A Comprehensive Guide to Flying With Your Large Dog
If you’re like many pet owners, you probably want to include your furry friend on family trips and vacations. But for those with big dogs, taking Fido on an airplane can seem daunting. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know to make flying with a large dog as stress-free as possible for you and your pooch.
Preparing Your Dog
First things first – is your dog even comfortable traveling? Start small with car rides before even thinking about airports and planes. From my experience as a veterinarian, it’s best to get your dog accustomed to sights, sounds and vibrations in the car beforehand. Once Fido is relaxed in the vehicle, you can progress to longer trips, different destinations and overnight stays to build confidence. The better traveled your dog, the calmer he’ll likely be on the big day.
When the time comes, make sure your pooch is crate trained if he’ll be flying in one. Practice short periods in the crate with treats and praise. I’ve found making the crate a positive place lays the foundation for acceptance. Additionally, talk to your vet about medications that may help calm anxiety during travel. While not solutions in themselves, these can take the edge off on what’s sure to be a big day.
Booking Your Flight
Most airlines only allow one dog per passenger in the cabin, so fly with or near the person your dog is most familiar with. Additionally, there are usually size and weight limits for in-cabin pets. While rules vary, expect something around 20 lbs or less and fits under the seat. For large or heavy dogs, you’ll need to purchase an extra plane ticket and transport them in the cargo hold.
When booking, ask about fees, which can range from about $100 to several hundred dollars one way depending on airline and route. You may save by flying off-peak days or months. Most carriers also require health and vaccination records, so get those in order in advance. As annoying as extra costs are, remember they are worth it for the safety of your pup.
Travel Day Prep
On travel day, set your dog up for success with these tips: walk him before leaving and don’t feed within a few hours of departure to minimize accidents. Consider calming treats as allowed by your vet. Make sure identification is up to date and securely attached to collars in case of escape. Bring water during delays as well as clean-up supplies.
Don’t sneak your dog in a bag or carrier – that’s a sure way to get rejected at the gate. When checking in, have paperwork and vaccinations ready to present. The agent will issue a travel kennel tag verifying your dog is approved to fly. Staying organized and compliant prevents problems and upset for you and your pup down the line.
In Flight
Once onboard, keep your dog crated under the seat in front of you. Consider using a soft crate or fabric carrier here so they feel more secure. Loud noises and movement around them can definitely startle pups, so stay nearby to reassure. Bring chew toys or stuffed Kongs to occupy anxious mouths. My friends that fly often find distraction works well to settle dogs when turbulence hits.
Dogs must remain crated the entire flight with no food, drinks or potty breaks allowed by the cabin. If traveling light, you may bring travel bowls – otherwise plan for pit stops upon landing. Try to choose direct flights if your dog has limits, but expect at least one potty break on connecting itineraries of four hours or more.
Arriving At Your Destination
Once on the ground, tend to potty duties promptly upon exiting the plane. Leaving the airport as quickly as possible also helps for most pups. At your lodging, keep your dog crated or gated when unsupervised as the new setting could trigger accidents or chewing. Stick to regular schedules as much as travel allows and be there to reassure after excitement or stress dies down.
When returning home, the process repeats though dogs often acclimate faster for round two. With enough positive practice flights under their collar, even large breed dogs can learn to be seasoned flying pros. Just take things slow at their pace, keep the focus on what’s truly important and you’ll get where you’re going together.
Factors To Consider
Of course, air travel is not the best option for every large dog or situation. Here are a few things to ponder:
- Age – Puppies and seniors generally do best being driven due to lack of bladder control or health issues.
- Breed – Deep-chested, heavy breeds prone to overheating may find flights more stressful.
- Distance – Long hauls spanning several time zones disrupt routines.
- Route – Nonstop is best if possible to minimize stress of stopovers.
- Cost – While fees are worth it, very expensive routes may not be practical.
