How to Travel With Your Dog on a Plane: A Complete Guide for Flying With Pets

A Comprehensive Guide to Traveling with Your Dog by Air

Travelling with your furry friend can be exciting but also stressful if you don’t plan ahead. Whether it’s a vacation or moving to a new home, this guide will help you feel paw-sitively prepared for flying with your doggo.

Booking Your Flight

Check Airline Policies: Most airlines allow dogs in the cabin or cargo depending on size. Know your airline’s rules before booking to avoid surprises. Some only take service or support animals.

Reserve Early: Space is limited so book well in advance, like 2 months for busy seasons. Earlier is better to get your pup’s spot confirmed. You may face waitlists if booking last minute.

Choose Nonstop Flights: Direct flights are less stressful than connections which increase risks of delays causing your dog to miss their flight.

Preparing Your Dog

Train With the Carrier: Get your pup used to their carrier or crate well before the flight. Practice going in and out with treats. Leave it open in your home so it feels like a safe space.

Desensitize to Noise: Play recordings of airplane noises to get them accustomed. Start softly and gradually increase volume over weeks. You want them feeling calm, not anxious around those sounds.

Health Check: Get vet approval that your dog is fit to fly. Some airlines require a health certificate within 10 days of travel.

Sedation: Calm aids from the vet can help highly stressed dogs feel more chill. But most do fine without it if properly trained and acclimated.

What to Pack

1. ID tag with your contact info
2. Vaccination records in a ziploc bag
3. Leash, collar, and muzzle if required
4. Food, water, and bowls
5. Favorite toys for comfort
6. Pee pads in case of delays
7. Motion sickness pills if needed

Pack all items, especially food, in your carry-on in case baggage gets lost.

Check-In Procedures

Arrive Extra Early: Account for time to check-in, potential screening, and get your pup settled before departure. No less than 2 hours advance is recommended.

Have Paperwork Ready: Vaccination records, health certificate, pre-approved shoulder carrier etc. Airlines will review so don’t procrastinate these steps.

Check Carrier Requirements: Sizes differ by airline so ensure yours meets specifications like fit under the seat or in cargo hold. It protects and secures your pup safely during takeoff/landing.

In the Cabin

For puppies or smaller dogs able to fly in-cabin, these tips promote a smoother flight:

– Give them a potty break right before boarding. Pee pads are backup in case of delays.

– Bring high value treats and toys to occupy anxious pups. Stuff Kongs or lickimats with peanut butter.

– Consider a Thundershirt or calming wrap to ease stress during takeoff/landing

– Make an “occupied” sign for the carrier to deter petting from strangers

– Communicate with flight crew if your pup seems distressed during turbulence

In the Cargo Hold

For larger dogs who must fly below, research carriers meeting IATA regulations. Walk your pooch before departure and cross your fingers for on-time flights!

Be Prepared for Delays: Bring backup supplies in case baggage gets rerouted. Pet reuniting services can track lost dogs and provide support if needed.

Request Tranquilizers: Sedation from your vet may be best for highly stressed dogs prone to distress in cargo. Flight crews cannot sedate pets themselves.

Consider Drive Instead: Long haul flights are tough on dogs. You may feel less anxious driving if it’s an option within 12 hours of flying.

From my experiences traveling coast to coast with my golden retriever, preparing her carrier as a safe den and acclimating her to noise was key. With time and positive associations, flying became no big deal! Has anyone else faced challenges getting their dog adjusted? Share your tips and stories below.

Essential Considerations for Traveling with Your Dog by Plane

Carrier	Booking Process	Crate Requirements	Average Cost
Delta	Reserve space and pay pet fee when booking flight	Hard-sided, ventilated crate just big enough to stand up and turn around	$125 each way
United	Reserve space and pay pet fee when booking flight	Hard-sided crate or pet carrier just big enough to stand up and turn around	$125 each way
American	Reserve space and pay pet fee when booking flight	Hard-sided crate or pet carrier just big enough to stand up and turn around	$125 each way
Alaska	Reserve space and pay pet fee when booking flight	Hard-sided crate just big enough to stand up and turn around	$100 each way

FAQ

1. Can I bring my dog on a plane?

   Most major airlines allow small dogs to fly in the cabin as long as they stay in a carrier under the seat for the whole flight. Larger dogs usually have to be in the cargo hold. You’ll need to check the specific rules for your airline.

2. What paperwork do I need?

   You basically need to show your dog is healthy and vaccinated. Make sure to bring your vet records showing current shots, especially the rabies vaccine. The airline may need additional forms too. It’s a good idea to check requirements way beforehand so you have time to get everything in order.

3. How do I prepare my dog for the flight?

   Kind of desensitize them to loud noises beforehand with things like a hairdryer. Get them used to being in their carrier. Take short trips to get them comfortable riding in a vehicle. You may also want to see if a vet can give them a sedative to help them relax. On the big day, take them out for a pee and poop before the airport.

4. What if my dog is scared of flying?

   If your pup is really frightened, ask your vet about calming supplements or medication. Being in a familiar crate may help. Bring chew toys or treats to keep them occupied. Reassure them with soothing voices. Of course, there’s no guarantee an anxious dog will feel at ease on a flight. Air travel can be quite stressful for some pups.

5. What do I do if the airline loses my dog?

   On the one hand, major airlines have fairly good track records. However, mishaps occasionally happen despite best efforts. If you have worries about your pet going astray, you may consider driving instead. Nevertheless, most pets fly safely as cargo. Make sure to have ID on your dog in case of an emergency. Also get airline contact info in advance just in case.

   

6. Is it worth the hassle of flying with a pet?

   According to experts and pet owners alike, getting a pet accustomed to flying can be an amazing process. It can certainly be troublesome to navigate rules and regulations. Yet allowing your pup to bond with you during travel could be stunningly rewarding for you both. Ask any pilot or flight attendant – often the cutest passengers have tails and paws! Still, long road trips make a great alternative if plane travel seems too awful.

7. What animals are prohibited from flights?

   Most major airlines refuse snakes, lizards, and other reptiles. Ferrets are generally banned too, apparently due to odor concerns. Despite appealing personalities, hedgehogs, sugar gliders and other exotic pets can’t fly either. Birds face restrictions due to safety issues. However, perhaps it’s unfair that certain small critters like hamsters are simply not allowed in the passenger cabin at all. Is that fair? Anyway, always confirm prohibited species before booking with any carrier.