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United Airlines Pet Policy (International, Cargo, Carry-on) [2023]

There are a few different United Airlines pet policies depending on how and for what purpose you’re bringing along your animals.

This article will take a detailed look at the pet policy for shipping animals on United.

I’ll cover in-cabin transport (carry-on), PetSafe (cargo), international, service animals, and show you where to go to get all of the forms and documents you’ll need to transport your animals.

Table of Contents

What is the United Airlines pet policy?

United Airlines will allow pets to fly in-cabin but they no longer offer the ability to fly pets in the cargo hold as part of the PetSafe program (except for limited exceptions for the military).

The pet policies require you to follow some very specific rules and guidelines so if you’re thinking about transporting your pets on United you need to pay very close attention to the different rules.

If you need to read more about United’s baggage policies in general you can do that here . 

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

How to avoid United pet fees

One of the easiest ways to avoid pet fees is to use the right credit card. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a good card for general travel expenses and its points can be used to offset airline pet fees since they will often code as travel.

You can also use an incidental credit attached to a travel credit card. For example, the Platinum Card has a $200 incidental credit.

Other cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve have a $300 travel credit that could be used on virtually any type of travel purchase including pet fees.

United in-cabin animals

In the past, United stated that they would allow domesticated cats, dogs, rabbits and household birds (excluding cockatoos) to travel accompanied in the aircraft cabin on most flights within the U.S.

They recently changed their website and now do not list out all of the different animals so it’s not clear to me what pets they allow beyond cats and dogs. For that reason, you may want to call and clarify what animals are allowed.

The fees for an in-cabin pet are $125 each way. Also, there is an additional $125 service charge for each stopover of more than four hours within the U.S. or more than 24 hours outside of the U.S.

Booking a ticket for your pet is very easy to do with United.

Whenever you are making a booking, just be sure to select “Travel with a pet” as a traveler. If you already made a booking, you can still go to  My Trips  and add a pet to an existing trip. You cannot add a pet using the United app.

Do everything you can to make this reservation in advance because there are limited slots available for pets on aircraft.

Whenever you arrive at the airport, be sure to check in and get your pet tag. Remember, you’ll need both your own and your pet’s confirmation numbers.

Also remember that your pet is expected to remain in the kennel while in the airport. If you need to take them to a relief area you can check the airport maps feature on the  United app  to see if you can find one.

Kennel rules

Before your bring your pet on-board, make sure that you are towing them in a kennel that complies with the United pet policy rules.

The kennel must fit completely under the seat in front of the customer and remain there at all times and the door needs to be secured as well.

Also, the animal must be able to stand up and turn and around inside the kennel. There may only be one pet per kennel.

There are also specific dimensions required for these pets:

• Hard-sided kennels : 17.5 inches long x 12 inches wide x 7.5 inches high (44 cm x 30 cm x 19 cm).
• Soft-sided kennels: 18 inches long x 11 inches wide x 11 inches high (46 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm).

United will allow you to bring along soft-sided pet carriers that slightly exceed these dimensions so long as they don’t block the aisle.

While your pet must remain under the seat, some people will purchase an extra seat because it makes it easier to deal with their pet.

For one, it gives the passenger space to put a personal item underneath the difference seat. It also allows them to more easily bend over to check on the animal.

No unaccompanied minors

Pets are not allowed to travel with unaccompanied minors .

Puppies and kittens traveling within the U.S. and Puerto Rico must be at least 2 months (8 weeks) old to be accepted for travel on United. Puppies and kittens traveling internationally must be at least 4 months (16 weeks) of age to be accepted for travel on United.

International travel

Pets are not permitted on flights to, from or through Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand and other locations. Please verify if your destination allows in-cabin pets prior to travel.

Rules for international in-cabin pets vary. To book international in-cabin travel for a pet, contact the  United Customer Contact Center or call 1-800-864-8331 to add a pet to your reservation.

Health declarations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) require all dogs entering the U.S., except those arriving from certain  rabies-free countries , to be immunized against rabies.

Vaccinations must be completed at least 30 days before arrival in the U.S.

Since puppies cannot be vaccinated against rabies before 3 months of age, puppies under 4 months old will not be admitted into the U.S. unless they are arriving from a rabies-free country.

Each dog entering the U.S. must be accompanied by a valid certificate of rabies vaccination, signed by a licensed veterinarian and including the following information:

• Name and address of the dog’s owner
• Identifying information for the dog, including breed, sex, age, color and markings
• Date of vaccination and the name of the vaccine used
• Date when the vaccination expires. If no expiration date is stated, the vaccination must have been completed within 12 months before arrival in the U.S.

Visit the  CDC website  for more information.

Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the U.S; however, some states require vaccination of cats for rabies, so it is a good idea to check with state and local health authorities at your final destination.

Restrictions based on aircraft

You should note that there are some restrictions for specific types of aircraft that you’ll be flying on.

Keep in mind that many routes are served by different types of aircraft so you’ll always need to check and see exactly what type of aircraft you’re flying on.

You can do this be utilizing Google Flights or you can simply check on the United website.

Here are the restrictions:

• In-cabin travel for pets is booked on a space-available basis.
• A customer traveling with an in-cabin pet cannot be seated in the bulkhead or an emergency exit row .
• Two pets per flight are allowed in premium cabins on select aircraft. Pets are not permitted in premium cabins on Boeing 757, 767, 777 or 787 aircraft due to limited storage space under the seat.
• A customer traveling with an in-cabin pet in United Economy on Boeing 757-200 aircraft will need to be seated in a window seat due to limited storage space under aisle and middle seats.
• The number of in-cabin pets allowed varies by United Express partner airline.

United PetSafe (cargo) [no longer available]

2023 Update: United no longer accepts PetSafe reservations.

United recently made changes to its PetSafe program so make sure that you’re up to date on all of the changes.

You can request your PetSafe booking here, but I highly advise that you read all of the details below before making a booking.

Puppies and kittens traveling within the U.S. and Puerto Rico must be at least 8 weeks of age to be accepted for travel on United.

Puppies and kittens weighing less than 2 pounds must be at least 10 weeks of age. International requirements can be complex, so please contact an International Pet and Animal Transport Association (IPATA) shipper for assistance.

Cats and dogs (breeds allowed)

Only cats and dogs are allowed

United will no longer accept reservations for the following brachycephalic (or short- or snub-nosed) dogs and cats and strong-jawed dog breeds:

• Affenpinscher
• American Bully
• American Pit Bull Terrier/Pit Bull
• American Staffordshire Terrier/”Amstaff”
• Belgian Malinois
• Boston Terrier
• Brussels Griffon
• American Bulldog
• English Bulldog
• French Bulldog
• Old English Bulldogges
• Shorty Bulldogs
• Spanish Alano/Spanish Bulldog/Alano Espanol
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• English Toy Spaniel/Prince Charles Spaniel
• Japanese Chin/Japanese Spaniel
• American Mastiff
• Boerboel/South African Mastiff
• Bullmastiff
• Ca de Bou/Mallorquin Mastiff
• Cane Corso/Italian Mastiff
• Dogo Argentino/Argentinian Mastiff
• Dogue de Bordeaux/French Mastiff
• English Mastiff
• Fila Brasileiro/Brazilian Mastiff/Cao de Fila
• Indian Mastiff/Alangu
• Kangal/Turkish Kangal
• Neapolitan Mastiff/Mastino Napoletano
• Pakastani Mastiff/Bully Kutta
• Pyrenean Mastiff
• Presa Canario/Perro de Presa Canario/Dogo Canario/Canary Mastiff
• Spanish Mastiff / Mastin Espanol
• Tibetan Mastiff
• Tosa/Tosa Ken/Tosa Inu/Japanese Mastiff/Japanese Tosa
• Japanese Pug
• Shar-Pei/Chinese Shar-Pei
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier/”Staffys”
• Tibetan Spaniel
• Exotic Shorthair

Temperature restrictions

United’s PetSafe program uses climate-controlled vans and keeps animals in holding areas within a temperature range of 45-85° F but United may decline to transport your pet if the outside temperatures are too extreme.

United will no longer accept reservations to and from the following airports annually between May 1 and Sept. 30 , due to high summer temperatures.

• Las Vegas (LAS)
• Palm Springs (PSP)
• Phoenix (PHX)
• Tucson (TUS)

Reservations

Reservations are accepted between 30 days in advance (maximum) and five (5) days (minimum) prior to travel

United will require you to submit several documents to United PetSafe prior to travel which include:

• Scanned copy of the completed, signed and dated  Customer Acknowledgement Form
• Scanned copy of your pet’s Health Certificate from a licensed veterinarian dated within 10 days of travel (or the timeframe required by the destination country)
• Digital photo of your pet clearly showing their face to verify breed
• Digital photo of your pet’s travel crate to verify compliance with Petsafe’s crate requirements

You can find out more about these documents here .

