8 Tips for Flying with Your Dog
One of the hardest things about traveling is having to leave your dog behind. The good news is, if you have a small pooch, he might be able to travel with you on the plane. Here are our top tips for flying with your dog in-cabin.
1. Make sure your pooch is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
Unfortunately, size is crucial when it comes to your dog flying in the cabin with you. With most airlines, the cut off weight is 15 pounds or less, so the dog can comfortably fit in an airline approved carrier.
2. Does Your Dog Have the Right Personality for Flying?
Not every dog has the right temperament for flying. If your dog gets stressed out easily, it might not be worth putting him through it. Your dog should be well-trained and quiet on the plane. If you think your dog might bark or whine a lot on the plane, you probably should reconsider.
3. Find an Airline Approved Carrier Your Dog Likes
Although each airline’s rules may vary, in general the carrier should be between 16 and 19 inches long or less and around 10 inches tall. You should also keep in mind that your pet’s carrier will be considered a carry-on item.
4. Bring Your Dog’s Necessities on Plane with You
Checked bags can get lost in transit. Make sure you have a small supply of food, treats, and toys with you on the plane, just in case. A no spill water bottle and his favorite blanket would also be a good idea, too.
5. Book Your Flight Well in Advance
There will be a limited amount of space allowed for dogs to fly in-cabin on any flight, so reserve your flight well in advance to make sure your pooch gets a spot.
6. There Will Be an Extra Fee
It’s probably not going to be cheap to take your pooch on the plane with you. Be prepared to pay at an extra $100 each way.
7. You’ll Need a Health Certificate from Your Vet to Fly
Most airlines will require a health certificate from your vet, but even if they don’t, it’s probably a good idea to get one anyway. They don’t cost very much, and you never know when plans might change due to weather or some other emergency. The health certificate proves that your dog is current on his shots and is safe to travel in the cabin with other passengers.
8. Go for a Long Walk Before You Board the Plane
A tired dog is a well-behaved dog, so go for a long walk before you board the plane. It’s best to get rid of all that excess energy before he has to spend several hours in his carrier.
When you take the time to properly prepare, flying with your pooch is totally worth it! Dogs love to explore new places and you get to have your whole family with you on your trip.
