Flying with a dog can be a stressful experience. Between organizing the right kind of travel kennel to figuring out your airline’s policies on pets, getting from A to B with Fido can stymie even the most seasoned travelers.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make the experience much easier.
Talk to an airline representative over the phone.
Unsplash/Berkay Gumustekin Flying with a dog usually comes with a $100-$500 fee, which normally can’t be paid online. You’ll also want to make sure there’s room for your dog on a specific flight, as most airlines only allow a certain number of animals per flight. Speaking to a representative over the phone is the best way to get all of the information you need.
Try to book flights during ideal hours.
Unsplash/Jf Brou Your dog will likely be in the cargo hold. Though some airlines have special temperature-controlled areas for dogs, it’s always a good idea to book a flight that occurs during the most temperate time of day, depending on the climate you’re flying through.
Check in with your vet before you go.
Unsplash/leonides ruvalcabar Do you have all the necessary paperwork to travel with your pooch? Is your dog in good health? Should you worry about any specific foreign animal diseases at your destination? These are all questions that you should ask your vet before you leave. Most airlines also require a health certificate from a veterinarian stating that traveling pets are healthy and fit to fly.
You might actually want to check in at the last minute.
Unsplash/Avi Richards Checking in at the last minute is usually a no-no when it comes to air travel, but it’s actually a good way to help minimize the time your dog has to spend in his of her crate or traveling through the airport.
Make sure your travel crate fits your airline’s policies.
Unsplash/Matthew Henry The International Air Transport Association actually has a list of pet carrier requirements that you should stick to when selecting a travel crate for your dog. Make sure the crate is in line with airline policies regarding durability, waterproofing, and labeling as well.
Be sure to have pictures of your dog handy.
Unsplash/Braydon Anderson In the unlikely event that your dog is somehow misplaced or rerouted after he or she has been checked, it’s helpful for airport personnel to have access to a recent photo of the animal in order to help locate a missing pet as quickly as possible. You should also look into having your dog equipped with a microchip before any long journeys.
Hopefully, the tips above will make traveling with your furry pal easier and more enjoyable. For more information about rules, regulations, and other pre-trip tips, visit the Traveler’s Pet Corner on the International Air Transport Association website.
Unsplash/Berkay Gumustekin
Flying with a dog usually comes with a $100-$500 fee, which normally can’t be paid online. You’ll also want to make sure there’s room for your dog on a specific flight, as most airlines only allow a certain number of animals per flight. Speaking to a representative over the phone is the best way to get all of the information you need.
Unsplash/Jf Brou
Your dog will likely be in the cargo hold. Though some airlines have special temperature-controlled areas for dogs, it’s always a good idea to book a flight that occurs during the most temperate time of day, depending on the climate you’re flying through.
Unsplash/leonides ruvalcabar
Do you have all the necessary paperwork to travel with your pooch? Is your dog in good health? Should you worry about any specific foreign animal diseases at your destination? These are all questions that you should ask your vet before you leave. Most airlines also require a health certificate from a veterinarian stating that traveling pets are healthy and fit to fly.
Unsplash/Avi Richards
Checking in at the last minute is usually a no-no when it comes to air travel, but it’s actually a good way to help minimize the time your dog has to spend in his of her crate or traveling through the airport.
Unsplash/Matthew Henry
The International Air Transport Association actually has a list of pet carrier requirements that you should stick to when selecting a travel crate for your dog. Make sure the crate is in line with airline policies regarding durability, waterproofing, and labeling as well.
Unsplash/Braydon Anderson
In the unlikely event that your dog is somehow misplaced or rerouted after he or she has been checked, it’s helpful for airport personnel to have access to a recent photo of the animal in order to help locate a missing pet as quickly as possible. You should also look into having your dog equipped with a microchip before any long journeys.
For more of the best travel tips and tricks, click here.
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