Flying your dog on Alaska Airlines between the U.S. and Canada 2025
Flying your dog from the U.S. to Canada aboard Alaska Airlines in 2025 requires careful planning around carrier size, documentation, fees, breed allowances, and border regulations. Below, we dive deep into five critical questions—providing exact...
- 1. Carrier Dimensions & Weight Limits
- 2. Health Certificates & Vaccination Timing
- 3. Fees & Booking Process
- 4. Recommended Pet Carrier
- 5. International Import/Export Regulations
- 6. FAQ
- 7. Watch & Learn: Video Tutorial
Flying your dog from the U.S. to Canada aboard Alaska Airlines in 2025 demands focus on the right carrier, paperwork, fees, and border rules. Below you’ll find deep answers to five core topics, our top carrier recommendation, a targeted FAQ, and an embedded video tutorial—everything you need to go from “booking” to “boarding” with confidence.
1. Carrier Dimensions & Weight Limits
Alaska Airlines permits small dogs in-cabin if the carrier measures no more than 17″ L × 11″ W × 9.5″ H (soft-sided) or 17″ × 11″ × 7.5″ (hard-sided), and fits fully under the seat in front of you. Carriers must be clean, leak-proof, escape-proof, ventilated on at least three sides, and free of cracks or tears.
If your dog travels in Alaska’s climate-controlled baggage compartment, the combined weight of dog plus crate must not exceed 150 lbs, and the crate must meet IATA/USDA standards, allowing the pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
2. Health Certificates & Vaccination Timing
All dogs flying in the baggage compartment require a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure. Alaska Airlines accepts printed or electronically signed certificates.
Canada mandates that dogs over 3 months old hold a valid rabies vaccination certificate administered at least 30 days before entry. Be sure the certificate shows the vet’s details, vaccine lot number, manufacturer, and valid dates.
Schedule a vet visit at least two weeks before travel to confirm all required vaccines (including optional boosters like Bordetella) and paperwork are current.
3. Fees & Booking Process
Alaska Airlines charges:
- $100 USD/CAD each way for in-cabin pets
- $150 USD/CAD each way for pets in the baggage hold
After you purchase your own ticket at alaskaair.com, call 1-800-252-7522 or use live chat to reserve your pet’s spot—space is limited and allocated on a first-come basis.
4. Recommended Pet Carrier
We recommend the Tote Pet Travel Carrier Bag by Julibee’s. It meets Alaska Airlines’ in-cabin size limits (17″×11″×9.5″), features leak-proof lining, dual mesh ventilation, a padded shoulder strap for comfort, and extra pockets for treats and documents.
5. International Import/Export Regulations
To enter Canada, present your dog’s rabies vaccination certificate and a general health certificate at customs—no quarantine is required if documents are in order.
For returning to the U.S., review the CDC’s 2025 dog-import rules at cdc.gov. Depending on your travel history, you may need a CDC dog import permit.
6. FAQ
Q1: How many pets can I bring in-cabin?
A: One carrier per passenger at standard fee. If you purchase the adjacent seat, you can carry two carriers (subject to aircraft limits).
Q2: What about brachycephalic breeds?
A: Flat-faced breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) are not accepted in the baggage hold due to breathing risks but may travel in-cabin if space allows.
Q3: Are there seasonal temperature restrictions?
A: Yes—Alaska Airlines may embargo pets during extreme heat or cold. Aim for early-morning or late-evening flights in summer, and confirm 24 hours before departure.
Q4: Where can my dog relieve itself at the airport?
A: Major airports (e.g., SEA, YVR) have designated pet relief areas past security. Check airport maps or ask a gate agent for the nearest location.
Q5: Can I ship my pet unaccompanied?
A: Yes—Alaska’s Pet Connect™ service via Alaska Air Cargo handles unaccompanied pet shipments with climate control and real-time tracking.