Can Dogs Fly On United Airlines?

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: June 17th, 2023

Monika Wisniewska/Shutterstock

While traveling with your pet is exciting and can be a lot of fun, there are various factors you need to consider to make sure the trip is stress-free. This is particularly true when you’re flying with your dog, as every airline company has its own rules concerning pets onboard, whether they are flying in-cabin or in the cargo compartment of the aircraft. In case your flight is with United Airlines, these are the requirements and regulations you should have in mind before boarding with your four-legged friend in tow – read on to ensure a safe and stress-free trip for you and your dog.

What are the Rules for Dogs Flying on United Airlines?

United Airlines allows dogs to fly on their flights, both in the cabin and as checked baggage – depending on the size and the circumstances. However, there are certain guidelines and restrictions that need to be followed.

United Airlines allows small dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds to travel in the cabin of the aircraft on most flights within the United States. The pet and carrier combined must not exceed specific size and weight restrictions, and there is a limit to the number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight. It's important to note that there may be additional fees associated with bringing a pet with you in the plane cabin. There is a $125 fee each way for traveling with your pet. There is also a $125 fee for each layover of more than four hours for flights within the U.S. and more than 24 hours internationally. You cannot use travel credits to pay this fee.

What is more, pets must travel in either a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier. This carrier must fit under the seat in front of you or you cannot fly with your pet. There can only be one pet per carrier, and they must be able to stand up and turn around while inside. Of course, the carrier – both hard and soft one – needs to be perfectly secured and ventilated as well.

The only exceptions to the above rules are service animals, belonging to the U.S. military, the police, or handicapped individuals.

My choice for flying with a small dog or a cat would be a soft-sided carrier such as this one by Smiling Paws as it’s super simple and comfy. It’s great because it complies with most airlines’ rules in terms of dimensions for in-cabin travel, but once you’re checked in, you can expand it on any of the sides (or all sides, if space allows it) so your pet gets some extra comfort without breaking the rules. And a pro tip – always have some treats on hand if your pet gets nervous. A snack will keep them occupied, but I’d recommend dog treats with calming properties, such as these smoked bacon-flavored chews. Thanks to Ashwagandha, L-Theanine, L-Tryptophan, and other potent but natural calming ingredients, it will make sure your pooch stays cool as a cucumber during the flight.

Can Large Dog Breeds Fly on United Airlines?

Sadly, United Airlines currently does not allow dogs to travel in the cargo space. And since most medium and large dog breeds cannot fit in the classic “under the seat” carriers, this means that they won’t be able to fly. For a time, United Airlines operated a special PetSafe program, allowing large dog breeds to be transported in the cargo area of their planes. But, sadly, after several tragic pet deaths on both domestic and international flights, this company decided it is best for the program to stop entirely. It is currently not known whether such a program will ever resume.

Still, if you are a proud owner of a tiny pooch, you can rest assured that your pet will be transported safely. After all, they will be right there beneath your own seat, comfy in their transporting crate, and provided with your company and care.

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Can Dogs Fly On Delta Airlines?

