With a surge in the number of pet-friendly hotels and travel destinations. A lot of people are considering planning a trip with their four-legged family members.
But, hardly any have an idea about how to fly with a dog?
In earlier times, flying with a dog simply meant administering a sedative prescribed the vet, put your dog in a crate as a type of luggage, and pray that your beloved will be fine once you land.
Fortunately, everything has changed completely, and definitely for a good reason. But, the process of traveling with a dog has become a lot more complicated.
Also, with the advent of the concept of service dogs and emotional support dogs, another layer of complexity has been added. Policies are varying every passing day.
So, before bringing a dog on-board one needs to get their facts straight for avoiding any last-minute cancellations.
How To Fly With A Dog Hassle-free? Watch Out For The Tips
A lot of considerations must be noted down before scheduling a flight with your furry friend.
- Get Your Dog Checked
You can definitely relate to the fact that flying can be stressful, not only for you. But, for companion animals as well.
So, it is very important to get him checked and get a health certificate which states that “You dog is healthy and can fly with you”. Make sure the health certificate is up to date for vaccinations as well.
As the certificate is valid just for 30 days, so if you are planning a long trip, then make sure you have one for arrival and other for departure.
Talk to the vet for your dog’s feeding schedule and if you should let him fly empty or nearly empty stomach.
- Understanding Airline Policies
Airline policies are like a complete maze that nobody is able to crack. With a lot of airlines getting introduced, following the same guidelines is a bit challenging.
Some have weight restrictions, while others have breed restriction. But most of them only allow dogs and cats, especially if they are emotional support animals or service animals.
Look for non-stop flights with no change of planes. Or avoid traveling during the peak holiday sessions. Also, looking for cooler destinations and temperatures for traveling is beneficial for you flying with dogs.
- Arrange Your Dog’s Passports
Traveling with a dog can be extremely blissful for you. But, here how to fly with a dog to accommodate all the legal guidelines.
To cut down any further hassles or headaches while traveling, make sure you have a a pet passport which includes all the related documents that will help to enter any given country.
- Prepare Your Pet For Travel
Now that everything is sorted with the documents, health check-up, behavior certificates, ESA letter (if you have an emotional support dog).
The next thing that comes into the list of essentials is that you need to prepare your dog for flying.
Here’s what you need to do.
- Pee Control
Although the process is a little daunting that it can be with kids. But, flying with a dog is not just making them sit in your lap and watching the clouds.
You need to prepare them for holding their bladder as well. Look for the journals that will help to train them for the same.
- Familiarize them with Pet Carrier or Crate
Follow a simple rule, if your dog is small, then place the carrier under the seat in front of you.
The carrier must be big enough for the dog to let him stand or move around. But not more than 19 inches by 10 inches by 12 inches. However, this size varies with every airline.
You should always opt for airline approved pet carries only. Here are some tips to go by the book.
- The crate should be comfortable and durable.
- It should have handles or grips on the top and preferably on sides as well.
- The bottom must be leakproof.
- It should be well-labeled.
Now that you know what to use, the next thing is making your dog familiarize with the pet carrier well in advance for preventing any last-minute delays.
How To Fly With A Dog?
The D-day has arrived. Make sure that your dog is completely in your control or cancellations are very common after boarding flights too.
Keep talking to your dog to help them understand that you are available. Don’t go for sedatives while flying at all.
How to fly with a dog– this particular question makes a lot of people feel scared about flying with their furry animal.
So, get onto the airline’s service provider you wish to travel and read their guidelines before booking your tickets.
My ESA Doctor 