Table of Contents
Introduction
Taking your dog on the plane can be a great experience, as long as you know what to expect. We’re here to help you make sure your trip goes smoothly by providing helpful tips and tricks for pet travel.
Get your pet travel-ready.
- Get your pet travel-ready.
If you’re planning on taking your dog on the plane, it’s important that he or she is well-prepared for the trip. You should bring a carrier or crate, a leash and collar, favorite toys, food and water (if needed), bedding (if needed), a blanket to keep your dog warm in case of cold temperatures at the airport or on board the airplane and a towel to clean up accidents.
Don’t wait until the last minute to find out what you need to take your dog on the plane.
Don’t wait until the last minute to find out what you need to take your dog on the plane. You should be prepared before you even start looking for flights.
- Know what documentation you need for your dog. The type of documentation will vary depending on whether or travel internationally or domestically, but in most cases it will be some sort of vaccination record. It is very important that this paperwork is up-to-date and valid, so check ahead of time before making flight plans!
- Know what equipment you need for your dog while traveling in the cargo hold of an airplane (or where ever they may be transported). Most airlines will provide crates and carriers that can safely transport dogs during their travels, but if these are not available at all times then consider purchasing one before trying to fly with them–it’ll save some stress later when trying to figure out how best keep them safe during these types of flights.*Know what supplies doggy owners typically take along with them when transporting their beloved pets around town or throughout different states/countries? Check out our list below!
Double-check flight information.
Confirm your flight information.
When you’re ready to book your flight, always double-check the airline’s website for any updates and call their customer service to see if there are any changes. You may also want to check with the airport where you’ll be flying out of just in case! You can always print out confirmation numbers or email receipts so that you have proof of your reservation when you go through security or check-in at the airport.
Choose a pet-friendly airline and airplane seat.
In addition to choosing a pet-friendly airline, you must also choose a pet-friendly airplane seat. Most airlines have specific restrictions on the type of animal that can be brought on board. For example, some airlines allow only cats and dogs weighing under 20 pounds; others allow only small birds in carriers that fit under their seats or in an overhead bin. Some dogs will have to travel in cargo if they are too big or heavy for the cabin.
Most airlines also have size restrictions for pets using the cabin as well as weight limits per flight segment (i.e., one way). Their policies generally state whether you can bring your pet through carry-on or checked baggage—or both—and may include other requirements such as proof of vaccinations and identification tags (which should match your airline’s policy).
Be prepared for airport security and check in.
At the airport, you’ll have to go through security. Make sure you bring your dog’s vaccination records and a copy of its microchip information. Also bring a copy of its rabies certificate (if it has one). You should also have with you a health certificate for your pet that shows that it has been given all its shots within the past year and is fit to fly on an airplane.
Take care of your furry friend in transit.
What to bring for your furry friend:
- Bring the pet’s favorite toys. This will help keep them entertained and relaxed, especially if they’re not used to traveling.
- Bring a blanket for warmth. Your dog may get cold during travel and could use the blanket as a bed or cover-up on the plane or car ride there.
- Bring water and food for your dog. Be sure to bring plenty of water so that you can refill their bowls as needed during long flights or drives; also make sure they get enough food if necessary!
- Bring a carrier or crate with dividers if needed! You never know what will happen while on a long flight (and even short ones), so it’s always good to have extra space where needed just in case something happens like getting sick etcetera…
Know how to handle layovers and connecting flights with a dog on the plane.
When you are taking the dog on the plane, it is important to know that there are some things that you should keep in mind. One of these things is knowing how to handle a layover or connecting flights with your dog on the plane.
The first thing that you will want to do when it comes time for a layover or connecting flight is make sure that everything is ready for your pet before they go through security again. This includes any paperwork and vaccinations as well as making sure they have enough food and water while they wait at the airport. If you have time, then this would be an ideal time for them to go out inside their kennel so that they can relieve themselves one last time before getting on another leg of their journey back home with their family members who care about them deeply.”
Always have identification tags on your pup and carry updated veterinary paperwork.
A good rule of thumb is to always have identification tags on your pup and carry updated veterinary paperwork. The carrier you use should also have a name tag, as well as an identification number or other unique identifier. Make sure all these things are up to date, so if anything happens during travel, there’s no confusion about who your dog belongs to. Always keep this information in your carry-on luggage so it doesn’t get lost or misplaced in the commotion of travel day—otherwise you may have a difficult time proving ownership later.
Keep your dog calm during flight takeoff, landing, and turbulence.
To keep your dog calm during flight takeoff, landing, and turbulence:
- Keep your dog busy with a toy or treat. This will help distract him from the noise of the engine and the ear-popping changes in altitude.
- Let him stretch his legs. While many people like to have their dogs in carriers on board, some airlines allow dogs to sit on their owner’s lap if they are less than 25 pounds or under 15 inches tall at the shoulder. If you decide to let your dog sit on your lap instead of in an airline approved carrier, keep an eye on them for signs of stress like panting or whines/cries.
- Don’t let him drink too much water before taking off—this can lead to an upset stomach during flight! If you do want to give him some water before boarding, make sure it’s poured into a bowl so he doesn’t spill any when he drinks from it (and don’t forget about those paws!).
- Don’t feed your pet right before take-off—wait until after take-off so food doesn’t end up getting stuck in their ears or eyes! You should also avoid feeding them right after landing due to possible digestive problems caused by pressure changes during descent.”
With a little bit of preparation, taking your dog on the plane can be a positive experience for both of you.
Taking your dog with you on a plane can be a great experience for both of you. There are many reasons why someone might want to take their dog on the plane:
- Visiting relatives. You might want to visit your family and friends who live in another city, state or country. Taking your dog along makes it easier for him/her to get acclimated with the new surroundings and it also gives him/her time to become comfortable and familiar with all the people he/she will be meeting at home (or wherever else you decide to go).
- Getting away from it all. Sometimes life gets pretty stressful, so instead of dealing with everything that’s going wrong around us, we sometimes just need some time off where nothing is expected of us at all–a vacation! Taking our pets along when we travel allows them space away from their everyday routines which can help soothe their minds as well as ours.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to take your furry friend on the plane, we hope this list was helpful to you. Remember that every dog is different and requires a different amount of preparation. We want to hear from our readers what they think are the best tips for taking your dog on the plane!