Pups on a plane! Tips for flying with a dog

Flying with a dog: is it possible? Technically yes, but there are lots of other options that might suit you and your furry friends better (like connecting with a like-minded pet sitter, for example). Airplanes and pups aren’t the best mix, with many airlines restricting their entry altogether. Often spaces they’re kept are cramped, out of reach, and a lot of the time, out of sight from pet parents. 

While this is all true and those with pets as the priority wouldn’t recommend flying with a dog on the regular, sometimes it’s unavoidable. So, whether you’re traveling for work that involves your pets or you’re moving home to somewhere far away, come with us as we explore how to fly with a dog, so that you’re super prepared and your furry pal is kept as comfortable as possible.

Tips for flying with a dog: before booking  

Flying with a dog is no mean feat - it’s important pet parents know this early on, and are prepared for it to not happen at all. Below, we explore all the important things you’ll need to research, find out and prepare for way before booking your pet’s flight. Brace yourselves!

Consider if it’s worth it

Knowing all the facts on what flying with a dog is really going to be like is vital if you’re to make the best decision for your pooch (and of course, that’s what you’re here for!). Depending on a variety of factors (like the airline’s policies on your dog’s demographic), your pooch may be allowed in the cabin with you, or will be subjected to the pet-friendly section in the cargo hold. Below, we’ll explore a few points to consider before choosing to fly with your precious pooch:

• Your pup will be zipped-up in a kennel for hours on end, whether in the cabin or in cargo.
• Your pup may only be allowed onto your lap for limited lengths of time, if at all.
• If your pup is in the cargo hold, you won’t be able to have any contact from the drop off in the departure airport, all the way to the arrival.
• Confined spaces and bumpy journeys are jolting for any animal, especially those with anxiety.
• There is a risk of injury - your pup will be locked in a kennel for most of the journey, risking injury if turbulence is particularly bad.
• The temperature of the cabin and the cargo hold can vary a fair amount, causing overheating or hypothermia in some cases. While in the cabin you can check your pup’s temperature, this won’t be possible if they’re in the cargo.
• While we can chew gum or suck on a sweet for take off, dogs simply have to handle the ear popping and pain that’s caused. It’s temporary, but unpleasant.
• Your pup may be taken away to a dedicated pet-friendly section during take-off, landing and while the airplane is in taxi, even if your pup is joining you in the cabin.
• Hours in a kennel can get messy - with nowhere else to relieve themselves than where they’re sleeping, eating and drinking, you may find your pooch in a mess at the end of the flight.
• It can be expensive.

While flying with your dog offers fast and efficient transport from A to B, there are a fair few cons. So, consider - is there an alternative? Could you welcome a house sitter instead, so that your fluffy friend is cared for in the comfort of home while you’re away? Or if you have to bring your pooch somewhere (like if you’re moving house, for example), could you go on a road trip with a dog instead, and allow your pup the comfort of a car journey with multiple stops for the toilet, walkies and fresh air?

Plan well in advance

If you’ve decided to take the plunge and are currently deep-diving into how to fly with a dog, the first thing you should know (provided you’re aware of all the risks) is that last minute flights are not your friend! While they’re handy for spontaneous weekends away, you’ll need to plan ahead if you’re bringing a pooch. Why? Well many airlines have a limitation on the pet allowance per flight, and if space is available, you’ll need to invest in a kennel that meets all the airline’s requirements (take a look further down for advice on the kennel for your flight).

Pick an airline you’ll fly with again

Flying with a dog has rather a lot of red tape around it, with (for good reason) heaps of rules, regulations, requirements and policies that are designed to keep your pup as safe as possible. So, if flying with your pup is something you have to do regularly (maybe it’s for work, for example), pick an airline you’ll fly with again so that you only need to learn the regulations once, and you won’t have to worry about investing in multiple kennels that are in line with the airline’s policy.

Check how to book your pet

If you’ve looked into how to fly with a dog before, you’ll know just how much the rules and regulations differ between airlines. So, before going ahead and booking your flight, find out exactly how you’re to go about booking your pup’s place. Maybe it’s a pet ticket, an add-on, or even an application process.