- Temperament – High strung or anxious dogs probably prefer road trips.
Ultimately go with your gut based on your individual dog. If they seem highly stressed by the idea, road trips may cause less trauma. But for many dogs, flying can be successfully managed with preparation and TLC.
The Cargo Experience
If your large pup must travel in the plane’s belly, rest assured there are also steps to give them the safest experience possible despite being out of your hands. Choose carriers meeting strict airline requirements for impact protection and ventilation. Consider having your vet tranquilize anxious dogs as necessary. Again, proper ID, vet records and approval are a must to board.
Make sure to check on your furry friend periodically at airports using the carrier tag numbers matched to your reservation. Cargo holds are temperature controlled, but excessively hot or cold days warrant extra precautions. Overall, commercial flight for pets remains an incredibly safe mode of transport when properly planned for and overseen by trained staff.
With enough research on regulations, understanding of your dog’s needs and common-sense preparations, flying or shipping any size of pet across the country can indeed be quite feasible. The stresses of travel will always exist to some extent – but ease them as much as possible through calm, patient guidance every step of the way. Safe travels to you and your furry co-pilot!
Important Tips for Flying With Your Big Dog
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Approved carrier | Most airlines only allow dogs in the cargo hold. Bring an approved crate that is properly sized for your dog. |
| Health certificate | Get a certificate from your vet stating your dog is healthy and vaccinated. |
| Identification | Make sure your dog has ID tags with updated contact information in case they are lost. |
| Restraint | Use a leash and muzzle when moving through airports to keep your dog under control. |
| Travel documents | Compile rabies tags, health certificates, import permits in an easily accessible folder. |
FAQ
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How do I prepare my dog for the plane?
Take your puppy for short car rides to get them used to traveling in a vehicle. Make sure they are comfortable being in their carrier before the flight. You’ll also need to get them accustomed to loud noises like engines. Don’t give them any food in the hours before the flight but do provide water. Basically, get them used to all the new experiences step-by-step.
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What documents do I need?
You must bring valid proof that your dog is friendly, house trained, current on vaccinations and vetted by a licensed vet. Airlines usually require a health certificate issued within 10 days of your flight. Make sure to check the specific rules for your airline and destination country. Documentation is important to bring along despite how awful extra paperwork seems.
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Where can my dog sit on the plane?
Most carriers only allow small dogs to sit in the cabin if they can be contained in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. Nevertheless, some airlines permit larger dogs to fly as cargo in the plane’s belly if the conditions are right. On the other hand, the conditions in cargo can be quite different than the pressurized cabin. Check airline policies closely to be sure where Fido flies.
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Is it stressful for dogs?
Flying can definitely be stressful for pups due to new noises, different air pressure and confinement. Still, as long as they are properly trained and acclimated, most larger breed dogs handle it okay. To help minimize stress, consider calming treats or music. You might also ask the vet if anti-anxiety medication is appropriate. Ultimately, it comes down to the individual dog’s temperament. But is it worth it to put them through that?
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What if my dog acts up?
Even with the best training, some dogs freak out on planes. If this happens, stay calm and contact a flight attendant for help. They may be able to move you to a quiet area. As a last resort, you could get off the flight with your pup and try again another day after more desensitization work. Sort of hope it doesn’t come to that though!
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How much does it cost?
Besides the plane ticket for your dog, most airlines charge fees that depend on the animal’s size. According to experts, fees typically range from about $100 to $200 or more per direction. You may also need to reserve a special spot for the carrier in advance of flying. On the other hand, driving could prove cheaper if feasible for your situation and destination.
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Any tips for the experience?
Make sure to bring favorite chew toys, blankets with your scent, and something rubbery your dog can nom on during takeoff and landing. Also note that they will probably need a potty break when you reach your destination – so maybe go before customs. Finally, be aware that young puppies may find flying more stressful than older dogs due to less emotional maturity. But hopefully all goes smoothly!