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Alaska Airlines Pet Policies
Traveling with Pets on Alaska Airlines
Space for pets traveling in the cabin or in the cargo compartment is limited and subject to availability. For air travel on Alaska Airlines, Pen Air and ERA Aviation, please contact Alaska Airlines Reservations at 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522) .
When traveling with your pet in the cabin, the pet is considered your carry-on item. A personal item (e.g. purse, briefcase, laptop) is the only additional item which may be brought onboard. [AMZ asins='B00QHC01C2,B00AAPGA2W,B000633ZOY,B0B77BRG75']
If your travel plans include travel on another airline, please contact the airline directly to reserve space, determine fees and obtain additional information about traveling with your pet on the other airline. Please note that Alaska Airlines does not transfer pets traveling in the baggage compartment to other carriers. Pets must be claimed and rechecked to the connecting carrier.
Reservations for pets are accepted up to 24 hours prior to departure (subject to space availability) for all animals traveling.
Health and Vaccination Requirements
All pets crossing state borders, with the exception of guide dogs, are required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to have a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of travel. If an animal is being transported by a breeder, dealer, or research facility, then the health certificate must have been issued within 10 days. All animals crossing state borders to a cold weather destination are required to have a veterinarian's note on the health certificate that they are acclimated to temperatures below 45° F. It is the responsibility of the customer to obtain this certification.
Proof of rabies vaccination is required for animals traveling within the state of Alaska or when traveling across state lines. Proof of Parvo Virus vaccination is required before an animal can be transported to Nome or Kotzebue. Service animals traveling with a passenger are exempt from these certifications, though they are required to be in a working harness that identifies them as a service animal.
Only pets in good health are permitted. Any pet in a kennel too small or in obvious distress due to illness or injury will be refused travel. A Reservation Sales Agent or Customer Service Agent can provide further information about documentation requirements.
Note: For travel to Canada or Mexico, refer to the International Travel section below for additional health and vaccination requirement information.
Pets flying to Hawaii
Alaska Airlines accepts only dogs and cats for travel to Hawai'i. Because of Hawaii's unique status as the only rabies-free state, and because of strong headwinds at certain times of year, there are additional requirements for travel.
Animals arriving without proper documentation may be quarantined for up to 120 days in Honolulu at the owner's expense. Alaska Airlines is not responsible for any costs incurred should you arrive in Hawaii without the proper health documentation.
February:
No dogs and/or cats are accepted as checked baggage on flights to or from Hawaii.
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. Please contact Alaska Airlines reservations for availability on your desired flights.
April 2 - October 31:
Standard pet allowance for dogs and cats applies. Please contact Alaska Airlines reservations for availability on your desired flights.
Pets in the Cabin on Alaska Airlines
The pet carrier counts toward your carry-on bag allotment. You may bring either a pet carrier and a personal item, or a pet carrier and a standard size carry-on bag. You may not board the aircraft with a pet carrier, a standard size carry-on, and a personal item.
The fee for flying with a pet in the cabin on Alaska Airlines is $100 each way ($105 when flying from Canada). Please contact Alaska Airline at 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522) to add your pet to your reservation.
Pets allowed in the passenger cabin are dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds. 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 so, without nursing, for a period of at least 5 days.
Up to 2 pets of the same species and similar size may travel in the same carrier, provided no body parts protrude from the carrier and the animals are not in distress. The pet fee is charged per kennel.
Pets must be small enough to fit and stay comfortably in a kennel under the seat.
The following carrier sizes are accepted for travel in the cabin:
Hard-sided Kennel Max Dimensions: 17" x 11" x 7.5"
Soft-sided Kennel Max Dimensions: 17" x 11" x 9.5"
The USDA and IATA have specific requirements for airline-approved kennels. We recommend that you obtain an approved carrier before travelling, as there is no guarantee that Alaska Airlines will have an approved kennel available for purchase at the airport.
Your pet carrier must be clean and leak-proof with absorbent bedding made of material that is safe and non-toxic to the animal. It must fully enclose the animal and be escape-proof, with adequate air ventilation, and be in good shape free of tears, cracks or breaks.
Pets in the Baggage and Cargo Compartments on Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines accepts most small domesticated pets. Other pets may be accepted with approval. Pets 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, and tropical fish.
The cost for a pet to fly in the baggage compartment is $150. This fee is lower, $100 per pet, for travel wholly within the State of Alaska, active duty US Military, or US Military dependents on travel orders.
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 flight before making your booking.
