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Traveling with your pet from Denver means picking an airline that actually cares about animals and doesn’t make things complicated. Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines are top picks—they let dogs, cats, and even a few other small critters ride in the cabin for a fair fee.
Many airlines have pretty clear pet rules and offer support, which can make planning a lot less stressful.
You’ll need a health certificate for your pet when flying from Denver, and every airline has its own set of fees and booking steps. It’s worth sorting out these details early, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Key Takeways
- Choose airlines with clear pet policies and reasonable fees.
- Prepare proper documents like health certificates before travel.
- Book flights early and follow the airline’s pet travel rules carefully.
Top Airlines Allowing Pets from Denver Colorado
If you’re heading out of Denver with a pet, a few airlines really stand out for having straightforward policies and decent options. There are ways to fly your pet in the cabin, check them as baggage, or use cargo services.
Some airlines even offer direct flights to major pet-friendly cities.
Major US Carriers with Pet Policies
Alaska Airlines is a favorite for pet travel from Denver. Dogs, cats, rabbits, and even household birds are allowed in the cabin for $100 each way.
Their policy is pretty simple, and you don’t have to book months ahead.
Delta Air Lines is also a solid choice, with lower pet fees and pretty good support if you need it. Pets can fly in the cabin or in cargo, but there are size and breed rules.
American Airlines lets pets travel in cargo or as checked baggage. They don’t usually allow pets in the cabin, but their instructions for kennels and paperwork are straightforward.
Direct Pet-Friendly Flight Options
Direct flights are best for pets—less stress, fewer headaches. Alaska Airlines flies nonstop from Denver to several West Coast cities where bringing a pet isn’t unusual.
Delta has direct routes to places like Atlanta and Minneapolis, and their hubs have pet-friendly facilities. That’s a plus.
Frontier Airlines is based in Denver and lets pets ride in the cabin. Their fees aren’t bad, but nonstop destinations are mostly the big-name cities.
International Airlines for Pet Travel
Going overseas? KLM and Air France both allow big dogs in cargo and are known for handling animals with care.
You’ll need the right kennel and a health certificate, though.
British Airways also ships pets in cargo from Denver to Europe and follows strict rules for long journeys. If you’re planning an international trip, it’s smart to double-check requirements for breed, size, and paperwork before booking.
Pet Travel Requirements and Regulations
Traveling with pets means following some rules—carrier size, health paperwork, and breed or size restrictions. These aren’t just red tape; they’re there to keep your pet safe and make airport security less of a hassle.
Carrier and Crate Specifications
You’ll need an airline-approved kennel. Both hard-sided and soft-sided carriers are usually fine.
Only one pet per kennel, and it has to fit under the seat in front of you if you’re bringing your pet in the cabin.
Your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Size limits vary, so check with your airline before booking.
Some airlines let you bring two pets, but you’d have to buy two seats—one for each carrier.
Health Certificates and Vaccination Rules
Flying out of Denver? You’ll need a health certificate for your dog or cat, showing they’re healthy and up-to-date on shots.
Most airlines want this certificate dated within 10 days of your flight. For international trips, your pet might need to be at least six months old and fully vaccinated.
Even for local flights, proof of rabies vaccination is usually required. Always check the latest health requirements before you go.
Breed and Size Restrictions
Most airlines only allow cats and dogs in the cabin, and there are size and weight limits. Bigger dogs or certain breeds have to fly as cargo.
Some breeds—like pugs or bulldogs—aren’t accepted in the cabin because they can have trouble breathing. If your pet’s too big for a carrier under the seat or is on the restricted list, you’ll have to use checked pet services.
Double-check your airline’s list of allowed breeds and size limits before you buy tickets.
Booking the Best Pet-Friendly Flights from Denver
Booking a pet-friendly flight from Denver takes a little planning. Airline policies and fees aren’t always obvious, so comparing options can save you some cash and trouble.
You also want your pet’s travel to line up with your own schedule and comfort level.
Reservation Tips for Traveling with Pets
Book as early as you can—there’s a limit to how many pets can fly in the cabin on each flight. Tell the airline you’re bringing a pet when you book.
Many airlines let you add a pet online, which is handy. United Airlines does this, for example.
Make sure your carrier fits the airline’s size rules. Usually, cats and small dogs can go in the cabin.
Check for health certificate requirements, especially since Denver International asks for them even on local flights.
Double-check weight limits and breed restrictions. Non-stop flights are best for pets—less hassle for everyone.
If you have questions or special concerns, it’s worth calling the airline directly. Sometimes that’s the only way to get a straight answer.
Cost Comparisons of Pet Travel Fees
Pet fees aren’t exactly set in stone, but you’ll usually see them fall somewhere between $100 and $150 each way. Alaska Airlines and JSX, for example, both charge about $100 per pet if you want your furry friend up in the cabin.
United Airlines is a bit pricier at around $150 per trip for cats and dogs in the cabin.
Not every airline rolls out the welcome mat for every kind of pet. Some stick with just cats and dogs, while a few might let rabbits or small birds tag along too.
Keep in mind, these fees are per pet. Got more than one? The costs add up fast.
Here’s a quick table for flights in 2025 out of Denver, showing what you might pay to bring your pet in the cabin:
| Airline | Pet Fee (One Way) | Pet Types Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | $100 | Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds |
| United Airlines | $150 | Dogs, cats |
| JSX | $100 | Cats, small dogs |
It’s smart to add the pet fee right when you book, just so there aren’t any nasty surprises later. Sometimes, that bargain ticket loses its shine once you factor in the pet policy or extra fees.