United Pet Fee (2025) – How Much Does United Airlines Charge for Pets?

United Airlines allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on eligible flights, but the airline charges a mandatory pet fee that applies per pet and per direction of travel. In 2025, United’s pet fee is straightforward for in-cabin travel but often misunderstood due to cargo restrictions, refund rules, and strict carrier enforcement at the airport.

This guide explains how much the United pet fee costs, what it covers, when it applies, whether it’s refundable, and how United handles pet fees for cargo and international travel.

United Airlines Pet Fee at a Glance

United Airlines charges a pet fee of $150 each way for small cats and dogs traveling in the cabin on eligible flights. The fee applies per pet, per one-way trip, and is collected at airport check-in. United does not offer pet cargo services to the general public, and pet fees are non-refundable if a pet fails to meet carrier, breed, or eligibility requirements. Only a limited number of pets are accepted per flight, so booking early is strongly recommended.

Major Key Takeaways United Pet Fee Facts (2025):

• In-cabin pet fee: $150 each way
• Applies to: Small dogs and cats only
• Carrier: Must fit under the seat
• Cargo fees: Not available to the public
• Refunds: Not provided for ineligible pets

Why United’s Pet Fee Feels Strict

Many travelers perceive United’s pet fee policy as strict because the airline enforces its pricing and eligibility rules with little room for discretion at the airport. Unlike airlines that allow limited flexibility once a fee is paid, United treats the pet fee as conditional on full compliance at check-in, meaning payment alone does not guarantee approval. This approach prioritizes safety and regulatory consistency but can feel rigid for passengers who are unprepared.

United’s pet fee feels especially strict because:

• The fee is charged per direction, increasing total cost for round-trip travel
• There is no flexibility for oversized carriers, even if they are only slightly over the limit
• United does not offer a public cargo option, eliminating a backup plan
• Breed restrictions are absolute, with no waivers or medical exceptions
• Pet fees are non-refundable if a pet is denied due to eligibility issues

The advantage of this structure is clarity—United’s pet fee rules are clearly defined and consistently enforced—but for many travelers, the lack of flexibility makes the policy feel more restrictive than other major U.S. airlines.

Let’s Know – How Much is the Pet Fee for United Airlines Reservations

United Airlines charges a fixed pet reservations fee of $150 per pet, per direction for small cats and dogs traveling in the cabin. This fee structure is straightforward but strictly applied, meaning the cost does not change based on ticket price, seating class, or route complexity. United treats the pet fee as a separate service charge, independent of airfare and other optional fees, and collects it only after verifying eligibility at the airport.

The $150 in-cabin pet fee applies regardless of:

• Ticket class (Economy, Economy Plus, or premium cabins where pets are allowed)
• Fare type, including basic or discounted fares
• Whether the flight is nonstop or connecting

For round-trip itineraries, passengers must pay the pet fee twice—once for the outbound flight and once for the return. United does not allow pet fees to be prepaid online; instead, the fee is collected at the airport check-in counter, where carrier size, pet eligibility, and documentation are reviewed before travel approval is granted.

United Airlines In-Cabin Pet Fee (Carry-On Pets)

United’s pet fee applies only to in-cabin pets, which are treated similarly to a carry-on item.

Important details:

• The pet carrier counts as your carry-on or personal item
• Only one pet per traveler is allowed
• The carrier must remain under the seat for the entire flight
• Pets must stay inside the carrier at all times

If the carrier does not fit under the seat, United may deny boarding even if the pet fee has already been paid.

What the United Pet Fee Covers

The United pet fee covers:

• In-cabin transport for one eligible pet
• Space under the seat for the pet carrier
• Pet reservation confirmation on the flight

The fee does not include:

• Checked baggage or cargo transport
• Additional seating or legroom
• Onboard pet services
• Priority boarding or upgrades

United does not bundle pet fees with baggage or seat fees.

United Airlines Pet Cargo Fees (Pet Safe Program)

For most travelers, United Airlines does not offer pet cargo services, and therefore no standard cargo pet fee exists.

Current Cargo Policy

Cargo pet transport is limited to:

• Active-duty U.S. military personnel
• U.S. State Department employees

Eligible travelers must:

• Submit official orders
• Provide a health certificate
• Receive advance approval via United Pet Safe

Because cargo is not available to the public, most passengers cannot pay a pet cargo fee on United.

What Is United Airlines’ Pet Fee Refund Policy?

United applies a strict, non-refundable policy to most in-cabin pet fees, meaning once the pet fee is charged, it is usually not returned—even if the pet is unable to travel.

The airline treats the pet fee as a reservation-based service that depends on eligibility at the airport, and final approval is always subject to carrier size, breed restrictions, and documentation review at check-in.

Because these requirements are enforced at the airport, travelers remain responsible for ensuring full compliance before arrival. In most situations, United does not issue a refund if the pet fails to meet travel requirements or is denied boarding.

Refunds are not provided when:

• The pet does not meet under-seat carrier size or fit rules
• The pet belongs to a restricted or brachycephalic breed
• Required health or travel documentation is missing or invalid
• The pet is denied at check-in or boarding due to eligibility issues

The only situation where a refund may apply is if United cancels the flight and the pet does not travel on a rebooked itinerary. Outside of airline-initiated cancellations, pet fees are generally non-refundable.

Does United Fees Impact Breed Restrictions?

Yes, United enforces strict breed restrictions that directly impact the pet fee.

• Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are not accepted
• Applies to both dogs and cats
• No exceptions or waivers are offered

If a restricted breed is presented at check-in, the pet fee will not be refunded.

Domestic vs International United Airlines Pet Fees (TBL)

International routes may require additional health or rabies documentation, but the pet fee itself remains $150 each way for in-cabin travel.

Final Thoughts

United’s pet fee in 2025 is simple but strictly enforced. Passengers pay $150 each way for small cats and dogs traveling in the cabin, with no public cargo option and no refunds if eligibility rules are not met. Because carrier size, breed restrictions, and documentation are enforced consistently, travelers should prepare carefully before arriving at the airport.

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