About American PetEmbark
As pet owners ourselves, we understand that it can feel stressful to drop your best friend off for a flight. You probably have the same questions we had: Will my pet be safe? Will they be comfortable throughout their journey?
American PetEmbark provides industry-leading policies and procedures to ensure your pet receives the best care in the air. Not only do we have more than 65 years of experience transporting animals, but our experts exceed industry standards to ensure the best possible travel experience for your pet.
When your pet travels with PetEmbark, they are in the caring hands of our compassionate team members, who treat your pet like their own.
How to fly your pet
We don't want you to miss a step, so take a moment to watch this video (featuring a lot of cute dogs) and learn everything you need to know about your pet's travel, or view this written guide.
Please note: For all Live Animal shipments traveling to non-US locations, customers are required to hire a customs broker for clearance purposes. Customers are also responsible for all additional destination fees as part of the customs clearance process, which are not associated with shipping costs to American Airlines Cargo.
New requirements for dogs traveling into the US from all countries
As of August 1, 2024, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has implemented new requirements for all dogs entering the United States from a foreign country (excluding Puerto Rico and US territories). These new requirements replaced the CDC temporary suspension of dogs from rabies high-risk countries that expires on July 31, 2024.
Due to these new requirements, American Airlines Cargo will embargo new bookings for dogs originating in a CDC-classified high-risk country for rabies until further notice. This embargo also applies to dogs and cats traveling to the US from a CDC-classified low-risk or rabies-free country but have been in a high-risk country at any point within 6 months of the travel date. For a list of country classifications, as well as an overview of the new CDC regulations and requirements, please visit the CDC website: From August 1, 2024, Onward: What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States | Importation | CDC.
As part of the new requirements implemented on August 1, 2024, qualifying dogs traveling from low-risk or rabies-free countries now need a CDC Dog Import Form. Please allow 24-48 hours to receive the CDC import form receipt, which must be printed and presented at time of tender. Any dog that does not meet the new CDC requirements for importation to the US will not be accepted for transport.
Your PetEmbark toolkit
You can access all our PetEmbark guidelines, policies and restrictions, and required documents at the links below.
Keeping your pets safe in the summer
As we approach the warm summer months, we're taking important precautions designed to keep your pets happy and healthy. In order to keep them safe, we will not accept pets when temperatures are higher than 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
View our summertime safety measures »
PetEmbark warm city embargoes
Pets & animals will not be accepted for flights originating, connecting or terminating in these cities from May 1 through Sept. 30.
- Phoenix, AZ
- Las Vegas, NV
- Tucson, AZ
- Palm Springs, CA
Active travel embargoes for dogs
Effective September 28, 2022, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) implemented a new measure preventing the entry of commercial dogs from high-risk countries for dog rabies into Canada. Visit the CFIA website for the latest restrictions and requirements.
Frequently asked questions
We know there's a ton of information to digest, so we've prepared some answers to frequently asked questions.
View FAQs »Committed to comfort and safety
A Family Reunion
When a military couple needed to move cross-country, they turned to us to protect their cats.
See why 'American had it all' »
Member of IPATA
We're a proud member of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association.
Learn more about IPATA »
Stop Wildlife Trafficking
We are working to protect endangered species and combat illegal wildlife trading and trafficking.
Learn more »We're here to help
Your pet is special to us. We have more than 50 years of experience caring for furry friends, so please email us with any questions or concerns at PetEmbark@aa.com.