The holidays are fast approaching. Are you planning on traveling this year to visit friends or family for the holiday festivities? Are you flying with a large dog? All dog moms and dog dads dream of bringing their four-legged family member along on all of their adventures. When it comes to bringing dogs on planes, your pet’s safety, comfort, and well-being are number one. Follow the tips and guidelines outlined below to ensure you and your pooch have a safe and comfortable flight.
1. Plan a Trip to the Vet
With the help of your vet, you can discuss whether bringing your pup with you or having them stay behind is the best option for them based on their health, age, temperament, and behavior. You can also discuss whether or not a sedative will be necessary for your pup to fly safely on the airplane. Before you can bring dogs on planes, they must have a clean bill of health from their veterinarian. Make sure your dog is up to date on all vaccinations and obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian. The certificate must be dated within 10 days of departure. Research any specific airline requirements and if traveling internationally, research any country specific vaccination requirements before visiting the vet.
2. Invest in a Good Pet Carrier
If you’re lucky enough to take your pooch on-board the cabin with you, make sure their carrier is not only comfortable for them, but follows the airline’s size regulations. Each airline is different, but most require the carrier to be between 16 and 19 inches long or less, and around 10 inches tall.
3. Get them Acclimated to the Kennel or Carrier
If you’re flying with a large dog, purchase the kennel well in advance and start getting your pup used to spending time in there weeks in advance. The same goes for a small dog’s carrier. Think of it like crate training; the goal is to make them think of their carrier as their den – a safe place where they like to be. Make the crate comfortable with their favorite bedding or blanket, and feed them treats and their meals in there until they naturally enjoy going into the carrier on their own. In addition, they can sleep in the carrier overnight to ensure that they feel safe and secure spending long periods of time in the crate. If using bedding in the carrier, ensure with the airline ahead of time that the bedding is approved. Dogs on planes do better when extremely comfortable in their crates.
3. Pack your Dog’s Essential Items
No one likes feeling like a sardine while sitting on a plane. Dogs on airplanes can be just as uncomfortable as we are. Bring along your pup’s favorite toys, treats, sealed food, a non-spill water carrier, and any necessary medications to keep them entertained and safe. We recommend bringing along their favorite chew toys instead of squeaky toys or toys that they can tear the stuffing out of. Don’t forget your pup’s basic supplies as well: their leash and collar with their name tag and your phone number on it, as well as plastic poop bags.
5. Talk to the Captain if You’re Flying with a Large Dog
Flying with a large dog will be a bit more tricky than boarding with a Chihuahua or a Pomeranian. In most cases, they will have to fly in the cargo hold due to a lack of space. Always notify the captain that there is a pup on board, so they will know to activate the climate controls to ensure your pup is comfortable and safe.
6. Book your Tickets Early
Did you know most airlines only allow one or two dogs on each flight? Make sure you book your tickets early this holiday season and let the airline know that you are traveling with your dog. In addition, try to avoid layovers and book nonstop flights to minimize stress on your dog.
7. Tire your Pup out Before the Flight
If you have the time, most vets recommend a long walk before bringing dogs on planes. The more tired they are, the better. Flying can be extremely stressful on animals, so it’s best if they can sleep for the majority of the journey.
Flying with dogs on planes during the holidays can be stressful for both pups and humans. Following the above guidelines will minimize your dog’s stress and anxiety and ensure that your flight goes as smoothly as possible. Now, all you need to worry about is remembering all the Christmas presents!
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