“Where are we going”, “which airline do we choose” and “where are we” are some of the questions people ask themselves when planning a trip. However, for dog owners who enjoy (or want to start) traveling with their four-legged “baby”, the question “What is the best and safest way to travel with my pet” is: an important question.
It is estimated that about 2 million domestic pets travel on commercial flights each year – only 58% of them are dogs, according to PBS Travel, a UK-based company that specializes in transporting pets globally. Unless you’re a pro, it’s important that you know the best way to fly with your dog, so it’s a positive experience for both of you.
On TVs and big screens, it seems easy – even somewhat fun – to fly with your dog. But the reality is that there are a few things you should do as soon as you decide to travel by air with your favorite pet dog.
- Contact the airlines when flying with dogs
Not all airlines welcome pets, so finding the right one that meets your needs and budget can take some time. Million Mile Secrets lists 9 US airlines that allow in-cabin domestic flights for your dog as of 2021. The Location provide pricing and policies, however, verify all information yourself so there are no surprises.
When contacting the airline, get clear answers to the following questions:
- Can you bring your dog in the cabin and what are the weight/size limits?
- Are there any special pet health and vaccination requirements?
- What type and size of carrier are allowed onto the cabin?
- Fly and travel abroad with your dog
If you are traveling to another country or outside the continental United States, there may be other quarantine or health requirements for your dog. You may also need to provide a specific international health certificate signed by a government approved veterinarian or other government official, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.
The best thing to do is to contact the Consulate or Foreign Regulatory Authority at least four weeks before your trip. When inquiring about travel to Hawaii, visit the state Department of Animal Industry websiteor contact it via email (recommended) or by phone at (808) 483-7151.
- Fly with an emotional or service dog
The American Kennel Club lists an Emotional Support Animal – or ESA – as “a pet that provides companionship to a person to help alleviate anxiety, depression, and some phobias.” A therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist must determine that the presence of the dog in this case is necessary for your mental health.
The Americans with Disabilities Act defines service animals as “dogs specifically trained to do work or to perform duties for persons with disabilities;” for example, a guide dog. While service dogs are allowed anywhere public is allowed, emotional support animals are not.
In January 2021, US Department of Transportation amendments to the Airline Access Act’s provisions for the carriage of service animals by air. This means that airlines are no longer required to accept Emotional Support Animals. When you want to fly with your dog, list the support your dog provides and have the appropriate documentation as proof.
- To-do list when flying with your dog
- Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with your veterinarian and/or make sure all your dog’s essential health records are up to date.
- Make sure your pet has an identification tag with up-to-date information.
- Having your dog microchip is not a requirement, but will give you peace of mind if your dog gets “lost” on the trip.
- Items to include in or take with you:
- Dog prescription medication (if available; enough for your trip and a few days’ surplus supply, just in case)
- Any paperwork required (by the airline) about your pet needed to fly both in the US and in custody
- Leash, collar and/or harness
- A crate with a soft or hard shell that fits the seat in front of you
- A blanket (or bedding) for the crate
- A toy your dog already likes
- Travel food and cool drinks (and treats for both)
- How to avoid airport anxiety for your dog
The actual flight can be a little unusual for most dogs, but the trip through the airport can be nerve-wracking for both of you. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends these to reduce stress for you and your dog:
- Buy flights with few connections or reschedule
- Choose departure and arrival times to avoid getting too hot or too cold. For example, planning a trip to a hot destination at night might be better for your pet
- Check the cabin as late as possible.
There are also things you can do to help your dog have a more comfortable ride. Angela Passman, owner and president of World Pet Travel, says the most important thing your dog should do is get used to their transportation.
Angela adds that your pet should get rid of excess energy before boarding because “there is nothing worse than a dog that is too old”. She said they would travel much better if they extended any nervous energy before they boarded the ship.
Additional tips for flying with your dog are:
- Your pet carrier will have to go through security with you. Securely fasten your dog so you can safely confine him outside the crate while he is being X-rayed or require a special secondary examination that will not require you to remove the dog. cage.
- Try to let your dog go to the bathroom before you get to the airport. Sometimes your dog will need to drop himself closer when boarding, but don’t worry. CertaPet – specializes in providing clinical services to individuals seeking animal support interventions (i.e. service pets, Emotional Support Animals) – list pet-friendly potty locations (for many popular airports), including where to find them (before and after TSA security) and who can use them.
- Travel notice – On June 10, before that, temporarily stopped allowing dogs to enter the US from countries at high risk for rabies in dogs has been extended until January 2023. Learn more at CDC.gov..
How much does it cost to fly with your dog?
The price of flying with your dog varies by airline, destination, and whether your dog is flying cabin or cargo. There are also additional service charges for stopovers. For in-cabin, fees can be as high as $125 each way, with an additional $125 for a four-hour stopover. All airlines have a section on flying with pets on their websites and will provide you with the cost. However, if you have a service dog, check the airlines’ Animal Services page as regulations vary.
How to fly with small, medium or large dogs
There are strict Federal Aviation Administration regulations and considerations when flying with dogs depending on the size and age of the dog. Airlines have regulations on the size and age of dogs allowed to fly in the cabin or cargo hold. For example, airlines often require dogs to be over two months old for national flights and over four months old and to be vaccinated against rabies for international flights. Dogs must be under 20 to 25 pounds, depending on the airline.
Small dogs are usually easier to get around due to their size. They can ride in a carrier under the seat in front of you (or always be chained to their owner’s lap if they are only registered/certified service animals). The baby rat in an aircraft carrier must remain in place from the moment the plane door closes until it reaches the destination gate. Once on the plane, you and your dog are required by law to follow all flight attendants’ instructions.
Sometimes, the size of a dog forces owners to fly their dog in the cargo hold. There are sometimes reported stories of animals flying in cargo hold getting lost, injured or dead in commercial flights due to rough handling, poor ventilation and/or extreme hot/cold temperatures. Dogster.com – along with several pet-related organizations – do not advocate this approach for larger dogs, but sometimes there is no other option. Good news: Less than 0.01% of pets are harmed in the cargo hold of commercial aircraft, according to report from the US Department of Transportation.
If there is no other option, Humane Society of America Suggest the following when a dog has to fly in a cargo hold (i.e. you are supervising movement):
- Use direct flights to avoid unforeseen delays in getting your pet off the plane.
- Take the same flight with your pet, when possible, and ask the airline if you can watch your pets being loaded and unloaded from the hold.
- When you board the plane, notify the captain and at least one flight attendant your dog is traveling with in the cargo hold. Captains can take any special precautions necessary if they know that there are pets on board.
- Never transport dogs with brains, such as French Bulldogs, Pekingese, Shih Tzus and Boston Terriers, as they tend to have difficulty breathing due to the shape of their head, muzzle, and throat.
- Collar for your dog so it doesn’t get caught in the cage door and include on it a permanent resident ID with your name, home address and phone number, as well as a temporary travel ID with an address and phone number where you or the contact can be reached.
- Give your dog at least a month before your flight to get used to the commute carrier to minimize his stress during the trip.
- Do not give your dog sedatives. Neither the Humane Society nor the VCA recommend sedating or sedating your dog without first discussing it with your veterinarian.
- Have a recent photo of your pet. If lost en route, a (digital) photo of your dog will help airline staff find it much more efficiently.
- When you get to where you want to go, open the container as soon as you get to a safe place to check on your pet. If something goes wrong, take your pet to the vet immediately and ask for the results of the test in writing, including the date and time.
And last but not least, depending on the airline, you may be limited in the type and number of dogs you can travel with, regardless of their position on the plane.
