling. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesPlease contact Alaska Airlin Please note that pets may not travel in as baggage on Alaska flights flown on Airbus planes, as these do not have a climate-controlled cargo space - please check the airplane type for your… verified 2026-08-19 Hold: Max pets per flight 1 November 1 - January 31 and March 1 - April 1: Only 1 dog and/or cat is accepted per aircraft as checked baggage on flights to or from Hawaii verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesInformation Sedation is not recommended unless prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. verified 2026-08-25 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 68 kg …fish to travel as checked baggage if the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg). verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Pets must be provided with food and water bowls attached to the interior. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets that may travel in the climate-controlled baggage and cargo compartments include: cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot bellied pigs, rabbits, a Rules for… verified 2026-08-13 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesAlaska Airlines does not allow brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats to travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold. Restricted dog breeds include Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all breeds), Bull Terrier, Brussels… verified 2026-08-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list French Bulldog English Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Chow Chow Brussels Griffon Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff Brachycephalic breeds with restricted breathing are not permitted transport in the cargo hold on any Alaska Airlines flight. Dogs: American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels… verified 2026-08-28 Cargo: Minimum age 8 weeks Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and must have been fully weaned and accustomed to take solid food and has d Pets that may travel… verified 2026-08-19 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesPlease contact Alaska Airline at 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522) to add your pet to your reservation. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Max pets per flight 1 November 1 – January 31 and March 1 – April 1: Only 1 pet is accepted per aircraft as checked baggage on flights to or from Hawaii verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Pets must be provided with food and water bowls attached to the interior. verified 2026-08-02 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesIf an animal is being transported by a breeder, dealer, or research facility, then the health certificate must have been issued within 10 days verified 2026-08-01 Health certificate validity 10 days Forms Required A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of initial travel and within 30 days of return travel on the same itinerary is required for all pets flying in the cabin. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate validity 30 days Department of Agriculture to have a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of travel. verified 2026-07-25 Quarantine · Type Quarantine Station on Pets to Hawaii requirements contact: Hawaii Department of Agriculture Animal Quarantine Station 99-951 Halawa Valley Street Aiea, Hawaii 96701-5602 (808) 483-7151 [email prote verified 2026-07-06 Quarantine · Duration 120 days requires that dogs and cats not meeting the requirements of any of the above programs will be quarantined for 120 days. verified 2026-08-28 Health certificate · Issuer a licensed veterinarian Department of Agriculture to have a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of travel. verified 2026-08-19 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesForms Required A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of initial travel and within 30 days of return travel on the same itinerary is required for all pets flying in the cabin. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ YesProof of rabies vaccination is required for animals traveling within the state of Alaska or when traveling across state lines. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 8 weeks Age requirements Pets must be at least 8 weeks old, fully weaned and eating solid food for a minimum of five days prior to dep verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate valid within days · Health certificate valid within days 10 days Forms Required A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of initial travel and within 30 days of return travel on the same itinerary is required for all pets flying in the cabin. verified 2026-07-20 Other rules Minimum age 8 weeks Age requirements Pets must be at least 8 weeks old, fully weaned and eating solid food for a minimum of five days prior to departure. verified 2026-07-20 Emotional support animals allowed ✗ NoEmotional support animals are no longer accepted as service animals and may travel under Alaska Airlines' Pet Policy. verified 2026-07-20 Service & assistance animals Esa note Emotional support animals are no longer accepted Emotional support animals are no longer accepted as service animals and may travel under Alaska Airlines' Pet Policy. verified 2026-08-19 Fee waived ✓ YesGuests traveling with service animal can find eligibility and requirements in our accessible travel services section. Our Pet Connect@ animal travel program is available via Alaska and Hawaiian Air Cargo for pets… verified 2026-08-28 Recognized ✓ YesGuests traveling with service animal can find eligibility and requirements in our accessible travel services section verified 2026-08-27 Cabin allowed ✓ YesAll service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. verified 2026-08-28 Esa recognized ✗ NoEmotional support animals are no longer accepted as service animals and may travel under Alaska Airlines' Pet Policy. verified 2026-08-19 Training required ✓ YesThey must be trained by a person or organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a disability. verified 2026-07-20 Documentation required ✓ YesIf an animal is being transported by a breeder, dealer, or research facility, then the health certificate must have been issued within 10 days. verified 2026-08-19 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets in cabin Pets that fit in an under-seat carrier can travel in a cabin verified 2026-08-21 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✓ NoAlaska Airlines does not allow brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats to travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold. Restricted dog breeds include Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all breeds), Bull Terrier, Brussels… verified 2026-08-28 Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese Alaska Airlines does not allow brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats to travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold. Restricted dog breeds include Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all breeds), Bull Terrier, Brussels… verified 2026-07-20 Minimum age 8 weeks Age requirements Pets must be at least 8 weeks old, fully weaned and eating solid food for a minimum of five days prior to departu d under the seat. verified 2026-08-19 Advance booking notice 48 hours Reservations Reservations for your pet to fly with you in the cabin should be made at least 48 hours prior to departure by contacting Alaska Airlines’ reservation team Reservations Reservations for your… verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking required ✓ YesPlease contact Alaska Airline