How to Travel With Your Dog by Airplane
- Nicole Gabrail
- Oct 17, 2023
- 9 min read
Updated: Apr 14, 2024
Plan the safest, smoothest trip possible when traveling with your dog by airplane. This handy guide covers everything from before, during, and after reaching your destination.
Taking a trip but don't want to board your dog in a kennel or arrange for a sitter? Consider taking your furry friend with you! With the right mindset and thorough preparation, it's completely possible to travel with your dog by airplane and have a smooth experience. This guide will help you ensure a safe and comfortable journey for both you and your dog! See what steps you should take before departure, while you and your buddy are up in the air, and after you've reached your destination.
Before you book your flight:
Research the pet policies of your destination
Whether you are traveling domestically or international, it is absolutely crucial you research your intended destination's pet policies. There are countries, such as Japan, that have strict regulations on importing pets. This includes requiring proof of microchipping and a rabies titre test.
Some places may also require your dog to be quarantined for a certain period of time. Checking your destination's pet policies will help you find out if your dog will need to undergo a quarantine period and if there are any options for expediting this. Hawaii is one location that allows you to expedite your dog's quarantine period by applying for the 5 Day Or Less Program.
Check the airline's pet policies
Airlines have different rules and restrictions for traveling with pets, so it's important to do your research before booking your flight. By checking the airline's pet policy, you can find out the cost for traveling with your dog, carrier/crate requirements, and what travel documents you need to gather. The airline's pet policy will also determine whether your dog should ride in the cabin or cargo. This typically depends on the size of your dog.
Schedule an appointment with your vet
After researching your destination's and airline's pet policies, you should book an appointment with your vet to ensure your dog has all their necessary vaccinations. Some typical vaccinations required by most airlines and destinations are rabies, distemper, and parvovirus vaccinations.
You may also need to get a health certificate issued by your vet stating that your dog is healthy and fit to travel. Most airlines and destinations require a health certificate that is issued within 10 days of travel. This may also be required by hotels or other establishments.
Book a dog-friendly hotel
Because not all hotels and vacation rentals welcome furry guests, be sure to do your research and book accommodations that do. Hilton Hotels currently allows pets at "5,000 Hotels across the U.S. and Canada."
Consider microchipping your dog
Whether or not your destination requires proof of microchipping, you should consider the benefits of having this quick and easy procedure done. Microchips are a permanent form of identification that can help you find your furry friend if they get lost, even if you're travelling internationally. Note that some countries, such as those in the European Union, require microchips to be ISO compliant.
Get pet travel insurance
Pet travel insurance can be a valuable investment for pet owners who plan to travel with their dogs as it can help cover the cost of any veterinary expenses that may arise during your trip. With this, you can enjoy some peace of mind knowing that your pet is financially protected in case of an emergency.
To choose the right insurance, first take your travel itinerary into account. Some insurance plans only cover a select few countries while others have a far broader reach. After you locate plans that serve the area you intend to travel to, consider any preexisting conditions your dog may have and pinpoint the pet travel insurance plans that meet their needs. Before you make any purchases, be sure to read the fine print carefully. This will help you understand the coverage and exclusions of the plan.
Get your dog used to their crate or carrier
Even short, domestic flights can be stressful for your pooch, so it's important to do everything you can to mitigate these negative emotions. Getting your dog used to their crate or carrier beforehand can help make them more comfortable throughout the flight. You can also put things that have absorbed your dog's scent into it to help the area become more familiar to them.
Packing for your trip:
Pack essential items for your dog
This includes food, bowls, water, leash, collar, ID tags, medication, and bedding. Make a list and run through it before you depart for the airport, so that you don't have to worry about forgetting anything. Here is a list of typical doggy essentials to get you started. Toys and other comfort items are also important to provide, especially if the dog is an anxious traveler.
Don't forget the potty pads
Airports have designated pet relief areas for your dog to do their business. However, while on the airplane, your dog may not be able to exit their crate or carrier to relieve themselves. Because of this, airlines typically require the dog's crate or carrier be lined with an absorbent material such as potty pads.
Make sure your crate/carrier complies with the airline's requirements
A few standard requirements for crate/carriers are that they must be well-ventilated and large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Some brands even sell products made to satisfy the conditions for popular airlines. For example, this Sherpa Pet Carrier for small dogs is "the official pet carrier of Delta™ Airlines."
Attach a "Live Animal" sticker to the carrier
The "Live Animal" sticker will let airline staff know that the carrier contains a living animal and that it should be treated with care. Most airlines require that all carriers containing pets be labeled with a "Live Animal" sticker. It is also a good idea to include your pet's name and your contact information on the carrier, so that the airline staff can contact you in case of an emergency.
At the airport
Arrive early
This will give you plenty of time to check in your dog and go through security. Your airline may even have requirements for how early you must arrive depending on if your pet is flying carry-on or cargo.
