Updated for 2026 with current airline cargo programs, pricing, and safety data.

Flying Your Dog in Cargo: What to Know (2026)

The phrase “flying your dog in cargo” terrifies most dog owners, and honestly, some of that fear is warranted. The cargo hold of a commercial aircraft is a controlled but imperfect environment, and the history of pet air transport includes some genuinely tragic outcomes. But the reality in 2026 is more nuanced than the horror stories suggest. When done correctly — with the right airline, the right preparation, and the right crate — cargo transport is a reasonably safe option for dogs that are too large to fly in the cabin.

I have put two dogs through cargo flights — my 65-pound golden retriever, Oakley, flew cargo twice during a cross-country relocation, and I have helped dozens of readers navigate the process through this site. This guide covers the real safety data, airline-by-airline comparisons, step-by-step preparation, and the honest answer to the question every owner asks: is it safe?

The Safety Data: What the Numbers Actually Show

The Department of Transportation requires airlines to report pet incidents — deaths, injuries, and losses — that occur during air transport. Here are the most recent complete-year numbers:

DOT Pet Incident Reports (2024-2025)

Year	Animals Transported (est.)	Deaths	Injuries	Losses	Incident Rate
2024	~530,000	7	14	1	0.004%
2025	~560,000	5	11	0	0.003%

An incident rate of 0.003% to 0.004% means that for every 100,000 animals transported, approximately 3 to 4 experience an incident. For context, the fatality rate for human passengers on US airlines is approximately 0.0001% — so cargo pet transport carries roughly 30 times more risk than human air travel, but in absolute terms, the numbers are very small.

Important caveats:

• These numbers include all animals, not just dogs
• Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds account for a disproportionate share of fatalities — approximately 50% of all cargo pet deaths involve snub-nosed breeds
• Temperature-related incidents peak in summer months (June through August account for approximately 40% of annual incidents)
• Connecting flights carry higher risk than direct flights due to additional tarmac time

Airlines That Offer Cargo Pet Programs (2026)

Not all airlines transport pets in cargo, and the ones that do vary significantly in their programs, pricing, and track records.

Airlines With Active Cargo Pet Programs

Airline	Program Name	Price Range	Temperature Restrictions	Breed Restrictions
United	PetSafe	$400-$900	Below 85°F, above 10°F at all points	Snub-nosed dogs restricted Jun-Sep
American	AA Cargo PetEmbark	$350-$700	Below 85°F, above 45°F	No snub-nosed dogs year-round
Alaska	Pet Connect	$300-$650	Below 85°F, above 10°F	Snub-nosed dogs restricted May-Sep
Hawaiian	Cargo pet transport	$275-$500	Limited restrictions (mild climate)	Snub-nosed dogs restricted
Delta	Discontinued	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notable change for 2026: Delta permanently discontinued its cargo pet program (Delta Cargo Live Animals) in 2024 and has not reinstated it. Delta only allows in-cabin pets and service dogs. This is significant because Delta was historically the largest pet cargo transporter in the US.

Pet Transport Companies (Alternative to Airline Cargo)

If direct airline cargo does not suit your needs, several companies specialize in pet transport using dedicated vehicles, private charter flights, or managed airline cargo bookings:

Company	Service Type	Price Range	Best For
CitizenShipper	Ground transport network	$300-$1,500	Domestic ground transport
Air Animal	Managed airline cargo + ground	$1,000-$5,000	International relocations
PetRelocation	Full-service managed transport	$2,000-$10,000+	International door-to-door
K9 Jets	Private charter flights	$2,000-$8,000+	Dogs in cabin regardless of size

The private charter option has grown significantly since 2024. Companies like K9 Jets and Bark Air operate flights where dogs ride in the cabin with their owners regardless of size. Prices are premium, but the safety and comfort advantages over cargo are substantial.

