Flying with Dogs: Must-Know Travel Tips

Flying with dogs makes any trip epic, but it’s not as simple as booking a ticket. When I flew across the ocean with Steven, my golden retriever, I soon discovered it wasn’t as straightforward as I thought. It’s about knowing the airline and country rules. Through my journey with Steven, I learned how important research is for a stress-free trip. Now I’m here to share what I’ve learned with you. Let’s get lost in the world of pet travel – because nothing should get in the way of your next dog-friendly adventure!

My Journey with Steven

When I moved from Prague to Los Angeles I never considered leaving Steven behind. We originally planned to fly through London Heathrow but thanks to my research I found out about the UK’s strict quarantine rules just in time. We rerouted through Frankfurt and avoided the potential headaches and stress. This experience taught me to always have a backup plan when flying with dogs. Have you thought about your travel route? Let’s get into the nitty gritty of pet travel to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Pre-Travel Prep for Dog Travel

Flying with dogs starts long before you get to the airport. Here’s how to prep yourself for success when flying with dogs :

• Vet Check-Up and Vaccinations: Before any big trip make sure your dog is healthy and ready to travel. Book a vet visit to check their health and confirm they are up to date on vaccinations. For international travel, a health certificate is often required to prove your dog is fit to fly. Check the USDA Pet Travel Requirements to see what documentation is needed for your destination, as not every country will easily accept pets.
• Travel Documents: Flying internationally with your pet requires lots of paperwork. Your dog will need a pet passport, health certificates, and accurate microchip information. Research the entry requirements for your destination and any layover countries to avoid surprises.
• Booking Flights and Accommodations: Choosing the right airline and accommodations can make or break your pet travel experience. Go for airlines with dog-friendly policies and book early. Check carrier size and weight restrictions for carry-on pets as these can vary. If your dog is large, they will likely need to travel in the cargo hold unless they are a service animal, but you can ensure you’re on the same flight for peace of mind. Familiarize yourself with the airline’s pet policy, as many airlines require specific documentation and carrier specifications to be followed.

Best Airlines: My Top Picks

When it comes to flying with your dog, choosing the right airline can make all the difference. Trust me, not all airlines are created equal when it comes to our furry friends. Here’s a list of the airlines that stand out for their pet policies so your journey is smoother and safer.

Packing List for Dog Travel

Packing the right gear can make your dog’s traveling experience comfortable and stress-free. Here’s what to pack for dogs traveling:

• Essentials: Bring enough food, water, bowls, meds, and a sturdy leash with ID tags. These are must-haves for keeping your dog happy and healthy during travel.
• Comfort Items: Familiar items like a bed and toys can help calm your dog in new surroundings. Steven’s favorite blanket and toys were lifesavers on our travels.
• Grooming Supplies: Keep your dog clean and comfortable with a brush, waste bags, and towels (absorbent material and ideally leak-proof). Be prepared for any messes along the way.
• Identification: Make sure your dog’s ID tags are up to date and their microchip information is accurate. This is crucial if your pet gets lost during the journey.

For tips on planning your solo trip with your pup, check out this post.

Travel Day Tips

Travel day can be chaotic so here’s how to make it as stress-free as possible when flying with dogs:

• Feeding and Hydration: Feed your dog a light meal a few hours before departure to avoid stomach upset. Hydration is key but don’t overdo it just before the flight.
• Exercise: Give your dog a good exercise session before heading to the airport. A tired dog is a calm dog making the journey more enjoyable for both of you.
• Calming Your Dog: Bring familiar items like blankets and toys to calm your dog. If your dog gets nervous consider using calming wraps or sprays.
• Check-In and Security: Get to the airport early to allow plenty of time for check-in and security. Familiarise yourself with the airline’s pet procedures to avoid surprises.

Traveling in Cargo

For larger dogs or specific airline policies, traveling in cargo may be necessary. Here’s how to keep your dog safe and comfortable during pet travel:

• Cargo-Specific Preparations: Make sure your dog’s crate meets International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Label it with “Live Animal” stickers and your contact information. Check out the IATA Live Animals Regulations for cargo requirements.
• Acclimating Your Dog to the Crate: Before travel, help your dog get used to their crate or pet’s carrier by having them spend time in it at home. Make it a positive experience with treats and toys.
• Temperature and Safety: Avoid flying during extreme heat to reduce the risk of heat stroke for your pet. Confirm with the airline that the cargo hold is climate-controlled. Pet Cargo Temperature Restrictions has information on keeping your pet safe in different conditions.
• Check-In Process: Get to cargo check-in early. Bring a water bowl and a small food pouch for long flights so your pet stays hydrated and nourished.

Flying with an Emotional Support Dog

Traveling with an emotional support animal (ESA) can be comforting but requires specific preparations for pet travel:

• Emotional Support Dogs in Europe and Asia: While emotional support dogs are recognized and allowed in the cabin on many flights within the USA, this is not universal in Europe and Asia. Most airlines outside the US do not recognize emotional support animals as service animals, and restrictions apply for the types of animals allowed in the cabin. Check with your airline for their specific policies as these can vary greatly.
• Pre-Flight Preparations: Make sure you have the required documentation from a licensed mental health professional. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Service Animal has up-to-date information within the USA on how emotional support animals are handled on flights. Always check with airlines and destination countries for international policies, including CDC requirements, as these can vary greatly.