Whether you’re going on your dream vacation or visiting your family for the holidays, it is only natural that you’d want your precious four-legged friend to be by your side. This is certainly possible – and a whole lot of fun – if you  travel by car, boat, or in a camper. But what about a plane? Every airline company has its own set of rules and regulations, so it’s essential to get the right information to ensure a safe and comfortable trip for your furbaby. Read on to learn can dogs fly on Delta Airlines and what you need to know before you embark on a trip with your pet.Are There Any Regulations for Dog Travel on Delta Airlines?Delta Airlines allows dogs to travel on their flights, but there are certain restrictions and guidelines that need to be followed. Delta has a specific pet policy that outlines the rules for traveling with pets. According to this policy, small dogs, cats, and household birds are allowed in the cabin of the aircraft on most domestic flights within the United States. However, there are restrictions on the number of pets allowed in the cabin, and they must be able to fit comfortably in a carrier under the seat in front of you. Needless to say, the carrier needs to be safe and properly ventilated. These are the special requirements as outlined by Delta Airlines:Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic (United States) travelYour pet must be 16 weeks old if traveling to the U.S. from another country and must be at least 15 weeks old when traveling to the European UnionOne pet is permitted per kennel with the following exceptions:One female cat/dog may travel with her un-weaned litter if the litter is between 10 weeks to 6 months of ageNo limit on the number of animals in the litter2 pets of the same breed and size between the age of 10 weeks and 6 months may be allowed to travel in 1 kennel as long as they are small enough to fit into a single kennel and are compatible – they will be charged as 1 petYour pet must be able to fit in a small, ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you and adhere to the following requirements:Be small enough to fit comfortably in a kennel without touching or protruding from the sides of the kennel and have the ability to move aroundThe kennel must fit under the seat directly in front of youThe soft or hard-sided kennels must be leak-proof and have ventilation openings on three sides (four sides for international travel)Maximum carry-on kennel dimensions are determined by your flight as the space under seats varies by aircraft, we recommend a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11” since this fits most aircraft typesMaximum carry-on kennel dimensions are determined by your flight – you should check your flight's aircraft dimensions to ensure your kennel will fitYour pet must remain inside the kennel (with door secured) while in a Delta boarding area (during boarding and deplaning), a Delta airport lounge, and while on board the aircraftCan Large Dog Breeds Travel on Delta Airlines?As you can see, small dogs, cats, and even birds can comfortably fly beside you, as long as you’re able to adhere to the company’s rules and requirements. But what about dogs that don’t “fit the bill”? No worries, they aren’t overlooked – they just can’t fly in the cabin with you. Delta also has guidelines for large breed dogs that cannot fit in a carrier under the seat. These dogs may be transported in the aircraft's cargo hold as checked baggage, subject to a different set of regulations and requirements. It's important to note that not all Delta flights accept pets in the cargo hold, so it's crucial to check with the airline if your flight can board a large breed dog. You should also be aware that there are exceptions to this rule that apply for passengers traveling with service animals and U.S. Military or U.S. State Department Foreign Service Offices, so if this applies to you, be sure to note that when booking the ticket(s).

Only Dogs and Cats Allowed on United Airlines Flights

As more and more airlines are making policies regarding what qualifies as an emotional support animal and is eligible for flying, United Airlines has said that beginning January 7, only dogs and cats will be allowed to act as emotional support animals on flights. Almost a year ago, United Airlines made the headlines because they drew the line at what qualified as an emotional support animal. They prohibited a passenger from bringing a peacock on board, saying that it couldn’t possibly be a valid emotional support animal. Related: Alaska Airlines Introduces Stricter Policies for Emotional Support Animals Now, in the wake of Delta Airlines recently changing their emotional support animal policy, United has decreed that from January 7, 2019 on–only cats and dogs will be allowed to fly as emotional support animals. As far as service animals in general, they are only considering dogs, cats and miniature horses, just as Delta is. United has also said that emotional support cats and dogs will only be allowed on flights that are under eight hours, as they’ve seen onboard incidents increase on longer flights that have those animals. They believe this is due to the extended amount of time the animals are subjected to being in the cabin of the plane, and want to take care of their furry passengers too. A final change in their policy involves the allowing of kittens or puppies under four-months-old being considered as emotional support animals, in-cabin pets or service animals on any flight. They believe that animals under that age have not been sufficiently vaccinated to be safe for others, nor have they had enough training to constitute the rigorous standards that go into support animal training. Related: New Year Ushers in New Fake Service Dog Law For Hawaii If you’ve already booked a flight before January 3, 2019 that will include any animals the change affects, you will still be able to fly, provided you can still show the proper documentation and the animal falls under the previous policy guidelines. The airlines say this is part of their ongoing efforts to ensure the well-being of their employees and customers at the same time they make accommodations for passengers with disabilities. So leave your bearded dragons, sloths and peacocks at home.