No India or Australia

Not accept any reservations to and from India and Australia at this time

Connections

United will not accept PetSafe itineraries with more than three flight segments (or two connections).

Also, cats and dogs are required to have a comfort stop if the total length of their journey is more than 24 hours. However, you can purchase a comfort stop if you’re worries about your pet’s health on a long journey.

International routing

United requires international routing to be arranged through an International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) pet shipper only. A list of IPATA members near you can be found at  https://www.ipata.org

Crate guidelines

United will not accept a crate taller than 30″, including the 700 series crates. Also, they do not sell or lend crates at airports. Instead, crates can be purchased at united.com/petmate.

Find out more about the crate guidelines here.

If you need help selecting a good crate watch this .

PetSafe Documents

United requests that you complete two forms.

One is a  Customer Acknowledgment Form and the other is a  Pre-Travel Checklist

I suggest that you print out both forms but for your reference here is the checklist:

Before you book (30 days prior to travel)

• Review new PetSafe acceptance policies
• Confirm your pet is acceptable for travel based upon age, breed, health and international travel restrictions
• Assess the overall health of your pet and if your pet is fit to fly
• Confirm the trip length and temperature is appropriate for your pet
• If you are shipping your pet internationally, engage an IPATA shipper for assistance with travel requirements and to make your booking

Preparing your pet for travel: Crate requirements (at least two weeks prior to travel)

• Review PetSafe Customer Pre-Travel Information Packet
• Obtain an airline-compliant crate that meets all guidelines and requirements
• Ensure crate is the appropriate size for your pet and does not exceed 30 inches in height
• Begin “crate acclimation” process as soon as possible to reduce your pet’s stress during travel

Preparing your pet for travel:

• Documentation and other requirements (5-10 days prior to travel)
• Fully complete and sign the Customer Acknowledgement Form
• Prepare digital copies of two photos to submit to PetSafe (one clearly showing your pet’s face to verify breed, one showing your pet’s travel crate to verify compliance with PetSafe’s crate requirements)
• Obtain the required Health Certificate from a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel (or the time frame required by the destination country)
• Required items include the Customer Acknowledgement Form, a Health Certificate from a licensed veterinarian, the photo of your pet and the photo of your pet’s crate
• Each attachment must be 2 MB or less and total email size cannot exceed 19 MB

Day-of-travel preparations

• Two copies of the signed and completed Customer Acknowledgement Form
• Print two copies of a photo of your pet, clearly showing your pet’s face (image should be no smaller than 3” x 3” and no larger than 4” x 6”)
• Health Certificate completed and signed by a licensed veterinarian
• Any additional required documents for travel / entry to the destination (for international travel, required documents should be confirmed by your IPATA shipper)
• Check unitedcargo.com for the drop-off location and time for your pet
• Prepare approved food and water containers for the inside of the crate
• Ensure that only allowable items are placed in or attached to the crate At the airport on travel day
• Confirm PetSafe drop-off location and time
• Arrive at least 30 minutes in advance of the minimum drop-off time to allow for processing
• Ensure person dropping off your pet has a current, government-issued photo ID to present at check-in

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United Service animals

United Airlines has several different types of classifications for service animals and they have different regulations depending on the type of service animal.

Trained service animals

Trained service animals are animals that receive specific training to perform life functions for individuals with disabilities, such as:

• Visual impairments
• Mobility limitations.

Trained service animals are accepted in cabin for qualified individuals with a disability.

The service animal should sit in the floor space in front of the customer’s assigned seat but cannot protrude into the aisles. Customers may use an approved in-cabin kennel for smaller animals provided its use meets stowage requirements.

Exit row seating is prohibited.

Note that documentation may be required for an animal traveling to international destinations.

Emotional support animals and psychiatric service animals

Emotional support animals and psychiatric service animals that provide emotional, psychiatric or cognitive support for individuals with disabilities, but may or may not have task-specific training with respect to a disability.

Emotional support and psychiatric service animals are also accepted in cabin for qualified individuals with a disability if  certain information and documentation  are provided in advance of travel.

With prior documentation and clearance a customer may travel with no more than one emotional support animal.

Additional documentation beyond United’s requirements may also be required for an animal traveling to an international destination, Hawaii and other locations.

Customers traveling with an emotional support animal or a psychiatric service animal must provide the  required documentation  at least 48 hours before the customer’s flight by email ( [email protected] ).

Service animals in training

Animal trainers are permitted to bring one service animal that is training to assist disabled passengers onboard free of charge. These service animals must not occupy a seat. Trainers transporting service animals in the ordinary course of business or service animals who are not in training must check these animals.

Therapy animals

Therapy animals, which are pets that have been trained and registered by a therapy organization in order to visit nursing homes, hospitals, schools and other facilities, are not considered to be service animals.

When traveling with a therapy animal, standard pet-related regulations and restrictions will apply.

You can click here to read more about United service animals. 

Customer service number

For questions, please contact the United Customer Contact Center number at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331).

Is United Airlines safe for pets?

You might be wondering if it’s even safe to transfer your pet on United Airlines.

According to the DOT , United had the most animal deaths of all U.S. airlines in 2017 for the third year in a row on scheduled domestic or international passenger flights.

United had a total 18 deaths of animals in 2017, which amounts to 2.4 animal incidents per 10,000 animals transported in 2017. Delta Air Lines had 1 animal death in 2017 and American Airlines had 2 deaths of animals in 2017.

Since United has the wort track record in recent memory, I’d personally try to avoid transporting my furry friends with them in all honesty. But just in case you can’t avoid it, the odds are still very low that there will be an incident since we’re talking about 2.4 animal incidents per 10,000 transported animals.

Still, even with those odds some advise against transporting your animals in the cargo hold.

The Humane Society of the United States “strongly discourages” having your pet travel by air in the cargo hold of a plane, since the experience can be so stressful.

United Airlines Pet Policy FAQ

The fee is $125 each way for an in cabin pet.

You can use airline credits to avoid the fee with some credit cards such as the Amex Platinum Card. 

No, an unaccompanied minors cannot travel with a pet.

United Airlines doesn’t allow in-cabin pets on flights to, from, or through: Australia Barbados Cuba Guam Federated States of Micronesia Hawaii Hong Kong Iceland Ireland Jamaica Marshall Islands New Zealand Norway Palau Panama Philippines Singapore South Africa Sweden Tahiti Trinidad and Tobago UK

Pets are not allowed in business class or first class on select aircraft including: Boeing 757-200, 767, 777 or 787.

As you can tell, there are a lot of restrictions and regulations for transporting pets on United flights. You should always be sure to check what the most up-to-date rules are since they can change from time to time.

Cover photo by  Lynn Friedman  via Flickr . 

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

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Simple Flying

Explained: united airlines' pet policy.

Find out what you need to do to travel with a pet when flying with the major US carrier.

• United Airlines does not allow pets to be checked in as cargo, except for US military and State Department personnel traveling between Honolulu and Guam.
• Travelers can bring their pets in-cabin for a fee of $125 each way, but there are size restrictions, and pets must remain in their carriers throughout the flight.
• Traveling internationally with pets on United Airlines can be challenging, as specific rules and restrictions depend on the destination.

With travel demand soaring over the past few months , more and more people are looking to travel with their pets. However, rules on traveling with pets can be tricky, and they can be very different from one airline to another.

United Airlines is not known to be the most pet-friendly airline in the sky. In fact, NerdWallet ranked United last out of the nine major US carriers in terms of pet-friendliness. So, what exactly are the rules for traveling with pets on United Airlines flights?

No pets in cargo

To start, it is essential to note that United Airlines does not allow pets to be checked in . The carrier stands out as one of the few airlines in the US not to have a program that facilitates checking pets into the cargo hold as checked luggage.

Some might be familiar with the PetSafe program United used to have, which allowed some pets to be checked in as cargo on United-operated flights. However, the program has been suspended and has yet to make a comeback, so it has proven to be a challenge for some travelers who wish to travel with their furry friends.

There is a single exception to the rule. If you are a US military or State Department personnel traveling between Honolulu and Guam on a flight operated by United Airlines, you are in luck. Qualified travelers can transport their pets as checked baggage on flights between the two cities with a few limits and rules .

Traveling with pets in-cabin

When it comes to traveling with pets in the cabin, there are a series of rules to follow. Before traveling, travelers need to choose the 'travel with pets' option when booking and ensure that their pets are over two months old if traveling domestically and over four months old when traveling internationally. It can also be added as an additional option later on, and there is a $125 fee each way for traveling with pets.

There are some size restrictions on pet carriers, and the pets must be able to stand up and move around. Once on the plane, the pet carrier goes under the seat, and pets must not be let out at any time. Last year, a cat escaped on a United flight from Dallas and wandered around the cabin.

Internationally, it can be tricky as travelers must adhere to local rules and are often required to complete additional paperwork. For example, it is not possible to travel with pets to a number of countries that United flies to, including the UK, Australia, Brazil, Ireland, and several more. It is best to check United's "Flying with Pets" page before traveling to keep up with the latest rules.

