Traveling With Dogs - Everything You Need to Know

A Nova Scotia Duck Trolling Retriever in a dog bandana sitting by an airplane. Photo by Guilherme Frisoni. (CC0)

Once you have a destination and accommodations you're sure you and your pup can enjoy, it's time to book your flight. Don't book your trip online so that you can make sure your plane can accommodate your pup.

Some flights don't allow dogs, while others generally have limited space in their live animal cargo hold.

When choosing a flight, remember to consider the weather. In the summer, it’s best to avoid midday flights where it might get too warm in the cargo hold.

In the winter, avoid evening or early morning flights to keep your dog from getting too cold. Or, you can fit your pup in some weather-appropriate dog clothes to keep them comfortable during the trip.

When booking, it’s always best to do so over the phone, so you can select one that can surely accommodate your pup. Speaking with an airline representative will also allow you to ask all the questions you might have about flying with a dog.

Remember that different airlines will have different regulations, so it's essential to do your homework before you book. To help you out, however, here are 3 airlines that are generally recognized for their excellent service when traveling with dogs:

1) Delta

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Except for Hawaii and a few international destinations, Delta will allow you to take your pup as part of your carry-on luggage if they are small enough to fit in a dog carrier stowed under the airplane seat. That will cost anywhere from $75 to $200 per way, depending on your destination.

For larger dogs, Delta Cargo is a safe and reliable option for pet shipping within the US and some international destinations. Note that you may or may not be able to share a flight with your pup using this option.

2) Southwest Airlines

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Like Delta, Southwest Airlines allows you to carry your dog in-cabin during your flight for as long as they’re small enough to fit in an appropriate dog carrier under the seat in front of you. Also, that’s limited to domestic flights. With the exception of service animals, pets aren’t allowed inside the cabin on international flights. They will be held in a separate pressurized cargo hold specifically for live animals.

The pet fare on Southwest Airlines is $95 each way. Keep in mind that they only allow up to 6 pet carriers in the cargo hold per flight, so make sure you book your spot in advance.

3) American Airlines

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With the exception of snub-nosed or brachycephalic dog breeds, American Airlines allows you to travel with your pets within the United States and Canada, as well as several international locations. Note that restrictions vary per destination, so make sure you double check before you book.

Like other carriers, American Airlines will allow small animals in the cabin while larger animals will be held in the cargo area. Carry-on pets cost $125 per way, while checked pets cost $200 per way.

Once you've selected a flight and have booked your tickets, make sure you read through the fine print. Pay special attention to the pet policies, so you know what to expect and how to prepare your dog as well as yourself for the flight.

Think of the entire process of traveling with your dog and determine which parts your pup might have a hard time with. In many cases, those are things that you can train them for.

If your pup isn’t used to being in a dog carrier:

• Get one in advance.
• Place it in an area of your home where they can get used to its presence.
• Keep the crate door open.
• Don't rush things and allow them just to sniff around.
• If they go in on their own, give them some dog treats. Otherwise, you can toss a treat in and let them go after it. Doing this will help them associate good feelings with being inside the crate.
• Keep doing this for some time until you feel your pup is ready to be kept inside. In that case, close the door and give them a treat.
• Wait a few minutes before opening the door to let them out.
• Go for longer and longer sessions until they can be left unattended in the crate for hours.

For more tips, check out Crate Training 101 by The Humane Society of the United States.

A dog’s travel crate prepared with fleece bedding and a blanket. Photo by Chelsea Nesvig. (CC BY 2.0)

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety:

Helping a dog cope with separation anxiety. Photo by Jinx McCombs

Find a room where you can leave your pup alone. This will work even better if you have your dog carrier around already. What you’ll do is stay in the room with your pup and progress through the following steps:

• Walk towards the door.
• Open the door and pretend to walk out but come back in and close the door.
• Walk out and close the door behind you. Wait for 5 seconds before you come back in.
• Leave them in the room for longer and longer periods until they’re no longer anxious about your absence.
• Go through the same steps while they’re locked in their dog carrier.

Whenever they stay calm, give them a treat, so they know they're on the right track. Just remember that you shouldn't expect to do this all in one day. To make real progress, take things slowly and observe them carefully to see what they’re ready for. Eventually, you’ll be able to leave them for long periods without any fuss.

