Dog Travel Safety – Flying With A Dog

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Today, I asked a guest blogger, Alexis Thomas, who has traveled with her pets across the United States, to provide us some #dogsafety travel tips.  

As we head into the holidays and we pack our luggage for the next grand adventure, our pets are usually not far behind—with shimmering eyes that plead, “Don’t leave me!”

Thankfully, it’s possible to share the experiences you’ve planned with your beloved dog. With the right preparations, your canine companion can accompany you on any variety of trips, whether that be across state lines or across the Atlantic Ocean.

In the case of the latter, there are a few dog travel safety measures that will help ensure your dog isn’t barred from entry to your destination or otherwise left behind while you travel.

Breed & Age Regulations

First, verify that your dog can fly with your chosen airline. Some breeds are barred from flying in the cabin due to their size, while others are not permitted to fly cargo due to health concerns (such as breathing issues stemming from a shortened muzzle). This applies to older and younger dogs that may encounter difficulties during travel—such as a puppy younger than ten weeks.

Each airline has its own restrictions.

Airline-Approved Carrier 

If your pet is going to be flying with you–either in the cabin with you or in cargo—their carrier should be airline-approved. These approvals enhance your pet’s comfort and protect them while fitting the plane’s size.

Transporting your Dog via Cabin 

As an example of requirements, Delta suggests a “soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11” for most of their planes. Their kennel should also have three sides of ventilation and room for your dog to move around. A well-fitting carrier is meant to be stuck at your feet, securing them during take-off and landing (or turbulence, for that matter!).

Service animals are often the only animals permitted out of their carrier due to their usage as medical equipment. Your pet dog shouldn’t be roaming anytime during the flight.

Be aware that the provided measurements aren’t one-size-fits-all. Have your dog carrier’s dimensions ready when booking a flight, ideally via phone, so you may confirm the specific plane’s requirements.

Transporting your Dog via Cargo (or Shipping) 

If your dog is flying cargo, the experience is a bit different. Not all cargo bays are regulated, arming you with another question while booking: is it healthy to travel now? Some airlines enforce cargo pet travel restrictions depending on the weather, such as below 20°F or above 85°F. While inconvenient for us, weather too cold or too hot can prove fatal to a dog.

In cases where the cargo bay is a pressurized and temperature-controlled environment, you should adhere to the International Air Transport Association’s guidelines to support your dog’s well-being.

The soft-shell carriers of the cabin should be left at home—you’ll need a sturdy, hard-sided carrier specifically catered to your dog’s height, weight, and length. This ensures they can stand, turn around, and lie comfortably while transported safely.

Should my dog ride cargo or cabin? 

Larger dogs will be required to fly as cargo by most airlines. Some independent flights, such as smaller jets, can be booked and allow bigger pets to fly in their cabin. Often, the pet will require their own ticket, so be aware of the additional cost.

For in-cabin travel, you’ll likely be charged a fee for your companion, and your dog may count as part of your carry-on luggage.

Your dog’s method of travel will be determined by the airline in many cases. If you have the choice, the cabin grants you immediate access to your dog—making it easier to monitor their needs and keep track of them.

We have an anxious chihuahua, so he flies in the cabin with us. We simply bring one less piece of luggage… or check it! It’s worth it for everyone’s peace of mind.

GPS Tracking 

Speaking of monitoring them—tracking your dog’s location is a preventative measure that can prove invaluable in the case of disaster. Should your dog break free from their leash—whether in the airport, in a parking lot, or on a walk—having a tracking device on their collar or harness makes locating them much easier. Make sure your dog’s accessories fit them properly to keep the tracking device from falling off.

If you have the funds, attaching a GPS tracker to both your dog’s body and their carrier offers extra insight to their location. As you wait for them to be brought to you, you can check their progress through the associated application. Should your dog be held for a health check, you can similarly view where they are—and if they’re in the process of moving.

On a related topic, some countries require a microchip. Check your destination’s laws to be sure. There are “international” microchips, though these are not necessarily universal. The ISO International Standard many EU countries use is the 134.2 kHz frequency chip, which can also be read in the United States. This offers an additional degree of coverage should your dog be found at a pet clinic, animal control, or other facility.

Well before flying, you should verify the microchip’s contact information is up-to-date. You can do this through the related online registry connected to the device.

Food, Water, and Bathroom Breaks 

If your dog is flying cargo, you won’t have access to them for the entire duration of the flight… and then some, as they’re being deplaned and transported to you.

Proper hydration is imperative for longer flights, especially in you cannot access your dog. Give your dog ample water before, during, and after the flight.

If your dog eats dry food, you may want to soak their last meal in water to boost their intake before takeoff. There are also kennel accessories, such as water bottles, that provide a source of water without spilling. You’ll want to get them used to their carrier and the water source to ensure they know how to drink as needed.

For dogs traveling in the cabin with you, there are collapsible silicone dog bowls that come in many sizes. You can offer water with these. (Though our dog was willing to drink straight from the airline’s water cup.)

Offer your dog the chance to go to the bathroom before the flight. You can locate the nearest pet area in your airport via maps online or in person—though be sure to arrive a little earlier to accommodate the stop. Depending on the size of your airport, the distance from your gate to the pet area can be a sizable chunk of time.

For dogs flying cargo, check with your vet for intake restrictions. They may request you hold off on food or water for a period of time to limit distress during travel. You may also line your leak-proof pet carrier with puppy pads to make clean-up easier, should accidents happen.

Paperwork (and Prescriptions) 

Most other countries require your pet to be fully vaccinated and cleared by an authorized veterinarian within a specific time frame, often seven to ten days in advance of departure. A dog health certificate too old would be invalid, and too close to the departure date risks you not having proper travel authorization.

Dogs not properly vaccinated may be denied entry to your vacation destination—causing them to be returned home… with you or not.

Be aware there may be a quarantine period for your dog when arriving or returning, depending on the country you visited. This is to limit outbreaks, such as in the case of rabies. Blood tests may be drawn during their quarantine to confirm your dog’s health.

Your Dog’s Medication and Travel 

Regarding veterinary requests, ask for a copy or fillable prescription for your dog’s medication, especially if your vacation is a lengthy one. They may provide you with the necessary amount for travel or give you another prescription to fill should you lose your dog’s current dosage. I’ve even had copies emailed to me.

You’ll also need the medication’s details on the bottle, from dosage amount and method to your dog’s information, to get them through TSA and other screening processes.

Should I give my dog melatonin treats for flight? 

For especially anxious dogs (or particularly long flights), your vet may recommend calming treats, such as dog melatonin. If your dog is on medication already, getting your vet’s input before administration is a must to ensure no conflicting or negative effects.

A natural sedative is exercise. Put aside time to walk, run, chase, tug, play fetch—whatever activity your dog likes. Tiring them out encourages sleeping during the flight, making relaxing during the journey easier.

It may take some effort to get your dog to your destination, but it’s well worth investing your time. Properly preparing for travel will make the day a breeze, and you’ll be rewarded with the company of your loyal canine in adventures far behind their mailman-chasing dreams.

#petsafety #pets #dogs #petcare  #dog #petparents #dogsafety #pethealth #petsofinstagram #doglover #doglife #petlover #safetravels