Veterans are more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than the average civilian. A study conducted by Frontiers in Psychiatry found that “the presence of a service dog improved the reported quality of life, and lowered the level of reported symptoms in those with PTSD.”

While there are organizations across the U.S., like K9s For Warriors and America's VetDogs, which provide trained service dogs to veterans, not all veterans have access or qualify. Despite a lack of formal training, a loveable rescue dog can also increase dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin levels in their owners to help alleviate the symptoms of PTSD.

Allegiant Airlines understands the importance of dogs to veterans, which is why they offer a place in the cabin for small pups traveling with U.S. active and reserve duty military and military veterans for no charge.

Small domestic pets can travel in a carrier in the cabin on Allegiant Air if the flight is within the contiguous 48 United States. With the exception of service animals, only cats and dogs are permitted on board. Pets must be at least eight weeks old and in good health, but a health certificate is not required. Pets traveling in the cabin must be able to fit comfortably, stand up and turn around inside a soft-sided carrier with the dimensions of 9" H x 16" W x 19" D.

Civilians are charged a fee of $50 per carrier, per segment, but this fee is waived for active duty, reserve duty, and veteran members of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps., Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Public Health Service Commissioned Corps., National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Officer Corps. with valid identification as part of the Allegiant Honors program.

The Allegiant Honors Program was introduced in 2017 to support active members of the military, veterans and their families by making it easier and more affordable to travel. In addition to bringing one small pet in the cabin for free, qualifying passengers can also check two bags, bring one carry-on bag and a personal item for free, receive early boarding and free printed boarding passes, and will not be charged for oversized baggage. If you are active or reserve military, there’s also no charge for changes or cancellations.

Allegiant Honors provides benefits for active duty, reserve duty, and veteran members of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps., Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Public Health Service Commissioned Corps., National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Officer Corps with valid identification that includes DOD Common Access Card (CAC), Uniformed Services ID Card, DD Form 2, DD Form 2765, DD Form 214, Veteran ID card or a driver’s license with a veteran designation.

Passengers who meet the criteria can talk to a ticket agent at the airport on the day of travel to arrange for a pet in the cabin and other free services that are part of the Allegiant Honors program. If you’ve already paid for your pet to fly in the cabin, contact Allegiant Airlines to arrange a credit for eligible fees.

For more information on traveling with Fido on Allegiant Airlines, check out the full pet policy here.