Find the Best Dog Kennel for Plane Travel – Tips for Flying With Your Pet Safely and Comfortably

Planning Your Dog’s Travel by Air: Everything You Need to Know About Kennels For Planes

Flying with your furry friend can be a stressful experience if you’re not prepared. As anyone with pets knows, our animal companions are part of the family – so the last thing you want is for Fido to feel scared or uncomfortable when soaring through the sky at 30,000 feet! In this article, I’ll answer all your questions about using a kennel to transport your dog on a plane safely and help relieve your travel anxieties.

Why is a kennel required?

1. Safety – A kennel provides a safe, secure space for your dog during take-off, landing, and turbulence when they’re more likely to feel uneasy being unrestrained. It prevents them from escaping and ensures the safety of passengers and crew too.
2. Comfort – Kennels are specifically designed with your dog’s needs in mind. They offer padding, ventilation and just enough room for your pup to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. Being gently confined alleviates stress.
3. Compliance – The major airlines require dogs to be transported in approved kennels that meet size and strength standards set by the US Department of Transportation. This is part of their pets-in-cabin policy, so a kennel is mandatory to fly with pets in the passenger cabin.

From my experience helping countless pet parents prepare for trips, using an approved kennel sets your dog up for a much smoother flying experience compared to being loose in the cabin or cargo hold. It’s really a win-win for both Fido and fellow travelers’ peace of mind.

What size kennel do I need?

Kennel size regulations vary by airline, so be sure to check your specific carrier’s rules. As a general guideline, the kennel should be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around comfortably inside but no bigger than the standard maximum dimensions which are typically:

• Length: length + height combined cannot exceed 18 inches or 45cm
• Width: cannot exceed 8 inches or 20cm
• Height: cannot exceed 9 inches or 23cm

Also keep in mind larger dogs may need a soft-sided kennel versus a hard plastic one for optimal comfort. I’d personally err on the slightly larger size if your pup is on the cusp just so they aren’t crammed in too tightly. A little extra space never hurt! At the same time, too roomy and they may feel insecure.

How should I prepare my dog for flight?

Proper training makes a world of difference for nervous fliers. Here are some tips:

1. Get them used to their kennel at home – make it a safe, positive space. Give treats and toys when inside so they associate it with good things.
2. Desensitize them to airport noises – play recordings of ambient sounds like engines and busy terminals while feeding treats.
3. Practice short training sessions – start with just a few minutes in the kennel with door closed and work up the duration over days.
4. Don’t pamper or coddle them before flying as this can add to anxiety. Keep normal routine.
5. Consult your vet about calming aids. For high-strung pups, calming supplements 1-2 hours before departure may help.

Unfortunately, there’s no 100% foolproof way to fully prepare a dog for flight. But taking the time to properly condition them to their kennel through positive reinforcement training goes a very long way in reducing stress. It worked wonders for my last rescue!

What about medications or vaccines before a flight?

Most airlines require dogs to have received certain vaccines within the past year including rabies, bordetella/”kennel cough”, and canine influenza if traveling internationally. I’d get your vet to provide written documentation verifying your dog’s health and immunity.

Some may also request a health certificate be issued within 10 days of travel. This verifies your pup is fit to fly and free of contagious illnesses or parasites.

As for medications, consult your vet and be fully transparent about travel plans. Anti-anxiety meds prescribed responsibly for one-off flights are OK. However, I wouldn’t rely on them long-term without training your dog. Certain meds like opioids are prohibited for obvious safety reasons too. Clear communication is key.

What should I pack in my dog’s kennel?

Here are some essential items to include:

1. At least 2 days’ worth of food, water and bowls or dishes in sealable bags
2. Multiple absorbent pee pads – expect delays!
3. A favorite toy or blanket with your scent to calm nerves
4. Copies of required documents like vaccinations and health cert
5. Dog ID collar with up-to-date rabies tags
6. Small baggie of treats for in-flight reinforcement
7. Plastic bags to clean up accidents inside the kennel

I also like to attach care cards on the outside with my contact info in case of emergency. Having everything your pup needs right at hand brings peace of mind during the journey. Eliminate any non-essentials to allow ample movement room too.

What if my dog gets anxious while flying?

