13 Must Know Tips for Flying with a Dog

Traveling with your furry friend can be fun and adventurous, but when it comes to air travel, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Whether you’re embarking on a vacation or moving to a new city, flying with your dog requires heedful planning and homework. To ensure a safe and stress-free journey, here are must-know tips for flying with a dog.

Tips to Follow

Listed below are 13 tips for pet owners to follow when flying with their dog:

1. Research Airline Policies

Before booking your reservation, make sure you are fully aware of the airline’s pet restriction laws. Each airline has its own rules and regulations regarding pet travel, including size limitations, carrier requirements, and additional costs. Choose an airline that is pet-friendly and provides suitable accommodation for your dog.

2. Visit the Veterinarian

Make an appointment with the vet well in advance of your trip. Your vet will perform a health check-up and ensure your dog is up to date on vaccinations. They may also give required documentation, such as a health certificate, which some airlines require for pet travel.

3. Choose the Right Carrier

Invest in a sturdy and reliable pet carrier that satisfies the size criteria of your chosen airline. The carrier should be well-ventilated, secure, and spacious for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down restfully. Allow your dog to become amicable with the carrier before the trip by gradually introducing it and using positive reinforcement.

4. Familiarize your Dog with the Carrier

It’s vital to train your dog with the carrier before the journey. Let your dog get used to the carrier by putting treats and toys inside and keeping the door open.

5. Get your Dog’s Paperwork in Order

Before flying, check your dog is up to date on all essential vaccinations and has a health authorization certificate from your veterinarian. Some airlines also demand additional paperwork, so be sure to verify with them in advance.

6. Book a Direct Flight

If feasible, book a direct flight to minimize the stress on your dog. Connecting flights can be stressful for both you and your dog, as you may need to steer through busy airports and your dog may need to be rechecked.

7. Pack Essential Supplies

Pack a travel kit for your dog that contains necessities like food, water, treats, medication (if necessary), a leash, a collar with identification tags, waste bags, and a blanket or toy to provide comfort during the journey. It’s also smart to bring a current photo of your dog, just in case.

 8. Exercise and Bathroom Breaks

Before proceeding to the airport, confirm your dog gets sufficient exercise to help them burn off energy. Schedule a bathroom break shortly before entering the airport to abate accidents during travel. Find out where the authorized pet rest areas are in advance.

9. Don’t Feed your Dog Right Before the Flight

Feeding your dog right before take-off can increase the probability of motion sickness. It is advisable to feed your dog a few hours before the flight and give them access to water right up until boarding.

10. Inform the Airline and Flight Attendants

Let the airline and flight attendants know that you are traveling with a dog. They may be able to offer additional assistance or accommodation.

11. Sedation

Some pets may become very anxious during the process of flying. If your dog has a history of being anxious during car rides, it would be a good idea to consult with the veterinarian and discuss your dog’s anxiety related to travel. They may be able to recommend something to help calm and relax your dog during the flight.

12. Identification and Microchip

Make sure your dog wears a secure collar with updated identification tags containing your contact information. Additionally, consider microchipping your dog or ensuring their existing microchip details are up to date. In case of any unforeseen circumstances, these identification measures will help reunite you with your furry friend.

13. Be Calm and Patient

Finally, remember to stay calm and patient throughout the entire process. Flying can be stressful, but it’s important to remain calm for your dog’s sake. Keep in mind that your dog may be anxious during the flight, so it’s important to remain patient and understanding.

Risks Associated When Flying with a Dog

Read below to learn the risks:

Stress and Anxiety

Dogs might feel a lot of anxiety when traveling by air. The raucous, strange environment and cramped spaces of an airplane cabin can be dreadful for some dogs. This stress can manifest in behaviors such as excessive barking, whining, panting, pacing, or even aggression.

Temperature and Ventilation Issues

Cargo holds, where pets are usually transported, can be subject to oppressive temperatures. The airline must provide proper temperature control and ventilation for your dog. Sweltering temperatures can lead to heatstroke, while extremely low temperatures can cause hypothermia.

Rough Handling or Mishandling

Despite the best intents of airline staff, there have been instances of mismanagement or harsh treatment of pets during the loading and unloading process. Dogs may be pushed, dumped, or placed in awkward situations, they might result in injuries or trauma.

Lost or Misplaced Dogs

Although rare, there have been cases of dogs being lost, misplaced, or mistakenly sent to the wrong destination during air travel. Adequate identification, including microchipping and clear labeling on the dog’s carrier, can help minimize the risk of such incidents.

Medical Emergencies

Some dogs may experience medical emergencies during flights, such as respiratory distress, panic attacks, or allergic reactions. While it’s crucial to have your dog examined by a veterinarian before flying to ensure they are fit to travel, unexpected health issues can still arise.

Quarantine or Travel Restrictions

Depending on your destination, there may be quarantine regulations or prohibitions on bringing dogs into specific countries or states. Failing to fulfill these regulations can result in your dog being quarantined or denied entry, leading to additional stress, expenses, and potential separation from your pet.

Increased Risk for Elderly or Ill Dogs

Older dogs or those with prevailing health conditions may be more susceptible to the anxiety and physical demands of air travel.

Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities

Some passengers may have allergies or sensitivities to dogs, even in the cabin. It’s important to be considerate of others and inform the airline in advance about traveling with a dog to ensure appropriate seating arrangements and accommodations for all passengers.

Legal and Documentation Requirements

Flying with a dog often involves compliance with various legal and documentation requirements, such as health certificates, vaccination records, and specific carrier or size restrictions. Failure to meet these requirements can result in denied boarding or other complications.

Weight Limits and the Checking Process for Dogs at the Airport:

Weight Limit

Each airline has its weight stipulation for canines traveling in the cabin or as cargo. Typically, the weight limit for dogs traveling in the cabin is around 20 pounds (9 kilograms). However, this can vary, so it’s essential to confirm with the airline you plan to fly with for their weight limit policy.

Cabin vs. Cargo

Smaller dogs that adhere to the weight requirements and fit easily in an airline-approved carrier may be permitted to travel in the cabin with their owners. Larger dogs or those that surpass the weight limit for cabin travel will need to travel as cargo in the airplane’s cargo hold. It’s important to note that certain brachycephalic or snub-nosed breeds may have additional restrictions due to respiratory concerns.

Security Screening

Dogs traveling in the cabin are typically subject to security screening along with their owners. This may involve carrying your dog through the metal detector while the carrier is subjected to X-ray screening. It’s important to follow the instructions provided by the security personnel and cooperate during this process.

Climate Considerations

Depending on the airline and destination, there may be restrictions on pet travel during extreme weather conditions. Airlines prioritize the safety and comfort of animals, and in some cases, may refuse pet travel during excessively hot or cold temperatures.

Contact Orlando Vets for More Tips for Flying with a Dog

Flying with your dog can be a bit of a challenge, but with proper preparation and these tips, you can make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Remember to do your research, choose the right carrier, familiarize your dog with the carrier, get your dog’s paperwork in order, exercise your dog before the flight, pack essentials, inform the airline and flight attendants, and remain calm and patient throughout the entire process. For more information, contact Orlando Vets by calling one of our locations. Our team is always happy to help!