Your furry friend isn’t just a pet, they’re family. This is why leaving them behind is so difficult when you go on vacation. It’s only natural to want your pooch to be a part of your travel adventures, and it is possible to make that dream come true. However, for further afield trips that require an airplane, it can be daunting to take your dog with you. There are lots of rules, regulations, and documentation that are required to take your dog on board, as well as so many steps to prepare before and during the flight.
There’s no need to worry as you can still make the dream of traveling with your dog a reality by using these tips for flying with your dog. You and your furry friend will be jetting off on your adventure in no time, having a calm, safe, and stress-free flight!
Check the airline’s website
There is a myriad of information about flying with your dog on various websites to give you the knowledge and confidence to travel. However, it is best to double check what you have learnt with the latest rules for flying with pets. This can be accessed via your airline’s website as they need to keep the rules and regulations constantly updated, so they will have the correct information for flying with your pooch.
Rules for flying with pets can change quickly in small ways or huge ways. Factors such as weight limit changes or breeds that aren’t allowed to fly can vary.
Look for specific rules
There are general rules for flying with your dog for specific airlines. These can change for various routes because there are often some destinations you can’t fly to with a pet in the cabin, they can only go as cargo. Aircrafts can also have specific rules and different restrictions, such as the size of the crate you use. It’s always best to look for specific rules to ensure that you comply with them for various routes and aircraft.
As well as this, many airlines have specific restrictions and dog rules that outline breeds of dogs that can’t fly. Typically, most airlines won’t allow short-nosed breeds or brachycephalic breeds, like pugs, chow chows, and shih tzus. Others may have restrictions or specific kennel requirements for dangerous breeds of dogs, so check with your airline to see if your pooch can fly.
Talk to your veterinarian
Before you fly with your pooch, you should talk to your veterinarian to ensure that your dog is fit and healthy to fly. Having a health check before traveling helps to make the process safer and more comfortable for your dog. It also prevents any possible health issues from happening while you are away. If you tell your vet you are flying with your dog, they will make sure your furry friend has the right vaccinations, including specific ones that may be required for your destination. They will also give you any preventative medications, like flea treatment, that you may need on your vacation.
Book tickets in advance
Booking your flight tickets in advance can help you get a better and more affordable deal. Getting them as early as possible also makes sure that there is plenty of space on the flight, so you can fit your furry friend on the plane and make the flight much easier. Many airlines only allow a limited number of pets on board, so it’s vital to get in early to reserve one of those spots for you and your dog.
Try to book a non-stop flight
Having stopovers and long flights can be stressful for your pooch, especially if it’s their first time on a plane. It’s ideal to try and book a non-stop flight to go directly to your destination. Doing this will make the journey much easier and less stressful for you and your dog.
You should also consider the length of time of the flight as adult dogs shouldn’t spend more than 6-8 hours in a crate and puppies should only spend around 2-4 hours. You need to pick a destination that stays within this timeframe.
Have the paperwork needed for your dog
Before flying with your dog, you need to ensure that you have all the correct paperwork for them. This can include a health certificate, vaccination certificates, and even a passport if traveling outside of your country. Your furry friend should also have correct identification tags, a microchip with updated information, and their medical records in case they have any health issues that need to be verified. These papers will be needed when you check in at the airport and can even be required at your destination, so have them on hand to easily show them.
Purchase an airline-approved crate
Your dog needs the correct crate that is approved by your airline so they can travel. For smaller dogs that are permitted for in-cabin travel, you may need a soft or hard crate, while larger dogs for the cargo area should have a harder crate. No matter the size, a travel crate needs to have a door that securely closes with the current ID on it.
Before you fly, get your dog used to their crate weeks prior, so they can be at ease and comfortable with it. You could put them in it for when you pop out to get them used to longer periods being in it. Add a soft blanket on your travel day and put their favorite toys to help keep them calm.
Feed your dog a healthy meal before the flight
Feeding your dog before they fly is essential as it gives them the nutrients and proper body functioning they need. Flights can be long and tiring, so feeding them a healthy but light meal is needed. You could feed them protein dog food as a lighter meal that is still rich in nutrients and protein they need. However, you shouldn’t feed them directly before your flight as this can lead to bathroom mishaps while on the flight. Feed your dog no sooner than at least an hour before the flight.
Exercise your dog before the flight
For your flight, it’s best to have your dog calm and relaxed so they can sleep through the majority of it. To achieve this, it’s best to take a long walk or let them have fun off-leash before your flight. You can even take them for an extra walk between checking in and going through security to ensure that they release their energy. You should also try to prevent lots of naps before the flight because you need them to be ready for a nap during the flight, not being a ball of energy!
Give yourself plenty of time
Flying with your dog requires you to make sure you have plenty of time to get through the airport at check-in and security to be able to have a stress-free travel process. You don’t want to arrive at the airport as late as possible to just make your flight. You need to arrive at the airport as early as possible, no matter if your pooch is going in the cabin or the hold. However, for the hold, you will need to drop off your pet separately at the cargo facility in plenty of time before your flight.
Airlines can give you a time guide for you to stick to that outlines when you should get to the airport with your dog, ensuring you get through every aspect of the process in plenty of time before your flight!
Use these tips for flying with your dog to be properly prepared for your traveling adventure, creating a calm, stress-free, and relaxing journey for both you and your pooch. Get ready to have plenty of fun and lasting memories together!
