6 Tips for Flying with a Dog

Are you planning to take a trip with your dog sometime soon? Will you be flying? If so, it’s very important for you to learn everything you can about flying with a dog before you ever leave home. By preparing yourself for the experience, you can ensure everything goes smoothly for both you and your pet.

Flying with a dog

Important Tips for Flying with a Dog

Read through the information below to get some basic idea of what to expect from flying with your dog. After that, you can start reaching out to your veterinarian and the airline for more information and guidance about how to proceed.

Below are 6 tips pet parents should keep in mind when flying with a dog:

Avoid Stops if Possible

Some flights cover so much distance that it would be impossible for them to be nonstop. However, if there are any options for a nonstop flight to your location, consider taking them, even if they cost a little extra. Nonstop flights are much easier on your pet, and they’re likely to be less stressful for you when you’re traveling with a dog, too.

By choosing a nonstop flight, you don’t have to put your dog through the experience of takeoff and landing more than once per flight. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about transporting your dog between different planes, either in the cabin or in the cargo hold.

Use a Carrier Rated for Air Travel

It is extremely crucial that you keep your dog in a heavy-duty carrier intended for air travel, especially if she will be traveling in the cargo hold. These carriers are designed to withstand the impact of air travel and are much safer for your pet than others. Carriers must be well ventilated, too.

If you’re bringing your dog on the flight with you and she is small enough to fit in a soft-sided carrier, this type of carrier is allowed in the cabins of most airlines. You will need to talk to the specific airline to find out for sure, however.

Bring Vaccination Records

Any airline will require you to bring your pet’s vaccination records; there’s no way to get around this. Some airlines may require specific vaccinations and others may only need proof that your pet has had her rabies shot. You will need to communicate with the airline you’re using to find out which records they require.

Take your dog to the vet well ahead of your trip to make sure she is up to date on all the shots she needs for her travels. The vet will also let you know if there are other recommended vaccinations she might need during her trip.

Get to the Airport Early

Don’t arrive at the airport so early that you’ll be there half a day before your flight boards, but don’t wait until the last minute, either. Aim for arriving about four hours beforehand so you can get everything ready for the trip and board your dog when the time comes.

If your dog is flying in the cargo hold, she will need to be boarded before the human passengers on the plane. If she is flying in a seat next to you, then you might need the extra time to get everything in order with the airline before you board with her.

Book as Early as Possible

Another tip for flying with a dog is to book everything as early as you can. The sooner you can book your flight, the better off you will be when it comes to bringing your dog. Most flights only allow a few dogs per flight (excluding service animals), so you’ll need to make sure there’s room on the plane for your pet.

By booking early, you can also find out well in advance everything the airline requires you to bring with your pet. Certain airlines may have different requirements than others, so keep this in mind when determining what you need on your trip.

Take a Potty Break

Make sure you give your dog a potty break right before you need to hand her over for boarding. Ideally, you should feed and water your dog at least three hours before boarding, so she can eliminate properly before getting on the plane.

Once you have your dog in hand again on the other side of your flight, let her go to the bathroom right away. She may have an upset stomach from the stress of travel.

Call a Vet for More Information and Tips for Flying with a Dog

Did you find out everything you wanted to know about flying with your dog? This experience can be a stressful and complicated one, so it’s important to start working on the process well in advance of your trip for best results. Additionally, it’s a good idea to contact the airline multiple times before your trip in the event that any of their policies regarding dogs have changed.

Talk to your vet if you have any concerns about your pet’s health and wellness during the trip. Your pet may be able to take a mild sedative to keep her calm while the two of you are in flight.

When planning your trip with your pet, don’t hesitate to contact our team at The Village Vets. Your pet’s health and wellbeing are our top priorities, so we’ll always provide recommendations that are the best fit for your pet. For more tips on flying with a dog, or if you have questions about how to make this experience as stress-free as possible for her, call any one of our practices today.

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About The Village Vets

The Village Vets is a network of animal hospitals based in Atlanta, GA and the surrounding area. We offer honest, excellent service to our clients in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. To learn more about our locations and how we can better serve you and your pet, click the button below.

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Recent Posts

dog-covered-in-blanket-with-coffee-mug-between-front-paws

Can Dogs Get Colds?

cat-wrapped-in-blanket-laying-on-couch-surrounded-by-medicine

Is it Normal for My Cat to Keep Sneezing?

vet-listening-to-dog-with-stethoscope-at-clinic

Dog Coughing: Causes, How To Help Your Pet and When to Call the Vet

About The Village Vets

The Village Vets is a network of animal hospitals based in Atlanta, GA and the surrounding area. We offer honest, excellent service to our clients in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. To learn more about our locations and how we can better serve you and your pet, click the button below.