A Guide to American Airlines Pet Policy

Traveling with your pet in a plane  is never something to take lightly, with each airline having its own rules and restrictions. If you are planning to fly with American Airlines, it is essential to understand which species are accepted, what conditions apply, the required documentation and how to properly prepare your four-legged companion for a safe and stress-free journey.

Which Animals Are Accepted on American Airlines Flights?

American Airlines pet policy only allows dogs and cats to travel as pets on its flights. Other animals such as rabbits, birds, reptiles, or rodents (often referred to as “exotic pets“) are not permitted in the cabin or the cargo hold.

Size & Age Requirements

To travel in the cabin, your pet and its carrier must fit comfortably under the seat in front of you. The pet carrier’s dimensions are strictly regulated and must not exceed 46 cm (length) x 28 cm (width) x 28 cm (height) for a soft-sided carrier, or 48 cm (length) x 33 cm (width) x 22 cm (height) for a hard-sided one.

Larger or heavier pets are subject to specific transport conditions and must travel either in the hold or via American Airlines’ cargo service.

As for age, pets must be weaned and in good health. In general, puppies and kittens under 8 to 12 weeks old are not accepted on flights.

Breed Restrictions

As with many airlines, American Airlines pet travel policy imposes restrictions to certain animal breeds.

Brachycephalic breeds, i.e. with short or flat noses, are particularly sensitive to temperature changes and may experience breathing difficulties during the flight. To minimize any health risks, American Airlines reserves the right to limit or refuse the transport of these breeds.

For cats, this restriction applies mainly to breeds such as Burmese, Persian, Himalayan, and Exotic Shorthair, as well as their crossbreeds. Among dogs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Chow Chows, and Mastiffs are among the most commonly restricted breeds.

These precautions are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of animals throughout the journey. We recommend checking American Airlines’ pet policy before making a reservation and, if in doubt, consulting a vet to confirm that travel is safe for your pet.

Special Case: Travelling with a Service Dog

 American Airlines allows passengers to travel with service animals, provided they meet the criteria established by both the airline and the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT). To qualify as a service animal, your dog must be specifically trained to perform tasks related to your disability—whether physical, sensory, psychiatric, or cognitive.

Before your flight, you must complete and submit the “DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form,” confirming your dog’s health, behavior, and training. It is recommended to send this form at least 48 hours before departure through American Airlines’ Special Assistance team, or to present it directly at the airport counter on the day of travel.

If your journey includes a flight lasting more than eight hours, you will also need to submit an additional relief attestation form, ensuring that your animal can travel without creating any sanitation issues on board.

Once your documents are approved, the airline will issue a Service Animal ID (SVAN ID), valid for one year, which you can use for future trips.

On the day of travel, your dog must be clean, calm, and kept on a leash or harness at all times. It should be able to sit comfortably at your feet, under your seat, or on your lap if it is small enough.

Please note that any aggressive or disruptive behavior—such as barking, biting, or uncontrolled jumping—may result in the animal being denied access to the cabin. In that case, it will be treated as a regular pet, subject to the airline’s standard pet travel policies and applicable fees.

Finally, be aware that American Airlines pet policy no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals. They must now travel as regular pets.

American Airlines Pet Transport Options

The way your pet travels depends on its size, weight, breed, and sometimes even the destination country. American Airlines offers three main options for pet transportation: in-cabin, checked baggage (in the hold), or via cargo.

In the Cabin

 Small dogs and cats are allowed to travel in the cabin, provided their total weight (including the pet carrier) does not exceed 8 kg (18 lbs). Your pet must be placed in a soft-sided carrier with maximum dimensions of 46 × 28 × 28 cm (18 × 11 × 11 in), or a hard-sided carrier measuring 48 × 33 × 22 cm (19 × 13 × 9 in), properly ventilated and able to fit under the seat in front of you.

Important rules to know about American Arlines pet policy in cabin:

• Only one pet per passenger is allowed.
• The animal must remain inside its carrier for the entire duration of the flight.
• Your pet must behave calmly and be comfortable in a confined environment.

