Traveling by Air with Your Dog

If you are planning on taking a vacation that requires flying, think twice about taking your dog. Traveling by air with your dog should only be contemplated if absolutely necessary and you will be going away for an extended period of time or you are re-locating.

Air Travel is Dangerous
Every year hundreds of animals are injured, lost or even killed while in transit on commercial passenger airlines. Animals are subjected to excessive hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation, low oxygen and rough handling.

See Why Pets Shouldn’t Travel by Air: The Humane Society of the United States

Most Dogs Travel as Cargo
If you have a small or miniature dog and the carrier you will be taking your dog in is no larger than a piece of carry-on luggage (10” x 15” x 20” and less than 40 lbs), you may be okay as you can bring Fido on board the cabin with you. You must be able to stow the carrier under the seat. You will not be allowed to take your dog out of the carrier. Any dog larger than that and your pup is going to have to travel in Cargo class. This is not a comfortable trip for your pet. Cargo is stored under the plane and is not temperature controlled. Your dog will need to be in a crate or kennel for the duration of the trip. This is where crate training comes in handy. See our pages on Crate Training in the Training Section of the website.

Flight Times are Restricted
Airlines will not carry pets in cargo at certain times of the year. In winter, the cargo area of the plane can fall well below freezing. If the ground temperature is below a certain point (for example 45° F or 7°C, each airline is different – consult with your individual airline’s regulations) at any location the plane stops, they will not take your pet.

No Drugs While Flying!
Do not sedate or tranquilize your dog before flying with him. Many breeds with short nasal passages such as Pugs, Bulldogs and Pekingese can have respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Changes in altitude and air pressure can compound the issue.

Quarantine on Pets
Some countries and areas quarantine animals, therefore not making it worth the trouble of taking your dog with you. The state of Hawaii has a 120-day quarantine in effect for animals brought to the islands, although in certain conditions it can be reduced.

Consult with the airline you are planning on traveling with to find out full details and the requirements on taking your pet with you.

Traveling on a plane is not the most pleasant experience and can be dangerous for your pet. The best advice is to leave your dog at home. Don’t feel bad about leaving your pet behind to go on vacation. He’ll be happier, healthier and safer if you do. The Humane Society has many helpful tips if you are unable to avoid traveling by plane with your dog: Humane Society Travel Tips

What You Will Need for Your Dog:
   A crate or kennel to keep your dog in. It must be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in
   Two dishes that attach to the crate, one for food and one for water
   Pre-packaged food to attach to the crate
   Collar & Leash with ID tags
   Litter to absorb any messes
   Blankets for comfort
   A toy or two to help relieve boredom

See the previous article Traveling with Your Dog for additional items you will need to have for your dog while traveling.

A Safer Form of Air Travel
Finally, there is a safe mode of air travel for your pet other than the commercial passenger airlines. Pet Airways. The pet-only airline! offers first-class treatment for your pets while they travel. Pet Airways doesn't treat pets like cargo - they are the passengers! See our blog post Flying Can be Deadly for more information about this great service for pets.