Check out the ASPCA’s tips for handling separation anxiety.

When everything is set and your travel date is approaching, there are just a few things you need to do before you enjoy what is likely to be your best holiday ever.

Prepare the Travel Crate

Make sure the dog carrier will keep your dog comfortable for the entire flight. Depending on your vet’s advice, you may want to fill up the food and water bowls inside. Plus, don’t forget to leave one of their favorite dog toys to comfort them during the flight. If you’re worried about your pup’s separation anxiety, it helps to leave one of your personal items in the crate so they can smell you even while you’re not around. Usually, an unwashed sweater or pillowcase works well.

For checked in pets, it also helps to prepare identification signs to stick outside the dog crate. That will help the airline as well as airport staff to quickly identify your dog and handle them properly if something doesn't go as planned. When preparing your sign, include the following details:

• Dog’s name.
• Breed
• Flight number
• Flight details (date, origin, destination, etc.)
• Your full name
• Your address at your destination
• Your contact number

Additionally, attach a Live Animal sign on the outside of the dog carrier to make it clear to anyone who encounters it that a dog occupies the travel crate. Lastly, attach a sealed baggie containing a few biscuits and provide information about how many to give your dog in case of delays.

A properly labeled dog carrier. Photo by Chachacha369. (CC BY 3.0)

Pack for Your Dog

A Shih-Poo packing for their vacation. Photo by Twinkle Enyong. (CC BY 2.0)

Now that you're packed for your flight, make sure you've also packed for the holiday itself. You'll need various things for your dog, depending on where you're going. If you're headed for the water, make sure you pack your dog's life jacket.

If you're headed for the slopes, see to it that you pack dog clothes to keep them warm. No matter where you’re going, though, you’ll need a good dog harness and a proper dog leash.

Additionally, don’t forget to bring their food and water bowls as well as their favorite dog toys. Check the regulations of the airline and your destination regarding dog food.

Some won’t allow you to bring dog food in, so you’ll need to buy when you get there. Otherwise, make sure you pack enough for your entire trip.

The best way to make your pup comfortable during their flight is to burn their excess energy beforehand. Give them a good, long walk or extend their playtime so they can just rest throughout the plane ride.

Tire Them Out

An Australian Shepherd knocked out from playing fetch. Photo by Alan Levine. (CC0)

Give Them Food and Water

A Shih-Poo packing for their vacation. Photo by Twinkle Enyong. (CC BY 2.0)

Some carriers require you to certify that your pup has been given food and water within 4 hours of the flight. Also, your vet might have special instructions about pre-flight feeding, so make sure you follow their advice.

Regardless of the requirements, you'll want to make sure that your dog won't starve or become dehydrated.

If you can, time the pre-flight meal and drink so they relieve themselves before boarding. That’s especially important for long flights where they might have to either hold it in or soil themselves.

In the US, larger airports are required to have service animal relief areas, where other dogs are also welcome if they need to relieve themselves before their flight.

Make Sure They Relieve Themselves

A Pug relieving himself on a pee pad. Photo by Charles Rondeau. (CC0)

A man anxiously waiting for the plane to land so he can be with his dog. Photo by Gratisography

When you've already boarded and your pup is checked in, remind a flight attendant that you have a dog in the cargo hold. That's to make sure they pressurize the area accordingly. Getting assurance from the airline staff might also help you rest easy for the rest of the flight.

If you have your dog in the cabin with you, respect that not all passengers will be comfortable with the presence of a pet in their flight. Keep your pup under the seat and trust that the dog carrier you prepared will keep them comfortable.

Airlines usually take out luggage before live animals, so don’t be surprised if it takes a while for you to reunite with your best pal. If your flight was a long one, try to head for the pet elimination area and let your dog out. If not, they may be able to wait until you get to your accommodations.

A man removing a pet carrier from a plane’s cargo hold. Photo by Max Pixel. (CC0)

A dog at the lobby of Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces. Photo by Heritage Hotels & Resorts. (CC BY 2.0)

As soon as you check in, let your pup out and take them for a walk. They might need to relieve themselves or simply stretch their legs. Besides, you must have missed each other too much during the flight, so it's an excellent way to start your holiday.