tl;dr – Here’s a helpful list of specialty carriers that can help you get from point A to point B with your dog, without having to put them in cargo.
We’re living in the midst of wild times (but in reality, when weren’t times wild?), and it seems there isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t encounter at least someone who’s thinking of ‘switching things up.’ For some folks who may be plotting a big move, whether that be a permanent change to a foreign country or even just an extended vacation, if a hang-up in figuring out your plans is ‘How do I bring my pet? ‘ – then this list is for you. If you’re like me and would never contemplate putting your pet underneath the cabin as cargo, then take a look at these specialty carriers that allow you to fly with your pet in-cabin.
Note: Before embarking on any international travel with your pet, you’ll want to make sure you have the correct paperwork (and vaccinations) in place. Many of these carriers require that you submit proof of all documents before confirming your ticket.
Speciality Carriers That Will Let You Fly with Your Pet In-Cabin
Bark Air
One of the newest entries on this list, Bark Air made a splash-tastic entrance to the ‘fly with your pet’ game in 2024 with its inaugural flight between New York and Europe. Since then, the airline has launched international services from several US cities to European capitals, including London, Paris, Lisbon, and Madrid.
La Compagnie
La Compagnie, the all-business class airline, operates flights between Europe and Newark’s Liberty International Airport. Though the airline’s pet policy has changed over the last few years to be less accommodating to larger pets (maximum weight is now 18kg), it still might be a good option if you have a smaller dog, are based on the East Coast (or can easily get there) and looking to travel to Europe.
JSX
JetsuiteX (JSW) is a “hop-on jet service” that operates point-to-point flights between several cities within the US. While its domestic network may be helpful enough (particularly if you’re traveling cross-country or halfway with a large dog), the airline also flies to one Mexican destination, Cancún (CUN). Medium to large dogs require their ticket, but the price of an extra seat is a lot more accessible than a charter fare. The airline maintains a robust pet policy and allows in-cabin furry friends that weigh less than 79lbs. Every reservation with a pet companion will need a pet acceptance form.
Aero
Similar to JSX, Aero offers a “semi-private” travel experience, bridging the gap between traditional first-class and private jet travel. In addition to popular West Coast destinations like Aspen, Sun Valley, Las Vegas, and Napa, Aero also lists Cabo San Lucas as its sole international destination. A maximum of five pets are allowed on each flight.
Note: Aero and JSX are probably the most-accessible entries on this list if you’re just looking to go ‘somewhere else’, as they operate regular routes to Cabo and the pricing is a lot cheaper than the other carriers.
Perro Air
Perro Air specializes in arranging pet-friendly shared and private travel between North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The airline’s leading destinations are Costa Rica and Panama. Recently, Perro Air has expanded to include a snowbird service ferrying folks from Calgary to Palm Springs. Dogs of all sizes are allowed on Perro Air. I recently flew from Florida to Costa Rica with Pupbeard (and the furry friends of other passengers), and you can read my review here.
Pet Jets
Similar to Perro Air above, Pet Jets is a charter broker that operates flights from throughout the United States and the Caribbean. Though Pet Jets doesn’t have set routes, they are very active and you can usually find a list of empty lets on its website. The list of destinations Pet Jets has services is robust. Reviewing their website, you’ll find both upcoming (and completed) flights to the non-contiguous Hawaii and Alaska, a host of Caribbean islands, Costa Rica, and both London and Paris as well.
Skye Pets AU
Skye Pets specializes in long-haul travel between Oceania, Dubai, and Europe. The airline, rather impressively, has been flying since 2022 and is very popular amongst travelers with larger pets. I’ve read reports of several individuals reaching Europe on BarkAir and then making their way to a Skye Pets departure airport to continue their journey or move to Australia or the Middle East.
RetrievAir
RetrievAir is the newest entry on this list. Currently, RetrievAir only flies domestically and services the following cities: Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, New York, and Salt Lake City. You can fly with dogs (and mondo cats) weighing up to 75lbs.
On-Demand Charters
Below are two on-demand charter services worth considering, as many individuals have found success in arranging group trips to their desired destinations by reaching out to these providers. If you and a group of friends, loved ones, or strangers share a common destination in mind and are willing to pool the costs, both Tradewind Aviation and Surf Air may be able to help schedule a trip.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a retired boomer with a ride-or-die pooch, (human)-childfree millennial who spoils their ‘son or daughter’, or large family that doesn’t go anywhere without ‘Fido’, there’s a good chance your pet has looked at you with soft, gut-wrenching eyes (or you at your pet!) just before you leaving to go on vacation. Hopefully, this list can help ensure your furry friend rides in style with you on your next adventure.
