Top 7 Tips for Flying With Your Dog

Whether on a vacation or a business trip, no dog owner leaves without their pet. Although expensive, taking your dog in a plane is a worthwhile experience. The next time you travel, bring your dog along with you. But, before you rush in things, check out these tips for a worry-free airline travel with your dog.

Buy A Carrier

Airline Approved Dog Carrier

Whether a small or a large dog, pet carriers keep your dog contained to wherever it needs to be. Carriers can be hard sided or soft sided. Soft-sided carriers are what you need if you want your pet to be in a cabin. When buying a carrier, make sure that it will fit under the seat of your flight. Also, make sure to check the size restrictions of your chosen airline.

If your dog will be in a cargo hold of the plane, use a hard-sided carrier. It must have ample holes for ventilation.

The carriers must be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around or lie down without discomfort.

Train them in a Carrier First

Animals are less anxious to travel when they know what they are up against. If your dog is not used to being in a carrier, train them to be one. Weeks before traveling, put your dog in his carrier as often as possible. You wouldn't want a dog barking and panicking in a plane when the plane starts moving.

ID your Dog

Similar to traveling on the road, your pet should have proper identification like an ID collar or a pet microchip. Your dog's carrier should also have identification too. Also, carry a current photograph of your dog so it would be easier for local authorities or airline employees to track your pet in case he's lost during the trip.

The ID tag should contain your home address, phone number and the contact number of someone who can reach your destination.

Visit Your Dog's Vet

Make an appointment to your dog's vet for a check up and to ensure that your dog's vaccination is up to date. Also, it would help if you obtain a health certificate that dates at most within 10 days of departure. If you plan to travel abroad, additional health care requirements would be needed. Check document requirements of the country you are visiting for more information.

Fly Direct

Book a non-stop direct flight whenever you can. Direct flights bring less stress to your dog compared to connecting flights. Also, it is best that you fly on weekdays, not weekends or holidays. This will lessen the chance of your dog to be on a cargo hold.

Before buying your ticket, make sure that there is a seat available for your dog in flight. When there's one be sure to reserve both seats on the same ticket.

Arrive early

Arrive at the airport early, but not too early that your dog might get stressed. Airlines only allow for up to 2 hours before the flight. Self-service check-in is not allowed, so you'll have to check-in your dog at the counter.

When You've Reached Your Destination

Don't check-in at your hotel as soon as you reached your destination; instead, take your dog for a long walk first. Your pet will be more comfortable as soon as he is able to grasp his entire surroundings and understands that the same rules apply to the new place too. This will also keep things in check and by the time you arrive at your hotel, your dog will feel right at home.

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