United Airlines accepts dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs as checked baggage. Birds including parrots, cocktails and ferrets are accepted in the cargo area, whether or not you are on the same flight. Small dogs and cats over 8 weeks months old and household birds that fit comfortably in carriers underneath the seat in front of you, are accepted as carry-on.

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Pet Transportation Rules For In Cabin Travel

Fly with a small dog or cat. If your pet meets the requirements listed in United Airlines Pet Policy to travel in-cabin, you will need an approved airline pet carrier. You must notify United Airlines that you are traveling with a pet. Reservations cannot be made online.

Rules For Checked Baggage Or Cargo Travel

Fly with a larger dog or cat or other animal. If your pet is too large to fit under the seat, if it is an animal other than a dog or cat, or if it is a very long flight, United Airlines may transport your pet in the cargo section of the aircraft according to its regulations. This section of the cargo department has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin. <strong>TIP</strong>: Be sure to tell the Captain of the aircraft that your pet is flying in the cargo hold so that they can be sure to keep the temperature at the proper level. Find more tips on airline pet travel in cargo.

If your pet is traveling in the cargo section, whether through the cargo department or as checked baggage, it must be in a pet crate that is IATA compliant. Learn more about IATA compliant pet crates. We also suggest that you consider crate hardware for your pet's crate as more airlines are requiring it.

Is a Health Certificate Required?

Many airlines require a health certificate indicating that the pet is healthy enough for travel, is free of diseases communicable to humans and has been properly vaccinated, especially when traveling in the cargo section of the aircraft.

Hot and Cold Weather Restrictions

When runway temperatures are above 84F (29C) degrees at the departure airport, United Airlines may refuse to board your pet as cargo or checked baggage. When the weather is very cold with a runway temperature below 45F (7C) degrees at the time of departure, United Airlines may require what is called an Acclimation Certificate. Learn more about the pet travel airline temperature restrictions.

Rules For International Travel

If you are traveling to another country, United Airlines will want to see that you have the proper documents to enter that country with your pet. Most countries have their own version of a Veterinary Certificate. In addition, some countries require an Import Permit. Find pet passport forms and instructions in the Pet Travel Store.

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