A Guide to Flying with Your Companion Dog
If you’re planning a trip with your furry friend by air, you may have some questions about the logistics and requirements for flying with a companion dog. In this article, I’ll answer common concerns and provide tips based on my experience traveling with dogs by plane.
Is It Allowed and What Are the Rules?
Most major airlines in the United States do allow you to bring your companion dog in the aircraft cabin as an “emotional support animal” or “comfort animal.” However, there are some key rules:
- The dog must be house trained and able to fit comfortably in a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you.
- You need written documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating that your dog provides emotional support.
- There is usually a weight limit, typically between 15-20 pounds, depending on the airline.
- Nonrefundable fees ranging from $75-125 per direction are typical.
It’s important to check the specific policies and rules for your chosen airline well in advance. Some may have additional requirements like vaccines or health certificates. Failing to meet the guidelines could result in being denied boarding with your dog.
What About Car Rides to the Airport?
A big challenge can be transporting an anxious dog in the car for extended periods, like the drive to and from the airport. From my experience, it helps to Acclimate your dog to car rides well before travel dates. Give plenty of short practice rides with treats and praise to build positive reinforcement.
The day of, consider sedative aids from your vet if your dog struggles with cars. It can take the edge off without fully sedating them. Stop frequently to let them relieve themselves and stretch. Bring favorite toys/blankets and limit big meals beforehand. A tired, content dog will hopefully sleep through much of the ride!
What Size Carrier Is Best?
For under-seat storage on planes, you’ll want a soft-sided carrier that is International Air Transport Association (IATA) compliant. Make sure it is no larger than approximately 18x13x8 inches so it fits under the seat in front of you. Some popular options for small dogs include:
- Sherpa Original Carrier
- PetPeppy Portable Dog Crate
- Amazon Basics Foldable Soft Carrier
Test fit it in your vehicle and try your dog inside it at home before travel days. Get them used to going in and spending time calmly inside the carrier with treats. A positive early introduction can help prevent anxiety or resistance when it’s needed for the actual flights.
What About In-Cabin Behavior?
On the plane, keep your pup safely secured in the carrier under the seat or on your lap at all times, per FAA rules. Make sure to bring plenty of appropriate chews/toys and water to help them relax. If they start to get restless or vocal, offer distraction and praise to self-settle.
Be aware that noisy, disruptive or excessively stressed-out behavior could result in your dog being asked to relocate by flight staff, such as to the cargo hold away from you. Having them acclimated to the carrier and well-behaved allows the whole experience to flow smoothly.
What About Food, Potty Breaks, and Health Concerns?
Do not feed your dog for a few hours before or after flying to prevent upset stomach or accidents. Bring water in sealed containers. Most flights are short enough that they won’t need a potty break, but it’s smart to check layover times.
Have health and vaccination records handy in the unlikely event of injury/illness. Consider pet health insurance or transportation policies for emergencies or delays. There may be climatic changes between locations that could induce stress – keep an eye out for signs of emotional or physical strain.
Overall, following the guidelines while addressing your dog’s needs results in safe, easy travels together in my experience. With smart preparation and positive reinforcement training, you and your companion can enjoy making new memories on your next trip by air.
Any Other Tips From Flying With Dogs Often?
Here are a few additional suggestions I’ve picked up from my many flights with my favorite furry co-pilots:
Bring a lightweight sweater – air travel can involve lots of different temps between the airport, flight, layovers. It’s like air conditioning overload for pups!
Make sure your dog is microchipped and detailed tags are secured – you never know what could happen during travel periods.
Consider calming supplements from your vet if anxiety is an issue. Things like meloxicam, adaptogens, or pheromone sprays may help take the edge off. But consult your vet first.
Download relaxing music or white noise apps to play near the carrier. Calming albums designed for dogs are also soothing for flights.
Bring backup copies of all travel documents and vaccination records – things can get misplaced when hauling stuff around airports. Murphy’s law dictates the originals will go missing if you only have one copy!
Any Last Thoughts or Questions?
Hope this guide helped address common concerns for flying with dogs! let me know if any other questions come up. Safe travels to all furry fliers and their human companions out there. While it requires some preparation, sharing adventures with our best animal friends makes the effort worthwhile. Who knows – your pup may even become a flying pro before you!
Traveling with Your Best Friend: Tips for Flying with Your Dog
| Dog Size | Airline | Crate Size | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (under 20 lbs) | Delta | Hard-sided under seat | $125 each way |
| Medium (20-50 lbs) | American | Soft-sided under seat | $100 each way |
| Large (over 50 lbs) | United | Checked luggage | $150 each way |
| All sizes | Southwest | Hard-sided under seat | FREE |
| Small & Medium | JetBlue | Hard-sided under seat | $125 each way |
FAQ
- Can I bring my dog on the airplane as a carry-on? Usually airlines will allow companion dogs that fit in their carrier under the seat as a carry-on. However, many airlines limit the size of carriers and number of animals allowed as carry-ons each flight.
- What paperwork do I need for my dog to fly? You’ll need a health certificate from your vet saying your dog is fit to travel. Airlines typically require this certificate be dated within 10 days of your flight. You may also need to show proof of vaccines like rabies and bordetella.
- How can I keep my dog calm during the flight? Try giving your dog calming supplements or natural remedies before and during the flight. Bring familiar toys or chew items. Consider asking your vet about medication in extreme cases. Also, don’t feed your dog too close to departure in case of motion sickness.
- What’s the best way to transport my dog in the cabin? Most experts suggest using soft-sided carriers that allow your dog to see out. Line it with a familiar blanket or shirt that smells like home. Avoid harsh collars or harnesses that may annoy your pup. And make sure the carrier is secure under the seat in case of unexpected turbulence.
- Is there a limit to how many flights my dog can take? Airlines could possibly restrict animals flying very frequently for commercial reasons. But generally there is no limit to occasional flights for companions. However, it’s wise to consider your dog’s comfort and treat flying like a necessary trip, not a vacation activity.
- Will my dog be trained how to behave on flights? While they can probably distinguish between takeoff/landing noises, most untrained companion dogs don’t actually understand why we bring them on planes. It’s up to the owner to practice calm behaviors and prepare them to feel secure in carriers for hours. Consider training classes if they have issues like anxiety.
So in summary, air travel is definitely doable for companion dogs – you just need to plan, prepare them carefully and follow airline policies. Ultimately what matters most is the dog’s comfort and safety. With some effort, it can work out amazingly well or turn out to be a fairly unpleasant experience. It may take some trial and error to build up their confidence for future flights.