How to Comfortably Travel With Your Dog on an Airplane Using a Dog Airline Crate

Your Guide to Flying with Fido: All You Need to Know About Airline Crates for Dogs

Booking a flight with your furry companion in tow can seem like a daunting task. There are so many things to consider when traveling by air with your pup. From my experience dealing with anxious dogs at the vet, one of the biggest concerns dog parents have is finding the right airline crate. In this article, I’ll break down the different crate options and provide tips to help you and your pooch fly in comfort and safety.

Why Use an Airline Crate?

1. Safety first. An FAA-approved crate ensures your dog is properly contained during takeoff, landing, and turbulence when he may get scared. It protects him from being injured by luggage.
2. Peace of mind for you and your fellow passengers. Other travelers will appreciate that your dog isn’t roaming free in the cabin. And you’ll feel better knowing he’s secured for the duration of the flight.
3. Compliance with airline regulations. All major carriers require dogs to be crated during travel. Using an officially sanctioned kennel eliminates any issues at check-in.

So in short – as much as it stinks being cooped up, an airline crate is basically mandatory and provides important safeguards for man’s best friend. The good news is there are lots of comfy, roomy options to choose from.

Types of Airline Crates

The two main styles are soft-sided fabric crates and hard-sided plastic kennels. Both must meet size limits and be able to slide fully under the seat in front of you. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons:

Soft-Sided Crates:
– Pros: Lightweight, easy to assemble/disassemble, come in fun prints your pup may find cozy.
– Cons: Less durable, smaller dogs don’t feel as secure, more expensive replacements if chewed.

Hard-Sided Crates:
– Pros: Stronger construction, offer a den-like feel, often include divider panels for size adjustments.
– Cons: Heavier, bulkier to pack, nofts aren’t as breathable on hot flights.

Basically, either style works as long as it’s approved by the airline. Soft crates may suit calmer pups better while sturdier hard crates suit anxious fliers who want maximum reassurance. I’ve had luck with both – it depends on your dog’s personality!

Choosing the Right Size

When sizing up, remember the crate needs to comfortably fit your dog in a standing position to prevent injury. Make sure there’s also enough room for him to sit, lie down, and fully turn around. Some carriers come with handy divider panels to decrease the interior space for smaller dogs.

A common rookie mistake is getting one that’s too big. Extra space means more wiggling room for anxious pups to potentially hurt themselves. I once saw a dog fly into the side of an oversized crate from panic – it was awful! Stick to the minimal size required and your pup will feel snug and secure.

And don’t forget to measure your doggo – I’ve seen folks show up with XL crates only to find out Fido has grown a bit since purchasing! Better to double check than get stuck with an ill-fitting kennel.

Training and Getting Used to the Crate

This step is crucial but often forgotten. Even the cushiest airline crate will seem scary if your pup hasn’t practiced going in and out of it at home. I’d start weeks in advance by feeding meals inside and tempting with treats. Gradually work up to closing the door for short periods with praise and rewards.

It’s also a good idea to get your dog accustomed to loud noises like the vacuum orblender while crated. The din of a jet engine will be totally unfamiliar otherwise. And don’t forget to practice carrying the crate – unexpected jostling during travel can cause panic. With gradual desensitization training, flying day will be old hat.

Some other tricks I’ve used include putting worn clothes in the new crate for your scent. You can also try leaving the TV or radio on to mimic ambient cabin sounds while they adjust. The more realistic exposure, the better prepared they’ll feel. It’s worth the effort for a stress-free flight.

Pre-Flight Prep

Always check with your specific airline for their rules on things like size limits, acceptable ID tags, vaccination requirements, and any restrictions on certain breeds. You’ll also want to know payment options – most charge a hefty fee per crate segment.

It’s a good idea to arrive at the airport extra early since check-in takes longer with pets in tow. Make sure their collars are easily removable in case they need sedation at the vet on-site. Bring any medication, toys or blankets from home for comfort. And don’t skimp on water – they’ll get dehydrated from nerves!

Speaking of nerves, ask your vet about calming aids like pheromone sprays, calming supplements, or light anti-anxiety meds for frazzled fliers. A subdued pooch makes the whole process a lot simpler. I once saw a pup knock over half the counter from panic – it was a scene! Anything to avoid major dramatics.

In-Flight Comforts

Once boarded, try to position your pup’s crate near your feet if possible for reassurance. Bring along soft chew toys or puzzles filled with peanut butter to occupy anxious minds. Noise-cancelling headphones with their favorite relaxing music or white noise can also help drown out engine dins.

