Pet Age Limits for Air Travel?

What are the minimal age requirements for domestic air travel for dogs and cats?

Great question! Before answering, I think we need a regulatory authority lesson. There are federal regulations, state regulations, and airline policies regarding the transport of dogs and cats. The federal regulations set minimal standards for domestic transport of dogs and cats. A state regulation mandates the minimal requirements for entry to their jurisdiction, which can be more stringent than the federal regulation. Then an airline, being a private sector entity, can develop policies more stringent than federal and state regulatory requirements. Airlines must meet federal and state requirements; however, airlines have the authority to surpass the federal and state regulatory requirements regarding the transportation of animals.

USDA Animal Welfare Act Regulations mandate the minimum age requirements for air travel via cargo is eight weeks of age for dogs and cats. However, an airline can establish policies that are more stringent than USDA and require the minimum age for travel to be greater than eight weeks of age. In preparation for travel, the animal owner/shipper must research the minimum age requirements for travel for the airline.