Flying internationally? Check restrictions

International flights are a whole lot more complicated when it comes to organizing travelers with pets. While in-country flights across the States, for example, aren’t exactly straightforward, there’s even more regulations and restrictions when it comes to flying internationally. While some airlines don’t allow dogs on international flights, others require an international health certificate along with proof of vaccinations on return to the US. If you’re planning an international flight with your dog, it’s vital that you find out all the entry laws before booking.

Check age restrictions

Dogs of all shapes and sizes can (theoretically) board an airplane, but in most cases, flying with a dog means adhering to age policies, with your pup’s safety in mind. Many airlines require dogs to be a certain age before flying, and there may be restrictions in some cases on particularly elderly dogs.

Check destination restrictions

While airlines will have consistent policies around bringing your dog aboard, there will be laws and restrictions at your arrival country that airlines simply have to follow. So, as well as following your airline’s requirements, be sure to check those of your destination as well.

Check flight length restrictions

The length of your flight may also determine whether your pup is allowed on board. Check this beforehand and also consider whether you’re happy with your pup being cooped up in a kennel for hours on end.

Restrictions around flying between countries

Due to outbreaks of certain diseases (like rabies, as a common example), restrictions in different countries change all the time. So, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to check you’re not traveling from a high risk country that’s been banned from entrance to your destination or home country.

Check necessary health certificates

Depending on where you’re flying to and the airline you’re flying with, it’s likely you’ll need to prep various health certificates before traveling. If you’re flying internationally, be sure to get an appointment with your veterinarian, heaps of time before your flight to get any vaccinations courses and certificates that might be needed. Just remember that not all airlines and destinations will have the same requirements, so double check before setting off!

Taking multiple airplanes?

While it might be unavoidable in some cases, taking multiple airlines complicates things if you’re flying with pets. Each airline you’re flying with will have varying requirements and restrictions, and some may not even welcome pets at all, so be sure to read up on each before booking the first stint of your journey.

Cargo or carry-on?

An important part of your journey in learning about how to fly with a dog is getting clued-up on the differences between the experience your pup will have in the cargo hold and the cabin. As we’ve mentioned, depending on the airline and the size of your pup, they’ll be tucked away in either the cargo hold (i.e. out of sight for the entire flight), or they’ll be allowed to travel in the cabin with you, tucked into a pet carrier under the seat in front of you, and only allowed on your lap for limited time. If you’re flying with a large dog, they’ll more than likely be in the hold, whereas small dogs might be in a pet carrier with you in the cabin.

Does your pooch meet the carry-on requirements?

As we’ve mentioned, every airline has pretty varying restrictions on pooch travel - something that makes traveling with a dog often ultra complicated. So, before planning your trip in detail (and getting your hopes up for the best trip ever with your fluffy pal), make sure your pup meets the airline’s requirements.

Check the carry-on fee

Air travel with a dog can sometimes be pretty expensive, so be sure to shop around before picking your airline - they’re a whole other passenger, afterall. Plus, if you think your pooch will have to travel in cargo, double check the price differences there too, as it’s often more expensive than carrying your pup into the cabin.

Service, emotional support or domestic dogs?

As you’ve probably realized by now, flying with a dog is literally steeped in rules (and for good reason, of course!). And many of those rules (particularly in the US) are more allowing of dogs traveling for work over domestic dogs. So if your pooch is a military or service dog, they’re much more likely to be allowed to fly in the US than emotional support dogs and pets.

Make an appointment with your veterinarian

One of the most important things to know about how to fly with a dog is that putting health and safety first is key (before you skip to the fun part of planning your trip!). So, months before your trip is due to start, book a general health check-up with your veterinarian. At the appointment, your vet will be able to advise you on whether your pup is safe to travel at all, and if so, they’ll be able to advise you on the risks, as well as the vaccinations and certificates your pup will need to travel.