Your Stress-Free Guide To Traveling With Furry Friends

What about service animals.

On United Airlines, service animals can fly for free with their owner or trainer if they are over four months old. Travelers flying with service animals must indicate their choice after booking through United's website and fill out several DOT forms. More information can be found on United Airlines' page on service animals.

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How to Fly United Airlines With a Service Dog

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Table of Contents

United Airlines service dog policy

Booking a flight with a service dog, submitting your service dog request, saving your service animal to your profile, tips for flying united airlines with a service dog, if you want to fly united airlines with a service dog.

For some, service dogs can be the difference between being homebound and having the ability to travel freely.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), a service animal is a dog that has been specifically trained to perform a task for a person with a disability. Those who have service dogs are entitled to fly with them at no additional cost, but there are a few hoops you’ll need to jump through.

Let’s take a look at how to fly United Airlines with a service dog, including the paperwork you’ll need and how to book your flights.

Does United Airlines allow service dogs? In short: Yes. It is federal law that airlines must allow travelers to bring their service dogs with them when flying.

There are some exceptions to this. If the service dog cannot fit within the assigned space, passengers may need to have them fly cargo free of charge. They can also be moved to another flight with more room or be given a seat with more space.

There are also situations when airlines, including United, can deny transport of a service animal, like:

When the dog poses a direct threat to health or safety.

If the dog is disruptive.

If carrying the dog would violate law.

If the passenger does not provide DOT forms as required.

Aside from these situations, passengers are always allowed to bring their service dogs on flights.

Booking a United flight with a service dog isn’t as difficult as it used to be.

Booking a new flight

If you haven’t booked your flight yet, you’ll simply go through the standard booking process. This includes searching for your flight and selecting an option that works for you.

During the checkout process, you’ll be taken to the Traveler Info page. It’s here that you’ll want to scroll down to the special needs section. Expanding the section reveals a variety of options, including the ability to add a service dog to your reservation by check marking the "Task-trained service dog" option.

Adding a request for a service dog doesn’t immediately guarantee its approval, however. You’ll still need to complete the required paperwork, which we’ll go over below.

For flights that are already booked

If you’ve already booked your flight and need to add a service dog, you can do so under "Manage Trip" in your United MileagePlus account or by using your booking information to search for your trip on United’s website.

Once you’ve found your flight, scroll down to see the "Special accommodations" section. Expanding this section will allow you to add your service dog to your reservation.

You can also call to add your service dog to your ticket. The United’s Accessibility Desk can be reached at 800-228-2744.

For international flights, as well as flights to Hawaii and Guam, you can’t make your service dog reservation online and will need to call the number listed above.

» Learn more: Tips for traveling with a service dog

The DOT’s updated regulations for traveling with service animals took effect in January 2021, which means that you’re no longer allowed to just hop on a flight with your service dog. Instead, you’ll need to complete certain paperwork before the trip.

Required United service dog travel forms

Passengers must fill out and submit the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation form . If your flight is over eight hours, you'll also need to turn in a completed Service Animal Relief Attestation form .

United’s system works a little differently than some; rather than filling out these forms yourself, you’ll complete a digital form and United will generate the form for you, then submit the request. Example questions include identifying the task your service dog is trained for, such as balance-assistance, guiding, hearing or medical alert.

The digital form can be filled out when booking your ticket or after, but without completing and submitting this request, you will not be able to fly with your service dog.

» Learn more: How to fly with a dog

United gives you the option to save your service animal to your MileagePlus profile — a huge help if you’re a frequent traveler.

Rather than needing to complete the forms every time you fly, your animal and its information will be automatically populated whenever you submit a request.

You can find any stored information about your service dog under the Profile section of your United account. It’ll be under "Profile & Preferences," then "Saved pets & service dogs."

It’s true that flying with a service dog has gotten more complicated since the DOT changed its rules.

However, while it has made things more difficult for legitimate service dogs, it has also helped eliminate some of the situations in which fraudulent service animals were endangering travelers.

Here are a few tips to facilitate your next trip with a service animal on United.

» Learn more: The most pet-friendly airlines

Arrive at the airport early

Even with the new rules, you should be able to check in for your flight online. The DOT regulations forbid airlines from requiring passengers with service animals to physically check in for their flight.

However, if you’re running into issues with online check-in, be sure to head to the airport early.

Request an accessible seat

How big is your service dog? If it’s large enough to make an economy-class seat uncomfortable, you can request seating accommodations for you and your dog. This can be done through United’s page or by calling the Accessibility Desk.

Bulkhead seats are great for extra room, but take care that your service dog doesn’t spread into other passengers’ space. Also, note that service animals are not allowed to sit in exit rows.

Be prepared for additional security screening

Depending on what type of gear your service dog wears, either (or both) of you may need to undergo a pat-down at security.

This can be avoided by putting your dog’s gear through the X-ray and having them walk through the metal detector on their own. If this isn’t possible, you may both need to undergo additional security checks.

United offers the option for those with disabilities to preboard during boarding . This can be a great option for those traveling with a service dog.

If you’re in a bulkhead seat, you’ll need to store all of your belongings in the overhead bin. If you’re in a standard seat, this may still mean putting all your belongings into the overhead bin since your dog takes up all your room anyway.

Regardless, take advantage of the preboard process to give you and your dog a little extra time to get settled.

» Learn more: Emotional support animals may no longer fly for free

Flying can be a difficult process for everyone, regardless of whether they have a service animal. However, if you are thinking about taking a trip with your dog, you’ll want to be sure you’re prepared for your flight.

United Airlines is one of the better airlines for those flying with service dogs, with the option to save your animal’s information into its own profile and the ability to submit your request while you book. Just be sure to follow the regulations and you’ll be able to enjoy your flight with your pooch by your side.

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Pet-friendly airlines: The best airlines for pets in the US

With pet travel so in vogue these days, there's no need to not pack your pup the next time you catch a vacation flight.

I travel regularly with my 13-pound Chihuahua mix, Poppy, who took 37 flights in 2023, and so long as your dog is on the small side, you can, too.

Most airline carriers allow dogs small enough to fit into a carrier that slides under the seat in front of you to fly in coach. Some airlines restrict pet passengers to dogs. But others, like Delta Air Lines, welcome dogs, cats and household birds on certain routes, while Alaska Airlines adds rabbits to this list.

Related: What you need to know about traveling with dogs on a plane, including where they can sit and how much it costs

Additionally, many airlines allow a more diverse list of pets to fly in their climate-controlled cargo holds. These include dogs too big to fly in the cabin, ferrets, nonpoisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, hamsters, guinea pigs and even tropical fish.

But not all airline pet policies are created equally. So, it's important to book a pet-friendly airline and ensure its requirements work for you and your pet if you want to travel with your furry or feathery companion.

With pricing and rules all over the place, we've put together the following airline-specific pet travel guides for popular U.S. airlines:

• American Airlines pet policy
• Delta Air Lines pet policy
• Frontier Airlines pet policy
• Southwest Airlines pet policy
• Spirit Airlines pet policy
• United Airlines pet policy

These guides contain a lot of information. So, I recommend starting with this guide if you want a general overview of pet-friendly airlines and the best airlines for pets. Check out the chart below showing the animals that can fly on each airline, the cost and notable exclusions.

Please note that the information below is for pet dogs. Task-trained service dogs of any size are always allowed to fly in the cabin and have different rules regarding where they can travel. Check out our guide on flying with a service dog for specific information.

Best airlines for pets

When traveling with a pet, it's important to consider several variables. While all airlines listed below allow small dogs and cats to fly in the cabin, only a select few allow other household pets. Frontier and Spirit offer the most extensive list of animals, including birds, rabbits and several other pet types.

If you're flying internationally, you'll want to consider a different subset of pet-friendly airlines. After all, not all airlines allow pets to fly on all routes outside the United States. Some even exclude certain pets from flying once you leave domestic grounds. Some international airlines may provide better pricing and a wider list of animals that can fly.

You'll also find that airlines have different rules about the type of pet carrier and the size. Some airlines even cap the number of total pets on board — making it important to know the ins and outs when determining the best airlines for pets.

If you are flying with more than one dog, or just need a little more space, United is one of the best carriers to fly. Unlike many airlines that do not allow you to book a second seat for your pet, United allows you to book the seat next to you. You will still be required to pay the $125 pet fee on top of the second seat's cost and keep your dog or cat in the carrier. If you are traveling with two pets on United, you are required to book a second seat.

Pet-friendly airlines

Of the airlines that allow dogs and other pets, the most favorable pricing is with Delta, Frontier and Southwest. Pet-in-cabin fees for domestic flights on these airlines are below $100. For international flights, on the other hand, you'll find Frontier's pricing to be the best, although destinations are more limited.

