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How to Take Your Dog on a Plane: The Ultimate Guide

How to Fly Internationally with a Dog

By sharklblogPublished 2 years ago 5 min read
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Flying with your dog can be a daunting task. How do you make sure that your pup is comfortable and safe while on the plane? How do you ensure that everything goes smoothly during the flight?

In this ultimate guide, we will provide tips and advice on how to take your dog on a plane.

We'll cover everything from booking your flight to packing for your pet to dealing with potential problems along the way.

So whether you're taking a quick trip across the country or flying internationally with your furry friend, read on for all the info you need!

How to Choose the Perfect Airplane Seat for Your Dog

When you're flying with your dog, you'll want to choose the right seat for them. This can be tricky, as there are many things to consider.

First of all, you'll need to find an airline that allows pets on board. Not all airlines permit animals in the cabin, so be sure to check before booking your flight.

Once you've found a pet-friendly airline, you'll need to decide where to sit on the plane. If your dog is small, you may want to choose a seat near the window so they can look out.

For larger dogs, an aisle seat may be more comfortable as they'll have more space to move around.

Once you've chosen the perfect seat, be sure to reserve it in advance so you don't have any problems when you check in for your flight.

Cabin vs. cargo: Know the difference

When flying with your pet, it's important to understand the difference between cabin and cargo.

There are two ways to fly with a dog: in the cabin, or in the cargo hold. Each has its pros and cons, and deciding which one is best for your dog depends on several factors — including flight time, destination, weather and breed.

Cabin

When you fly with your pet in the cabin, it will be under your supervision at all times. You can easily access food and water when necessary — as well as take breaks yourself — so this is an ideal option for short flights. The main drawback to flying in the cabin is that most airlines only allow one pet per person. If you have a large dog or multiple dogs, this may not be an option for you at all.

Cargo

On long flights (more than three hours), your dog will likely need to travel in cargo because of space constraints in the cabin. This is especially true if you want to bring more than one pet along. When traveling by air cargo, pets must be over eight weeks old and at least two pounds (1 kilogram). They can't be too young or too small; they must also be healthy and well-behaved so they don't pose any risk to other passengers. If your dog meets these requirements, flying in cargo may be the best option for them.

Understand health requirements, restrictions

Before you book your flight, be sure to check out the airline’s policy regarding pets. Some airlines allow small dogs in the cabin of the plane as long as they fit in an airline-approved carrier that can be placed under your seat.

If you want to take your dog on a plane, you must have some form of identification for him or her. If you are traveling with a puppy, make sure that his or her rabies vaccination is up-to-date before you leave on your trip.

Once you’ve made reservations and confirmed that the airline allows pets onboard its flights, it is time to pack.

Whether or not you're traveling with a pet, always check your airline's website for the latest information on their pet policy.

  • You'll need to know the following:
  • What types of animals are allowed on flights?
  • How much does it cost to ship a pet?
  • What are the health requirements for my animal?
  • What kinds of paperwork do I need?

How to Prepare Your Dog for a Flight

Depending on the airline, there may be restrictions on how many dogs are allowed in the cabin and what size/type of carrier they must be kept in.

Most important, however, is ensuring that your dog is comfortable flying.

To do this, begin by familiarizing your pet with the carrier well in advance of the flight.

Next, start by taking shorter flights and work up to longer ones as your pet becomes more comfortable.

And finally, make sure you bring along plenty of water and food for your pet during the flight (and don't forget a poop bag!).

If you're planning to take your dog on an airplane with you, there are a few things you need to do in order to prepare them for the trip. Here are some tips:

Make sure your dog is physically fit enough to fly. They should be able to walk up and down a set of stairs without difficulty.

Train them to sit and stay in a small area, like a travel kennel. This will help keep them calm during the flight.

Give them plenty of exercise before the flight, so they'll be tired and more likely to relax during the trip.

Pack their favorite toys and treats to keep them entertained during the flight.

If your dog is prone to anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication that can be given before the flight.

With these tips in mind, you'll be sure to have a smooth and stress-free flight with your furry friend!

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