Travel Has Gone To The Dogs, Top Tips To Fly With Your Pup

08.08.2023 - 20:59 / forbes.com

Somewhere in the world there is an excited dog flying for the first time. Whether this lucky pooch is flying economy or business class, it’s best to be well prepared for the big day. Flying with your dog takes planning and it’s important to prioritize their needs and follow airline requirements. As a travel writer I have met several jet setting pooches on my flights with happy wagging tails and a sense of adventure. But that is not to say all dogs love to fly, even if they do get a window seat on a private jet.

The Humane Society of the United States advises that if you are traveling by air with your dog, bring your dog in the cabin with you. Transporting a dog companion by air in the cargo area of a plane is controversial with many risks and it can cause extreme stress and anxiety for your dog. Animal welfare organizations advise against it unless absolutely necessary. Therefore, the focus of this article is small dogs that fit safely in a carrier traveling in the main cabin.

Be sure your best furry furriend is up for an airline journey and in good health to travel by visiting your veterinarian. Many airlines require a recent health certificate (often within 10 days of travel) and vaccine records so ensure you have all your paperwork in order, especially because entry requirements may vary by country. Printed copies of everything are always a good idea and knowing the location of the nearest emergency vet clinic in the city you are visiting is important too.

Not all airlines have the same rules regarding dog travel and some don’t allow them to travel with you in the cabin. If flying WestJet you must call them to book and pay the kennel fee as they limit the number of pets permitted on each flight.

“Pets travelling as carry-on must have room to stand, sit and move naturally in their kennel. Depending on the type of aircraft, you may be required to sit in a window seat due to space limitations beneath non-window seats.” - WestJet

American Airlines allows carry-on pets but they are “limited to cats and dogs that meet the size, age and destination requirements.”

On Air Canada, “Your pet’s carrier must be big enough to allow them to stand up, turn around and lie down safely and comfortably, with no part of them extending outside the carrier. Your pet could be refused travel if the carrier is deemed to be too small for them.”

Other airline policies for dog travel may include breed, weight, and age. Delta Airlines requires dogs be “at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel [and] must be 16 weeks old if traveling to the U.S. from another country and must be at least 15 weeks old when traveling to the European Union.”

For specific country restrictions and rules regarding flight routes always check airline