Crate Requirements for Cargo Travel

Every airline has specific crate requirements for cargo travel, but they are all based on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations. Here are the universal requirements:

IATA-Compliant Crate Standards

Construction:

• Rigid construction (no soft-sided carriers)
• Made from fiberglass, metal, rigid plastic, or solid wood
• Ventilation on at least three sides (most airlines require four)
• No wheels (or wheels must be removed or rendered inoperable)
• Leak-proof solid bottom with absorbent material
• Secure latch mechanism that cannot be accidentally opened

Sizing: Your dog must be able to:

• Stand upright without touching the top of the crate
• Turn around in a full circle
• Lie down in a natural position with legs extended

How to measure:

• Length: Nose to base of tail + 2-4 inches
• Height: Top of head (or ears if erect) to floor + 2-3 inches
• Width: Widest point (usually shoulder width) + 2 inches on each side

Recommended Cargo Crates

Crate	Material	Sizes	Price	IATA Compliant
Petmate Sky Kennel Ultra	Rigid plastic	6 sizes (21”-48”)	$89-$179	Yes
Dakota 283 G3	Roto-molded plastic	3 sizes (28”-40”)	$279-$399	Yes
Gunner Kennel G1	Roto-molded polyethylene	3 sizes	$529-$699	Yes
Impact Airline Crate	20-gauge aluminum	4 sizes	$650-$1,100	Yes

The Gunner Kennel G1 offers maximum crash-tested protection. The Petmate Sky Kennel Ultra is the most commonly used cargo crate and is accepted by virtually every airline worldwide. It is the safe, affordable, standard choice. The Dakota 283 G3 is a step up in durability and ventilation and is increasingly popular for international transport.

Crate preparation:

• Write “LIVE ANIMAL” on the top and sides in letters at least 1 inch tall
• Attach a photo of your dog to the outside of the crate
• Attach a bag of your dog’s food to the top with feeding instructions
• Place your contact information and destination address on the crate
• Add absorbent bedding (a towel or puppy pad) to the bottom
• Attach a water dish that can be filled from outside the crate without opening the door
• Include a frozen water bottle that melts during the flight for hydration
• Do not lock the crate — use zip ties that airport personnel can cut in an emergency

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Your Dog for Cargo

4 to 6 Weeks Before

1. Vet visit. Schedule a health check. Most airlines require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) issued within 10 days of travel. Some international destinations require additional testing (rabies titers, blood tests) that can take weeks to process.

2. Crate acclimation. If your dog is not already crate-trained, start immediately. The crate should be a positive, comfortable space before it ever goes near an airport.

• Leave the crate in your living area with the door open
• Feed all meals inside the crate
• Toss treats and toys inside randomly throughout the day
• Build up to closing the door for increasing periods
• Practice with the crate in the car during short drives

3. Book the flight. Call the airline’s cargo pet program directly. Online booking is not available for most cargo pet programs. Book early — most airlines limit the number of animals per flight.

Key booking considerations:

• Book direct flights whenever possible (connecting flights double the risk)
• Choose early morning or late evening flights in summer to avoid peak heat
• Choose midday flights in winter to avoid extreme cold
• Avoid holiday travel when handling is rushed and delays are common

1 to 2 Weeks Before

4. Confirm all documentation.

• Health certificate (within 10 days of travel)
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Any destination-specific requirements (import permits, microchip documentation)
• Airline-specific forms (many require a signed agreement/waiver)

5. Practice the full routine.

• Put your dog in the fully assembled crate with bedding, water dish, and food
• Load the crate into your car
• Drive to the airport and back (without actually flying)
• This rehearsal reduces stress for both you and your dog on flight day

6. Talk to your vet about anxiety management. Anti-anxiety medication (trazodone, gabapentin) can reduce travel stress. Sedation is generally NOT recommended for cargo travel because sedated dogs cannot regulate body temperature or balance during turbulence. Discuss the difference between anxiolytics (reduce anxiety without sedation) and sedatives with your vet.

The Day Of

7. Exercise your dog. A 30 to 60-minute walk or vigorous play session before leaving for the airport helps your dog sleep during the flight.

8. Feed a light meal 4 hours before check-in. A full stomach increases nausea risk. Offer water up until check-in time.

9. Last potty break. Give your dog a thorough bathroom break at the airport or just before arrival.

10. Arrive early. Most airlines require cargo check-in 2 to 4 hours before departure. Arriving early ensures your dog is processed calmly without rushing.

11. Stay calm during handoff. Your dog reads your emotions. If you are anxious and tearful, your dog will be anxious. Be matter-of-fact, give a quick goodbye, and trust the process.