The following regulations apply:
Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks of age and weaned.
No more than one live dog or cat, 6 months of age or older, may be transported in the same kennel.
No more than one live puppy, 8 weeks to 6 months of age, and weighing over 20 lbs, may be transported in the same kennel.
No more than two live puppies or kittens, 8 weeks to 6 months of age, that are of comparable size, and weighing 20 lbs or less each, may be transported in the same kennel.
The health of your pet is important. Due to health risks that could potentially result in the death of the animal, brachycephalic (shortnose) dogs/cats are only accepted for travel at owner's risk and excess valuation is not available. The following is a list of the affected breeds:
Dogs: American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire, Boston Terrier, Brussels Griffin, Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Chow Chow, Dutch Pug, English Bulldog, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Boxer, Japanese Spaniel, Pekinese Pug, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Terrier, Bulldog, Pug, Boxer.
Cats: Burmese, Exotic, Himalayan, Persian.
Climate-Controlled Baggage Compartment
When you check your pet using this transportation method, you must travel on the same flight(s) to your pet's destination. Check in at least one hour, but no more than two hours before departure. Your pet will be available for pick-up in the baggage claim area approximately 30 minutes after the flight arrives.
If your trip includes a transfer to another flight operated by Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, SkyWest Flight Series 3450-3499, PenAir, or Era Alaska, we will allow a maximum connection time of four hours for the animal at the connection city.
If your trip includes a transfer to any other airline, you must allow time to pick up your pet in the baggage claim area and re-check your pet with the connecting airline. Alaska Airlines does not transfer pets to other airlines.
If a delay prevents your pet's flight from departing, your pet may be placed in a kennel facility until it can be transported. Costs incurred due to weather-related delays are the responsibility of the pet owner.
Alaska Airlines will accept a pet and carrier combined weight of up to 150 lbs. Should the pet and carrier weigh 151 pounds or more, please contact Air Cargo for assistance and pricing.
Kennel Requirements on Alaska Airlines
The USDA and IATA have specific kennel requirements for safe pet travel. Alaska Airlines sometimes sells approved kennels at the airport, however we recommend buying an airline-approved kennel ahead of time as kennels for purchase may not always be available at the airport.
Alaska Airlines only accepts non-collapsible kennels when checking a pet in the cargo compartment. In addition, the kennel must:
Be of solid construction, escape proof with securely fastening doors, and able to withstand the rigors of normal transportation.
Not have permanently attached wheels. Detachable wheels must be removed to prevent kennel from rolling during flight.
Allow the animal to standup (head erect and not touching the top), lie down, turn around in a normal, comfortable position.
Contain a food and water dish clipped inside of the door.
Be clean and leak-proof, with absorbent bedding made of material that is safe and non-toxic to the animal.
The following carrier sizes are accepted on Alaska Airlines:
Cabin (Size 50) 7.5 x 12 x 17 inches
Extra Small (Size 100) 15 x 16 x 21 inches
Small (Size 200) 19 x 20 x 27 inches
Medium (Size 300) 23 x 22 x 32 inches
Large (Size 400) 26 x 24 x 36 inches
Extra Large* (Size 500) 30 x 27 x 40 inches
*Extra Large kennels (Size 500) are only accepted on Alaska Airlines flights 001-2999
Extreme Outdoor Temperatures
Extreme hot and cold temperatures can pose a health risk to pets. In summer, choose early morning or late evening flights. In winter, choose mid-day flights. Whenever possible, book nonstop or direct flights. If temperatures at the origin, destination, or connecting airports exceed certain limits, Alaska Airlines may decline acceptance for the animal's welfare.
International Travel
Travel to Canada: Animals may be accepted for travel via Baggage, Cargo, and Carry-on Baggage provided all regulations are met.
Travel 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 Certificate. Pets three months and older are also required to have a rabies vaccination.
The Health Certificate:
Must be issued within ten days of travel
Must be on official printed letterhead with a copy of the veterinary license.
Must indicate the health status of the pet
Description shall match that of the pet (e.g. age, breed, color, sex, etc.)
Must indicate the passenger's name, address origin and destination
Must state the pet has received a preventive parasite treatment or that they are free of internal and external parasites (This may also be indicated on a separate vaccination card.)
Your pet must have been vaccinated against rabies within 12 months prior to entry into Mexico (except for pets less than three months of age), regardless if the vaccination is valid longer in the United States or other foreign country.
