Essential Tips for Flying with Dogs: A Comprehensive Gu

Traveling with our best furry friends seems like an excellent idea, especially as solo travel becomes increasingly popular and trips are stretching beyond the traditional weekend getaway. Under this travel scenario, more and more people are opting to bring their pets along—after all, the alternative of entrusting a dog to a sitter or a pet保姆 can pose potential issues for our pets. However, it's concerning to hear that an increasing number of pets are dying during air travel, and some airlines even restrict certain breeds from boarding.

Moreover, recent incidents where pets have been disguised as emotional support animals have prompted airlines to implement new policies, which have upset many passengers and sparked considerable online debate. These policies not only make it difficult for individuals with genuine disabilities to fly but also make it harder for those who simply want to travel with their pets.

If flying with your dog is part of your travel plans, here are some crucial points to remember to ensure your furry companion stays safe, healthy, and comfortable during the journey, while also meeting the airline's requirements.

1. Is Your Dog Suitable for Air Travel?

Dogs are unaware of what flying entails and the stark differences it presents from their daily lives. This can be an incredibly stressful experience, especially if their journey involves multiple stops. Keeping your dog calm during a long flight can be challenging (as we'll discuss later, sedation might be a necessary but lessthanideal solution). If friends or family can't care for your dog, boarding it in a reputable kennel might be a better option. Just like flying with your dog, boarding has its own set of requirements. Once you've found a reliable kennel, make sure to understand their policies, cleanliness, and safety standards to ensure your pet is well taken care of. If flying with your dog is your only option, do your research well in advance.

2. Call the Airline in Advance

Not all airlines have the same rules for transporting pets. Those that do allow it will have specific fees and requirements to accommodate your dog. Check the current policies and fees of airlines you're considering. Be thorough in understanding these requirements, as the cost of each separate flight can be high and may accumulate, and certain breeds may not be allowed in the cabin or at all. Additionally, flying with a large dog may incur extra costs or risks, as some airlines may not be able to accommodate them on the plane. Permitted breeds will be required to be placed in a sturdy container labeled "Live Animal" (with an upward arrow) and carefully placed beneath your seat.

3. Ensure Your Dog Is in Good Health

Every airline that allows pets to fly requires a veterinarian's certificate to confirm that the dog is in good health, free from contagious diseases, and up to date on vaccinations. Don't rush to get a certificate too early before your flight. Many airlines only accept documents that are less than 10 days old.

4. Rethink Administering Sedatives Before Departure

Administering sedatives to your dog before flying can disrupt their balance, which can be dangerous as they won't be able to maintain it. Moreover, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the risk of respiratory or cardiovascular diseases increases when animals are sedated. Therefore, carefully consider the pros and cons of sedation before bringing your dog on a plane.

5. Some Breeds May Face Flying Difficulties

Shortnosed breeds like Boston Terriers, Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, some Tibetan Mastiffs, Pekingese, and Shih Tzus face greater risks during air travel. These breeds are more prone to respiratory issues, and changes in pressure, temperature, and quality can exacerbate these risks. Additionally, shortnosed breeds may experience breathing difficulties under stress. If they are placed in the cargo hold, these dogs may face difficulties without the comfort of your presence.

6. Consider a Direct Flight If Possible

If your travel plans allow, booking a direct flight can reduce the stress on your dog. Multiple stops, layovers, and other forms of air travel can be particularly challenging for both animals and humans. If you have a large dog that needs to be checked as cargo, you may not see them until you reach your final destination. Planning ahead is crucial if you're taking your dog on an international flight to ensure their safety and comply with the regulations of the destination country.

Before finalizing your travel plans, ask yourself: Do I really need to bring my dog on a plane? While taking your dog to a new destination can be exciting, air travel does pose risks to animals. The good news is that if you need assistance with the planning, experts are available to help.

Pet travel agents can help create travel plans, prepare for necessary flights, and even be on standby to assist during the journey when transporting your dog on a plane.