American Airlines Pet Policy

The American Airlines pet policy is as follows:
As of March 28, 2024, American Airlines no longer makes passengers give up their carry-on bag if they bring a pet in cabin. The old policy was they could bring a pet and a personal item only. Now passengers can bring a pet and either a carry-on or personal item.
Starting August 1, 2023, the temporary suspension for dogs entering the United States from high-risk countries for dog rabies has been extended. This includes dogs arriving from countries without high risk of rabies if the dogs have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months.
Starting February 1, 2021, only trained service animals can fly in the cabin and you’ll need to complete and submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation form before your trip. If you’re traveling with an animal that doesn’t qualify as trained service animal, it may be transported as a pet.
Depending on animal breed and size, pets can travel as a carry-on or be transported through American Airlines Cargo. Carry-on pets are limited to cats and dogs that meet the size, age and destination requirements.
AA only accepts checked pets for active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Up to 2 pets may be checked and they must meet the minimum age and health requirements of the destination. Since capacity is limited, we accept checked pets on a first-come basis.
Carry-on pets and service animals may fly in the cabin if they meet the requirements. If your pet is too large to fit in the cabin, please contact American Airlines Cargo.
Pets in the cabin are accepted on most flights up to 12 hours or flights to/from: within the 48 contiguous United States; the U.S. and Canada; Alaska; Mexico; Puerto Rico, St. Thomas; St. Croix.
On American flights you can bring 1 kennel as your carry-on bag.
Due to the lack of underseat storage space, carry-on pets are not permitted in First or Business on certain flights.
As recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), AA doesn’t accept pets that have been sedated or tranquilized.
Brachycephalic cats and dogs of any ‘mix” are not accepted as checked pets.
International kennel requirements – “100 series” kennels will no longer be accepted for cats and dogs traveling internationally.
Dogs traveling to the UK – During the kennel screening process, a photo will be taken to ensure that the dog is able to sit, stand and turn around without touching the top or sides of the kennel.
Taking a pet to a foreign country involves preparation and planning far in advance of your departure date. Requirements for pet travel to a foreign country are set by the destination country. If you are you traveling to another country and bringing along your pet you’ll need to meet the animal health requirements of the country you are visiting.
More information on the American Airlines pet policy
Find pet relief areas at U.S. airports
American Airlines Just Made It Easier and Cheaper to Fly With a Pet — What to Know