Boarding a flight with your dog raises many questions among first-timers. What experiences do you get traveling with a non-service, non-emotional support dog? How much does it cost? Is it safe? What are the rules for dogs on airplanes?
I once asked these questions and more when I wanted to fly my Pom the first time. I wanted to attend a music concert in New York. However, flying from Venice to New York was not something I could blink my eyes and see New York.
As a result, I have to read the rules about flying a dog. For beginners, bringing your pup along is more complicated (and expensive) than flying alone, but it can be done as long as you research ahead of time.
Fortunately, I have done much of your research and laid it out here for you, so you don’t have to.
COVID-19 has also made flying with pets more challenging, as some airlines suspended their pet transportation programs during the pandemic.
This article explains everything you need to know about boarding a flight with your dog. I have to highlight how to book your flight, what kind of paperwork is required, and more.
Your dog must be healthy.
Before I travel, I ensure that my pet is healthy to fly with men. Dogs must have a pet passport – a term used to represent the documents showing that your dog is healthy and ready for travel.
Rabies vaccination and health certificate are required to take your dog on a plane. Please note that an authorized veterinarian must issue health certificates.
Dogs must be small and light.
Most airlines request that dogs and their carriers weigh less than 8kg combined. This is because they require dogs to fit in a pet carrier that must fit underneath the passenger seats.
The rules and regulations have been set out by International Air Transport Association (IATA) to ensure that dogs are comfortable when traveling. Thus, inside their travel carriers, dogs must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in their kennel (without touching any side or the top of the container).
Please note the weight and size do vary between airlines. For instance, Japan Air allows 10kg, whereas TUI allows just 6kg.
Therefore, if you are the owner of a large dog, it is likely that you will need to ship him in the cargo hold.
Certain breeds cannot fly in an aircraft
Some airlines have restrictions on which breeds they allow to fly. United Airlines does not permit any pit bull-type dogs in their cabins.
It is rather common that airlines do not allow brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs of any “mix” to fly; however, this is often only mentioned as checked pets.
This measure is for your dog’s health and safety. Certain breeds are more prone to ailments that put them at risk when flying.
Due to certain cases over the years of dogs not making it to the end of their journey, Airlines are more strict on the kind of pets they allow on the plane.
American Airlines does not allow the following dog breeds, or their mixes, to fly as checked pets:
- Affenpinscher
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer (all breeds)
- Brussels Griffon
- Bulldog (all breeds)
- Cane Corso
- Chow Chow
- Dogue De Bordeaux
- English Toy Spaniel
- Japanese Chin
- Lhasa Apso
- Mastiff (all breeds)
- Pekingese
- Pit Bull
- PresaCanario
- Pug (all breeds)
- Shar Pei
- Shih Tzu
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Tibetan Spaniel
Different airlines have different pet policies, double check your airline to see if your dog breed can board the flight with you.
Your dog must be well-behaved.
To ensure that the flight is smooth, your dog must obey your commands And behave appropriately in public. Thus, he must not bark or growl at other passengers or staff.
If your dog does not behave appropriately, some airlines may transfer him to the cargo hold at an additional cost or refuse to transport him at all.
Some airlines require a consent form to ensure your pet is flight-ready.
Do you want to travel with your dog? I recommend you talk to your vet before you book your flight. Sometimes, your dog may not be fit to make a trip with a plane.
As a result, you may end up endangering your pet when you fly it, especially those with underlying health conditions. Additionally, I prepare my dog mentally and physically to stay in a carrier for a duration.
I begin with the shortest time and gradually increase the time to suit the time I will fly with the pet. Finally, do not forget to check up the airline you wish to fly with your pet.
Since every airline has slightly different rules regarding flying pets, you should check if your dog could enjoy a smooth life with the airline.
Depending on the airline, you may need to purchase a crate if you do not have one and then train your dog so that they can remain calm while in the crate.
Even if your dog has been crate trained, it is still important to get familiar with the crate so that they do not become uncomfortable while spending time in the crate on the plane.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is required to bring your dog on a plane?
The airline will require all travelers sending their pets through cargo to fill out forms for the airline and to present a health certificate from the dog’s vet. This health certificate must be issued shortly before your pet travels (usually 10 days or less)
What are the rules for dogs on airplanes?
On the plane, your small pet dog must always remain in the carrier. You cannot remove the animal from the carrier while on the plane.
The carrier containing your dog can only be placed under the seat in front of you. Carriers cannot be stored on your lap, in an overhead bin, or anywhere else.
Can you just bring a dog on a plane?
Most airlines take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance.