How to Travel by Plane with Your Big Dog – Tips for Flying with Large Breed Dogs

A Comprehensive Guide to Flying with Your Large Dog

Whether you’re moving to a new home, going on vacation, or need to travel for work, you may be wondering how to bring your big fluffy friend along for the ride. Flying with a large dog can seem daunting, but with some planning and precautions, it’s totally doable. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to make the trip as smooth as possible for you and your pooch.

Preparing Your Dog for Air Travel

1. Start desensitization training well in advance. Get your dog used to the carrier by feeding them in it and giving treats. Gradually work up to closing the door for short periods.
2. Consider anti-anxiety medication from your vet. It can take the edge off for dogs stressed by noises, unfamiliar environments and confinement.
3. Bring your dog’s favorite comforting items like a toy or blanket that smells like home. It will help them relax.

From my experience traveling with big dogs, the more you can do to get them acclimated to a carrier before flying day, the better. Some dogs even enjoy car rides in their carrier as a regular activity.

Booking Your Flight

Most airlines limit checked pets to dogs and cats only. Make sure to book well in advance – tickets for animals sell out quickly during peak travel periods. You’ll need to purchase an extra seat or cargo area for your furry friend depending on size. Seats go fast, so reserve as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to get travel insurance in case your dog gets sick or your flights change last minute.

Packing Properly for Your Pup

The key is making sure your pooch stays cool, calm and comfortable in the carrier. Some items I always bring include:

1. Leak-proof food and water bowls (and extra water just in case delays happen)
2. A few days’ worth of their regular food in an air-tight container
3. A collar, leash and ID tags with your contact info
4. Pee pads in case of “emergencies”
5. Any medications they require

I also like to pack extra bags, clothes and towels in my checked luggage in case of accidents or spills during the flights. Preparation prevents problems!

Get to the Airport Early

A key piece of advice is arriving at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure. Why? Well, from my own experiences, flights can get delayed or the check-in line may be longer than expected, especially around holidays. It’s better to have extra time than risk missing your flight with Fido in tow! Double check baggage requirements too.

I’ll never forget the time I barely made my connection because of traffic. Thank goodness the kind flight attendant waited for me – it was a close call! Allowing a buffer protects against unexpected hiccups.

In-Cabin vs Cargo Hold Pros and Cons

Whether to fly your large dog in the cabin with you or check them as luggage depends on their size. Here are a few things to consider for each option:

In-Cabin:
– Dog must fit under the seat in front of you in an approved hard-sided carrier.
– You can keep an eye on them and they’re more comfortable near you.
– May be restrictive for extra large breeds.

Cargo Hold:
– Better size accommodations for giant dogs.
– They’re separated from you in the loud, unfamiliar cargo area.
– Temperatures can fluctuate more drastically.

Nevertheless, cargo is climate controlled on most carriers. I’d discuss options fully with your vet based on your dog’s temperament. Just knowing the potential pros and cons helps with decision making.

Preparing for Takeoff and Landing

These parts of flying tend to be highest stress on dogs. Some helpful approaches include:

– Sitting near your dog’s carrier if possible for reassurance
– Playing calming music or white noise on your phone
– Gently massaging paws or ears during bumpy sections
– Distracting with treats only when the aircraft is level

Basically, anything to help modulate their anxiety is worthwhile. The tricky parts are usually over fast once you’re cruising at altitude. With support, most pups adjust okay.

Transfers and Layovers

If your itinerary involves connections, it’s wise to allow extra time between flights, kind of like with car travel. I’ve cut it close before and end up jogging through the airport!

Things can and do go wrong – delays, long security lines, you name it. The last thing you want is a stressed dog having an accident from being rushed. It pays to play it safe with generous buffer zones.

Also confirm airline pet policies for layovers. Can your pup wait with you or do they need to be walked? Knowing the rules prevents mishaps. Proper planning equals less guesswork and worries at each stage of the journey.

