In-Cabin Cat Travel

Assistance animals defined

• Emotional support animal (or "ESA"): The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) defines an emotional support animal as ​"...an animal of any species, the use of which is supported by a qualified physician, psychiatrist or other mental health professional based upon a disability-related need. An ESA must not be trained to perform any particular task." While ESAs were previously widely recognized by airlines as a type of service animal, a recent ruling by the Department of Transportation (effective January 11, 2021) has removed the requirement for air carriers to admit an ESA in-cabin based on their new status as a pet—not a service animal—under the new ruling
• Therapy animal: an animal trained and registered by a therapy organization to be an integral part of a treatment process. These animals are not recognized as service animals.
• Service animal: Any dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Regardless of certification or training, cats do not meet these requirements for this definition. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability. Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to, assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing non-violent protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, assisting an individual during a seizure, [or] alerting individuals to the presence of allergens..."

your options if an airline declines to allow your pet in-cabin

If you were planning to travel with your cat in-cabin as an assistance animal, your plans might need to be altered. Not to worry! We can help. You can read more about your options and what role PetRelocation plays in providing the best service possible in each scenario.

pet relocation specializes in transporting pets via manifest cargo

As a professional pet shipping company, this is the most reliable way to ensure a pet's move is monitored (by us) from start to finish. When a pet travels as manifest cargo, we can work with the airline directly and become the primary contact for all information related to that pet's travel. When the pet is tied to a passenger ticket, that person becomes the responsible party in the eyes of the airline, and we are not provided any information as a third party.

Manifest cargo

If PetRelocation is managing your move, your relocation coordinator can book your pet’s flight, manage the check-in and customs clearance, and track your pet on their journey using their air waybill number. 

Excess baggage/ in-cabin

If your pet is traveling as excess baggage or in-cabin under the seat, PetRelocation can still provide support, but in a more limited capacity. Depending on your destination, we can help with vet consultations and obtain import permits or government endorsements. 

Ground Transportation

If you travel across the United States and your cat is a snub-nosed breed, such as a Persian cat, flying may not be an option. PetRelocation offers long-distance drives for pets not accepted to travel by air.

Most airlines that accept in-cabin pets require a cat to fit comfortably under the seat in front of you; in a carrier, if this is the case, then great! Your four-legged family member can join you on your ticket. We have requirements pages for many top destinations if you need guidance on import requirements!