Use a designated pet relief area
Airports typically have pet relief areas located in both the pre-security and post-security areas. You can usually find the location of the pet relief area on the airport's website or by asking a customer service representative. You will need to keep your dog on a leash at all times in the pet relief area, and you will need to pick up after your dog.
Check in your dog at the cargo office or airline counter
Be sure to have all of your dog's paperwork, including their health certificate and vaccination records. It is important to check with the airline you are flying with before you travel to make sure that you understand all of the requirements for pet boarding.
If you have a medium-large dog who if flying cargo, you will need to drop them off at the airline's cargo office. If you have a smaller dog who you are caking with you as carry-on, you can check them in at the airline counter. When checking your dog in, you should be given a tag containing your dog's information and your flight information which can be attached to the crate/carrier.
Take your dog through security
If your dog is flying as carry-on, they will need to go through the X-ray machine just like human passengers do. You may be asked to remove your dog from their carrier for screening. Be prepared to leash them up, so that they can get X-rayed and cleared for flight.
Board the plane
Be sure to follow the airline's instructions for boarding with a pet. Be sure to follow the airline's instructions for boarding with a pet. You may be asked to board early or late, depending on the airline's policy. To board the plane, you will likely need to show the gate agent your dog's tag.
On the plane
Store your dog's carrier under the seat in front of you
Find your seat on the plane and place your dog's carrier under the seat in front of you. The carrier must be completely under the seat and cannot block the aisle.
Do not open the carrier during the flight
Because this could disrupt other passengers and could also be dangerous for your dog, do not let them out of their carrier during the flight, no matter how well behaved they are. If you're concerned about how dogs can go to the bathroom while on an airplane, check out this article.
Make sure your dog is comfortable
Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably per airline requirements. Let them have their favorite toy or blanket in the carrier with them to soothe anxiety. You can also provide food or treats, especially on longer flights. Keep a bottle of water with you so that you can periodically check on and top up their water dish.
At your destination
Visit the airport's designated pet relief area.
Just like you did before boarding the plane, locate the airport's designated pet relief area and take your dog there as soon as possible after deplaning.
Complete the quarantine period
If your destination requires your dog to undergo a period of quarantine, they will be taken to a designated Animal Quarantine facility where they are monitored for any signs of illness and periodically tested by licensed veterinarians. These facilities typically have specific hours where you can visit your dog during their quarantine. Once a dog has completed quarantine and is declared healthy, they will be released back to you.
Be aware and respectful of local customs and laws
Some countries have stricter rules than others and its crucial to be aware of these rules before taking your dog there. In Singapore, not picking up your dog's poo in a public area can land you a whopping fine of up to $1,000 Singapore Dollars ($728 U.S. Dollars). Here it is also customary to carry a bottle of water with you, so that you can use it to wash your pets' pee away, especially if they urinate on a sidewalk.
Keep your dog on a leash at all times
There are many dangers that your dog may encounter when traveling, such as traffic, other dogs, and wild animals. What's more, not everyone is comfortable with dogs, and some people be afraid of them. If your dog is on a leash, you will be able to prevent them from running into trouble, bothering other people and animals, or getting lost. Keeping your dog on a leash is also required by law in many places.
Be aware of potential hazards
This could include overly hot or cold weather, local wildlife, and poisonous plants. The book Poisonous to Pets by Nicole O'Kane makes identifying poisonous plants easy and even offers tips on what to do if you're dog were to consume one.
Clean up after your dog
Always carry a poop bag with you when you are walking your dog and be sure to clean up after them. This is necessary for both courtesy and public health. No one wants to step in dog poop or have to smell it when they're just trying to go about their day. Dog poop can also contain harmful bacteria and parasites that cause diseases in humans and other animals. What's more, cleaning up after your dog is often required by law.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise
Traveling can be stressful for dogs, especially if they are not used to it. Exercise can help de-stress so that they can better acclimate to new environments and people.
Take your dog to the vet if they show any signs of illness
Vaccinated dogs are much less likely to become ill than unvaccinated dogs. However, it's important to note that complying with vaccination requirements does not guarantee complete protection against all serious diseases. During your travels, monitor your dog for any symptoms that may require a vet visit such as diarrhea, a runny nose, or difficulty breathing.
If you are going to a veterinary clinic in a country that speaks a foreign language, you may want to write your dog's symptoms down and use an app like Google Translate to translate them before you arrive. This way, if you are struggling to communicate, you can provide your translated notes.
Having a pet travel insurance plan can make getting medical care for dog abroad more affordable. After your dog has been treated, you will then need to submit a claim to your pet travel insurance company for reimbursement. Be sure to keep a copy of all of your documentation, including the vet bill, your pet's medical records, and the statement from the vet. This will help you submit your claim quickly and easily. If you have any questions about the claims process, contact your pet travel insurance company. They will be able to help you understand the process and ensure that you submit all of the required documentation.
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