In the Hold

Pets weighing over 8 kg (18 lbs) but up to 75 kg (165 lbs) (including the crate) must travel in the cargo hold. They must be placed in an IATA-approved travel crate that is sturdy, well-ventilated, and spacious enough for your pet to stand, sit, and turn around comfortably. To learn more about selecting the right crate for your pet, visit our dedicated guide: the suitable cage size for your pet.

The cargo hold on American Airlines aircraft is pressurized and temperature-controlled to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort. However, seasonal restrictions may apply — for example, during periods of extreme heat, pet transport in the hold may be temporarily suspended on certain routes (such as destinations in the Southern U.S. or the Caribbean).

In Cargo

If your pet weighs more than 75 kg (165 lbs) (including the crate), belongs to a restricted breed, or if you are not traveling on the same flight, transportation must be arranged through American Airlines Cargo.

With Air Transport Animal, you can benefit from comprehensive assistance in organizing this type of transport, thanks to our network of trusted partners.

What Are the Guidelines for Pet Travel with American Airlines?

Before flying with American Airlines, pet owners must ensure all health, identification, and crate requirements are met. These guidelines help guarantee a safe and comfortable journey for both the animal and the passengers. 

To be accepted on board, your pet must:

• Be identified by a microchip or tattoo
• Be fully vaccinated, including a valid rabies vaccination, which is mandatory for entry into the United States and many other destinations
• Have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days prior to departure
• Possess a pet passport or vaccination record

If your pet is traveling in the cargo hold, you must use an IATA-approved travel crate suited to your pet’s size and weight. The crate should allow your pet to stand, sit, and turn around comfortably.

For added comfort and safety:

• Line the bottom with an absorbent pad or soft blanket
• Avoid placing choke collars, leashes, or hard toys inside the crate
• Attach the water bowl securely to the door so that ground staff can easily refill it

Each destination country has its own rules for importing pets. Some may require quarantine, blood tests, or additional vaccinations. Always check these requirements with your airline, veterinarian, and/or local authorities before traveling.

How to Book Pet Travel on American Airlines?

Booking your pet’s transport is not automatic when purchasing a flight ticket. You must contact American Airlines directly or get in touch with your travel agency to add your pet to your reservation.

Here are the steps to follow to book pet travel with American Airlines:

1. Once your flight is booked, notify American Airlines that you will be traveling with a pet.
2. Call the airline’s customer service or log into your booking account on the American Airlines website or mobile app.
3. Go to the “Additional Services” section to add a pet to your cabin reservation.
4. Review and accept the airline’s terms and conditions for pet transport.
5. Select the flights on which your pet will travel.
6. Confirm your pet’s presence to finalize the booking modification.
7. Check the health and entry requirements of both your departure and destination countries.
   

For added peace of mind, Air Transport Animal can handle the entire booking process and coordinate your pet’s transport, ensuring all formalities and requirements are properly met.

How to Prepare Your Pet for Its Flight?

Flying can be a stressful experience for pets. Proper preparation helps ensure their comfort and safety throughout the journey.

Getting Your Pet Used to the Crate

A few weeks before the flight, place the crate or carrier in your home and let your pet explore it freely. Add familiar items like toys or a blanket so your pet associates the space with security and comfort.

Feeding and Exercise

Avoid feeding your pet right before departure to reduce the risk of discomfort or motion sickness. Make sure your pet has time for a walk or play session before the flight to expend energy and stay relaxed during travel.

Veterinary Visit

A pre-flight veterinary check-up is essential to:

• Verify your pet’s health and fitness to fly
• Update vaccinations
• Obtain the health certificate required by American Airlines international pet policy

 Tips for Comfort During the Flight

• Line the crate with an absorbent pad or a familiar blanket
• Use spill-proof bowls for water and food
• Include a piece of clothing with your scent to reassure your pet during the journey