How to Fly With Your Large Dog: A Guide to Traveling by Plane With Your Pet

A Complete Guide to Flying With Your Big Pup

Flying with a large dog can be stressful for both you and your furry friend. There are many things to consider before booking your tickets. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover all the bases to help make your trip as smooth as possible.

Is Your Dog Even Allowed in the Cabin?

1. Check with your selected airline’s policy. Most have size and weight limits for animals traveling in the cabin rather than cargo.
2. The limit is typically around 20 pounds or under, with the dog fitting comfortably in a carrier that can slide under the seat.
3. Larger dogs are considered cargo by the airline and have additional requirements. More on that later.

From my experience working as a veterinary technician, size does matter here. Don’t assume Fluffy can just join you without verifying the rules first. You don’t want to get to the airport only to find out your 50-pound Lab has to ride below in a crowded kennel.

Train Your Pup to Feel Comfortable in the Crate

Even little dogs can get anxious on flights, so crate training well in advance is crucial. Here are some tips:

– Feed meals inside the crate with the door open and closed to associate it with positive things.

– Give treats and praise whenever your dog freely enters or spends time relaxing in the crate.

– Practice short training sessions where your pup stays calmly in the enclosed space while you’re near and further away.

– Use a favorite toy or blanket to make it more den-like. Scent training can help too.

The goal is for the crate to feel like a safe, secure space rather than a punishment. This will serve your dog well during travel transitions. It takes time, but totally sort of pays off when flight day comes.

Book Early and Request Special Accommodations

If your dog exceeds the in-cabin size/weight limits, you’ll need to purchase an extra ticket for the cargo hold (aka the pet compartment.) Airlines sometimes sell out of those slots, so book early – like months in advance for busy seasons.

You may have the option to request special accommodations too. For example, some carriers allow owners to personally take the dog’s crate to and from the plane to minimize time out of human contact. Though naturally this service costs more.

Some airlines will even let you check on your pet mid-flight via CCTV camera in the hold! How stunning is that? Overall, the earlier and more flexible you can be, the better your odds of smooth sailing, or shall I say smooth flying, with Fido.

Pack Properly for the Trip

In addition to food, water, medications, and ID tags, these items are vital for canine air travel:

1. A sturdy, escape-proof crate sized appropriately for your dog with proper ventilation.
2. Absolutely no external locks – the airline may need access in an emergency.
3. Pedestal water and food containers that won’t spill or scatter during turbulence.
4. Absorbent training pads or bedding to avoid nasty cleanups.
5. Calming aids like pheromone diffusers, anxiety wraps, or medication from your vet if needed.

Don’t skimp on ID – even the friendliest dogs can get lost at the airport. Microchipping is a must, plus printed labels with your contact info inside and out. Whew, does that about cover it? Sometimes it’s kind of a pain preparing everything, but better safe than sorry, amirite?

Arrive Early for Check-In

Give yourself extra time at the airport. Dogs must be screened by security and often require a health certificate from the past 10 days. Process times can vary dramatically depending on staffing levels that day.

I recall one frantic morning where we cut it too close and had to watch our flight depart while waiting in line. Thankfully, the airline graciously put us on the next available shuttle. But man, what a bummer that was! The stress and hassle really isn’t worth it.

So whether Fido is flying in cabin or cargo, aim to arrive at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure to avoid heart palpitations. An unhurried start is ideal for canine and human wellbeing.

Make the Ride as Comforting as Possible

Once onboard, keep your pup settled as calmly and quietly as possible. Dim lighting and soothing classical music may help. Offer water periodically in small amounts to prevent accidents.

Tucking in somewhere private like underneath the seat is best to avoid overstimulation from passengers passing by. Using a calming shirt or harness can bring further reassurance during take-offs and landings when pressure changes peak.

I’ll never forget one fellow’s Great Dane on my last flight – yikes, that was one big pup! But his owner knew just what to do, and the gentle giant snoozed soundly the whole ride. With practice and preparation, even large dogs can feel at ease 40,000 feet in the air.

Have a Relaxing Destination Ready

Finally, plan for your pup’s comfort upon arrival too. Maybe a potty break, small meal, then quiet down time at your lodging is in order after such an experience. Consider booking a pet-friendly place with outdoor access if possible.

The last thing you want post-flight is a wound-up canine causing trouble! Setting them up for success will really make the whole process less bothersome for their sensitive noggins. And yours too, am I right?

Welp, I hope this comprehensive guide answers all your questions about flying with large or small dogs. Remember, with patience and the right strategies, even lengthy plane rides can go very smoothly regardless of size. Feel free to contact me if any other concerns come up! Happy travels to you and your furry co-pilot.

Tips for Flying with Your Large Dog

Tip	Details
Choose the Right Airline	Research airline pet policies and size/weight limits for carry-on pet carriers.
Book Early	Many airlines limit the number of pets per flight for safety and space reasons.
Use a Secure Carrier	The carrier should be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around, but not too large to be safely stored under the seat.
Prepare Your Dog	Gradually accustom your dog to the carrier and work on training and desensitization for new experiences and locations.
Bring Supplies	Pack water, snacks, toys, bedding, plastic bags, medication and vaccination records in an easily accessible bag.

FAQ

1. Can I fly with my large dog?

   Yeah basically you can fly with your big doggo. Just check the rules with your airline cause some have size limits. Most let you bring dogs under 20 pounds in the cabin for free. Larger pups gotta ride in cargo where they’ll be comfy and safe, but you gotta pay a fee.

2. What documents do I need?

   You’ll need proper paperwork showing vaccinations are up to date. A health certificate from your vet within 10 days of your flight is usually required. Your pooch also needs to be able to fit nicely in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you. At the same time, bigger carriers have to ride in cargo.

3. Is it stressful for dogs?

   It can be kind of stressful for pups getting scooped up and put in a Kennel. Try to make it a positive experience with treats and toys beforehand. On the other hand, vet techs at the airport know how to handle dogs gently. Modern planes are also really quiet. I’d say it’s less awful than a long car ride for most pooches. Just be there to comfort them when you land!

4. Any tips to make it easier?

   Calm them down with CBD oil or other natural relaxants before you leave if they have anxiety. A thundershirt can help too. Essentially, make sure they get plenty of exercise beforehand so they’ll fall asleep on the flight. And remember – patience and pets during take off and landing will seriously help your furry friend stay mellow. Don’t forget water!

5. What if my dog misbehaves?

   If your pup basically acts up during boarding or the flight, you risk getting fined or banned from future travel. Airlines have zero tolerance for dogs barking loud or messing in the cabin. Yikes! However, most well-trained dogs do fine. Stay positive, be vigilant about their needs, and it should go smoothly.

6. Is it worth the hassle?

   Honestly, whether it’s worth all that effort depends on your trip. If you’re basically just going a few towns over, driving may be less of a pain. But if you’re headed somewhere far away and your doggo has to come, then putting up with TSA is the only real option. At the end of the day, your pup’s comfort matters most. If flying stresses them out too much, then hitting the road might be the kinder choice.