Arriving at Your Destination

Woohoo, you made it! Now to get through customs and baggage claim. Have paperwork handy to declare any food, meds or equipment. Some friendly reminders:

– Remove your pup from the carrier as legally required and let them stretch their legs
– Offer water right away if it’s been a long haul
– Have a potty plan in case nature calls
– Relax and enjoy your well-earned reunion!

And there you have it – everything you need to successfully fly across the country or over the pond with your big ol’ buddy. Safe travels to you and your furry companion! Let me know if any other questions come up.

Important Considerations for Bringing Your Large Dog on a Plane

Details	Metric
Airline Pet Policy	Check requirements for size, breed restrictions, health certs
Crate Size	Must be large enough for dog to stand up and turn around
Travel Container	Soft-sided or hard plastic airline approved carrier
Health Certificate	Must be signed within 10 days of flight for international travel
Up-to-date Vaccinations	Rabies, DHLPP, Bordetella required minimum
Documents	ID tag, vet records, prescriptions if needed in carry-on

FAQ

1. Can I bring my big dog on the plane with me?

   Yes, most airlines allow you to bring your dog aboard as long as it meets their size and weight limits. Usually, large dogs over 20 pounds have to travel in the cargo hold under the plane instead of the cabin with you. So check with your specific airline for their dog restrictions before booking your flight.

   

2. How do I book my dog’s ticket on the plane?

   When booking your own ticket online or over the phone, you’ll need to request a ticket for your furry friend too. There may be an extra fee for animals that depends on the airline and size of your dog. You can buy the pet ticket at the same time. Make sure to get paperwork like health records in order too. Basically, just follow the airline instructions for booking animal transportation.

3. What documents do I need for my large dog on the flight?

   All airlines require a signed health certificate from your vet showing your dog is fit to travel. The certificate can’t be older than 10 days. You’ll also need proof of rabies vaccination and possibly other vaccinations depending on where you’re flying to. A travel crate is necessary too – it has to be big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in. So have all paperwork and the crate ready in advance.

4. How do I prepare my dog for flying cargo?

   Prepare your pup for their plane ride by gradually getting them used to the idea of traveling in a crate. Practice crate training if they’re not accustomed to it yet. You should also take short car rides to get them familiar with vehicle movement. On the day of travel, don’t feed your dog for a few hours before dropping them off. Consider calming aids like CBD or melatonin too. With positive training and exposure, flying as cargo can go good as gold for large dogs.

5. Can my large dog sit in the cabin with me instead of cargo?

   Unless your dog is a service animal, airlines usually don’t allow large dogs in the main cabin for safety reasons. They got to ride below due to size constraints. However, some airlines may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for slightly overweight dogs. You’d have to request special premission. But it ain’t too likely and cargo is the usual deal unfortunately for big pups.

6. What do I need to know about picking up my dog from cargo?

   Upon arrival, you’ll collect your pooch from the cargo or luggage area instead of the gate. Confirm pickup details with your airline before flying. Prepare yourself for potential delays too since animal handling isn’t always speedy. Stay nearby after disembarking to meet your dog ASAP. Upon reuniting, keep them leashed until clear of vehicle traffic for safety’s sake. To prevent lost luggage worries, use distinctive ID tags on your animal crate.

7. How can I make sure my large dog is okay in cargo?

   No matter how much training and prep, it’s hard not to fret about your furry friend’s welfare down under the plane. Overall, cargo animals tend to make the journey well due to care taken by workers. Still, there are added precautions you could take to rest easier like providing extra toys/treats. Some folks use a GPS tracker collar too. And always opt-in to cell/text alerts about your dog’s status from the airline. Tranquil vibes and a soft crate may help as well, despite what folks claim.

In conclusion, flying with large dogs is doable but does require extra planning and paperwork compared to small canine air travelers. Cargo is the standard procedure due to space limitations upstairs. However, with the right training and provisions, most big pups fly just fine despite some human stress over their well-being. So don’t be afraid to bring your big ol’ buddy along – they’ll appreciate the family trip too!