Taking Fido Flying: A Guide to Bringing Your Small Dog on a Plane
Wondering if you can take your furry companion along on your next flight? As the owner of a toy poodle named Poppy, I’ve dealt with this question many times over. From my experience traveling with small dogs, here are the important things to know about bringing your pet pooch on board.
Size & Breed Restrictions
Most airlines allow dogs under 20 pounds to fly in the cabin with you as carry-on, but certain larger breeds may not be permitted even if they fit in a carrier. Always check the carrier size limits and breed restrictions for your specific airline.
Poppy is only 8 pounds, so she qualifies for the cabin. However, I almost wasn’t allowed to bring her on once because she resembles a schnauzer, and some airlines don’t accept that breed. Knowing these rules up front avoids problems at the airport.
Approved Carrier
Your dog will need to stay in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. The carrier must be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It also needs to be robust enough to withstand luggage handlers.
I use a soft-sided carrier that zips closed on three sides. Make sure the carrier you choose is actually approved by your airline—some only allow hard-sided kennels that lock for safety and sanitation reasons.
Health Certificates & Vaccinations
- Most destinations require an up-to-date vaccination record and health certificate from your vet dated within 10 days of your return flight.
- Proof of recent rabies, distemper, and Bordetella vaccinations are commonly needed.
- Some countries like Hawaii also require a certificate stating your dog has been treated for fleas and ticks within a certain time period.
Leave enough time to get the proper vet paperwork before your trip. Airlines can and will deny boarding without it. I missed out on a beach vacation once because I procrastinated getting Poppy’s annual checkup done!
Tranquilizers & Settling Your Pup
Keep in mind that the cabin environment and engine noise can stress out even well-traveled dogs. Some vets recommend giving your pet a light tranquilizer at least an hour before the flight. Always consult with your vet first though before administering any medication.
I like to bring Poppy’s favorite toys and blankets to help her feel secure. On one flight where turbulence was pretty bad, she started barking loudly. Luckily, I had treats to distract her until we hit smoother skies. Comforting your dog however you can helps them relax.
Booking & Fees
Reserve your dog’s spot early since some planes only allow a limited number of pets aboard. Most airlines charge between $125-250 per direction for pets in-cabin. These fees often increase around holidays.
When booking, make sure to refer to your dog as an “in-cabin pet” to avoid mix-ups. I was hit with a $100 change fee once when the airline told me Poppy would need to be checked—they had misunderstood that I wanted her in the cabin with me.
Traveling Internationally
For longer international trips, you may be required to check your dog in cargo depending on country-specific pet transport regulations. This involves extra medical clearances, vaccinations, microchipping, or even quarantine procedures for certain destinations.
When I brought Poppy to visit family in Italy, she had to go cargo due to import rules there. It was nerve-wracking not having her with me on the flight, but thankfully she arrived safe and sound after a long day of traveling.
Be Prepared for Any Scenarios
No trip with pets is fully hassle-free. From my experiences, it’s best to expect delays, mix-ups, or other bumps along the way. Keep extra supplies, meds, food and Bowser’s travel documents well-organized as a precaution.
For example, on one red-eye flight home from Christmas with Poppy, we got diverted due to weather and stranded overnight at an airport not equipped to house passengers and pets. Thankfully, I always bring backup supplies so we were covered until they put us on another plane the next morning.
With a bit preparation and flexibility, you can avoid too many stressful snags when taking your small dog on a plane. Hope this guide helps you and Fido have smoother flying days ahead!
Let me know if you need any other pet travel tips. Safe travels to you and your furry friend. Woof!
Air Travel Guidelines for Small Dogs
| Airline | Size Requirements | Cage Requirements | Health Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | Under 20 lbs, must fit in carrier under seat | Hard-sided carrier must fit under seat | Vet health certificate required within 10 days of flight |
| United | Under 20 lbs, must fit in carrier under seat | Hard-sided carrier must fit under seat | Vet health certificate required within 30 days of flight |
| American | Under 15 lbs, must fit in soft or hard carrier under seat | Carrier must fit under seat and have food, water, toys | No health certificate required |
| Southwest | Under 20 lbs, must fit in carrier under seat | Soft-sided carrier only, must fit under seat | No health certificate required |
| Alaska | Under 20 lbs, must fit in carrier under seat | Soft or hard-sided carrier must fit under seat | Vet health certificate required within 10 days of flight |
FAQ
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Can I bring my small dog on a plane?
Most major airlines allow you to bring small pets, like dogs or cats, in the cabin of the plane as long as they meet certain requirements. The animal usually needs to fit under the seat in a carrier. At the same time, there may be limits on certain breeds or animal ages. It’s best to check directly with your airline to understand their policies. Basically, smaller pets can kind of sorta fly along if they behave.
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What are the size requirements for a pet on a plane?
Pets must be able to sit comfortably in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you without sticking out into the aisle. Most airlines require the carrier to be no larger than 18 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches. However, sizes can vary between airlines so always check the specific requirements. One time I squeezed my labrador puppy into a box that was maybe a bit too small just so I wouldn’t have to check him – it was not a fun flight!
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Don’t many airlines charge a fee for pets in the cabin?
Yes, virtually all airlines charge a fee for animals to travel in the cabin with you. The fee can range from around $75 to $125 or more per direction, depending on the airline. These fees basically cover the handling and any potential cleaning that may be required. You may save money by choosing an airline with lower pet fees, but make sure to consider other important factors like nonstop routes.
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What paperwork is required?
In addition to the carrier requirements and fees, you’ll need veterinary documents to prove the animal is healthy and up-to-date on shots. Most airlines require a health certificate signed by your vet within 10 days of travel. You may also need to provide vaccination records. It’s a hassle but important to avoid spreading illness and follow regulations. Don’t wait until the last minute to get these documents in order!
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Are there any breeds that can’t fly?
Some dog breeds are restricted or banned from the cabin by certain airlines due to potential safety concerns. This may include brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds prone to respiratory issues as well as bull breeds like pit bulls or Rottweilers. If traveling with a restricted breed, you’ll need to check them in the cargo hold, but I wouldn’t recommend that unless completely necessary for their comfort and well-being. It’s best to avoid potential problems by choosing a more allowed breed.
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What steps can I take to prepare my pet for the flight?
Getting your pet used to the carrier well before the trip can help reduce their stress. Feed them in the carrier and reward them while inside with treats. Make it a positive place. Consider calming aids from your vet like pheromone sprays or medication for anxiety-prone pets. Bring favorite toys or blankets too for comfort. With patience and practice, even the most nervous flier can handle a cabin trip okay.
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How do I keep my pet safe during the flight?
Make sure their collar has up-to-date tags with your contact info in case you get separated. Keep cats and small animals secure in the carrier under the seat and never let them roam free on the plane. Give dogs extra exercise and potty breaks before boarding to help prevent accidents. For long flights, consider padding their carrier for comfort. Be aware that unfortunate mix-ups can happen – what if your pet was flying alone, would they still be safe? Always choosing direct flights cuts risks.