Many airlines don't allow your pet to fly with you to any international destination, such as Spirit and Southwest. And if you're flying to Hawaii, Southwest, Delta and United aren't options. So before you book your flight and assume your pet can fly with you, you'll want to look at the restrictions for each destination.

Related: The reality of international travel with your dog: How Bandido flew from Vietnam to the US

Airlines that allow dogs

Dogs are one of the most common pets people travel with, so it's no surprise that many travelers are constantly searching for airlines that allow dogs to fly. Fortunately, for any airline that allows pets to travel, dogs are always included in that list. However, most U.S. airlines only allow dogs to fly in the cabin and not underneath the plane in cargo. So you will find it easiest to travel with smaller dogs that can fly in the cabin with you.

Some airlines do allow dogs to fly as cargo in certain situations. For example, American Airlines will allow your dog to fly in cargo if you are a member of the U.S. military on active duty or a U.S. State Department Foreign Service employee traveling on official orders.

Even if you do decide to fly with a dog or dogs, however, airlines differ in price and policies. Look at the above chart to see which is best for your trip.

Related: What you need to know about traveling with dogs on a plane

Tips for keeping your dog happy on the flight

Your dog's first flight can be a nerve-wracking experience. Will he or she fear flying? Bark the whole time in the carrier? Take some of the anxiety out of the situation by making sure your dog is acclimated to the carrier before the trip.

"You'll want to spend some time doing some pre-travel training in the carrier to make sure your dog is accustomed to being in it for the anticipated length of the flight," says Dr. Julie Buzby, an integrative veterinarian and founder of ToeGrips for dogs. "The goal is to teach the dog to think of the carrier as a home base or safe haven, which will greatly decrease travel anxiety."

Buzby says all dogs benefit from this pre-travel crate training, but it is vital for the "smushed nose" dog breeds like Frenchies who are anatomically more prone to developing respiratory distress from stress and anxiety.

She also recommends feeding a smaller meal than normal to decrease the likelihood of an in-flight potty emergency. And, ideally, don't feed your dog less than four hours before flying.

"Although it's hard to resist those puppy dog eyes, your dog will be less likely to get airsick if you don't feed him or her immediately before the flight. This is so the dog's stomach is more empty than full," Buzby says.

And she says to remember the adage that a tired dog is a good dog.

"If I were flying with my dog in any capacity, I'd provide a robust play/exercise session the day before and the morning of travel," Buzby says. "Finally, I would probably carry a peanut-butter-smeared Kong in a Ziploc to use in flight in case of emergency."

Bottom line

With many pet-friendly airlines available — as long as your pet can fit in a carrier and travel in the cabin — it's easy to take your pet with you on your next vacation.

There's no one specific airline that wins the award of "best airline for pets" as it comes down to the type of animal you are bringing and your destination. Fortunately, pricing is within the same general range for all pet-friendly U.S. airlines. So, pick an airline that works for your particular situation and enjoy the flight.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

A New Airline for Dogs Takes Flight

Bark Air made its inaugural flight from New York and Los Angeles this week. But seats are pricey, costing up to $8,000

Daily Correspondent

Ask any pet parent, and they’ll tell you the same thing: Traveling with dogs is complicated.

Taking a road trip is one option, but driving can add hours or even days to the journey. And flying, while faster, presents its own set of challenges.

When it comes to pets who aren’t service animals, most commercial airlines only allow small dogs—typically, those weighing up to 20 pounds—to accompany their human owners in the aircraft’s cabin. And, even then, these companies require owners to keep their pup in a pet carrier that must be stowed under the seat in front of them for the entire flight. Larger dogs are relegated to the cargo hold beneath the plane—a terrifying and potentially dangerous experience.

Now, a new “ dog-first” airline aims to relieve all that stress. Bark Air , an airline created by the pet company Bark , took its inaugural flight on Thursday, transporting a sold-out plane full of pups and their human companions from New York to Los Angeles.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by BARK Air (@barkair)

“Right now, at an altitude of 30,000 feet, there is a flight filled with dogs,” the company wrote on Instagram . “Unlike any flight before it, these dogs are not merely an afterthought, nor are they treated as cargo or a burden to the crew and fellow travelers. Here, dogs are the foremost priority.”

To deliver its “white paw” service, the company is partnering with Talon Air , a private jet charter company that flies Gulfstream G500 jets.

Before takeoff, dogs can snack on treats and wear noise-canceling earmuffs and calming jackets to ensure they have a stress-free flight. Once in the air, flight attendants serve dogs their beverage of choice to help with any ear discomfort as the plane ascends and descends. Pups can choose whether to socialize with other dogs or stick close to their human.

“We think dogs should be right next to you on the seat, getting the same or—in our case—even better treatment and experiences than people do,” Dave Stangle, Bark’s vice president of brand marketing, tells the Points Guy ’s Harriet Baskas.

The flights aren’t cheap: It costs $6,000 for a dog and its human to book a one-way flight from New York to Los Angeles, or $8,000 for a ticket from New York to London.

The company’s executives acknowledged that the prices are “cost-prohibitive for most families,” but said they expect the flights to get cheaper as demand increases, CBS News ’ Megan Cerullo reports.

“Televisions, telephones, VCRs and DVD players, to automobiles, train and boat travel, and, yes, even human air travel—all of these started with very high prices until demand was proven and the costs could be brought lower by serving the masses,” wrote Matt Meeker, Bark’s chief executive officer and co-founder, in a May letter quoted by CBS News.

United States airlines transported 188,223 animals in 2022, the most recent year with available data from the Department of Transportation . Of those, seven animals died, one was injured and one was lost, resulting in an incident rate of 0.48 per 10,000. That’s similar to the prepandemic rate of 0.47 incidents per 10,000 animals in 2019, when U.S. airlines transported 404,556 animals.

Though the overall rate is low, airline incidents involving pets often make headlines . Even when flights go smoothly, many dogs experience discomfort and anxiety while flying in the cargo hold. To illustrate this point, Meeker volunteered to ride inside a crate in the cargo hold of a plane on a nearly four-hour flight from south Florida to New York City.

“I don’t know why any person would ever choose to do this to their dog,” Meeker said in a video posted on Instagram . “It’s an absolute horror show back here. There has to be a better way.”

Bark is not the first company to offer dog-friendly flights. K9 Jets , which launched in 2022 , offers pay-per-seat private jet service for dogs and their owners. The company flies to Dubai, Dublin, Florida, Frankfurt, Hawaii, Lisbon, London, Los Angeles, Milan, New Jersey and Paris. It can also accommodate cats, though it requires them to stay inside a carrier for the entire flight.

Some private jet companies, including NetJets and VistaJet, also cater to pets on flights. VistaJet , for example, serves “prime cuts of fresh meat and fish” upon request.

“I just don’t understand why the airlines don’t recognize the business opportunity,” Rusty Rueff, who has a French bulldog named Theo, told the New York Times ’ Christine Chung last year. “We’ll do anything for our pets, just like we’ll do anything for our children.”

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Sarah Kuta | READ MORE

Sarah Kuta is a writer and editor based in Longmont, Colorado. She covers history, science, travel, food and beverage, sustainability, economics and other topics.

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The Most Dog-Friendly Vacations in the United States

By Matt Kirouac

For some travelers, a family vacation isn’t complete without the the family pet, making dog-friendly vacations the main priority. Whether traveling via road trip or plane, vacationing with furry family members can be fun for the whole gang, as long as precautions and preparations are taken . For some, the idea of leaving their dog home with a sitter or boarder can hinder the enjoyment of vacation, thus necessitating the need for a dog-friendly destination, complete with dog-friendly hotels (or Airbnbs ), dog-friendly restaurants , and maybe even a dog-friendly beach or two .

Not every vacation is perfect for your pooch, though. When mapping out dog-friendly vacations, there are important factors to consider, to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of your dog—and that of the rest of the family, of course. One of the main things is weather and season. Is the journey (be it by plane, train, or automobile) likely to be prone to cancellations? Will the forecast at your destination restrict your dog to indoor solitude? When planning a dog-friendly trip, that means including your pup in those plans and ensuring they’re able to partake in activities, be welcome in hotels, and be allowed to travel with you—because certain breeds may not be allowed to fly at all , many airlines limit the number of pups onboard, and some hotels either charge exorbitant pet fees, limit specific breeds or sizes, or prohibit them entirely. Fortunately, there are plenty of dog-friendly vacation spots across the U.S., offering a wide range in geography, travel style, and activities for the whole family—canines included. From a coastal national park community to a Midwestern woodland retreat, here are 11 of the most dog-friendly vacation spots in the country.

