How to Prepare Your Dog for Air Travel: A Complete Guide for Getting Your Pet Ready to Fly

A Complete Guide to Preparing Your Dog for Air Travel

Traveling by air with your furry friend can seem daunting, but with proper planning and preparation, you and your pup can breeze through boarding and flights with ease. Below are the key considerations and steps to take when getting ready to fly with your dog.

Check Airline Rules

1. Contact the airline(s) you will be flying well in advance to thoroughly understand their pet travel policies and restrictions.
2. Most airlines only allow certain dog breeds and require dogs to be housed in carriers that fit strictly under the seat in front of you.
3. Also ask about health documents, fees, and vaccine requirements to ensure your pup meets all criteria for travel.

It’s crucial to thoroughly research airline-specific rules early on to avoid any last-minute issues or denied boarding with your dog. Check with each airline if making multiple connections too.

Choose the Right Carrier

You’ll need a pet carrier or crate specifically approved by your airline for under-seat storage. Here are some tips for selecting one:

• Get a carrier large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around but no bigger as space will be tight under the seat.
• Opt for lightweight, sturdy plastic or metal carriers over fabric ones.
• Look for carriers with reusable pee pads, water dishes, and ventilation.
• Include your dog’s name on the outside for easy identification during travel.

Test run the carrier at home first so your pup gets comfortable before the big flight. Overly large or flimsy carriers risk being rejected at check-in.

Get Your Dog Used to the Carrier

To avoid stress and anxiety, start acclimating your pup to the carrier well before your trip. Here are some strategies:

1. Feed your dog inside the empty carrier daily and reward with treats when they enter on their own.
2. Slowly work up to closing the carrier door with your dog inside for short periods with positive associations like playtime or chew toys.
3. Practice transporting your dog in the carrier around your home and neighborhood to get them used to movement.

The more comfortable and desensitized your dog is with the carrier before flights, the calmer air travel will be for both of you. Go slow, be patient, and use only positive reinforcement.

Consider Sedation or Anxiety Meds

If your dog tends to be highly anxious or aggressive during travel, talk to your vet about potentially sedating or medicating them for flights, especially long hauls. Sedation helps prevent injuries and distress on flights. Your vet can advise the safest approach and medications based on your dog’s individual needs. Get a written prescription too in case airlines request it.

Pack Essentials and Documents

In addition to any sedatives or medication from your vet, be sure to pack:

• Several days’ worth of your dog’s regular food in an airline-approved container
• Extra bowls and bottles of water
• Toys, chews, treats for entertainment and reward
• Pee pads
• Leash
• Proof of vaccination records
• Veterinary health certificate if required

Also bring backup copies of key documents in case any get lost during travel. Over-packing is better than under-packing essential supplies for your pup’s comfort.

Arrive Early for Check-In

Avoid rushing on travel day by arriving at the airport early. All airlines have specific check-in windows for pets that are usually 1-3 hours prior to your scheduled departure. Build in extra time for:

1. Waiting in airline check-in queues
2. Inspections of your pet, carrier, and documents
3. Potential issues like an undersized carrier needing an airline-provided one
4. Unforeseen delays like traffic or weather

Arriving early avoids last-minute scrambling or worries your pup may be denied boarding due to lack of time to resolve issues. Better safe than missing your flight!

Prepare Your Dog Mentally for Boarding

When it’s time for check-in, be calm, quiet, and reassuring with your pup. Avoid overly excited goodbyes that can stress them out more. Some tips:

• Keep your pre-flight routine low-key without too much attention or play
• Offer treats or toys as comforting distractions during check-in
• Speak in a soft, comforting tone versus an anxious one
• Avoid direct eye contact that can seem confrontational
• Minimize goodbyes and simply walk away once boarding to avoid undue stress

Keeping things calm, brief, and positive sets your pup up mentally for the journey ahead. A stressed dog means a stressful trip for both of you.

Pack Extra for Yourself Too!

Flying with pets requires extra preparation for you too. Be sure to pack:

• Proof of your dog’s vaccinations, medications, etc. on your phone
• Snacks, meals, water for you and your dog during multi-hour flights
• Entertainment like books, music, charging cables
• Comfort items like blankets, pillows, eye masks
• Change of clothes in case of spills or accidents

Long travel days are tiring. Being prepared prevents headaches and lets you fully focus on your dog’s needs inflight.

Does all this prep seem like a lot? That’s because traveling by air with dogs indeed requires thorough planning. But by carefully following airline rules, training your pup for their crate, and packing essentials, you and your furry friend can fly smoothly. Let me know if you have any other pet travel questions! Safe travels to you both.

Preparing Your Dog for Air Travel

Item	Details
Health Requirements	Ensure dog has current vaccinations, proper ID tags, and health certificate from vet if traveling internationally.
Containment	Use airline-approved carrier or cage and label with your contact information.
Comfort	Bring favorite toys/blankets, limited water, and calming treats if anxious.
Check-In Process	Arrive at airport early, check-in at designated counter, and check that carrier fits under seat securely.
Patience & Distraction	Remain positive, bring favorite chews/food puzzles, avoid heavily stimulating your dog before/during flight.

FAQ

1. How far in advance should I book my dog’s flight?

   You’ll want to book your pup’s plane ticket basically as soon as you know your travel dates. Airlines can sell out of space for animals on certain flights. It’s better to book early so your dog has a spot.

2. What documents do I need?

   You’ll need your dog’s vaccination records and ID tag. The airlines may also require a health certificate from your vet saying your dog is fit to fly. Make sure all their paperwork is in order and don’t forget to pack the documents in your carry-on bag.

   

3. How should I prepare my dog?

   Get your dog used to traveling in a crate before the big day. Practice short training sessions where you give treats for calm behavior inside the crate. Desensitize them to loud noises too. On the flight, bring water, a favorite toy or blanket, and try to help them stay calm and comfortable.

4. Can my dog sit on my lap?

   Only small dogs under 20 pounds are allowed to sit in your lap, according to FAA rules. Larger dogs must travel in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. It’s for their safety and so you have room for takeoff and landing. Always check policies for your specific airline.

5. What are the best/ worst airlines for pets?

   Reports say Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and American have good pet policies. Meanwhile,Spirit and Frontier have higher fees and restrictions. You may have to pay over $100 each way. Perhaps check PetFlySafe.com reviews or ask your vet what airlines seem to treat animals the best, it seems to vary based on individual experiences.

6. Is it too stressful for dogs to fly?

   For some pups, flying can definitely be kind of stressful with all the sights, sounds and movement. You may worry about how scared they’ll get. However, remember that millions of dogs fly safely every year. As long as they’re properly trained, your Fido will probably be just fine! Try to stay positive.

7. Any last tips?

   Stay calm yourself so your dog doesn’t sense your anxiety. Consider anxiety meds from the vet if your dog gets nervous easily. Send updates and love to the dog’s kennel with your own clothes or blankets for comfort. With preparation and patience, the experience might turn out to not be as traumatic as you expect!

Does this help summarize the important things to know about getting your pup ready to fly? Let me know if you have any other questions!