Guide On How To Fly With Your Dog
Is your pet your best pal like mine? For some reason I get a little icky when I leave him for trips. Soooo when the opportunity comes to bring him on the plane with me, I bring him! In this blog, I will share some of my tips on how to ease the nervousness of flying with your furry friend.
GENERAL RULES:
Federal regulations require pets to be at least eight weeks old to fly.
Most airlines do not allow pets to travel in the exit row of the plane.
As of March 2021, Emotional Support Animals are not free to fly. Animals must also stay in the carrier at all times on the flight (photos of Oliver outside the bag on the plane are pre March 2021).
When going through TSA, you must carry your pet in your arms while their carrier goes through the XRay machine. You must take off their collar and leash. If you have a big dog, you must walk them through (sit, stay, come).
1. DO YOUR RESEARCH WITH THE AIRLINE YOU ARE FLYING WITH.
Recently, there was a huge change regarding allowing certain pets (Emotional Support Animals) to fly for free to now having to pay a pet fee. I remember always seeing people put their dogs in cargo due to the size however, if possible I recommend flying with your pet in the cabin. The cabin area is safer for dogs.
Unfortunately, all airlines are different. Always remember that airlines restrict the total number of pets allowed on any given flight and they are first come first-served. When you book your flight, make sure to call the airline right away to hold the spot for your pet.
2. EXPECT A FEE.
When flying with your pet don’t be surprised with the fee. Depending on the airline the current standard fees range from $75 to $200 each way. Depending on the size of your dog, you might have to spend more for your dog to be transported in the cargo area of the plane.
In the airport bathroom lol. Remember, your dog is your luggage so you have to take him everywhere.
3. HOW TO PICK A FLIGHT
Do your best to get a direct flight especially if you are traveling with a dog in the cargo area. You think you’re stressed over flying? Think about them too! If you can, I would suggest bringing your dog in the cabin with you. You are able to handle your pet without worrying about someone dropping the cargo crate.
4. HOW TO GET YOUR DOG USED TO THE PET CARRIER
I bought my dog an carrier about a month and a half before his first flight. I watched so many videos on Youtube on which one to buy and I found the perfect one. I recommend letting your dog getting used to the carrier before you travel. Make it a fun space! I use my dog’s pet carrier as his “car seat”. In order for him to go from one destination to the next in the car, he has to stay in there. Now when he sees me grab it to put it in the car, he gets so excited. I put blankets inside and also a toy or two. He’s so comfy in there. I also recommend putting treats in there the first couple times you do use it.
Click here for my carrier: Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier
5. CBD OR TO NOT CBD
When I first got Oliver, I used to give him CDB by a trusted brand (Austin and Kat) due to separation anxiety at night. He has graduated from using CBD at night to only using it when we fly. I recommend using the product before going on the flight and talking to a vet prior to using CBD
6. SHOULD YOU FEED YOUR DOG?
Normally when I fly with Oliver, our flights are early in the morning. I skip his breakfast to make sure he’s not on a full tummy when we fly. Look, I don’t want any mistakes while on the plane. If we have a layover, I will pack half of his food amount for that moment. Below are the bowls that I use during travel / when we are out of town. They are collapsible and fit right into the side pocket of the bag. It’s also smart to pack little treats to reward them! I don’t give him a lot of water however, when the flight attendant comes around, I request a cup of ice so he can chew and lick on them. I do give him a little amount of water on layovers and a treat sometimes.
Click here for travel bowl: Collapsible, Slow Feeder Travel Bowl.
Found a pet relief area during our layover.
7. TAKE NOTE OF THE AIRPORT MAP
Just like when you get off the plane, your dog may also might want to relieve themselves. Unfortunately, all airports do not have pet relief areas. Before traveling, I make a PDF document with all his medical information and his CBD information. I also include a map of the airports we will be leaving from and also having a layover in. I print out the PDF and keep it in the side pocket of the carrier and I also send it to my husband in a text message so I can easily refer to it.
Click here to view an example: Oliver’s Travel Documents
I hope this guide helps you with any questions or concerns that you have regarding traveling with your pet. If you have any additional questions, feel free to leave a comment :)
Stay safe, be healthy, and mindful of yourself.