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Black Hills, South Dakota

Home to quintessential American destinations like Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park, the Black Hills of South Dakota have “family fun” etched all over them. Rapid City is the urban hub, home to the historic pet-friendly Hotel Alex Johnson . It’s allegedly haunted, but as one of the more ornate dog-friendly abodes in town, with a pampered pooch package that includes a dog bed and biscuits, it’s worth the spooks. There are numerous dog-friendly patios in town, including Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews and diner-style Tally’s Silver Spoon , and local attraction Reptile Gardens allows pups inside to marvel at the snakes, frogs, and botanical gardens. In the Black Hills, dogs are allowed on many hiking trails, including the trek up Black Elk Peak, the highest point in South Dakota, and those around Sylvan Lake, conveniently culminating with an overnight in a dog-friendly cabin at Sylvan Lake Lodge . While dogs aren’t allowed inside Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the Blackberry Trail across the road offers great views and a descent into the fragrant pine-filled forest, while Crazy Horse Memorial allows dogs outside and on leashes.

Snowmass, Colorado

Dogs are just as welcome to bask in Colorado mountain towns as humans, but rather than visit a comparatively busier—and more expensive—town like Aspen or Vail, the pastoral paradise of Snowmass offers upscale amenities, cozy ambience, and pet-friendly fare in a more modest setting. The Limelight Hotel offers spacious dog-friendly rooms in a part of town that’s close enough to main Snowmass Village, without being in the thick of the crowds. The hotel offers free water bowls, treats, and pet mats upon check-in, and most nearby trails are dog-friendly, including the Brush Creek Trail, a paved route that starts at the Snowmass Mall. For more elevation, dogs are allowed on certain gondolas from the Snowmass Ski Area, leading to more tranquil hikes and lakeside picnic opportunities up-mountain. In need of more treats and toys? Stock up at GuapoDog Pet Supply in the Snowmass Mall, and dine outside at Venga Venga , a dog-friendly Mexican cantina serving up everything from bacon guacamole to steak fajitas.

Tucson, Arizona

Rolling into Tucson with pup in tow, the best place to hunker down is Hotel McCoy , an artist-inspired retrofitted motel that greets guests with a rainbow mural proclaiming “Tucson Is Magic.” The colorful, inclusive desert oasis features an outdoor pet area towards the front of the property, and welcomes up to two dogs at no extra charge. Located on the west side of town, the accommodations also put you close to the majestic Saguaro National Park , where dogs are welcome on roadways, picnic areas, and paved trails, like the Desert Discovery Trail. Dogs can also visit the Tucson Botanical Gardens and the Pima Air & Space Museum , along with breweries, bars, and restaurants like Borderlands Brewing Co. and the patio at Boca Tacos y Tequila , a Top Chef -driven hot spot slinging mole de pollo tacos, ancho butter-rubbed octopus, and banh mi quesadillas. The MSA Annex , an outdoor mercado on the west side spotlighting POC- and women-owned businesses, offers ample dog-friendly seating and takeout spots for places like plant-based Beaut Burger , sushi-slinging Kukai , and Westbound cocktail bar for al fresco margaritas.

Asheville, North Carolina

Filled with mountains, trails, and brewery patios, Asheville is like Disney World for outdoorsy dogs. The city is so accommodating that dogs are allowed just about everywhere, from the grounds around Biltmore Estate to the riverside trails at Chimney Rock State Park. Restaurants like Twisted Laurel are so dog-friendly that they offer a dedicated menu for dogs, while Woof Gang Bakery is a mecca for treats and trinkets. Famed for its breweries, Asheville beer spots that allow patio pups include Wicked Weed Brewing , Wedge Brewing Co. , and the sprawling lawn at New Belgium Brewery , while places like Urban Orchard and Burial Beer Co. also allow dogs indoors. For lodging, the Aloft hotel doesn’t just allow dogs, they feature an adoptable dog program, wherein rescued pups clad in “Adopt Me” vests greet guests in the lobby.

Jessica Puckett

Olivia Morelli

Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

Devra Ferst

Pensacola, Florida

It’s the dog days of summer all year long in Pensacola, an underrated pup-friendly Florida city in the panhandle, home to myriad pet shops, dog-friendly restaurants, hotels, and outdoor recreation for miles. Dogs are welcome on trails, park roads, and multi-use paths at Gulf Islands National Seashore , along with Big Lagoon State Park and Pensacola Scenic Bay Bluffs Preserve , while Bayview Park is a good spot for dogs to frolic in the sand and splash in the water. To get even further out on the water, introduce your pups to dolphins on a dog-friendly tour with Jolly Sailing & Dolphin Cruise . Dog-friendly restaurants are all over town, from the famed Flora-Bama Yacht Club to Red Fish Blue Fish on Pensacola Beach. The Oar House is another fun spot offering fresh seafood and tiki cocktails on Bahia Mar Marina. Dog-friendly abodes run the gamut from Pensacola Beach RV Resort , an affordable campground where customers can BYO RV or rent a trailer suite, to the retro-chic Surf & Sand Hotel , a bayside property where dogs are welcome in first-floor rooms.

Portland, Oregon

Teeming with parks, patios, breweries, and hip hotels, Portland is as much a playground for dogs as it is eccentric humans. Off-leash dog parks include Delta Park, Gabriel Park, and Brentwood Park, and dog-friendly trails can be found all over, like Tryon Creek State Natural Area , offering eight miles worth of shaded pathways a stone’s throw from downtown. Bars, breweries, and restaurants throughout the city welcome pups, including vegetarian comfort nook Bye & Bye , the pretty picnic table-filled patio at Victoria Bar , all-day Elevator Cafe , and White Owl Social Club , where dogs are welcome inside through a dedicated side entrance, or on the patio with beer pong and a fire pit. Then there’s the aptly dubbed Lucky Labrador Brewing Company , which is so dog-friendly that they host Dogtoberfest every September. Dog-friendly hotels are just as prolific, with options like the hip Ace Hotel , which doesn’t have any fees or breed restrictions, and the Dossier , with pet beds, bowls, and treats at check-in, plus pet-centric books that owners are free to borrow.

Texas Hill Country

With its wide open spaces, vast farmland, rolling hills, meandering trails, and breweries the size of the Mall of America, Texas Hill Country is a lush haven for dog-friendly vacationers. Located just outside of Austin (an exceedingly dog-welcoming city in and of itself), Hill Country is home to “Barking Springs” dog park by Barton Springs and pup-friendly patios like Beerburg Brewing. The area boasts leisurely hikes at Pedernales Falls State Park and dog-friendly canoe rentals at South Llano River State Park , plus a sea of wineries, distilleries, and breweries where dogs are welcome on enormous patios, like Chisholm Trail Winery , Treaty Oak Distilling with its folksy music stage and on-site barbecue restaurant, and Jester King Brewery , an enormous brewery and farm-fresh kitchen that’s so entrenched in nature it has hiking trails through the woods. In Fredericksburg, Dogologie Haus is an inn that puts pups first, offering dog beds, bowls, treats, indoor crates, and an outdoor kennel. Back in Austin, Lone Star Court is a Hill Country-inspired hotel that offers a “Pawsitively Pet Package,” including welcome treats, snack credits, late checkout, and retro-inspired accommodations.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Artists aren’t the only ones mystified by the splendors of Santa Fe , one of the most historic, captivating cities in the nation. Dogs are sure to be just as dazzled by its magnetic beauty, with ample outdoorsy locales to explore, restaurant patios to peruse, and lodging that’s just as comfy for humans and pups. As dog-friendly as Santa Fe, the thing to be mindful of is elevation—at about 7,000 feet, it’s also the highest capital city in the country, meaning you and your dog will need to acclimate to the altitude, especially on hikes and trails. This also means winter days can be quite cold, but the almost-endless sunshine should make up for it. Some areas to explore include the downtown Plaza, an area so pet-friendly that it’s adjacent to the ornate Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Although the inside cathedral isn’t open to dogs, the La Fonda on the Plaza hotel nearby is, offering pet treats upon check-in, along with dog-friendly restaurants La Fiesta Lounge and La Plazuela. Other accommodating restaurants include burger-slinging Shake Foundation with its sprawling patio, and Cafecito , a trail-adjacent eatery where your dog can guilt you into sharing bites of your empanada. Numerous dog-friendly hiking trails in and around the city include Atalaya Mountain in Santa Fe National Forest, the leisurely Santa Fe Rail Trail that traipses off into the serene desert, and the paved River Trail that meanders along the small Santa Fe River for miles, with parks, benches, and picnic tables along the way. In the famed Canyon Road gallery district, many outdoor galleries, like Canyon Road Contemporary Art , allow dogs.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Wildly underrated as a vacation destination, there’s much more to do and see in Oklahoma City than Twister screenings. A low-key cultural mecca, it’s got industrial-chic digs like the 21c Museum Hotel , an art museum-hotel hybrid with lofty dog-friendly rooms (pet fees have been waived for the rest of 2022), and The National , a new downtown high-rise hotel that allows two dogs per guest. Pups are welcome at restaurants throughout the city, like Picasso Cafe , an artsy and vegan-friendly restaurant that offers a “Bone Appétit” menu for dogs, including chicken risotto and ground beef stew. The quirky Pump Bar down the street has a huge pet-friendly patio, Angry Scotsman Brewing allows dogs both indoors and on its enormous skyline-viewing patio, and Aurora is a stylish brunch spot in the Plaza District where dogs are welcome on the cute back patio while you chow down on salted caramel cinnamon rolls and pulled pork hash. Beyond patios, there are plenty of places to explore in Oklahoma City, from downtown’s whimsical Scissortail Park ( which just doubled in size with the opening of a lower half ) to Lake Hefner, a massive park that features a nine-mile paved trail around the perimeter.

