Airlines That Allow 8-Week Old Puppies and Tips for Flying with a Young Dog
If you recently brought home an 8-week old puppy and need to fly somewhere soon, you may be wondering which airlines will allow such a young dog on board and how to prepare them for the journey. In this article, I’ll outline the policies of major US carriers regarding puppies under 12 weeks and provide advice on making travel as stress-free as possible for you and your pet.
Airline Policies for Puppies Under 12 Weeks
Most airlines do not allow puppies to fly until they are at least 8 weeks old. Here are the key policies:
- Delta: Allows puppies as young as 8 weeks as long as they remain in their owner’s lap or under the seat for the entire flight. A health certificate is required and they must be confined in an FAA-approved pet carrier.
- American: Also permits 8-week old puppies but requires them to remain in the cabin, not the cargo hold. A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel is needed.
- United: The minimum age to fly is 10 weeks. Puppies must remain in-cabin and be appropriately secured during takeoff and landing. A veterinary health certificate is mandatory.
- Alaska Airlines: Only accepts puppies 12 weeks or older due to safety concerns. There are no exceptions given for younger animals.
In general, most major US carriers allow puppies as young as 8 weeks with conditions, such as remaining in-cabin and having a health certificate. But policies can vary, so be sure to carefully review the rules for your specific airline before booking travel.
Preparing Your Puppy for Their First Flight
Even if airlines allow very young dogs, it’s not necessarily a good idea to put an 8-week old pup through the stress of air travel if it can be avoided. Here are some tips to help get them accustomed:
- Start crate training well in advance. Get your pup used to going in and out of their carrier and associating it with positive things like treats and toys.
- Desensitize them to noises like engine sounds that may be heard during takeoff and landing. Play recordings on low volume and reward calm behavior.
- Consider taking a short practice car ride with your pup in their crate to get familiar with traveling. Keep it low-stress at first – just around the block if needed.
- consult your vet about administering a light sedative, if necessary and recommended, to make the puppy more relaxed on the flight.
The younger the puppy, the more impact travel could have on their development. If at all possible, it’s best to wait until 12 weeks or older before subjecting them to air travel for the first time. Their immune systems and comfort levels will be better established.
What to Bring Along
When the big day arrives, come fully prepared with all the essential items:
- An approved pet carrier or airline-compliant kennel that is properly labeled and doesn’t exceed size/weight restrictions
- Food, water, and bowls secured inside the carrier (only bring as much water as needed for the duration of the flight)
- A leash, collar, and ID tags with your contact information
- Absorbent sheets or training pads
- A bottle of water and unopened plastic bags in case of accidents
- Your puppy’s health certificate and vaccination records
- Comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket
It’s also wise to bring any medications prescribed by your vet if needed during transit. A note from your doctor verifying the medical necessity of flying young can’t hurt, either.
Tips for Surviving the Flight
With proper preparation, the big day should go smoothly. But here are some tips from my own experience flying with puppies to make the in-flight experience less stressful:
- Sit in an aisle seat if possible so you aren’t disturbing others constantly checking on your puppy.
- Provide calming treats/chews before takeoff and landing when engine noise is loud.
- Bring an extra layer like a sweatshirt to cover the carrier if your pup seems distressed by cabin noises or lighting.
- Ask flight attendants not to serve hot meals directly above you so food smells don’t upset your pup’s belly.
- Adjust air vents and position the carrier so fresh air circulates inside. Thoroughly change gear/blankets mid-flight if needed.
- Bring calming aids like a natural pheromone spray or diffuser to use mid-flight if they seem anxious.
Remember that while flying with a young dog is allowed, it isn’t mandatory. Consider postponing travel until your puppy is a bit older and can handle it with less risk if they seem too nervous or fragile.
Tips for Interstate Travel by Car
For some destinations, driving may be kinder to a tiny pup than air travel. Here are tips to keep them comfortable and safe:
- Use the same crate they will ride in at home and stop frequently for bathroom breaks and stretch periods.
- Bring along entertainment like interactive toys that only work when they’re moving so they’ll lie quietly during stops.
- Avoid giving milk puppy formula in car since an upset stomach can come fast. Offer smaller, frequent meals of canned food instead.
- Place moisture-proof pee pads under a towel or blanket in case of accidents – clean thoroughly if any happen.
- Adjust the air conditioning vent so it doesn’t blow directly on them and consider covering part of the crate for rest periods.
- Stop at motels that allow pets if driving long distances so your pup can get regular exercise and bonding time each night.
While road trips require more time, they may reduce stress on young bodies and give pups a debut travel experience that’s a bit kinder as they grow into seasoned adventurers like most dogs love to be.
Final Considerations
Air travel or long drives with an 8-week old puppy should always be an absolute last resort. Their health and safety must come before human convenience. With careful planning, conditioned habits, and veterinary support if needed, it can theoretically be done. But most experts agree that 12 weeks or older is the optimal age for that initial travel experience whenever possible.
With patience and gradual preparation, you can develop a well-crate trained, well-socialized pup who happily rides anywhere by your side in the future. But their comfort should take priority in these early weeks as they adjust to leaving littermates behind.
I hope this guide has helped answer questions about flying with very young puppies and provided peace of mind whether preparing for air travel or road trips soon. Please let me know if any other concerns need addressing.
Airline Puppy Policies for Puppies 8 Weeks Old or Younger
Airline | Ages Allowed | Cabin | Additional Requirements |
---|---|---|---|
Delta | 8 weeks or older | Cabin | Puppies must be able to remain in carrier under seat entire flight. Soft-sided carriers only. |
American | 10 weeks or older | Cabin | Puppies must be able to remain in carrier under seat entire flight. Hard- or soft-sided carriers allowed. |
United | Not allowed in cabin if under 10 weeks old | Cargo | Puppies under 10 weeks must be checked as cargo. |
Alaska | 10 weeks or older | Cabin | Puppies must remain in carrier under seat entire flight. Soft-sided carriers only. |
JetBlue | 8 weeks or older | Cabin | Puppies must remain in carrier under seat entire flight. |
FAQ
- Which airlines let you fly with an 8 week old puppy? Quite a few airlines will let you bring puppies as young as 8 weeks on board as long as they can sit in a carrier under the seat. The main ones are Delta, American, and United.
- Do I need any special documents? Yep, you’ll need some paperwork. Most airlines require a health certificate from your vet saying the puppy is fit to fly. The certificate can’t be older than 10 days. You may also need proof of vaccinations.
- What size carrier is allowed? Puppies have to be in a hard-sided carrier that fits completely under the seat in front of you. It can’t be more than about 20 pounds or 18x14x8 inches. Check each airline’s exact restrictions since they vary a little.
- Will my puppy be stressed? It’s definitely not the most comfy ride for an 8 week old pup. Try to keep them calm with treats, toys and maybe even a light cloth over the carrier. The airlines say as long as it’s not too hot or cold, most pups handle the trip just fine though.
- Is there a better age to fly? Most experts say it’s best to wait until 12-16 weeks before flying with puppies, as they’ll likely be calmer and have had more vaccinations by then too. But sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
- Any tips to make it less awful? Beyond the usual calming techniques, ask your vet about medications to take the edge off too. Load up on pee pads just in case. And talk to your puppy soothingly during take-off and landing when pressure changes bother them most.
- Will I pay extra baggage fees? Nah, you can bring your puppy in the cabin as your “personal item” at no extra cost on most airlines. Check baggage is a no-no for live animals though – they gotta ride upfront with you where it’s safe.
In conclusion, while very young puppies flying may not seem ideal, many folks have no other choice due to moving long distances. With the right precautions and paperwork it is usually tolerated by airlines, if perhaps not totally loved by the pups! Just do your research for each airline and check restrictions carefully. Oh, and try not to be too freaked out yourself if Fido gets nervous – they can likely sense your stress too. With patience and treats most pups tend to be fine in the end.