I. Introduction
Are you planning to fly with your dog but don’t know where to start? Air travel with pets can be overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it can be a stress-free experience. In this guide, we provide tips for choosing the right airline, preparing your dog for the flight, and keeping your pet comfortable in the air. We also discuss how to fly with a service dog and tips for international travel with your furry friend.
II. Flying with Fido: Tips for a Stress-free Trip
Before booking your flight, it’s important to research airline policies and select an airline with pet-friendly amenities. Preparing your dog for the flight can also help reduce stress. Calming aids, familiar items from home, and oral hygiene can help keep your pup calm and comfortable during the flight.
A. Choosing the Right Airline
1. Research Airline Policies
Each airline has its policies and regulations when it comes to flying with pets. Research airline policies on pet reservations, fees, and restrictions before booking your flight. Some airlines only allow pets in the cabin, while others only allow them in the cargo hold. Knowing these regulations can help avoid surprises and disappointments.
2. Look for Airlines with Pet-friendly Amenities
When choosing an airline, consider amenities that make air travel comfortable for your dog. Some airlines provide pet relief areas, pet-friendly cabins, and other accommodations. Look for these features when researching airlines for your trip.
B. Preparing Your Dog for the Flight
1. Visit the Vet
Before flying, visit your vet to ensure your pup is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. You may also want to ask about sedatives or calming aids to help your dog relax during the flight.
2. Crate Training
To reduce anxiety, crate training can be effective. Provide a space for your dog’s crate that is associated solely with positive feelings, bring them into the crate while giving them praise, and eventually make it a full sleeping space. Do it for more extended periods until your dog is comfortable in the crate for an extended period.
3. Exercise Your Dog Before the Flight
Take your dog for an extended walk or jog to help them burn off energy before the flight. This can reduce restlessness during the flight and help your dog feel more relaxed.
C. Keeping Your Pup Calm and Comfortable in the Air
1. Calming Aids
Consider using a calming aid such as a dog anxiety vest, calming treats, or pheromone sprays. These aids help your dog relax and can reduce stress during the flight.
2. Familiar Items from Home
Bring familiar items from home, such as a favorite blanket or toy. This can help your dog feel more comfortable in a new environment and reduce anxiety.
3. Oral Hygiene
Chewing can help reduce anxiety and stress. Bring along dental treats or a favorite toy for your dog to chew during the flight.
III. How to Prepare Your Dog for a Flight
Knowing how to prepare your dog for a flight can help reduce stress and make air travel a more positive experience. Crate training, acclimating your dog to the noise and crowds at the airport, and packing essential items for your pet are crucial elements for a stress-free trip.
A. Crate Training
1. Choosing the Right-Sized Crate
The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down but not too large that they can move around too much. The larger the crate, the more likely your dog will slide around during turbulence, causing panic. Proper crate sizing is essential to their comfortability.
2. Gradually Introducing Your Dog to the Crate
Start crate training at least a few weeks before your trip. Begin by leaving the crate open in your home and allow your dog to explore it on their own. Gradually lure your dog into the crate with a treat or toy to become more comfortable with thier space.
B. Acclimating Your Dog to the Airport Noise and Crowds
1. Familiarize Your Dog with Airport Sounds
Mimic the airport sounds by using sound recordings and videos. Start with low sound and increase the volume to create a more authentic experience.
2. Pick a Spot to Calm Your Dog
When you arrive at the airport, find a quiet spot away from crowds. This will provide a place for you to calm your dog if they become anxious or overwhelmed.
3. Consider a Calming Product
Calming products like lavender scents or other calming sprays can be used to alleviate stress and prevent overstimulation.
C. Packing Essential Items for Your Pet
1. Food and Water
Bring extra food and water in case there are any unforeseen circumstances during the trip. Hydration, in particular, is crucial, especially when flying during warmer months.
2. Toys
Bring along some favorite toys for your dog to enjoy during the flight. Pack only washable toys for easy cleaning in the case of a mess.
3. Medications
If your dog is on medication, be sure to pack enough for the trip. Bring along any necessary prescriptions, and consult with your veterinarian before the trip to ask for advice on possible side effects that may occur during the flight.
IV. 5 Airlines that Welcome Pups on Board
If you want to travel with your pet, some carriers are more pet-friendly than others. Here are some airlines that welcome pets on board.