American Airlines Lets Dogs Fly Cuddle Class In Luxe Pet Cabins

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New UK Television Show Believes Dogs Can Fly… a Plane

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How to Tell Your Cats Are About to Fight, According to Scientists

Have you ever wondered if your cats are play fighting or fighting for real? People living in multi-cat households know that the occasional scuffle or a full-blown cat fight is bound to happen. However, many cat owners have a hard time figuring out whether their cats are fighting or roughhousing. A new study published in Scientific Reports can provide some clues. As it turns out, certain behaviors could indicate whether an interaction between two felines is friendly, aggressive, or something in between. In this study, scientists, including Noema Gajdoš-Kmecová from the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Slovakia, analyzed 105 videos of interactions between 210 cats. The videos were obtained directly from cat owners and YouTube. After watching around one-third of the videos, Gajdoš-Kmecová pinpointed six types of specific behaviors, including wrestling, chasing, staying still, vocalizing, interactive, and non-interactive activities. She then watched all the videos again to see which cats exhibited one of these specific behaviors and for how long. After running a statistical analysis, Gajdoš-Kmecová was able to identify three distinctive types of interactions between the cat pairs - playful, intermediate, and aggressive. To confirm her findings, other members of the research team also watched the videos and classified each interaction between cats. Over half of the cats from the videos, 56% to be exact, exhibited playful interactions. According to the study, playful interactions included wrestling and a lack of vocalization. About 29% were labeled as agonistic, meaning they exhibited any type of social behavior that included threatening, aggression, and submission. Cats in this group vocalized and exhibited recurring bouts of inactivity.The cats in the intermediate group were involved in both aggressive and playful encounters. According to researchers, this group showed prolonged exchanges of specific behaviors, like laying on the back with the belly exposed, pouncing, stalking, and grooming each other. Scientists believe that this mixture of playful and aggressive behavior may be a sign of short-term friction between the cats rather than the end of the relationship. “This might escalate into a fully agonistic encounter but does not necessarily reflect a breakdown in their social relationship but rather a short-term disagreement in social priorities,” researchers wrote in the study. This study is the first to apply a scientific approach to cat behavior that can be identified by experienced and first-time owners alike. Thanks to this study, scientists can now classify inter-cat interactions as either playful, agonistic, or intermediate. “Wrestling can be a sign of a fight but if it comes with bouts of inactivity then that often means it is playful,” explained Profesor Daniel Mills, who led the study.“Playfighting is also without vocalizations. That’s the profile of a friendly cat. The agonistic cat, they might not do as much wrestling with inactivity but they do lots of vocalization.”“Owners should keep an eye out on how much they are wrestling and whether or not they’re vocalizing. Vocalizing can be broad and include meowing and also yowling,” he added. We all know when cats are fighting fur real, but it’s important to recognize intermediate interactions, where things could end in play or escalate into a real fight. “A lot of cats end up at cat rescue centers because the owners think that they’ve fallen out. In the clinic, I’ve seen cats that are playing and the owner thinks it’s a real fight,” said Professor Mills. If your cats are really getting along (share food and toys and sleep together), an occasional bout of agonistic play is okay. But if your cats aren’t the best of friends, you should look for signs of agonistic behavior. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

A Small Cat Family Was Found Living in the Ceiling of a Restaurant

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Hundreds of Cats and Dogs Saved from an Animal Testing Laboratory

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Scientists Found a New Type of Training that Makes Dogs Better Behaved