Oconto County, Wisconsin

A few hours north of Milwaukee lies a swath of foliage-filled forests, rolling hills, ranches, cozy log cabins, and pristine ponds strewn with swans. The quiet enclave of Oconto County, anchored by towns like Mountain and Lakewood, is the ultimate Midwestern retreat—for humans and dogs alike. For all-natural serenity and quaint Americana charm, the region offers comfy confines all year long, with nearly 1,000 miles worth of trails for hikers, horses, ATVs, and yes, dogs. Nicolet National Forest contains many of said miles, including the flat, shaded Nicolet State Trail between Mountain and Lakewood, and the 4-mile loop around Black Lake. The community of Mountain is a particularly bucolic place to cozy up, especially when staying in a dog-friendly cabin at Spur of the Moment Ranch . The homey, family-run ranch offers horse carriage rides, campfires, and ATV and snowmobile trail access, along with plenty of space where dogs can frolic off-leash. For a home-away-from-home vibe, stock up on pet treats and things to cook—including the all-important cheese curds—from Mike’s Supermarket in Townsend, or dine at dog-friendly Mulligans Sports Bar & Grill , with a huge patio, live music, and a true-blue Wisconsin fish fry on Fridays.

Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine

National parks are among the most spectacular destinations to vacation with pups. Compared to big cities, they’re typically less crowded and expensive, ensuring a more stress-free experience for dogs in unfamiliar environments (and less fees for you), with plenty of room to prance around. Many national parks, however, restrict dogs to a few specific trails, if any, or certain areas only during quieter times of year. But Acadia National Park is one of the most dog-friendly parks in the country, with 100 miles of hiking trails open to dogs, as long as they’re leashed at all times. The flat Jordan Pond Path, a 3-mile loop around a shimmering lake, is a particular standout, as is the out-and-back Ocean Path Trail that begins at Sand Beach, where dogs are allowed during the off-season (mid-September to June). There’s also a Bark Ranger program that teaches owners about the Rules of B.A.R.K. (Bag your pet’s waste, Always leash your pet, Respect wildlife, Know where to go) and rewards dogs with special Bark Ranger collar tags. In the gateway town of Bar Harbor, you’ll find dog-friendly eateries, like Beal’s Lobster Pier , Peekytoe Provisions , and Side Street Cafe for all your lobster roll and haddock Reuben needs, while pet-friendly lodging runs the gamut from the casual, like Belle Isle Motel with its six acres of field space for your pup to explore, to the luxe, like Balance Rock Inn , where they’re welcome around the outdoor common grounds.

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From August 1, 2024, Onward: What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States

At a glance.

Starting on August 1, 2024, dogs entering or returning to the United States must meet new, specific requirements depending on where they have been in the 6 months before entering the U.S. and where they received their rabies vaccines (if required).

Requirements for all dogs

Requirements for dogs with a current and valid rabies vaccination administered in the united states.

• Requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a country with high risk of dog rabies within 6 months before entry

Requirements for dogs that have been ONLY in countries that are dog rabies-free or low-risk during the 6 months before entry

All dogs must:

• Be at least 6 months of age at time of entry or return to the United States
• This must have been implanted prior to any required rabies vaccination
• The microchip number must be documented on all required forms and in all accompanying veterinary records
• Dogs may not enter the United States if they are carrying a disease contagious to people.
• Isolation of the dog, veterinary examination, and additional testing, at the importer’s expense, may be required to determine if the dog has a contagious disease and prevent spread if the dog does not appear healthy upon arrival.

This form should be filled out online ideally 2-10 days before arrival; however, it can also be completed right before travel (even in line at the border crossing) if you have internet access. If the information on the form changes before the dog arrives, you must submit a new form and indicate you are making changes to an existing form. All information, including port of entry where the dog is arriving, must be correct at time of arrival.

• This form requires you to upload a clear photograph of the dog showing its face and body. Dogs that will be less than one year of age at time of arrival should have the photograph taken within 10 days before arrival.
• There is no charge to importers for submitting this form.
• Additional requirements for dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States
• Additional requirements for dogs that have been in a country at high-risk for dog rabies within the 6 months before entry and do NOT have appropriate documentation of current US-issued rabies vaccine
• Additional requirements for dogs that have been ONLY in countries that are dog rabies-free or low-risk in the 6 months before entry

Dogs that do not meet all entry requirements or do not have accurate and valid forms will be denied entry to the United States and returned to the country of departure at the importer’s expense. These requirements apply to all dogs, including service dogs and dogs that were born in the United States.

Specific requirements depend on whether the dog has been in a high-risk country for dog rabies  in the past 6 months.

Dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States that have been in a high-risk country for dog rabies must:  

• Meet all requirements in the “All Dogs” section above
• The Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form is required for the importation (re-entry) of U.S.-vaccinated dogs that have been in high-risk countries for dog rabies  within the 6 months before re-entry into the United States.
• Please note, during the transition period (which will expire on July 31, 2025), the importer may instead present a copy of the USDA-endorsed export health certificate that was used to ship the dog from the United States, if that export health certificate was issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian before July 31, 2025, and documents the dog’s age (at least 6 months), the microchip number, and valid rabies vaccination administered in the United States. The rabies vaccination must be valid (not expired) on the date of return or the form will be invalid.
• This can be any airport, land border crossing, or sea port but you must select this location when you complete the CDC Dog Import Form.

Dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States that have NOT been in a high-risk country in the last 6 months must:

• A Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccine form that was endorsed by USDA before the dog departed the United States; or
• Be for the dog rabies-free or low-risk country where the dog’s return itinerary originated (the form will only be valid for 30 days if it does not contain rabies vaccination information), or
• Document a valid (unexpired) rabies vaccination administered in the United States (the form will be valid for the duration of the rabies vaccination (1 or 3 years)).
• (This can be any airport, land border crossing, or sea port but you must select this location when you complete the CDC Dog Import Form .)

Important information about the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination Form

The Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form must be completed before the dog departs the U.S. Before asking your veterinarian to complete this form, verify the following requirements will be met:

• Ensure your dog will be at least 6 months of age on date of return to the U.S.
• Have your dog microchipped with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip (implanted before any required rabies vaccinations)
• Ensure the veterinarian scans the dog for the ISO-compatible microchip and records the microchip number at the time of vaccine appointment. Rabies vaccines administered prior to microchip implantation will not be considered valid.
• Ensure the rabies vaccination will be valid for the entire duration of your travels.  If your dog’s U.S.-issued rabies vaccination lapses while overseas and your dog has been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months, your dog will need to be revaccinated overseas and meet requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs to return to the U.S., including having a rabies serology titer, arriving at a specific port of entry, and possible quarantine requirements.
• Your dog must receive its initial (first) rabies vaccine at least 28 days before leaving the United States. USDA-accredited veterinarians should only issue the Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form for dogs that received their initial (first) rabies vaccine at least 28-days previously. Booster vaccines are considered valid immediately.
• Ensure the veterinarian submits this form to the USDA for official endorsement through the VEHCS portal
• Your dog must travel with a printed copy of the official endorsed form upon your dog’s return to the United States if your dog has been in a high-risk country within the 6 months before returning to the U.S.

During the transition period (which will expire on July 31, 2025), U.S.-vaccinated dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months, may have either the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form or the USDA endorsed export health certificate for re-entry into the United States. Without one of these forms your dog will need to meet the requirements specific to the risk category of the countries where they have been in the 6 months before returning to the United States.

The export health certificate must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian before July 31, 2025, and document the dog’s age (at least 6 months), microchip number, and the rabies vaccination date. The rabies vaccine must be valid (not expired) on the date of return or the form will be invalid.

Requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a country with high risk of dog rabies within 6 months before entry

Dogs, including service dogs, that have been in a country at high-risk for dog rabies within the 6 months before entry and do not have appropriate documentation of current U.S.-issued rabies vaccine must:

• Meet all requirements in the “All Dogs” section
• Ensure the dog is microchipped with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip before receiving the rabies vaccination and the number is recorded on the veterinary documents or the vaccine will not be considered valid
• Verify the dog is at least 12 weeks (84 days) of age when vaccinated against rabies
• The dog must have a valid (i.e., non-expired) rabies vaccination. If it’s the dog’s first vaccination or if the dog’s vaccination coverage has lapsed, the vaccine must be administered at least 28 days before arrival to the United States.
• The Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form must be completed by your veterinarian AND endorsed by an official veterinarian in the exporting country.
• The blood sample for the rabies serology titer must have been drawn at least 30 days after the dog’s first valid rabies vaccination and at least 28 days before entry to the U.S.
• Dogs with a history of multiple valid rabies vaccinations administered after the microchip was placed may have the sample for the rabies serology titer drawn at any time after a rabies booster vaccination as long as the dog’s first vaccine was given at least 30 days before the blood sample was drawn and there has been no lapse in vaccine coverage. If a lapse occurs, the sample must be drawn at least 30 days after the valid booster vaccination was administered.
• The sample must be sent to a CDC-approved rabies serology laboratory . If there is no CDC-approved laboratory in your country, your veterinarian may draw the sample and send it internationally to a CDC-approved laboratory.
• Passing results must be obtained in order for a serology to be valid.
• Rabies serology titer results will be considered valid for the life of the dog as long as the dog’s rabies vaccination coverage does not lapse. If a lapse occurs, a new rabies serology titer will be required and that sample must be drawn at least 30 days after the new vaccination was administered.
• If the dog does not have a valid rabies serology titer, it will be required to be quarantined at a CDC-registered animal care facility for 28 days after the dog is revaccinated by the facility’s veterinarian.
• All foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the previous 6 months must have a reservation for examination, verification of age, documents, and microchip number, and administration of a rabies booster vaccination at a CDC-registered animal care facility immediately upon arrival in the United States.
• Dogs that do not have a valid rabies serology titer must also have a reservation for quarantine. Dogs will be quarantined at the facility for 28 days at the importer’s expense after being revaccinated by the facility’s veterinarian.
• All CDC-registered animal care facility expenses, including exam, revaccination, and quarantine (if required), are the responsibility of the importer.
• The facility will need copies of all required documents prior to confirming your reservation.
• Ensure the dog meets any facility-specific requirements (contact facility for additional information).
• If after arrival the CDC-registered animal care facility determines that your documents are not valid or the dog’s microchip number, age, or description does not match the paperwork provided, the dog may be denied entry and returned to the country of departure at your expense.
• Dogs that have evidence of illness or are not healthy will be required to have testing to confirm they do not have contagious diseases before they will be eligible for release, which may extend the required quarantine period beyond 28 days. Any required testing or extended stay in quarantine will be at the importer’s expense, so please ensure dogs are healthy upon arrival (including no evidence of fleas, ticks, or skin diseases).
• Dogs must arrive to the U.S. at the airport where the CDC-registered animal care facility is located. This must be the location where the dog has a reservation.
• This must also be the airport listed on the CDC Dog Import Form
• Domestic flights or other forms of travel to other locations in the U.S. are not permitted until after the dog receives required follow-up services at the CDC-registered animal care facility and is cleared for entry.
• SERVICE DOGS ARRIVING BY SEA : Service dogs, as defined in 14 CFR 382.3, may arrive by sea if they meet the requirements in the “All Dogs” section, have a complete Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form and a valid rabies serology titer, and are traveling with their handler. Emotional support animals are not service animals under this definition.

Countries that are not on the list of countries at high risk for dog rabies  are considered to be free of or low risk for dog-mediated rabies virus variant (DMRVV) (called dog rabies-free or low-risk countries on these webpages).

Dogs, including service dogs, that have been ONLY in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries during the 6 months before entry into the United States must:

• A single entry into the U.S. for 30 days after it was issued if it does not contain information about rabies vaccination administered in a dog rabies-free or low-risk country, OR
• Multiple entries into the U.S. for the duration the rabies vaccination is valid (1 or 3 years) if the rabies vaccination was administered in a dog rabies-free or low-risk country
• Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form, including the endorsement by an official veterinarian of the dog rabies-free or low-risk country where the dog has been located; AND EITHER (1) a valid rabies serology titer OR (2) veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the previous 6 months. The form must be completed within 30 days before arrival to the United States and is valid for a single entry.
• Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form that was endorsed by USDA before the dog departed the United States
• Is for the dog rabies-free or low-risk country where the dog’s return itinerary originated (the form will only be valid for 30 days if it does not contain rabies vaccination information), or
• Documents a valid (unexpired) rabies vaccination administered in the United States (the form will be valid for the duration of the rabies vaccination (1 or 3 years)).
• Foreign export certificate that documents the dog is at least 6 months of age, lists the dog’s International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip number, and has been endorsed by an official veterinarian of the exporting country; AND veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the previous 6 months. The certificate must be issued within 30 days before arrival to the United States and is valid for a single entry.
• Arrive at the location listed on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt (This can be any airport, land border crossing, or sea port but you must select it when you complete the CDC Dog Import Form .)

Any documentation that is not from the United States must be completed in the country where the dog’s travel originates. For example, if the dog’s documents were issued in France, the dog may not enter the U.S. via a land-border crossing from Mexico to the U.S.

*Examples of veterinary records that must accompany completed forms are European Union pet passports or proof of payment for veterinary services received in the exporting low-risk country for the previous 6 months. Records must include the dog’s microchip number.

For more information, see: Frequently Asked Questions on CDC Dog Importations  

If you have questions or need more information, please contact CDC-INFO at (800) 232-4636.

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Strict new rules take effect Aug. 1 for bringing your dog across the U.S. border

If you regularly travel with your dog into the U.S., the process is about to get a lot more complicated.

Beginning on Aug. 1, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will introduce new rules for crossing an international border with a canine.

The most significant and likely the most onerous new requirement is that you’ll need to submit papers to the CDC days in advance of a planned trip that prove your dog is healthy, has a valid microchip — more on that later — and most important, is vaccinated against the deadly rabies virus.

This means a spontaneous road trip to the U.S. with your pet will be basically out of the question.

Is my dog eligible to cross into the U. S.?

Starting on Aug. 1, your dog must be at least six months old to travel to the U.S.

Since the tougher measures are primarily aimed at keeping the U.S. free of rabies, there is also a requirement that your dog not have been in one of over 100 countries in the previous six months where rabies is not under control.

There are several other variables, so the CDC has an app called DogBot to help navigate the upcoming rules that includes a list of those countries.

What is changing on Aug. 1?

As mentioned, the biggest change is that the U.S. will require recently completed documentation for your pet, submitted to the CDC between a few and 10 days in advance of the trip.

For years, the advice for taking your dog over the border has been to ensure your dog is vaccinated. In most cases, that was a simple question by a border official, and perhaps a request to see Fido’s vaccination record.

Not after July. Starting in August, you’ll need to book an appointment with a veterinarian to have them fill out the new form.

Mark Belanger, a senior lawyer and principal of Border Solutions Law in Vancouver, says that’s going to be a huge “headache” for travellers who often take their dogs with them.

“A lot of people are going to be affected by this,” says Belanger, whose firm specializes in border and immigration issues.

The new rules were announced only a couple of weeks ago, so Belanger admits they’re new to him as well. But he says the change is akin to treating your dog as “chattel” in a legal sense, a thing you own rather than a family member.

“The biggest nuisance factor is the form that has to be filled out by a vet, and the microchip.”

Ah yes, the microchip. Belanger notes it must be compatible with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). OK, so are the chips most vets insert in a pet ISO-compatible?

“I don’t know what that is,” Belanger says with a chuckle. Nor is there a detailed explanation on the CDC website of how to check that. It only says to “check with the microchip company or the dog’s veterinarian” to find out.

Belanger says the form must include a photo of the dog taken within the past 10 days, though how that will be enforced isn’t clear either.

Pups younger than six months, which are too young to be rabies vaccinated, used to be eligible for travel into the U.S. with a vet’s bill of good health. That’s no longer the case.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Will the new rules about bringing your dog across the border change your travel plans? Tell us why or why not in the comments .

How long is the vet form valid for?

The CDC says the form signed by a veterinarian in Canada will remain valid for 30 days and allows for a single entry into the U.S. How strictly that one-time entry rule is enforced is also anyone’s guess, says Belanger.

But he says he’ll be advising clients who travel often to renew the form every 30 days to be safe. And that’s obviously time-consuming and costly.

“I don’t know how much it will cost, but I’m pretty sure the vet will charge a couple hundred dollars for these forms,” he says. “And it’s time away from other things (vets) could be doing.”

With all this in mind, Belanger says some pet owners may decide frequent travel with a dog is “not worth the headache.”

“Because of these new rules, people who travel quite a bit with their pets have to decide, ‘Is this something I want to do?’ It will require some more thought that didn’t need to be part of the equation.”

He predicts the new requirements — especially in the busy travel days of August right after the change takes effect — are liable to “catch people off-guard. I can see people missing a vacation or a wedding over this.”

Why are the changes coming?

The CDC says all this is about keeping the U.S. free of rabies, which it describes as “over 99 per cent fatal and … 100 per cent preventable.” It says the changes are due to recent concerns over rabies outbreaks abroad and fraudulent documentation.