No bedding or similar materials are allowed to enter when packed in the kennel with the pet. Shredded paper or absorbent pads are acceptable.
Only enough food for a days travel is acceptable.
Service and Emotional Support Animas on Alaska Airlines
Alaska will accept only service dogs which are trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability. Emotional support animals are no longer accepted as service animals and may travel under Alaska Airlines' Pet Policy.
If travel includes destinations outside the United States, it is important to note that some countries have restrictions on animals transiting through or destined for their country. A Reservations Agent will be glad to check a specific itinerary for any restrictions that may apply.
Warning: It is a Federal crime to make materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements, entries, or representations knowingly and willfully on the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form to secure disability accommodations provided under regulations of the United States Department of Transportation (18 U.S.C. § 1001).
Service Animals
There is no additional charge to travel with a working service animal.
Travelers accompanied by a service animal may ship their animal's kennel as a checked bag free of charge.
Properly harnessed service animals may sit at the traveler's feet, unless the service animal is too large and obstructs an aisle or other area used for emergency evacuations.
We will make every attempt to seat a customer traveling with a service animal in a row with the most legroom.
Window seating is also recommended so the service animal is safe from foot traffic.
A harness, tag or vest indicating status as a service animal will be helpful in distinguishing them to airport personnel. However, credible verbal assurance that the animal is providing a service to assist with a disability will suffice, should an inquiry be made.
You can view a list of airport Animal Relief Areas shown above on this page.
A service animal must occupy the traveler's space and can not occupy a seat or obstruct aisles or areas that must remain clear for emergency evacuation. If the service animal does not fit the area available, the Customer Service Agent will:
Find an alternate flight with more room for the traveler and the service animal; or,
If the service animal is not needed during the flight, we will transport the service animal in an owner provided crate in the climate-controlled cargo area of the aircraft. The animal will be immediately returned to the traveler upon deplaning. There is no additional charge for service animals that travel in the cargo area of the aircraft.
Alaska Airlines will accept service animals in training provided ALL of the following conditions are met:
The service animal is being transported by a trainer to the new owner/handler's home.
The trainer can identify the new owner's/handler's name and home city.
The trainer can provide documentation on official letterhead noting the service animal has successfully completed training.
Hawaii Entry Requirements
Guide and Service dogs that meet the State of Hawaii entry requirements may accompany a traveler with a qualified disability to/from Hawaii without quarantine, providing all appropriate steps are followed.
There are restrictions regarding the entry of guide and service dogs into Hawaii and it is strongly advised that all required documents are sent to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture Rabies Quarantine Branch well ahead of your intended arrival date.
It is the responsibility of the customer to contact the Hawaii Department of Agriculture directly for specific details regarding travel with a guide or service dog to Hawaii. They can be contacted via telephone at 808-483-7151 or you may visit their website www.hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/guide-service-dogs-entering-hawai-i for more information.
Pet Embargos
Hawaii:
Alaska Airlines accepts cats and dogs only for travel to and from Hawaii. Because of Hawaii's unique status as the only rabies-free state, there are additional requirements for travel.
Traveling with Pets to Hawaii
Alaska Airlines' standard pet fees and guidelines apply to travel to and from Hawaii. Additionally, due to Hawaii's unique status as the only rabies-free state, there are strict guidelines and specific programs that must be completed before your pet will be accepted into the State of Hawaii.
Alaska Airlines reserves the right to deny boarding to any pet who has not met the State of Hawaii's animal quarantine requirements.
What You Need to Know To Travel with Your Pet to Hawaii
Hawaii is the only state that is rabies-free. It is important that Hawaii maintain that status. The introduction of rabies would have dire circumstances, not only for public health, but would have an adverse affect on Hawaii's unique eco-system, tourism, as well as local lifestyle.
To prevent rabies from entering the state of Hawaii, the current law requires that dogs and cats complete one of the following programs. Please note that it can take 4 - 10 months to qualify a pet for acceptance into the state.
Rabies 5-day-or-less Quarantine Program
Direct Airport Release at Kona, Lihue, and Kahului Airports
Hawaii Resident Pets
Service/Guide Dogs
Rabies 120-Day Quarantine
The forms and requirements for each of these programs can be found on the State of Hawaii
Department of Agriculture Web site.
Note: Hawaii state law requires that dogs and cats not meeting the requirements of any of the above programs will be quarantined for 120 days. Pet owners are responsible for any fees incurred due to non-compliance with Hawaii's quarantine requirements.
Contact Information
For all questions 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 protected]
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