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How Strict Is United Pet Policy?

By flightshelpcenter

Published on December 15, 2025

United Airlines operates one of the most restrictive and tightly enforced pet travel policies among major U.S. airlines. While the airline does allow small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin for a fee, United Pet Policy applies firm rules on carrier size, breed eligibility, documentation, and booking limits.. Larger pets face even greater restrictions, as United no longer offers general public pet cargo services and limits cargo travel to a narrow eligibility group.

This guide explains how United’s pet policy works, why travelers consider it strict, and what passengers must do to avoid airport denial on domestic and international flights.

Quick Verdict: Is United Strict on Pet Policy?

Yes. United Airlines is very strict with its pet policy. The airline consistently enforces in-cabin carrier size and under-seat placement, bans brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds without exception, and limits cargo pet travel almost entirely to active-duty military and U.S. State Department personnel. International pet travel adds additional layers of health, rabies, and country-specific requirements, making United one of the least flexible airlines for pet travel.

What Makes United’s Pet Policy So Strict?

United’s strict reputation comes from how the rules are enforced, not just what the rules say. Unlike airlines that allow occasional flexibility, United applies its pet policies consistently across airports and routes.

Key factors that make United stricter than most airlines include:

Mandatory under-seat carrier fit checks
Zero-tolerance breed restrictions\
No public cargo pet option
Documentation reviewed at check-in
Limited in-cabin pet slots per flight

For travelers, this means compliance is not optional—meeting every requirement is essential.

United Pet Policy In Cabin (Dogs & Cats Only)

United allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin on most domestic flights and select international routes, but only under tightly controlled conditions.

In-Cabin Pet Fee

$150 each way, per pet
Fee is non-refundable
Paid at airport check-in

Carrier Requirements (Strictly Enforced)

Carrier must fit fully under the seat in front of you
Hard-sided or soft-sided carriers allowed
Pet must be able to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably
Carrier must remain closed at all times

United agents routinely deny boarding if the carrier does not fit properly, even when passengers have already paid the pet fee.

Breed Restrictions: No Exceptions for Snub-Nosed Pets

United maintains one of the strictest breed policies in the industry.

The airline does not accept brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds in either cabin or cargo due to respiratory risk. This applies regardless of age, size, or travel distance.

Commonly restricted breeds include:

Bulldogs
Pugs
Boxers
Persian cats
Himalayan cats

There are no waivers or exemptions for these breeds.

United Airlines Pet Policy Cargo (Pet Safe Program)

United no longer offers pet cargo services to the general public.

Current Cargo Eligibility:

Pet cargo travel is limited to:

Active-duty U.S. military members
U.S. State Department personnel

Additional Requirements:

Military or official orders
Health certificate
Advance approval (typically 5–10 days before travel)

As a result, most travelers cannot use cargo pet transport on United, which therefore significantly limits travel flexibility compared with airlines that still accept pets in cargo.

United Airlines Pet Policy for International Travel

International pet travel on United is highly regulated and often more complex than domestic travel.

Common requirements include:

Health certificate issued within a specific timeframe
Rabies vaccination (typically at least 28 days before departure)
Proof of pet age (usually 4 months or older)
Compliance with destination country import rules
Additional CDC restrictions for high-risk countries

Even when United approves your pet for travel, destination authorities can deny entry if you do not meet local import rules.

Domestic vs International Pet Travel on United (TABLE)

Category	Domestic Flights	International Flights
In-cabin pets	Allowed (small pets only)	Limited
Cargo option	Not available to public	Military/State Dept only
Documentation	Minimal	Extensive
Enforcement	High	Very high

Airport Check-In and Rule Enforcement

United does not allow online or app check-in when traveling with a pet.

At the airport, agents will:

Inspect the pet and carrier
Verify under-seat fit
Review documentation (if required)
Collect the pet fee
Issue a pet travel tag

United is known for consistent enforcement, leaving little room for negotiation at the counter.

Why Pets Get Denied on United Flights

The most common reasons pets are denied include:

Carrier exceeds under-seat space
Pet belongs to a restricted breed
Missing or incorrect health documentation
Attempting cargo travel without eligibility
Limited pet slots already filled

Final Verdict: Is United Airlines Strict With Pets?

Yes. United Airlines enforces one of the strictest pet travel policies in the U.S. airline industry. While in-cabin travel is possible for small cats and dogs, the airline applies firm carrier, breed, and documentation rules with little flexibility. The lack of a general cargo option and strict international requirements make United best suited for travelers who can plan ahead and meet every requirement without exception.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is United Airlines strict with its pet policy?

Yes, many travelers consider United Airlines one of the strictest U.S. airlines for pet travel. The airline strictly enforces in-cabin carrier size, under-seat placement, and containment rules, applies breed restrictions without exceptions, and limits cargo pet travel to a narrow group of travelers. Passengers who fail to meet all requirements often face denial at check-in or boarding.

Is United strict with pet carrier size?

Yes. United focuses on real-world carrier fit rather than published dimensions alone. The carrier must slide completely under the seat in front of you and allow the pet to sit, stand, and turn comfortably. If the carrier does not fit properly or looks uncomfortable, United denies boarding even when passengers have already paid the pet fee.

How much does United charge to fly with a pet?

United charges $150 each way per pet for in-cabin travel; however, the airline applies the fee per direction, does not refund it, and accepts pets only when travelers meet all carrier, breed, and documentation requirements at the airport.

Does United Airlines allow pets in cargo?

For most travelers, United no longer transports pets as cargo. The airline allows only active-duty U.S. military members and U.S. State Department personnel to use the PetSafe program, and these travelers must obtain advance approval and provide extensive documentation.

Are brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dog breeds allowed on United?

No. United strictly prohibits brachycephalic dog and cat breeds from traveling in both the cabin and cargo due to health risks. United enforces this ban for all pets, regardless of their size, age, or travel distance, and it does not allow any medical or policy exceptions.

What documents are required for international pet travel on United?

Overall, international pet travel usually requires a valid health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination, which travelers must often complete at least 28 days before departure. Additionally, passengers must comply with destination-country import rules; moreover, some countries also require microchipping, extra testing, or prior quarantine approval.

Can I check in online if I’m flying with a pet on United?

No. United does not allow online or mobile check-in for passengers traveling with pets. Airport check-in is required so agents can verify the pet, carrier, documentation, and collect the pet fee.

Why do pets get denied on United flights?

Pets are commonly denied due to oversized carriers, restricted breeds, missing documentation, or limited in-cabin pet slots being full. United enforces these rules consistently, with little flexibility—especially during peak travel periods.

Is United stricter than Delta or JetBlue for pet travel?

In many cases, yes. United’s strict breed bans, lack of a general cargo option, and consistent enforcement make it less flexible than Delta or JetBlue, which offer broader pet travel options.