As a vet assistant, I have always watched some pet owners return home because they couldn’t fly their dogs in a cabin.
Since I have never flown with a dog before, I decided to inquire about the dog size that can fit in a cabin and the size that will go to the cargo hold. What is the largest size dog that can fly in a cabin?
I asked many airlines this question and got varying but similar answers. As a result, I learned that not all breeds can join you in the cabin.
Breed vs. Flying
The breed and/or physiognomy of your dog may determine whether they can fly with you; in particular, short-nosed breeds are not allowed by many airlines.
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation recommends that this breed should not fly. More than half of the dog fatalities on planes over a recent five-year period involved short-nosed breeds.
Contrary to some assumptions, it is not only smaller dogs that are of concern. The AVMA places the following dogs among those at risk: pugs, Boston terriers, boxers, some mastiffs, Pekingese, Lhasa Apsos, shih tzus, and bulldogs. Restricted dogs will often include mixed breeds, according to Tracey Thompson of PetFriendlyTravel.com.
Most airlines include dogs that have a mix of any of these ‘short-nosed’ breeds. The airlines are very strict about not allowing any of these dog breeds aboard their aircraft, so I would be surprised if there is any leeway. There is simply too much risk for the airlines to transport these breeds of dogs.
Even with airlines that do allow short-nosed breeds, there can be certain restrictions. Japan Airlines does not allow certain types of bulldogs due to their inability to regulate body temperature, while Lufthansa will only transport short-nosed breeds if the temperature at the departure and destination airports does not exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Destination Considerations
If you are traveling outside the Continental U.S., you will want to make sure dogs are allowed to be brought along at all, and be prepared for surprises.
For example, pets traveling to Hawaii are subject to quarantine because it’s the only rabies-free state. For foreign countries, you can usually find information on embassy websites.
Preparing Your Dog to Fly
A checkup from your vet is usually a good idea before flying with your dog. You might need a certificate of veterinary inspection to fly, in most cases signed within 10 days of travel.
On feeding, I recommend that you feed your pet lightly the day of travel and no sooner than four hours ahead of time. You don’t want to have any potty mishaps in the car, train, or airport! Dogs can go anywhere from 6 to 10 hours without food.
Don’t change your pet’s food before a flight or give any treats he or she may not have had before, as it can cause an upset tummy on the flight.
Exercise your dog as best you can on the day of travel, and then, as close to flight time as possible, find a place for your dog to take a walk, relieve itself, and get some fresh air. Options might include a walk around the hotel parking lot, finding a park on the way to the airport, or using dog-friendly facilities at many airports.
I realized that the once-common practice of sedating your dog is no longer advised: “The Humane Society does not recommend giving sedatives to pets to travel, but check with your vet if you have questions.”
There can be several problems with sedation, including breathing issues, the dog’s inability to react if the crate is moved around, and a reduced ability to regulate body temperature. Some airlines may ask you to sign a statement that your dog has not been sedated before the flight.
Inside the Airport
Consider checking in on the later side to shorten the time your pet has no access to the outdoors.
Understand that busy airports are not naturally calming environments for many dogs, and do what you can to comfort your dog and help them avoid overstimulation.
Try to reserve a seat near the front of the plane if your dog is flying in the cargo hold, as this can get you off the plane a little more quickly.
I want you to weigh your dog before buying your ticket. Talk to your vet and weigh the pros and cons of flying with your dog. Sometimes, I advise pet owners to leave their dogs behind if they have people that can take care of them.
Flying can be stressful for your dog. As a result, many vets do not advise pet owners to leave their dogs behind. I once left my dog at home with my mum because of the distance.
A smart decision is to leave your dogs behind because you help them stay healthy and less stressed.
FAQ
Can I take my 15 lb dog on a plane?
If your dog weighs more than 15 lbs., you will likely find that she cannot stand or turn around in her carrier. That kind of freedom of movement is necessary for your dog’s comfort and is required by the airlines.
How big of a dog can fly with you?
If you dog is about 20 pounds and its carrier can fit under the seat in front of you, it can fly with you.
Can my 30- pound dog fly with me?
The maximum weight for dogs to fly in cabin is 20 Ibs, it could be less. They come in as Checked Bags: The majority of airlines allow crated dogs to fly as checked bags. This means you will bring your dog’s crate to check-in like your other baggage, and he or she will be weighed and transported like the rest of the plane’s bag
What airlines let large dogs in the cabin?
Flying with a large dog can leave you emotionally if you cannot fly with it in the cabin. However, most airlines will accommodate your pet in one way or another.
If you want to fly your large dog, you can consider the following airlines, Delta, Emirates, Hawaiian, Air Canada, Air France, American, Swiss International, Lufthansa, Sun Country, and WestJet.