International Travel Considerations

Flying with dogs internationally adds complexity with quarantine regulations, CDC requirements, and local pet travel laws to manage. Not every country accepts pets, such as dogs and cats, without regulations, especially when they come from a high-risk country.

Quarantine Regulations

Navigating quarantine regulations is a big part of international pet travel. Some countries have strict quarantine rules for dogs entering from a high-risk country, ranging from a few days to several months. Here are a few places to be aware of when flying with dogs:

• Australia: 10-day minimum quarantine upon arrival. Preparation and paperwork can help make this process smoother.
• New Zealand: 10-day minimum quarantine with strict health certification requirements.
• Japan: Up to 180 days quarantine depending on import regulations. Early preparation is key.
• Singapore: 10-30 day quarantine depending on country of origin.
• Hong Kong: 0-120 days depending on country of origin with specific documentation requirements.
• Hawaii (U.S. State): 5-Day-or-Less program or direct airport release with prior approval. Pet-friendly with proper planning.
• Iceland: 2-week quarantine with strict health and vaccination requirements.
• Norway: Follows EU pet travel standards but has strict dog rabies and health requirements for pets coming from outside the EU.
• United Kingdom (UK): Since Brexit, animals are allowed from certain countries to enter without quarantine if they meet health and vaccination standards.

Quarantine During Layovers

Layovers can trigger quarantine too. Research each country’s regulations thoroughly to avoid quarantine surprises. Check official government websites or embassies for the most up-to-date information. The Pet Travel Layover Requirements will help you navigate layovers without getting quarantined.

Avoiding Quarantine: Tips and Recommendations

Avoiding quarantine is possible with planning and smart choices:

• Research Thoroughly: Start by understanding the quarantine requirements for your destination and any layover countries. Check official government websites or embassies for the most accurate information as restrictions and rules apply.
• Choose Your Route: Plan your route to avoid countries with strict quarantine requirements for dogs entering. For example, if flying to Australia or New Zealand, route through countries with no quarantine for pets in transit.
• Direct Flights: Whenever possible book direct flights to minimize the risk of getting quarantined during layovers.
• Pet Travel Programs: Use programs like Hawaii’s “5-Day-or-Less” that allow pets to bypass quarantine if all requirements are met in advance.
• Professional Pet Relocation Services: Consider using a professional pet relocation service. They are familiar with the regulations and can help you navigate the complexities of international pet travel.

Local Laws and Regulations

When traveling internationally you need to be aware of local pet laws and regulations at your destination. Here are a few common ones:

• Leash Laws: Many countries require dogs to be on a leash in public areas. Failing to comply can result in fines.
• Breed Restrictions: Some countries have restrictions on certain dog breeds considered dangerous. Research your destination to ensure compliance.
• Vaccination Requirements: Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and meet the destination’s requirements.

Domestic Flights Within the USA

Domestic travel with pets is easier than international flights but still requires planning.

• Airline Regulations: Each airline has its own pet policy so check with your chosen airline. Smaller dogs can fly in the cabin while larger dogs need to travel in cargo.
• Health and Safety: While not always required, a recent health certificate is recommended. Use the same principles of comfort, hydration, and security as you would for international flights.

Comfort Tips for Flying with Dogs

Your dog’s comfort during the journey is key.

• Comfort and Safety: Check on your dog in their carrier regularly to make sure they are comfortable and secure. Use layovers to give your dog pet relief (in pet relief areas) and stretch.
• Meet Your Dog’s Needs: Offer water and a small snack during layovers to keep your dog nourished and hydrated. Keep the environment calm with familiar items to calm any anxiety.

Emergencies When Flying with Dogs

Travel safely and be prepared for emergencies with these tips:

• Emergency Kit: Carry a pet-specific first aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications.
• Flight Delays and Cancellations: Have a backup plan in case of unexpected delays. Know the location of nearby pet-friendly hotels and transportation options.

Arrival Tips

Getting to your destination is exciting and settling in smoothly will set the tone for your trip.

• Pet-Friendly Transportation: Plan ahead and arrange pet-friendly transportation such as taxis or ride shares/car rides. This will make the transition to your final destination stress-free.
• Settling In: Help your dog adjust to the new environment gradually. Follow local pet laws and regulations like leash requirements for a smooth stay.
• Local Laws and Regulations: Understand and comply with local pet laws at your destination to have a hassle-free experience. Check if there are any specific rules that apply to your stay.

Flying with Dogs Resources

Having resources can make your travel experience easier and less stressful:

• Pet Travel Services: Booking Assistance: Websites that specialize in pet travel arrangements can help with bookings and provide information on pet-friendly airlines and hotels. PetTravel.com is one such site that has all the information.
• Emergency Contacts:
  • Vet Contacts: Have the contact info for local vets.
  • Emergency Services: Know where to go in case of an emergency.

Ready to Fly with Your Dog?

Flying with your dog doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With planning and knowledge of the regulations, you can have a stress-free journey for you and your fur baby. Whether you’re going on a short domestic trip or a long-haul international adventure these tips will guide you through the skies with ease. Remember traveling with your dog is not just about getting to a destination but about enjoying the journey together. Let’s get lost together, one paw at a time. Happy travels!

Have you traveled with your dog before? Share your stories in the comments below!