Cuddly dogs can have anxiety or separation problems when you leave them behind and travel for days. I have a jealous and over-possessive Pom that always wants to spend her evening with me when I get back from the office.
One of those office work that demanded my attention in Canada, I didn’t know what to do with my dog. I have a sister in Canada and that makes it more exciting to always visit the country whenever I have the chance.
However, since I brought Mariam home from a nearby shelter, I have not traveled. A flight from Rome to Canada with Mariam left in worried. Do I have to sit next to a dog on a plane?
In this article, I will answer this question. If your dog will be flying with you in-cabin, you will need to bring a suitable pet carrier or crate.
There are a list of requirements by the international air transport association which many airlines follow. Some important things you need to know when choosing a carrier for your dog are listed below:
- It must be durable
- The carrier must have enough ventilation
- It should have string handles
- It should have a leak-proof bottom
- The carrier should be marked clearly with “Live Animal” as well as arrows that show which way is up
- The carrier should have a label identifying the name of the pet owner, mobile number, address, and destination contact information.
How much does it cost?
Generally, if your dog is flying with you in the cabin, you may spend about $125. This price differs from airline to airline.
If your dog is flying in the cargo hold, there are many factors, which may determine how much you will be spending. Some of these factors include:
- the weight of your dog and their crate
- how far your pet will be flying
Several airlines have online calculators which can help get an estimate of the amount you need to pay.
Review all of the rules
There are a lot of rules and regulations regarding pet travel. If you plan on traveling abroad with your pet, you must go through these rules so that your pet will be allowed to travel with you.
For instance, once I have chosen your preferred airline, go through their rules to know what breeds they permit on-board
Choose your flight wisely
- Go for nonstop flights with no transfers
- Avoid flying firing holiday periods as airlines and airports are usually busier during these periods. This will ensure that the process goes smoothly and nothing goes wrong
- Take note of the forecasted weather if your dog is going to fly in cargo. As such, it is ideal to travel somewhere warm and in the early hours of the morning or late evening as the temperature will not be high during these times
Get in touch with your airline
While booking a flight, make sure the plane has space for your dog as well. Since most airlines only allow a few dogs per flight, you must indicate early enough so that your dog can be allowed to travel with you.
Take your dog for a health check
Immediately your dog gets a ticket, ensure you take your dog to the vet and obtain a health certificate that states your dog is healthy enough to fly. An up-to-date record of your dog’s immunization should also be provided.
However, you must note that this certificate remains valid for only thirty days and you will need to present this certificate on departure and return.
Some airlines even specify that the health certificate should not be more than ten days old. If your trip will last for more than a month or after the health certificate has expired, then you must schedule a vet visit while on the vacation to meet the requirements for your return flight.
Consider your destination
Before traveling internationally with your dog, make sure you research the local animal importation laws. With this, you can get a clearer picture of the processes involved in traveling with your dog.
Pet owners who do not properly look into the animal importation laws for their pets may encounter serious issues and most times, their dogs can be quarantined for most or even throughout your trip.
I have had a similar issue in New York and the experience was not funny. I don’t think you want to leave your dog behind and still come back to pick it up. The experience is expensive and traumatic.
Also, there are some destinations that do not permit dogs to fly in the cabin regardless of whether or not your dog is small enough to be a carry-on.
Honestly, I don’t mind Mariam staying under my seat when we fly. She feels more secure and relaxed than leaving her in the cargo.
While you may not have a dog as small as Miriam, you should ask questions before you buy your flight ticket. You don’t want to watch your dog sent to the cargo hold if you never prepared the dog for such an experience.I believe this article can answer some of the questions about flying with your cute Fido.
FAQs
Can I refuse to sit next to a dog on a plane?
According to the Air Carrier Access Act, airlines must not deny the transportation of service animals for reasons such as offending or annoying the carrier personnel or other people that are traveling on the aircraft.
Do I have to sit next to a dog on a plane?
Yes. The dog has a right to sit next to you. If sitting so close doesn’t work for you, let the flight attendants know. Usually, a carrier is provided for dogs traveling in-cabin. Airline rules state that the dogs must remain in their carriers throughout the flight under the front seat close to their owner.
Can my large dog sit next to me on a plane?
Most airlines will not permit you to travel with your large dog inside their cabins. However, you have to ask the intending airline and learn about their rules. Meanwhile, Weight limits vary airline-to-airline. So there may be some wiggle room with small-to-medium dogs.