Training a dog can seem intimidating, and doesn’t always yield the expected results. Luckily for all dog owners out there, a new study has found another way to train your four-legged companion. Scientists at Aberystwyth University, located in Wales, United Kingdom, have discovered that scent training could improve pet dogs' behavior. The study shows that pet dogs trained to detect scents have a better mental ability and capacity to carry out certain tasks.Previous research only compared highly trained working dogs, like assistance dogs or search and rescue dogs, with untrained pet dogs. Now, for the first time, the researchers have tested the effects of scent training on two groups of untrained dogs. A research team from Aberystwyth University led the study in collaboration with Emma Stoker, owner of Puppy Plus, a dog training company based in Newton, Wales.The study involved 40 dogs of varying degrees of training, whose owners were asked to fill out a questionnaire with basic information about their pet. Researchers gave the dogs two tasks, both requiring impulse control. In the first test, called the “detour task”, the dogs needed to navigate a transparent barrier to get food. The second “A not B task”, tested the dogs’ ability to switch their choice from one pot to another, depending on where food was placed. Researchers separated the dogs into two groups to see whether their ability to detect scents would improve their cognitive ability. The dogs in the first group were given the “detour task” and had to navigate around a transparent barrier to get a treat. In the second group, the researchers said “Look” to the dog to get its attention and then showed it a treat before hiding it under a pot. Dogs in the second group underwent scent training, separated into three phases - familiarization, training, and test phase. In the first phase, only one pot was used. In the training phase, two pots were used, and in the final, test phase, three pots were used.Pate scent was rubbed on all pots to make it harder for the dogs to sniff out where the treat was hidden. If the dog didn’t respond within 20 seconds of being released to find the treat, or if it picked the wrong pot, the dog was shown the treat but wasn’t rewarded. Researchers discovered that dogs who received scent training performed the tasks more efficiently than those who weren’t trained. The study also showed that scent training improved dogs’ inhibitory control and helped them focus on completing a specific task. What’s important for dog owners to know is that poor impulse control is believed to be the main cause of a lot of unwanted behaviors in dogs, such as house soiling and destructive behavior. This new study suggests that scent training could help owners improve their dogs’ behavior. Dr. Sarah Dalesman, the co-author of the study, said: “This research shows that dogs that train primarily in scent work have stronger inhibitory control, suggesting that this training can have a positive effect on their behavior.”“Scent training is offered by a lot of dog trainers, and easy to practice at home. It might offer a great way for owners to improve their pets’ behavior, and we’re aiming to test this theory in future studies.”If scent training isn’t compatible with the way your pup learns, you can try agility or puzzle training. Puzzle training provides mental and physical stimulation and can come in handy when a dog needs to stay home alone or confined. Agility training is another option. Agility is a sport in which you direct your dog through a pre-set obstacle course allowing them to gain problem-solving skills. Try different training activities with your dog to find out what you and your pooch enjoy doing together the most.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

New Tool Detects and Predicts Dog Mobility Issues

Researchers at the University of Liverpool and experts at Dogs Trust have joined forces to create a unique new tool for detecting and predicting dog mobility issues. These veterinary experts have developed the GenPup-M questionnaire. This survey asks dog owners a series of questions to about their dog's mobility. The GenPup-M questionnaire is designed in a way that can help owners determine whether their dog might be experiencing mobility problems, even mild ones. Mobility-related problems are the third most commonly diagnosed disease in dogs. It’s estimated that 200,000 dogs are affected by musculoskeletal disease annually. According to some estimates, 20% of dogs have mobility issues before one year old, but most aren’t diagnosed until they are eight to 13 years old. Current mobility questionnaires are developed for dogs already diagnosed with mobility problems and track their quality of life. This means that many dogs spend the better part of their lives living with a painful condition that negatively impacts their overall health and well-being. A recent study, published in PLOS ONE confirms the validity of the GenPup-M questionnaire. The study involved 62 dogs - 31 with mobility issues and 31 without mobility issues.Scientists obtained the dogs’ clinical history from the owners, and all dogs received an orthopedic exam at the beginning of the study. Next, owners were asked to complete the GenPup-M questionnaire along with a previously validated mobility questionnaire.To determine the survey’s validity and its ability to identify mobility issues in dogs, scientists compared GenPup-M responses with the results of other expert tests, including advanced gait analysis.“Impaired mobility can affect a dog’s ability to engage in daily activities and interactions, move or exercise freely. If an animal is unwilling to or cannot play, exercise, or express normal behavior, this can impact its quality of life,” said Natasha Clark, veterinary surgeon and researcher at the Department of Musculoskeletal & Aging Science at the University of Liverpool. According to Clark, when done over time at regular checkups, the GenPup-M questionnaire can identify subtle changes in a dog’s mobility without the use of expensive and time-consuming gait analysis. This new tool can help vets diagnose and slow the development of mobility problems in dogs. “Our research doesn’t stop here and we will continue to research and develop GenPup-M to refine it as an even more effective tool for vets and dog caregivers,” added Clark.The Deputy Head of Research, Welfare Projects & Grants at Dogs Trust, Dr Jane Murray, said, “We are delighted to work collaboratively with the University of Liverpool on this study which serves to improve the well-being of dogs, as no dog is immune to mobility issues. Generation Pup is a ground-breaking study of the health, welfare, and behavior of our dogs and we hope this research helps more owners detect early signs of mobility issues, leading to veterinary and management interventions that can improve the welfare of the affected dogs.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Do Dogs Cry Tears?