A. Delta Airlines
Delta allows small dogs to ride in the cabin with you on most flights and medium or large dogs to travel in the cargo hold. However, restrictions do apply, so be sure to research airline policies beforehand.
B. Southwest Airlines
Southwest allows passengers to travel with small vaccinated dogs and cats in the cabin for a fee of $95 each way. Check on their website the requirements and restrictions.
C. JetBlue Airways
JetBlue is known as one of the most pet-friendly airlines in the US since passengers can bring small dogs or cats in the cabin for a fee. However, they are strict policy regarding the number of pets on board.
D. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines allows dogs and cats on board as in-cabin pets, or can be checked in, depending on the size of your furry companion. Additionally, they offer frequent flyer miles for pets.
E. United Airlines
United offers the option of traveling with your pet in the cabin (as an in-cabin pet) or being checked in, and allows a maximum of two pets per flight. Be sure to check airline policies, weight/size restrictions, and fees.
V. The Dos and Don’ts of Flying with Your Dog
Here are some important dos and don’ts to consider when flying with your dog.
A. Do’s
1. Update Your Dog’s Vaccinations
Make sure your dog is up to date on their vaccinations, and carry the necessary documentation if required. This includes paperwork like rabies certificates, health certificates, and other travel requirements.
2. Bring Necessary Paperwork for Air Travel
Prepare any required travel or health papers for a pet according to your destination’s requirements, and have all related documents readily accessible.
B. Don’ts
1. Sedate Your Pet
Sedating your pet can put them at risk during the flight, some may also cause dehydration, grogginess, or other side effects that could lead to health issues. Consult your vet about alternatives or other anxiety-reducing strategies.
2. Leave Your Dog Alone in the Airport
Don’t ever leave your dog unattended or alone in the airport areas. Be sure to crate the dog for bathroom breaks or comfort, and don’t leave them alone for more time than required.
VI. Flying with a Service Dog: What You Need to Know
If you are traveling with a service dog, there are specific regulations to follow. Here are some essential requirements for flying with a service dog.
A. Documentation Requirements
1. Air Carrier Access Act
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) requires airlines to allow a service animal to accompany a person with a disability on a flight. The ACAA also requires airlines to disregard weight and breed restrictions when transporting service animals.
2. Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act applies only to public entities. This means if you are using a service dog to fly on a governmental organization, the Americans with Disabilities Act would apply to your service animal and not the Air Carrier Access Act.
B. Training Recommendations
1. Training Your Dog Yourself
If you are training your service dog yourself, make sure your dog is well-trained, disciplined, and comfortable operating in a busy public environment like the airport.
2. Hiring a Professional Trainer
You can also hire a professional dog trainer to train your service dog, which may improve your dog’s behavior around crowds and prepare them more effectively for air travel.
VII. Tips for International Travel with Your Dog
If you are planning international travel with your dog, research quarantine regulations, pet passport applications and necessary vaccinations carefully so that your dog’s travel plans are not restricted.
A. Quarantine Requirements
1. Research Your Destination Country’s Quarantine Regulations
Check strict quarantine laws that countries have, so you know what requirements you’ll need to meet. Be sure to contact your destination’s consulate or embassy to learn as much as you can.
2. Timing of Vaccinations and Health Certificates
Some countries require a minimum of a two-month planning period before arrival, so be sure to understand the timing of vaccinations and health certificates beforehand.
B. Pet Passport Applications
1. Countries That Require Pet Passports
Countries vary in their pet travel requirements. Some need authentication, notarization, and types of health care certification for import. There are many countries that allow travel with a pet passport, therefore, check them well in advance.
2. How to Obtain a Pet Passport
Contact the Veterinary Services office in your area to know how to obtain a pet passport. This document may be necessary for international flights for easy access to all your pet’s required documents and information.
VIII. Conclusion
Flying with your dog can be stressful, but with these tips, you can make your dog’s air travel experiences positive for both of you. Start with crate training, acclimating them to airport sounds, and packing the essentials that make them comfortable so that you may have a stress-free flight. Consider consulting with your veterinarian before travel to maximize your pet’s ability to relax during air travel. With preparation and care, you can enjoy worry-free air travel with your beloved furry friend.