While Canada is considered a country that’s either rabies-free or low-risk, there are over 100 others considered a significant threat, and there are even stricter rules around bringing in pets from them. So if your dog has been in one of those in the past six months, the paperwork just got longer and the dog may ultimately not be allowed in at all.

There are also major implications for rescue organizations, breeders, show dogs and dogs imported from outside Canada.

And should you mess up, there’s a very real chance your pet won’t be allowed in, and that too could be costly.

“If you don’t follow CDC’s rules, your dog won’t be allowed to enter the United States,” warns the CDC. “If denied entry, your dog will be sent back to the last country of departure at your expense. Country of departure is where the last trip originated — not where the dog was born or where it lives.”

For more on what to expect and how to prepare for the changes, go to cdc.gov/importation .

Are the rules similar coming into Canada?

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says it is reviewing the new U.S. regulations, which the CDC says are part of an effort to streamline and standardize the importation process between countries.

While Canada does not require advance notice, travellers coming into the country with an animal must follow similar rules, including documentation of recent rabies vaccination.

The CFIA website has a step-by-step process similar to the U.S. DogBot that you can use to determine what you need to do coming into Canada with your furry friends.

[email protected]

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Your Dog Can Now Fly in Luxury With a New Airline Just for Them

A new airline will take its first flight Thursday—with dogs as its passengers.

BARK, a company that sells dog food and toys, announced in April that it was launching a new aviation experience for dogs, called BARK Air. The airline will allow pets to travel with their owners as their plus ones in the aircraft cabin, rather than in crates in the cargo hold.

The airline’s first flight, traveling from New York to Los Angeles, is sold out, according to the company’s booking website . Tickets aren’t cheap though—a one-way flight from New York to Los Angeles in June costs $6,000, and a flight from New York to London costs $8,000 (one ticket is for both a dog and its human). The company said that its goal is to bring the cost of tickets down over time.

BARK said it created the air travel service “because, despite incredible demand from dog people, there is simply no good or convenient solution to traveling long distances with your dog.” 

“We recognize and believe that life is better—for you and for your dog—when you are together,” the company said on its website. “We partnered with a jet charter company to meticulously build out an in-flight experience from the ground up that is focused solely on the comfort and happiness of the dog first, and human second.”

“Bottom Line: No dog should fly in a crate,” the company added.

In 2019, 404,556 animals were transported by airlines, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics .

Canine passengers will be able to socialize with one another during the flight, and will be offered treats, noise-canceling ear muffs, and beverages. There will be designated relief areas for canine passengers to use before boarding the plane, and if they need to relieve themselves on the aircraft, airline staff will have emergency pads, the company said on its website .

Currently, the airline offers flights between New York and Los Angeles, as well as between New York and London. But BARK plans to expand the service and offer more routes in the future.

BARK Air doesn’t own or operate the aircrafts; it’s a public charter operator. The aircrafts are Gulfstream G5 jets , and can seat 15 dogs and their humans, but BARK Air said it will only sell 10 tickets per flight to ensure that all passengers have enough space. There are no size or breed restrictions for dogs.

“The initial launch of BARK Air is only the beginning—our first step in achieving our vision for dog-first travel,” the company said on its website.

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USA TODAY 10Best

10 best places to see fireworks: 2024 guide to summer's dazzling displays

Best Place to See Fireworks (2024) May 22, 2024

Fireworks may not have originated in the United States, but they're certainly a longstanding American tradition. The first 4th of July fireworks display dates back nearly 250 years, and fireworks have long been a mainstay for a wide variety of other holidays and festivities as well.

Beyond being such a feast for the eyes, public fireworks displays are a shared experience that can bring a community together. An expert panel has selected their top picks for the country's most eye-popping fireworks displays, and readers have voted for their favorites. Here are the 10 best places to see fireworks in the U.S. this summer.

No. 10: America's Freedom Festival at Provo - Provo, Utah

A Grand Parade in downtown Provo, complete with floats, bands, balloons, and equestrian groups, precedes the Freedom Festival's annual Stadium of Fire, with live performances at LaVell Edwards Stadium on the campus of Brigham Young University. The finale is the largest stadium fireworks show in the United States.

No. 9: Fair Saint Louis - St. Louis, Missouri

Stars like Elton John, Martina McBride, and Nelly have taken the stage at St. Louis' annual 4th of July weekend party, which is free of charge to attend. The climactic fireworks display takes place above the Mississippi River, framed by the Gateway Arch, in a show that can last as long as 30 minutes.

No. 8: Big Bay Boom - San Diego, California

Billed as a salute to military members and their families in a city that hosts the U.S. Navy's second-largest surface ship base, Big Bay Boom is an 18-minute fireworks display. The spectacle can be seen from anywhere in San Diego's North Bay, including the Embarcadero, the Marina District, Shelter Island, and Harbor Island.  

No. 7: Let Freedom Sing! - Nashville, Tennessee

You'd expect 4th of July fireworks in Nashville to be accompanied by country music, and Music City does not disappoint. Nashville's annual Let Freedom Sing! celebration not only pairs a patriotic party with downtown concerts by established and rising country stars, but also synchronizes its climactic fireworks display with a live performance by the Nashville Symphony.

No. 6: Wawa Welcome America - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What better place to celebrate the 4th of July than the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776? The free Wawa Welcome America festival runs for more than two weeks, starting on Juneteenth and culminating in a free concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The fireworks are best viewed from the parkway between Eakins Oval and Logan Circle.

No. 5: Addison Kaboom Town! - Addison, Texas

Every Independence Day weekend, the Dallas suburb of Addison, Texas, is transformed into "Kaboom Town," with up to half a million visitors arriving to enjoy an air show at the Addison Airport followed by an impressive fireworks display. Visible from anywhere in town, the air show and fireworks can also be enjoyed at a variety of locally organized "watch parties" as well as Addison Circle Park.

No. 4: Minneapolis Aquatennial - Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Minneapolis Aquatennial always takes place the third full week of July. Popular attractions include the Torchlight Parade and the huge Target Fireworks show along the Mississippi riverfront. The display features more than 10,000 pounds of fireworks choreographed to a soundtrack.

No. 3: Concert in the Sky at the Amelia Earhart Festival - Atchison, Kansas

Amelia Earhart's hometown of Atchison, Kansas, honors the aviator during their Amelia Earhart Festival in July. One of the most popular attractions at this weekend fest is the Concert in the Sky fireworks show. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy the entertainment before the big event, which includes live music and stunt pilots flying above the Missouri River. 

No. 2: Ford Fireworks - Detroit, Michigan

The Ford Fireworks show in Detroit is so big that it takes not one, not two, but a total three barges to hold the pyrotechnics. In addition to the colorful display exploding above the Detroit River, spectators can enjoy live music and plenty of food and drinks.

No. 1: Navy Pier - Chicago, Illinois

One of Chicago's secret pleasures is that you can enjoy fireworks at the iconic Navy Pier almost any time of year, including shows twice a week during the summer and when welcoming in the new year with a blast every December 31. In addition to viewing from the pier itself, pyrotechnic lovers can watch the show from charter boats on Lake Michigan, hotel rooftops, Maggie Daley Park, or along Chicago's Lakefront Trail.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Chez chesak.

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Jenny Peters

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los...   Read More

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).

Meg St-Esprit

Meg St-Esprit is a journalist based in Pittsburgh...   Read More

Meg St-Esprit is a journalist based in Pittsburgh who covers family travel, lifestyle, education, and parenting. With their four kids in tow, she and her husband love to travel anywhere and everywhere — but have a soft spot for camping and outdoor adventures. In fact, her kids are well on their way to achieving their goal of visiting all 124 state parks in Pennsylvania. Meg believes travel doesn’t need to be luxurious or costly to be valuable, and aims to share that with her audience. Meg’s work has appeared in publications such as  The New York Times, Thrillist, The Washington Post, Fodor’s, Yahoo, Good Housekeeping, Romper , and more. Follow Meg on Instagram and Twitter at @megstesprit or check out her work on  https://megstesprit.com/

Melanie Reffes

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in...   Read More

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

Rob Taylor is the author of  The Road Trip Survival...   Read More

Rob Taylor is the author of  The Road Trip Survival Guide  (being released May 25, 2021) and  the founder of 2TravelDads , the original LGBT Family Travel blog. Focusing on ecotourism and education, 2TravelDads inspires LGBT families (and traditional families also) to go beyond their usual getaways and use travel to learn about and be part of a bigger world. 2TravelDads blazes the way for other two-dad and two-mom families to travel to previously overlooked destinations or places we as gay people would normally avoid. We share the struggles we've faced and the surprising gems and welcomes we've had along the way. Traveling as a family is one thing, traveling as an LGBT family is completely something else.

Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards...   Read More

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and  off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of  Her Bags Were Packed  where she focuses on helping  women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

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