Tips for flying with a dog: before traveling

So you’ve decided that flying with your pup is the best way to go - your pooch has been signed-off by your vet and you’ve chosen an airline and route that allows you to travel with your pup. Now that you’re an expert in your airline, destination and departure country’s rules on flying with a dog, you’ll need to prep ahead for the flight itself so that it’s as comfortable as possible for your pooch. Stick with us as we explore tips on preparing for the flight so that you can have the smoothest journey possible.

Go for a (very) long walk

Flying with a dog means a long time cooped-up for your furry friend - something that they’re unlikely to relish. So, one of our top tips on how to travel with a dog is to seriously (and safely, naturally) wear your pup out on the day of travel. Go for a long walk and provide mental stimulation as well so that they’ll hopefully sleep for the bulk of the flight.

Find the ‘pet relief’ areas of the airport ahead of time

While you’re waiting at the airport before flying with your dog, track down the ‘pet relief’ zone ahead of time before any accidents happen. Airports can be difficult places to find fresh air once you’re through various barriers, so be sure to check where’s safe for your pup to go to the toilet before you arrive.

Check the carry-on kennel restrictions

If your pup is lucky enough to fly in the cabin with you, you’ll need to invest in a carry-on kennel or pet carrier. Just like a carry-on bag, there will be weight and size requirements for the kennel that the airlines require. So, check the dimensions necessary so that it can fit under the seat comfortably, and opt for a soft-sided kennel if you can for extra comfort and flexibility.

Get your pooch comfortable with their kennel

Traveling with dogs can be stressful for both the pups and their humans, so invest in your pup’s flight kennel ahead of time. Get your pooch used to the kennel by giving them a treat every time you get it out, and get them used to being in it for extended periods of time - maybe even having them sleep in it overnight.

Keep meals light in the lead-up

Flying a dog on a plane means hours cooped-up in the same small kennel, so it might not be a pretty sight at the end of the flight. There’s no real solution to this, other than keeping meals light (while still feeding your pup enough, of course) in the lead-up. Try not to feed your pup directly before the flight, as a super full stomach might be an uncomfortable feeling while flying.

Remember your pup’s essentials

The key bits you’ll need to pack for flying with your pup include a collapsible water bowl (or leak-proof bottle), their leash (with you, not in the kennel in case it gets messy), wipes, treats, and poop bags.

Make sure food and water dishes are attachable

While hopefully your flight is smoother than your pup’s fur, turbulence is a fact of life when it comes to flying. So, to minimize mess, invest in water dishes or bottles and food dispensers that are attached to the kennel itself.

Bring items to keep them calm

When learning how to fly with a dog in the cabin, one of the key areas for concern is how to make sure your pup doesn’t get traumatized by the experience. Along with getting them comfortable with the kennel, you can also bring along items that tend to chill them out like a special blanket, familiar-smelling pillows and their favorite toys.

Label-up your dog’s kennel

Whether your pooch is flying with you in the cabin or as cargo, it’s super important to label the outside of their kennel with your pup’s name, your contact information, along with a note saying ‘live animal’ and ‘this way up’ with arrows to indicate the top and bottom sides.

Tape a bag of food with a note onto the outside of the kennel

Dog flights can be long, and the wait to reunite with your pup can be pretty agonizing - it’s likely they’ll be super hungry by the end. So, if you have a particularly long flight or your pup’s in cargo and you have a layover, let the airline staff know to feed your pup a few treats that are attached to the outside of the kennel with a note.

Attach a photo of your pup to the kennel

Should the worst happen and your pup is somehow able to get out of the kennel during the flight or between changeovers, attach their photo to the kennel so that airline staff know who they’re looking for.

Lay absorbent material down on the kennel floor

Sadly, your pup is going to have no option but to relieve themselves in their kennel during the flight. So to minimize mess, tuck an absorbent layer down onto the floor of the kennel.

Recently welcomed a new pup?

Before even considering flying with your new pooch, you’ll need to train them up. To get started, explore our beginner’s guide to puppy training.