No airline will guarantee acceptance of an animal it has not seen. Important considerations for acceptance of animals include the health and disposition of the animal, proper health certificates, and kennel markings and sizing. Airlines also require that, if wheels are installed as part of a kennel, they be removed or rendered inoperable prior to transport. This action prevents kennels from rolling, protecting both the animals and airline employees. USDA assigns airlines the final responsibility for determining the safety and compliance of the kennels they accept.
Airlines generally transport animals in the cargo compartment of a plane.
In doing so, the airlines advise the flight crew that animals are onboard the aircraft. Some airlines allow passengers to carry their pets in the cabin of a plane if the animals are capable of fitting under the passengers' seat. Carryon pets are not protected under the Animal Welfare Act. Certain animals are accepted as baggage at passenger check-in locations, and others are accepted as cargo at the airlines' cargo facilities. For the specific requirements pertaining to your animal, make advance arrangements with the airline you are using.