Published in 2025 / Updated in 2026
United no longer offers a cargo hold option for pets (their PetSafe program is exclusively for military and State Department personnel). This means if your pet is flying United, they’re flying in the cabin with you!
The Guest List: Who’s Invited?
United keeps it simple: Small dogs and cats only.
- The “Two-Pet” Hack: On most flights, you can bring two pets, but you’ll need to buy an extra seat next to yours (and pay a second pet fee).
- The Aircraft Exception: On smaller or specific planes like the Airbus A319/A320 and Boeing 737 MAX 8/9, United only allows one pet per passenger because space is tighter than a pair of skinny jeans.
- No Weight Limit: Unlike other airlines, United doesn’t have a strict weight limit for cabin pets! As long as they fit comfortably in their carrier and under the seat, they’re good to go.
The Cost of the “Bark-gain”
- The Fee: $150 USD each way per pet.
- Layover Bonus: If your domestic layover is longer than 4 hours (or 24 hours internationally), you’ll be charged another $150. Keep those layovers short!
Age Restrictions: No “Newborns” on Board
United wants to ensure your pet is old enough to handle the altitude.
- Domestic Flights: Puppies and kittens must be at least 2 months (8 weeks) old.
- International Flights: Dogs must be at least 6 months old (following strict CDC guidelines), and kittens must be at least 4 months old.
Approved Carrier Sizes
Your pet’s “travel suite” must fit perfectly under the seat. United is very specific about these dimensions:
| Carrier Type | Height | Length | Width (Depth) |
| Hard-Sided | 9″ (22 cm) | 17.5″ (44 cm) | 12″ (30 cm) |
| Soft-Sided | 11″ (27 cm) | 18″ (45 cm) | 11″ (27 cm) |
- Note: If you’re flying on a Boeing 737 MAX 9, the max height for soft carriers drops to 10 inches. Soft carriers are highly recommended because they “squish” slightly to fit under various seat types.
The “Paws-port” Paperwork
Even for domestic flights, it’s smart to have your papers ready. For international travel, they are mandatory.
- Rabies Vaccination: Must be administered at least 28 days before travel (for international routes).
- Health Certificate: Issued by your vet within 10 days of your departure.
- CDC Dog Import Form: For dogs entering the U.S. from abroad, this new 2026 requirement is a must!
- Special Tag: When you check in at the airport (you must check in at the counter, not a kiosk!), United will give you a special yellow tag for your carrier.
💡 Expert Tips for 2026:
- No “Bulkhead” or Exit Rows: You can’t sit in the front row or an exit row with a pet. You need a seat in front of you to stow your furry friend.
- Window Seats are King: On the Boeing 757-200, you must sit in a window seat if you have a pet due to under-seat space configurations.
- Check the Total Count: United limits the total number of pets per cabin. Large planes like the 777 or 787 allow up to 6 pets in Economy, but smaller planes may only allow 4. Book early!
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