Airplane Travel With Your Dog

When it comes to traveling with your dog, driving is often the least hassle and safest mode of transportation. There are many trips and travel adventures that just make it necessary to fly with your dog when traveling. This can be stressful for both you and your dog, but a bit of preparation before a flight can help reduce the stress for you and your dog when flying is the only option.

Here are some helpful tips to maintain peace of mind during airplane travel with your dog:

Do your research

• Information regarding traveling with your dog can be found on the TSA Website, but just to be safe, contact the company you will be flying with well in advance to find out exactly what is required of you in order to fly with your pet.
• Clarify if the airplane travel with your dog is allowed in the cabin with you or if it will be required to fly in cargo.
• Ensure you will have the proper crate required by the airline for the flight.
• Find out what health records or documents will be required for your dog to board the plane either in cargo or in the cabin.

Be prepared

• Make sure your pet is used to the carrier or crate in which they will travel by allowing them to spend time in the carrier at least 1-2 months before you travel.
• Ensure your pet is up to date on vaccines and is healthy for travel.
• Book a flight directly to your destination whenever possible.

If your dog has to ride in cargo

• Let the flight crew know so they can ensure proper precautions are taken from the flight deck.
• Avoid the busiest travel times as well as extreme temperatures.
• Ensure the shipping crate has your information clearly marked.

If the airline allows your dog in the cabin:

• The carrier must fit in the space below the seat in front of you
• Give your dog something to chew on such as a Deerhorn or Dogwood, to keep them happy and occupied during the flight.
• Don’t forget to pack plenty of Pooch Pickups™ for your travels!

Lastly… Don’t forget to have fun!

• Being a traveling family is a great adventure that just demands patience and preparation … the fun is waiting.

Hope these tips help kick off a wonderful travel season with exciting road trips and airplane travel with your dog.