Even with the best preparation, some dogs simply can’t relax in such an unfamiliar environment. Here are a few tips for dealing with anxiety inflight:

• Remain positive and calm yourself to avoid escalating their nerves
• If whimpering or crying, distract with toys/chews but don’t force interaction
• Speak in a soothing voice to reassure vs scolding which increases stress
• Ask flight staff about moving to less crowded areas for some decompression time mid-flight
• In extreme cases, a vet-prescribed sedative could help get them through the experience

While far from ideal, remember their comfort is the priority – not proving a point. If my dog was having a full-blown panic attack, I’d rather take an alternate transport and rebook nonstop rather than prolong the trauma. Composure and flexibility are key when handling inflight emergencies involving our furry companions.

What are some other travel tips when flying with dogs?

Book Early – Spot availability is limited and premium spots book up fast, especially around holidays.

Arrive Early – Allow extra time for check-in. Some airports require paperwork compliance checks before security.

Bring Only One Bag – Carry on fur-baby’s kennel, food, and supplies yourself versus checking additional luggage for quicker retrieval.

Bring ID and Documents – Have license, records, and rabies certificates accessible for inspection. Keep kennel tags visible too.

Know Airline Policies– Check bans, fees & limits on breeds, young/old dogs in advance to avoid penalties or denial of boarding with your pup.

Consider Travel Insurance – Covers things like missed flights, medical emergencies, lost animals etc for peace of mind.

Hope this guide answered all your questions about comfortable flying with dogs using airline-approved kennels! With proper preparation and care, your furry friend should feel calm and secure zipping through the friendly skies. Let me know if any other concerns come up.

Choosing the Right Kennel for Flying with Your Dog

Kennel Size	Dog Size	Considerations
Small (24″ x 18″)	Toy and small breeds under 20 lbs	Lightweight and easy for one person to carry. Too small for larger dogs.
Medium (30″ x 21″)	Medium breeds 20-50 lbs	Fits dogs up to 50 lbs. Fewer dogs will fit in the cargo hold than a large kennel.
Large (36″ x 24″)	Large and giant breeds over 50 lbs	Accommodates dogs up to 100 lbs. May be too big to fit under an airline seat.
Collapsible	All dog sizes	Folds down small for storage. Easy for one person to carry assembled or collapsed.
Hard-Sided	All dog sizes	Durable and sturdy. Provide more security than soft-sided kennels.
Soft-Sided	All dog sizes	Lightweight and easy to carry. Zippered openings for ventilation. Less durable than hard-sided.

FAQ

1. Can I bring my dog in a kennel on the plane?

   Most airlines allow dogs to travel in kennels inside the aircraft cabin. However, you’ll need to purchase a plane ticket for your kennel and follow size and safety regulations. The kennel has gotta fit under the seat in front of you.

2. What size kennel can I use?

   Kennel size limits vary by airline, but they’re typically required to be no bigger than about 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches. That’s kinda small, but it ensures the kennel will fit under the seat safely. Measure your pup’s kennel beforehand to double check the limits.

3. Do I need any paperwork for my dog?

   You’ll need your pup’s vaccination records and possibly a health certificate from your vet. The paperwork shows your dog is fit to travel. Some airlines require this, while others don’t. It never hurts to bring the docs just in case, right?

4. Is my dog allowed in the cabin?

   Most airlines permit small dogs to travel in the cabin as long as they remain in an approved kennel. However, some carriers only accept service dogs in the main cabin for obvious safety reasons. You’ll want to check the policies for your specific airline beforehand.

5. How do I prepare my dog for travel?

   Get your pup accustomed to their kennel before the big day. Feed them in there and make it a positive place. Consider calming aids like pheromone sprays, too. On the day, don’t give food for a few hours before departure. Hydrating is A-OK, though! Calm and quiet is key to help them relax.

6. Is it expensive to bring my dog on a plane?

   It can be if your pup is large or you’re traveling on certain airlines. There’s the pet ticket cost on top of yours. But honestly, leaving Fido behind would be way more expensive on your heartstrings, amirite? It’s worth looking into pet transport services as an alternative if money is tight.

7. What are some tips for in-cabin travel?

   Bring water, keep your dog calm and quiet, and avoid excess attention. Some humans are scared of dogs, so be respectful of others. Maybe bring treats to reward good behavior? Ultimately, do your research and prepare so you and pup have a smooth ride!