Flying with Your Big Dog: What You Need to Know
Whether you’re moving across the country or taking a fun vacation, traveling by plane with your large dog can seem daunting. As the proud parent of a Saint Bernard named Rocky, I’ve faced situations where hitting the road with my furry friend felt like an impossible task. But with some preparation and knowing the ropes, you and your pooch can cruise through airport security with ease. Below are answers to common questions owners have when planning air travel with an oversized dog.
Will My Dog Be Allowed in the Cabin?
The first thing to check is whether your dog qualifies as an “emotional support animal” or “service dog.” Major airlines like American, Delta, and United allow one pet per passenger in the cabin as long as it fits under the seat in a carrier. However, most restrict pets to 20 pounds or less. For a Great Dane or Mastiff, the only option may be to book them as cargo in the belly of the plane.
To fly in the cabin, your dog would need to be certified as an emotional support animal to mitigate a passenger’s disability-related need. A letter from your mental health professional is required. This designation provides more wiggle room on weight and type of carrier. Just be aware that airlines can ask you to demonstrate your dog’s training if it misbehaves.
What Type of Kennel Is Accepted?
Whether your dog ends up in the cabin or cargo, the kennel they fly in must meet strict size regulations. For under-seat stowage, it cannot exceed roughly 20 inches long by 16 inches wide by 8 inches high. Any bag roomier than this won’t fit. Many owners buy collapsible soft-sided kennels that compress down small but expand inside to give their pet space to stand and turn around.
For cargo transportation, the kennel dimensions tend to be larger but still follow FAA guidelines. It must be adequately ventilated on at least three surfaces and constructed of a sturdy material like metal or plastic. Thankfully, several manufacturers design kennels specifically meant for airline travel with all specifications clearly stated.
What Paperwork Do I Need?
In addition to health records, vaccinations must be up to date. Your vet can provide a certificate listing vaccinations your dog has received in the past year for rabies, bordetella, and canine influenza if required by your destination. You may also need an import permit if flying internationally.
Most airlines require you to submit the travel itinerary, your contact info, proof of vaccinations, and often a fee at least 48 hours ahead. Double check baggage guidelines for pets too since an extra charge generally applies. Overall, planning and booking well in advance is key to having all T’s crossed by departure day.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare My Dog?
Gradually acclimating them to traveling is a must. Start with short car rides, then work up to day trips further from home. Give treats and praise when they’re calm in the vehicle. A few weeks before the flight, introduce your dog to their kennel and keep it around the house with treats inside. On travel day, limit food and water intake to reduce accidents.
To relieve stress, ask your vet about calming aids. Some swear by pheromone sprays or diffusers, while others find CBD or anti-anxiety meds work better for high-strung dogs. Make sure to provide favorite toys and plenty of calming reassurance at the airport. With rehearsal and TLC, even the jitteriest pooch can fly with ease.
I hope this overview helps address any looming questions about winging it with your large pup! Feel free to contact me if you need advice on a specific situation. Safe travels to you and your furry co-pilot.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Plane for Your Large Dog
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Space | Consider the size and weight capacity of the plane. Measure your dog and factor in their growing size. Cargo planes tend to offer more room. |
| Temperature | Make sure the plane is temperature controlled. Large dogs are susceptible to overheating. |
| Handling | Choose a direct flight to avoid connections where your dog would wait unattended. Some airlines offer pet shipping services. |
| Safety | Look for planes with calming amenities like lower noise and vibration levels. Consider sedation if your dog has anxiety. |
| Cost | Expect fees for your pet’s ticket and carrier. Cargo may be cheaper than cabin for large dogs. |
FAQ
- Can large dogs fly on airplanes?
Generally, yes – large dogs are allowed to fly in the cabin of commercial airplanes as long as they meet the airlines’ size and weight restrictions. However, there may be some limitations like requiring the dog to fit under the seat without sticking into the aisle. - What size and weight restrictions do airlines have for pets?
Most airlines limit pets, including dogs, to be no heavier than around 20 pounds. They also need to be able to sit comfortably at your feet without blocking the aisle or sticking into another passenger’s space. So dogs over a certain size like Great Danes probably won’t fit under the seat. - Do I need any paperwork for my dog to fly?
Yes, you’ll need to show docs like vaccination records, a health certificate from your vet, and your dog must travel in an FAA-approved pet carrier. The paperwork proves your pet is healthy and up-to-date on shots. Most airlines require these few days before your flight. - Where does my dog sit on the plane?
Dogs are only allowed to be kept in the cabin at your feet. So a large dog may kind of stretch out under the seat in front of you. Make sure their crate or carrier fits without blocking the aisle. Your pup stays there the whole flight. - Is it stressful for dogs to fly?
Potentially, yes. The unfamiliar noises, being confined to a small space, and not understanding what’s happening can really freak some dogs out. Sedatives from the vet may help an anxious flyer relax. And most pups seem to do fine once they get used to flying over time. - What steps can I take to make my dog more comfortable flying?
You can try desensitization training before the flight. Also use a comfy, familiar crate and bring water, treats, and toys. Talk calmly and don’t show your own nervousness. Ask the flight attendants if your dog can meet the crew before takeoff. And try to book nonstop flights to reduce stress from changing planes. - How much does it typically cost to fly with a large dog?
Most airlines charge an extra fee per direction for a dog as cargo or in the cabin. For cargo it could be $200-300 each way. As carry-on, expect $75-150 depending on airline and flight. You also need to buy them their own ticket. So figure at minimum maybe $500 roundtrip for a large dog on a domestic flight within the U.S. and Canada. - Would you recommend flying with a giant breed dog?
It’s certainly doable if they meet the size rules. But flying with a huge pup, like a Great Dane or mastiff, presents extra challenges. They’ll feel even more penned in a small carrier under the seat. Big dogs are likely to attract more attention too. If anxious, they could disturb other passengers. So in those cases, maybe driving or using a pet transport service would result in less stress for all.