A Comprehensive Guide to Flying with Your Large Dog
Whether you’re moving across the country or taking a family vacation, flying with your big pooch can seem like an intimidating prospect. But with some planning and preparation, you can make airline travel a breeze for both you and your furry friend. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know to fly safely and stress-free with a large dog.
Booking Your Flight
- Check your airline’s pet policies and restrictions. Most carriers only allow one pet per passenger in the cabin. The pet must travel with the owner in the same cabin compartment.
- Find out the maximum size allowed for pets in the cabin. Most airlines limit this to around 20 lbs or less. But some are now more accommodating of bigger dogs that can fit safely under the seat.
- Book as early as possible. Many airlines limit the number of pets per flight for safety reasons. The earlier you book, the greater chance you’ll get a spot for your pooch.
From my experience, it’s best to call the airline directly to double check policies if flying with an extra large breed. Most are pretty flexible these days if Fido can sit-stay-heel without issue. Basicaly just be polite and honest about your well-behaved pup.
Prepare for Takeoff
- Get your veterinarian to certify your dog is healthy and updated on vaccines. Most airlines require this certification, typically valid for 30 days.
- Make sure your dog is comfortable with noisy environments before flying. Take him to busy parks or pet stores to get used to distractions. A calm pup is less stressful for other passengers.
- Train your dog to stay calmly in one spot without roaming around during transit. Practice this command at home so he obeys it perfectly when cooped up under the seat.
Kind of like kids, it’s useful to acclimate pups slowly to new experiences through positive conditioning. Initially expose them just briefly to stimuli, then reward calm behavior with treats. Gradually increase duration over time in a low-pressure way.
Pack for the Trip
- Carry your dog in an International Air Transport Association (IATA) compliant travel kennel. It should be big enough for him to stand up and turn comfortably, with proper ventilation.
- Pack water, treats, toys, pads or papers, poop bags, and meds if needed in your carry-on. Consider bringing a spare leash, collar, and ID tag too just in case.
- Ensure your pet carrier is securely labeled on at least two sides with your contact details. Additionally place a photo ID of your dog inside for easy identification.
On long trips, I like bringing a cozy blanket or worn t-shirt that smells familiar for extra comfort. Remember to pack light – you’ll need room under the seat for Fido’s portable home away from home!
Transit to the Gate
Some extra advice based on my experiences flying with hounds:
– Arrive at the airport earlier than usual since you’ll need extra time to check in your pupgo. Some places even require you arrive 2 hours before departure!
– Have paperwork and 30-days-or-newer health certificate handy for inspection at check-in. I’ve been sort of grilled before by agents protecting other passengers.
– Stay calm and soothing around your pet. Their stress can rub off – and vice versa! Deep breaths help keep everyone Zen.
– Consider requesting bulkhead seating for more legroom if you’ve got a Great Dane or Mastiff. Kind of embarrassing when they take up the whole aisle.
– Bring pee pads and poop bags for emergencies, just in case delays happen. Clean any mess ASAP to avoid grossing people out.
– Advocate for your rights as needed, in a polite “I’d really appreciate it” way. After all, you’re shelling out $$ too so work with gate agents respectfully.
With diligent preparation, it is totally doable to take your huge hound flying even if they’re twice the size limit. Snuggling under your seat for takeoff and landing is truly their ideal place to be. Overall just stay calm and confident – dogs can sense anxiety!
In-Flight Tips
Once airborne, focus on keeping your doggo feeling safe, secure and comfortable:
– Offer toys and calming treats or chews to occupy them distracted. Bully sticks are a popular choice for big breeds.
– Speak in a soft, reassuring tone and calmly pet them periodically. This helps maintain relaxed body language.
– Avoid excessive attention that may overstimulate them. Just be a tranquil presence they can lean on.
– If possible, ask for a potty break during long layovers or connections. Accidents tend to happen mostly from stress at unfamiliar places.
– Stash some pee pads under your seat as a temporary toilet, just in case. And have baggies ready for poop pickups of course.