Perhaps you spotted tears streaming from your pet’s eyes and wondered: do dogs cry tears as an emotional response? Or is there a different explanation for this phenomenon? Well, the answer is pretty straightforward – dogs don’t produce tears because of their emotions like we humans do. They produce tears primarily to lubricate their eyes, and remove dust and other irritants. But, this does not mean that they don’t express emotions in other ways – here’s what you need to know about your teary-eyed furball.Do Dogs Cry Real Tears?If you spot tears running from your dog’s eyes, you are not deceived – they are real. However, they are not tears of sadness or emotion, as dogs simply don’t express feelings the same way as we do. The role of those tears is more of a bodily function. They are there to lubricate the eye, making sure it functions as it should. After all, dogs can just rub their eyes or place a few drops inside when needed. So, their body does the job for them, and hence the tears. Of course, an excessive amount of tears is not natural. And neither are dry and tearless eyes. So, in either one of these cases, you should schedule a visit with your vet. Dry eyes in dogs are also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or "dry eye syndrome," and can lead to discomfort, irritation, and potential complications if left untreated. In many cases of dry eyes, veterinarians prescribe artificial tears or  lubricating eye drops to help moisturize the eyes and relieve discomfort. These drops can help supplement the natural tear production and provide relief from dryness. 

How Do I Teach My Cat to Play Fetch?

Unlike dogs, cats aren’t exactly known for their love of fetch. If you dream of tossing a toy with your furry best friend for hours, fear note – with a bit of time, patience, and positive reinforcement, you may just inspire a new love for the game in your kitty. This post will discuss why some cats take to fetch so naturally and how play can benefit your cat’s overall health and well-being. Plus, we’ll share how to teach your cat to play fetch step-by-step with tips for success! So, grab your cat’s favorite toy and get ready for a fun game of fetch…Why Do Cats Love Playing Fetch? There are many theories about why cats enjoy this game. The most accepted theory is that the action triggers natural hunting instincts. When an object is thrown, it mimics their prey moving across the room. The cat then chases the toy, stalking and hunting it. Retrieving the toy and bringing it back to you is similar to cats bringing their freshly killed prey to their owners as a gift. Other experts see the game of fetch as an attempt to spend quality time playing together, bonding like we do with our dogs. However, no research confirms either theory. What Toy Do Cats Love Most? Finding the best toy for your fetch-loving cat can be a fun process. Why? There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Instead, you’ll have to set aside time to play and test which toys your cat connects with most. Think of it as a fun game of trial and error. We have two cats at home, one of whom is absolutely in love with playing fetch. Pippen, our Maine Coon mix, will bring toys to us randomly throughout the day. She drops them at our feet and meows loudly while pawing at our pant legs, begging us to throw whatever she has brought us. Here are a few of her favorite toys to play fetch with: SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Cat Toys: These little mice are not only the perfect size and weight for cats to carry around, but the fact they include catnip makes them even more enticing. If the theory about hunting is correct, they are a great example of mock prey. Catit Eco Cat Toy: Another prey-like toy, this is arguably the top choice in our house. Pippen loves anything with feathers. If you have a tiny kitten, this is a little harder to carry, but Pippen is relatively small, and she has never had a problem. Andiker Cat Crinkle Balls: This is another one I have heard other cat parents raving about. The balls make a fun crinkling sound while the foil-like mylar material reflects the light, making them a fun visual spectacle to hunt down. SPOT Colorful Springs: These toys may not seem special, but the spring design causes them to bounce around the room unpredictably. This keeps your cat on their toes as they hunt them down with each throw. Cat Tube Spring Toys: These toys are made of lightweight mesh material, making them easy to carry around. If you fold them or push down the ends, then let go, they fly through the air. The goal is to find something your cat loves, wants to retrieve, and can comfortably carry back to you to continue the game. Is It Normal for a Cat to Never Play? While you can expect a range of playfulness from cats, with some cats being very playful and others only playing occasionally when they “feel like it,” it’s not normal for a cat to never play at all. A healthy adult cat should get at least 30 to 60 minutes of playtime daily. This can be in one large play session or, ideally, split into shorter play sessions of 10 to 15 minutes. If you have a cat who appears lazy or unmotivated, you should prioritize turning this around and encouraging them to play more. Otherwise, they will be at a higher risk of potential health complications, including obesity, diabetes, urinary tract diseases, arthritis and other joint-related issues, and fatty liver disease.

Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs?

Essential oils have a variety of uses and can be quite beneficial. And that’s not true for human use alone, as these natural oils found their way to the world of pets as well, and can be used to help eliminate a range of issues such as skin irritations, allergies, and fleas, and to boost the overall health of your dog’s coat. But, while there are plenty of pet products that contain essential oils, many owners are wondering: are essential oils really safe for dogs? It is a good question, so let’s try and find the right answer.Essential Oils for Dogs: The BasicsWhile some essential oils can be safe for dogs, it's important to use them with caution. Dogs have a more sensitive sense of smell than humans, so strong scents can be overwhelming, even if they are of natural origin. Certain essential oils, like lavender and chamomile, are generally considered safe in small amounts and when properly diluted. That being said, it is important to know what you are buying and to find essential oils that are made for pets especially. These are likely to be properly diluted and formulated to be safe for dogs. Essential oils can have various effects on dogs, both positive and negative. Some oils, like the aforementioned lavender and chamomile, may help with relaxation and anxiety, and help your pet sleep easier. On the other side, specific oils such as tea tree, citrus, and peppermint can be harmful to dogs and should be avoided.When using essential oils around dogs, it's crucial to dilute them properly. Always dilute essential oils before using them around your dog. Most experts recommend a ratio of 1:50, meaning one drop of essential oil to 50 drops of carrier oil. Of course, you should always observe your dog's reactions. Watch for signs of distress or discomfort in your dog when you introduce a new essential oil. If you notice any adverse reactions, stop using the oil immediately.Ultimately, you should be wary of the application methods you are using. Avoid applying essential oils directly to your dog's skin. Instead, diffuse them in the air or use a diffuser. You can also add a few drops to your dog's collar or bedding if the goal is to deter parasites. Needless to say, it goes a long way to properly familiarize yourself with essential oils and how they are used in the dog world. You can go in-depth with  a book that specializes in this topic, and gain the ultimate knowledge about these helpful oils before utilizing these natural products for your pet’s well-being. 

Unexpected Things That Helped Me Cope With Loss of My 17-Year-Old Cat

Getting to share your life with a pet is truly a privilege, as there’s not much that can rival the sheer joy and genuine love these little creatures bring to us. But when the time comes to say goodbye, the weight of grief can feel overwhelming. In these moments, it feels like nothing can help lighten the load we carry, but it’s crucial to remember that the journey through pet loss is a shared experience among countless others who have navigated the same emotional terrain.I recently found myself grappling with the profound loss of my beloved four-legged companion, a 17-year-old cat called Luna. Luna was not just a pet; she was a loyal friend for more than half of my life, a source of comfort during challenging times, and a bundle of joy who brightened even the gloomiest days. When Luna passed away, a void opened up in my heart, leaving me adrift in a sea of grief.

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