What Happens in the Cargo Hold

Understanding what your dog experiences during the flight helps contextualize the process:

Before takeoff:

• Your dog’s crate is loaded into the cargo hold by baggage handlers, typically through the same door as luggage
• The hold is dark — unlike the cabin, there are no windows
• Other cargo (luggage, packages) is loaded around the crate
• The hold is pressurized to the same level as the cabin
• Temperature control varies: most modern aircraft maintain 50-70°F in the cargo hold, but temperatures near the walls can be cooler

During the flight:

• The hold is loud — engine noise is significantly louder than in the cabin
• Vibration and turbulence are felt more strongly in the hold
• Most dogs sleep for the majority of the flight, especially if properly exercised beforehand
• The flight crew can check on the cargo hold temperature from the cockpit but cannot access it during flight on most aircraft

After landing:

• The crate is unloaded with other cargo
• Depending on the airline, you either pick up at the cargo facility or at a designated area in the terminal
• Check your dog immediately for signs of distress: excessive panting, vomiting, lethargy, or injury

Breeds That Should NOT Fly Cargo

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds are at significantly elevated risk during cargo transport. Their compromised airways make it harder to regulate body temperature and manage stress. Multiple airlines now ban these breeds from cargo entirely.

Breeds banned or restricted from most airline cargo programs:

• Bulldogs (English, French, American)
• Pugs
• Boston Terriers
• Pekingese
• Shih Tzus
• Lhasa Apsos
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (some airlines)
• Boxers (some airlines)
• Mastiffs (some airlines — varies)

If you have a brachycephalic breed, your options are:

1. In-cabin travel (if under the weight limit)
2. Ground transport
3. Private charter flights (K9 Jets, Bark Air)
4. Driving

Do not attempt to fly a brachycephalic dog in cargo by misrepresenting the breed. This is not just unethical — it is genuinely dangerous for your dog.

Cost Breakdown

Cargo pet transport is expensive. Here is a realistic budget:

Expense	Cost Range
Airline cargo fee	$300-$900
IATA-compliant crate	$89-$399
Health certificate	$100-$200
Required vaccinations (if not current)	$50-$150
Crate accessories (water dish, absorbent pads, labels)	$20-$40
Total	$559-$1,689

For international travel, add destination-specific costs like import permits ($100-$300), USDA endorsement of health certificates ($38), and any required quarantine fees.

Alternatives to Cargo

Before committing to cargo transport, consider whether these alternatives might work for your situation:

1. Drive. For domestic travel under 2,000 miles, driving with your dog is often cheaper, less stressful, and more enjoyable than flying cargo. A 2,000-mile drive takes 3-4 days with rest stops and costs roughly $500-$800 in fuel and hotels.

2. Pet-friendly airlines with cabin access for large dogs. Bark Air and K9 Jets offer cabin flights for dogs of any size. Prices range from $2,000 to $8,000 depending on the route.

3. Professional ground transport. Companies like CitizenShipper connect you with professional pet transporters who drive your dog to the destination. Costs range from $300 to $1,500 depending on distance.

4. Train travel. Amtrak allows dogs under 20 pounds in the cabin for $26 per trip. Not useful for large dogs, but worth mentioning for small-dog owners weighing options.

Post-Flight Checklist

When you reunite with your dog after a cargo flight:

• Check for visible injuries — cuts, scrapes, limping
• Offer water immediately — dehydration is common after flights
• Check the crate for signs of severe stress — destroyed bedding, blood, excessive urine
• Allow a decompression period — walk slowly in a quiet area, let your dog sniff and explore at their own pace
• Monitor appetite and bowel movements for 24-48 hours
• Watch for signs of delayed stress: excessive panting, reluctance to enter the crate, changes in behavior
• Contact your vet if anything seems abnormal

My Honest Take

After putting Oakley through two cargo flights and researching this topic extensively, here is my honest assessment: cargo transport is not ideal, but it is a reasonable option when no alternatives exist. The safety statistics are reassuring when you exclude brachycephalic breeds and temperature-extreme flights. The experience is stressful for dogs — more stressful than riding in the car or in the cabin — but most dogs recover quickly and show no lasting behavioral effects.

If I were relocating again, I would seriously consider driving or booking a pet-friendly charter flight before defaulting to cargo. The cost difference is significant, but the peace of mind is worth a great deal. For international relocations where driving is impossible and charter flights are unavailable or unaffordable, cargo remains the most practical option for large dogs.

The most important thing you can do is prepare thoroughly, choose the right airline and flight, and give your dog every advantage through crate training, exercise, and appropriate veterinary support.

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• Airline Pet Policies — Side-by-side comparison of every major airline’s pet policies, including cargo programs.
• Best Dog Travel Crates and Kennels — Detailed reviews of IATA-compliant crates for cargo and car travel.
• Fly With Large Dog in Cabin: Every Option — All the ways to get your big dog in the cabin instead of cargo.