Even though it’s not always a good idea to fly with dogs, there are times when it makes sense. There is a problem, however, with logistics. You have to sort through costs, paperwork, and a number of rules and regulations, and some might be different from one airline to the next.
Nevertheless, your pooch can have a safe and comfortable flight, even if you can’t figure out the details. The truth is that flying with a dog is not fun, it’s a lot of work, and it’s stressful for both humans and their pets.
For first-timers, flying with a dog poses many questions. Do non-service, non-emotional support dogs travel with their owners? What are the costs? How safe is it? It will be more complicated (and more expensive) to bring your pup along, but you can do it if you do your research in advance.
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Here are 9 verified ways to fly with your dog. These tips will help you travel with your pup without any difficulty.
Pick an airline
No matter if your pet is flying with you or without you, choose an airline that serves the entire route from start to finish. Before you fly, make sure you know the airline’s pet policies. If you are flying with your dog, will the airline allow them in the cabin? Are there any restrictions? Should you transport them in the cargo hold?
By private charter, you can also transport pets by the airline. Pets will travel in luxury aboard this airline, regardless of size, even though it is more expensive than commercial airlines.
On a commercial airline, dogs can travel in the cabin or as checked baggage.
In Cabin
A dog in a carrier is generally welcome in the cabin if it can fit underneath the seat in front of you. This means that the dog should weigh less than 20 pounds. There can be some differences in how much space there is under the seats based on the type of aircraft, and airlines usually limit the number of pets allowed per flight, so you may want to check in advance. A dog cannot have its own seat.
Shipped as checked luggage or cargo
If your dog is larger, the only option is to be transported as cargo in a pressurized, temperature-controlled compartment that’s not too different from the passenger cabin. You can fly these dogs as checked luggage on the same flight with you or unaccompanied, as shipping cargo, sometimes called manifest cargo or air freight. Be sure to check with the airline. You can’t book an air cargo shipment with Delta Air Lines until 14 days before departure, for instance.
What is the cost?
Depending on how your pet is transported and which airline you choose, the price will vary. Pets traveling inside the cabin should cost $75 to $125 per way, and those traveling checked or in cargo should cost $200. Depending on the circumstances, prices could go as high as $1,900 for very large dogs.
In the U.S., several major airlines charge $125 each way for in-cabin pets, although other carriers, like Southwest ($95) and JetBlue ($100), charge somewhat less. When you book, you usually do not have to pay the fee. Instead, you pay it at the airport.
Before flying, your pet must see a veterinarian
You’ll need to keep in touch with your veterinarian at the very least. If you are planning on taking your dog on an airplane, talk to your veterinarian first. air travel. Boxers and Boston terriers, which have pug-like faces, aren’t allowed to fly on many airlines because they have difficulty breathing at high altitudes.
According to the airline industry group Airlines for America, a veterinarian’s health certificate may also be necessary seven to 10 days before flying. You should also print out copies of the required documents to take with you to the airport. Electronic health certificates are acceptable, but it is a good idea to have hard copies with you.
Prepare a suitable carrier
If your pet will spend time in a crate or carrier while on the flight, you must bring along the proper equipment. Pet carriers have a list of requirements outlined by the International Air Transport Association, which most airlines follow (we’ve even compiled a list of our favorite airline-approved carriers).
It is generally recommended that your crate is durable, well-ventilated, has strong handles, and has a leak-proof bottom. It’s also important to clearly label your pet carrier with “Live Animal” and arrows showing which way is up, along with your contact information including your name, phone number, and address.
Paperwork required for emotional support animals
As long as your dog is considered an emotional support animal, you won’t get special treatment – and you will have to pay pet fees. A United States Department of Transportation policy update from 2021 states that emotional support animals are no longer considered service animals and that airlines do not have to treat them as such.
In spite of the fact that federal law does not protect the use of therapy animals, the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) mandates airlines to allow both service animals and emotional support animals to fly within the cabin with their owners.
To get the airline’s approval for a flight, passengers must submit a medical form, an animal behavior confirmation form, and a veterinary form.
When booking flights, consider flight lengths
As you shop for flights, consider the amount of time your pet will spend in transit. You can limit your pet’s time onboard an airplane by taking a direct flight for a shorter domestic flight.
In addition to keeping pets out of the air as long as possible, getting to their destinations quickly has other advantages – arriving early at the airport is especially helpful for pets traveling as cargo.
Get your pet ready for travel stress
You need to make sure your pet is crate-trained if it will be traveling in cargo. There are so many things to consider when it comes to crates, kennels, and carriers. They are not just a way to transport your pet on an airplane, but they are also a way to calm them when traveling.
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It is important for you to remember that your pet will be going through the same emotional roller coaster that you are. During travel time, your dog’s safe space will be contained in his crate, which is why crate training is so essential.
Make sure that a dish of water for your dog is frozen the night before you leave. It will protect it from spilling during the loading process, and it will melt shortly thereafter, resulting in your dog being able to drink it when it eventually melts, advises the ASPCA.
It is not recommended that you feed your canine companion in the hours preceding the flight departure because “when traveling with a full stomach, your pet can be uncomfortable”
For in-flight accidents, use quick-dry pads
Choosing whether the animal relief area should be inside or outside the terminals depends on the airport’s size. In case of an unexpected accident in flight, you might want to line the carrier with absorbent, quick-drying pads so that your pet isn’t left out in the cold.
Prior to and during a flight, limit your food intake
As your pet cannot use the lavatory on a plane, you should limit the amount of food that it consumes before and during the flight. Owners are advised not to feed animals within two hours before leaving, stating that it’s better if the animals don’t have food in them at the time of departure.
You should be able to keep your pet satisfied for the duration of the trip regardless of whether it is short- or long-haul.
However, water is more essential. Pets should not be given water during flights under four hours. For longer flights, make sure your pet has some freshwater, and secure the water dish to its carrier properly if it’s in cargo.