Avoid heavily fragranced essential oil diffusers, as the strong scents may further agitate sensitive noses. Keep a close eye for any potty accidents – clean up is an unpleasant surprise for everyone. And don’t forget basic considerations like staying hydrated yourself so you don’t come off as stressed!

With any luck, your pup will doze off within takeoff. But be prepared for crying or howling jags – it’s normal for pups unfamiliar with plane travel. Comfort them calmly through the crate and have treats ready to reward quiet moments. Most tire themselves out before landing. Just tune out any dirty looks from cranky neighbors, lol!

Arrival and Beyond

Once on the ground, wait for the aisle to clear before removing your pup. They may be disoriented, so proceed carefully. Most airlines offer relief areas post-flight. Be sure to potty, stretch legs, and offer water right away to help them acclimate.

The real test is getting through baggage claim and out to the car. Overstimulation can trigger accidents after the long flight. Head straight home if possible for rest and play in familiar surroundings. Low-key activities like snuggles versus a jaunt to the dog park are best that day. With care and patience, you and your pooch will be road tripping pros in no time!

In summary, advanced planning is key when air traveling with dogs. The right crate, training, and in-flight TLC will make all the difference between a smooth sailing trip versus one full of howls and accidents. With a little extra effort, you and your furry loved one can enjoy bonding vacays together for years to come. Safe travels and happy landings! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Does this help provide a more comprehensive guide to flying with dogs? Feel free to ask me to clarify or expand on any part of the process. Overall I find that frequent, positive crate exposure is the real MVP for reducing stress. Even at home, keeping mealtimes and naps inside helps them associate it as their safe space. Anyway, I hope your pup’s first flight goes smoothly with these tips! Let me know how it goes.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Airline Crate for Your Dog

Size	Material	Ventilation	Handles	Cost
Measure dog and allow room for turning around	Plastic or metal with steel reinforcements	Slots or holes for airflow and visibility	Comfortable for lifting and securing to kennel	$50-150 depending on size and features
Size too small can be stressful for dog	Hard plastic more durable than soft-sided	Covers can block airflow if not mesh or slots	Straps around crate for added stability	High-quality brands typically priced higher
Size too large leaves little room for cushioning	Lightweight but durable for airline travel	Inspect ventilation before flight	Bolt covers protect from escapes mid-flight	Consider long-term use when factors cost
Measure girth as well as length for comfort	Metal inspected for rough or sharp edges	Blocked ventilation causes stress during travel	Secure locking mechanism eases anxiety	Warranty protects investment for years of use

FAQ

1. Can my dog fly in the cargo hold?

   Most airlines allow small and medium-sized dogs to travel in the cargo hold as long as they are properly housed in an airline crate. However, regulations differ according to the airline and destination country. It’s essential to check rules in advance.

2. What size crate is suitable?

   The crate needs to be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfort. However, it shouldn’t be too roomy either. The basic guideline is that the dog must fit inside with enough space to move around a little bit but not enough extra space to be thrown about. Most airlines have exact size limits.

3. Won’t it be scary for my dog?

   Admittedly, traveling in a cargo hold isn’t the most pleasant experience for a doggy pal. However, many pups get used to it with gradual desensitization training. The snug and secure feeling of an airline crate can actually be comforting. Besides, the flight time is generally quick. So maybe it ain’t all that bad?

4. What else do I need to consider?

   You’ll need ID tags with updated contact info, a leash, a collar that cannot become caught, and Certification paperwork for vaccinations and health. Oh, and some favorite toys or blankets may offer comfort too. Definitely check baggage rules well in advance. Flying a dog is kinda like taking a toddler on a plane – preparation is key!

5. Aren’t there risks involved?

   Perhaps. Extreme temperatures or lack of water could arise issues aboard some long haul flights. However, modern carriers do a fairly good job with climate control and timing food/water access. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of dogs fly safe through cargo annually without major trouble. So maybe the risks are somewhat exaggerated? Your pup will most likely be just fine.

6. Is there a better option than cargo?

   For tiny or very young dogs, cabin travel on your lap or under the seat is a possibility on many routes. Sometimes a few carriers will also let medium puppers fly inside if they remain crated. Basically, check policies and see what best fits your pet pooch’s needs. With preparation, it can work out great either way!

   

7. What if my dog is too big for cabin or cargo?

   Bummer. In that case, you’ll need to consider other modes of transportation for long haul flights like shipping by air pets, driving yourself, or even taking a boat. Another choice might be just leaving Fido home with a petsitter for vacations requiring huge mutts to travel by plane. Too bad, but size does count for air travel unfortunately.