As with any travel plans, you must be organized and plan well in advance if you’ve decided to bring your dog along with you. Most airlines allow you to bring small dogs on the plane as long as they are restrained in some type of carrier or tote.
You must call ahead of time to see what the requirements are for the airline you are traveling on. Some airlines require reservations for the carry-on pets and others do not. Another reason for calling ahead and making your plans in advance is the limit of pets in a cabin per flight. If you wait too long you may not be able to take a particular flight because the pet capacity is already maxed out for that flight.
Typically you must leave the pet in the carrier and it must remain on the floor in front of you.
If your dog is too big to be considered for the carry on pet option, another option available from some airlines is the checked-in pet or cargo pet. You should check with each airline to see what their requirements are. Often, airlines will list their requirements and rules on their websites. Mostly the cargo pet option is for pets traveling alone. The checked-in pet travels like luggage.
Planning ahead and learning the requirements is the key to a smooth flight. You can also find out about any immunization requirements you may need and make sure your dog is up to date on all of his shots and that the paperwork you have for the pet is up to date and complete. Be sure that your dog has all of his tags and identification. Be sure the contact information is up to date and includes your cell phone number. Carrying a photo of your pet as well as making sure they are microchipped is more insurance in case of an emergency.
If you pet gets anxious easily and you anticipate the flight stressing him out, discuss this with your veterinarian. They will likely recommend some type of sedative to make the trip easier on you and your pet.
Once you know your pet will be accompanying you on your travel day, check out any airports you will be visiting. Each airport usually has a designated area to take pets to do their toilet. Rather than trying to find these areas once you land, research the airport on the internet before you leave. Knowing where the pet areas are in advance can save you time and possible anxiety if your layover is short.
As you can see the key to a successful flight with your dog is planning.
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