at 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522) to add your pet to your reservation. verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per flight 1 November 1 – January 31 and March 1 – April 1: Only 1 pet is accepted per aircraft as checked baggage on flights to or from Hawaii verified 2026-07-20 Booking method counter …Inspection Permit is required on all pets arriving in Hawaii out islands. Check in Check in at the ticket counter should be no more than 2 hours ahead of departure. verified 2026-08-28 Carrier size 43 × 28 × 19 cm Carrier Guidelines For pets traveling in the cabin, hard-sided carriers must not exceed 17" x 11" x 7.5" (43 cm x 28 cm x 19 cm) and soft-sided carriers must not exceed 17" x 11" x 9.5" (43 cm x 28 cm x 24 cm). verified 2026-07-20 Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, absorbent liner, a carrier Carrier Guidelines For pets traveling in the cabin, hard-sided carriers must not exceed 17" x 11" x 7.5" (43 cm x 28 cm x 19 cm) and soft-sided carriers must not exceed 17" x 11" x 9.5" (43 cm x 28 cm x 24 cm). verified 2026-07-20 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets in cabin policies Pets in baggage compartment Pets can travel in our climate-controlled baggage compartment under-seat carrier can travel in a cabin. verified 2026-08-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesAlaska Airlines does not allow brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats to travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold. Restricted dog breeds include Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all breeds), Bull Terrier, Brussels… verified 2026-08-14 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese Alaska Airlines does not allow brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats to travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold. Restricted dog breeds include Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all breeds), Bull Terrier, Brussels… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: One-way fee 150 USD The cost for a pet to fly in the baggage compartment is $150 verified 2026-07-21 Hold: Minimum age 8 weeks Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and must have been fully weaned and accustomed to take solid food and has d Rules for Breastmilk,… verified 2026-08-19 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesPets flown by Alaska Airlines as air cargo through their Pet-Connect program Reservations Reservations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the departure date. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Booking method reservation team Reservations Reservations for your pet to fly with you as checked baggage should be made as soon as possible after you book your flight by contacting Alaska Airlines’ reservation team verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesPitbull Presna Canario Cane Corso American Bully Staffordshire Terrier Dogo Argentino Private Jet Charter Another option for pet owners who do not want their pet to fly in the cargo hold is a pet-friendly private jet… verified 2026-08-25 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 68 kg …fish to travel as checked baggage if the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg). verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier For pets traveling in the hold, carriers must not exceed the dimensions 30" x 27" x 40" (76 cm x 68 cm x 101 cm). Carriers must be solid, have handles, a dequate air ventilation, and a sturdy roof. Pets must be provided… verified 2026-08-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesAlaska Airlines does not allow brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats to travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold. Restricted dog breeds include Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all breeds), Bull Terrier, Brussels… verified 2026-08-14 Cargo: Minimum age 8 weeks Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and must have been fully weaned and accustomed to take solid food and has done Pets that may… verified 2026-08-19 Cargo: Advance booking notice 24 hours Pets flown by Alaska Airlines as air cargo through their Pet-Connect program Reservations Reservations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the departure date. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesPlease contact Alaska Airline at 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522) to add your pet to your reservation. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Max pets per flight 1 November 1 – January 31 and March 1 – April 1: Only 1 pet is accepted per aircraft as checked baggage on flights to or from Hawaii verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Carrier size 68 cm For pets traveling in the hold, carriers must not exceed the dimensions 30" x 27" x 40" (76 cm x 68 cm x 101 cm). verified 2026-08-14 Cargo: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier For pets traveling in the hold, carriers must not exceed the dimensions 30" x 27" x 40" (76 cm x 68 cm x 101 cm). verified 2026-08-14 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesTravel to Mexico: Only dogs and cats may be accepted for travel via Baggage and Carry-on Baggage, provided the following Mexican regulations are met: All pets traveling to Mexico are required to have a Health… verified 2026-08-26 Health certificate validity 10 days Forms Required A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of initial travel and within 30 days of return travel on the same itinerary is required for all pets flying in the cabin. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate validity 30 days Department of Agriculture to have a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of travel. verified 2026-07-25 Health certificate · Validity days 10 days Forms Required A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of initial travel and within 30 days of return travel on the same itinerary is verified 2026-07-20 Other rules Minimum age 8 weeks Age requirements Pets must be at least 8 weeks old, fully weaned and eating solid food for a minimum of five days prior to departure. verified 2026-07-20 Alaska Airlines asks that pet reservations be arranged at least 48 hours before departure through its reservations team, not the app. Slots per cabin are capped, so the deadline is effectively a race. Book the pet the same hour the seat is ticketed, and get a confirmation number, because an unconfirmed request 48 hours out is the same as no booking.
Alaska Airlines will not move a pet once temperatures fall below -6.6 °C (20°F). Below 45°F an acclimation certificate is required first, and past -6.6 °C the answer is simply no. For any winter routing, check the coldest connection point, since a single sub-zero leg cancels pet carriage for the entire ticket.
Flying a pet in the cabin on Alaska Airlines costs 100 USD each way, or 105 USD when departing from
Canada . Count both directions when you build the budget, and note the Canada surcharge if any segment starts there. Have the fee ready at the counter, because the cabin slot is only confirmed once the charge clears.
Alaska rewards the list-makers: one row with the 100 USD cabin fee, the 48-hour booking deadline, the snub-nosed limit, and the cold cutoff answers almost every question before it comes up. Fill that row and there are no surprises at the gate. Let Pawgo build the personalized plan so your spreadsheet and your itinerary finally match.
Glossary
ISO chip ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard. FAVN Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations. Brachycephalic Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk. AVIH Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