– Be prepared to switch seats if your pup gets too restless. More privacy may settle him down faster so others aren’t disrupted.
With patience and TLC, even king-sized canines can fly in comfort. Seeing their tails wag when you land makes all the effort worthwhile. Who’s a good co-pilot?
Arrival and Beyond
Upon disembarking, keep your pet leashed and remember these valuable tips:
– Have food, water and potty areas readily available after the long flight. Dehydration and digestive issues occasionally arise.
– Resist vigorous exercise until your dog has fully decompressed – usually a day or two. A nice long walk and some playtime are plenty at first.
– Watch closely for signs of stress like panting, shivering or clinginess. Give extra cuddles and praise for being so brave during air travel.
– Consider pet-boarding and daycare options in advance if you’ll be busy sightseeing. Not every hotel allows large furry visitors.
Hope this guide has helped ease your fears about flying Fido cross-country! With some smart planning and TLC during transit, even giant gundogs can fly comfortably like pros. Safe travels to both you and your best furry friend. Bon voyage!
Flying with your Big Dog: Tips and Considerations
| Carrier | Size Limits | Crate Requirements | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | Less than 100lb | Hard-sided, ventilated | $125 each way |
| United | Less than 125lb | Hard-sided, ventilated, labeled | $150 each way |
| American | Less than 120lb | Hard-sided, ventilated, escape proof | $175 each way |
| Alaska | Less than 125lb | Hard-sided, ventilated, labeled | $150 each way |
| JetBlue | Less than 100lb | Hard-sided only, labeled | $95 each way |
FAQ
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How big is too big for a passenger plane?
Most airlines allow dogs under 20 pounds on the plane cabin. Any dog over that size basically needs to ride in the cargo hold. So if your pup is really huge, like over 80 or 100 pounds, it may not even be allowed on the flight at all. Check the specific size rules for your airline.
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What kind of paperwork do I need?
You’ll need your dog’s health records showing it’s current on vaccinations. The vet can provide a certificate for that. The airline may also require a travel crate that’s big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in. And of course you gotta buy a ticket for your furry friend too!
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Won’t it be scared during takeoff and landing?
It’s possible, yeah. You can try calming supplements or ask the vet for something mild to take the edge off. Playing some soft music through noise-cancelling headphones may help too. At the same time, most pups seem to catch on quick that plane trips mean fun trips to see family. After a few flights, the fear tends to fade.
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What if it has an accident on the plane?
Accidents can happen I guess, despite your dog’s potty training. Nevertheless, try to time feeds and walks before boarding. Bring cleaning supplies just in case, since no one wants to sit in a mess! Hopefully the flight attendants will be understanding. Of course, some people question if it’s fair to put other passengers at that risk.
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How can I make the plane ride less stressful?
Desensitize your pup to the crate, noises and new surroundings before the big flight. Take short crate training sessions at home and work up to longer times. You can also try calming pheromones, toys or treats. On the day, bring along cozy blankets that smell like home. Talk soothingly and pet them when possible. With some preparation, airplane trips can be amazing new experiences for fearless fliers!
What if the airline loses my dog?
Oh man, what a nightmare scenario! I’d be devastated. Hopefully their tracking is on point. But you do hear awful stories. Guess it pays to get luggage tags with multiple contact numbers, like your cell and a friend’s. Maybe put an Apple Airtag in their travel crate too – seems like extra insurance. Hope we never have to find out! Anyhow, most pups arrive safely according to the experts. Still, it’s kinda unfair we can’t keep them in cabin with us.
What do I do if my dog is really anxious?
If your dog is super scared of flying, you may want to consider driving instead if possible. Long road trips aren’t much fun either though. I’d talk to the vet about short-term anti-anxiety meds – my friend’s dog needs them for storms. You could also see a trainer who does desensitization. I knew this amazing dog that was terrified of everything – its owner worked miracles with positive reinforcement. In the end, do what’s least stressful for your pup. Their well-being comes first!