Traveling with a pet can be one of the most exciting — and nerve‑wracking — parts of planning a trip. Whether it’s your dog, cat, or small animal buddy, knowing the Alaska Airlines Pet Policy inside and out helps make sure nothing gets lost in the shuffle at the airport. This guide breaks down all the main details you need to know, from pet types and carrier rules to fees, breed restrictions, and cargo travel.

What Pets Are Allowed

Alaska Airlines does allow pets on many flights, but there are firm rules about which animals can fly and how. Not every type of animal is acceptable, and even those that can travel are subject to limits.

In the cabin with you, only dogs and cats are typically accepted for travel. Until April 4, 2026, rabbits and household birds may fly in the cabin only if their tickets were purchased before June 5, 2025. After that, or on new bookings, these animals must go in cargo instead.

Some other animals — like ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, non‑poisonous reptiles, and rabbits (on eligible bookings) — are allowed through Alaska Air’s cargo service, known as Pet Connect. Cargo is a different booking system separate from passenger reservations.

Age and Health Basics

Before booking a flight with a pet, check these simple requirements:

• Minimum age: Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned.

• Health certificates: For pets traveling in cargo, Alaska Airlines requires a valid health certificate from a veterinarian. Typically this must be dated within 10 days of travel and may need to be valid for return trips as well.

• Wellness check: Even if a health certificate isn’t always required for in‑cabin pets, make sure pets are fit to fly, healthy, and acclimated to their carriers before a trip.

Note that different destinations (especially international ones) might have extra health documentation rules.

In‑Cabin Pet Rules

Who Can Ride in the Cabin

Only small dogs and cats are allowed in the passenger cabin under the seat in front of you. Younger animals must be weaned and healthy. As mentioned earlier, rabbits and household birds are grandfathered only through early 2026 on older bookings.

Service animals and properly documented emotional support animals (though ESA classifications are no longer separate under most airline rules) travel by different policies and typically follow service animal protocols.

Carrier Requirements

Pets in the cabin need to stay in their carriers the entire time, including during boarding, taxi, takeoff, and landing.

Carriers must meet specific size and style requirements:

• Soft‑sided carriers: Max outside dimensions are usually about 17″ x 11″ x 9.5″.

• Hard‑sided carriers: Slightly smaller max height around 7.5″ is typical.

• Carriers must fit completely under the seat in front of you.

• Pets must remain fully inside the carrier at all times — head and tail tucked in.

If a carrier doesn’t fit under the seat, a pet cannot fly in the cabin.

Weight and Number Limits

Carriers and their pets count toward your carry‑on allowance, so if you’re also bringing luggage, think ahead about space and weight.

Alaska Airlines generally allows only one pet carrier per passenger in the cabin at standard booking. In some cases, if two seats were purchased together, you may be able to bring two carriers, but that varies by flight and needs confirmation with reservations.

Inside one approved carrier, it’s usually limited to:

• One adult dog or cat, OR

• Up to two puppies or kittens of the same species and similar size (provided they are not distressed and meet weight restrictions).

Seating Rules

When flying with a pet in the cabin, there are a few seating quirks to keep in mind:

• You can’t sit in exit rows or bulkhead seats with a pet carrier because there isn’t appropriate under‑seat storage.

• Window or middle seats are generally better for pet comfort.

• Space for pets on each flight is limited — Alaska typically permits only a certain number of pet carriers in both First Class and Main Cabin on each plane.

Because capacity is finite, get your pet’s spot confirmed early by contacting reservations as soon as plans are set.

Pet Travel Fees

Fees vary depending on where your flight goes and how you travel with your pet. The Alaska Airlines Pet Policy sets these as per flight direction, and they are typically paid at the airport or during reservation changes.

In‑Cabin Fees

• Standard fee for pets traveling in the cabin is usually around $100 USD/CAD each way, per pet.

• If departing from Canada, that fee can be slightly higher (sometimes around $105).

These fees apply each direction of travel.

Checked Baggage / Hold Fees

When pets are too big for the cabin or if specific policies apply, they may travel in the baggage hold instead:

• Fee is commonly around $150 USD/CAD each way per pet.

• Reduced fees, often about $100, can apply for travel wholly within Alaska or when active duty U.S. military personnel and dependents are on official travel orders.

Fees depend on current Alaska Airlines terms and can change, so check directly with the airline before flying.

Breed and Safety Restrictions

Not all breeds are treated the same. Some pets are more vulnerable to airline travel conditions.

Brachycephalic Breeds

Short‑nosed breeds — such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and certain Persian cats — have extra respiratory risks. These pets:

• Are often not allowed to travel in the baggage hold due to health issues that can be made worse by altitude and limited airflow.

• May still fly in the cabin if they meet size, carrier, and vet health requirements.

Breed restrictions are always safety‑driven and can vary by flight and destination.

Cargo Travel via Pet Connect

If your pet is too large to fit under a cabin seat or can’t safely travel as checked baggage, Alaska Airlines’ Pet Connect cargo service is the alternative.

Who Uses Pet Connect

• Pets traveling without the owner onboard.

• Animals bigger than airline carry‑on or checked baggage limits.

• Pets not permitted in cabin or hold due to size or breed.

Cargo Requirements

Pet Connect requires:

• A sturdy, leak‑proof kennel that meets IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards.

• Food and water attached inside the crate for long flights.

• Valid health documentation.

• Booking well ahead of departure date, usually at least 24 hours before.

Cargo travel is climate‑controlled, but keep in mind some weather restrictions may still apply.

Reservations and Check‑In Tips

Here are some practical tips based on frequent traveler experiences and Alaska Airlines rules:

• Always reserve a pet spot with Alaska Reservations early — carrier availability is limited on each flight.

• When adding a pet to a reservation after booking, call the airline directly. Online booking tools may not always show pet availability.

• Bring all required documentation like health certificates and proof of vaccinations to check‑in. Cargo requires more paperwork than cabin travel.

• Arrive at the airport with extra time, especially if flying with a pet, to handle check‑in, carrier checks, and security screening calmly.

Special Notes and Real‑World Experiences

A few real experiences from travelers highlight how these policies work in everyday life:

• Space for pets in the cabin fills up fast, and having a confirmed pet reservation doesn’t always show up online — sometimes only agents can verify it.

• If multiple pets are traveling, booking adjacent seats and confirming with reservations is often necessary.

• Airline policy changes can happen, and things like options to book a separate seat for a pet in the cabin may be limited or changing.

Always check Alaska’s official site or call customer service before departure for the latest rules.

Final Advice Before You Fly

Understanding the Alaska Airlines Pet Policy isn’t just about checking a box before travel. It’s about comfort, safety, and planning so that pets are as stress‑free as possible. From knowing what animals are allowed where, to booking early, to making sure your carrier meets size rules — every detail counts. Preparing ahead and knowing what the airline expects makes flying with a furry friend much more enjoyable for everyone.

Whether your pet is riding under the seat or traveling by cargo, staying up to date on fees, documentation, and safety standards ensures a smoother trip for you and your four‑legged companion.