8 Tips for Air Travel with Dogs

travel with a pet. Health certificates are also required for domestic travel, but these usually don’t take as long to prepare. Health certificates have expiration dates, so it’s important to get the timing right. You’ll also want the peace of mind of knowing your pet has been thoroughly checked over and is ready for travel. This is the perfect opportunity to ask about options that may help your pet cope with the stress of travel. Dogs who are prone to GI (gastrointestinal) upsets because of stress, for example, might benefit from starting a probiotic a day or two before the trip.

Call the airline

According to the National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Association, approximately 40% of pet owners include their pets in travel plans. And interestingly, that number has almost doubled since the last decade. Dr. Jo Myers , practicing DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) on Vetster, the world’s fastest-growing veterinary telehealth platform, shares these tips to keep dogs safe and stress-free while flying:

Before you fly

Air travel takes a good bit of planning when you’re bringing your dog. In a sense, everything you bring for yourself you must bring a dog version of for them — plus additional dogspecific items. So, start early and visit your vet — you’ll need at least one visit to an accredited vet and maybe more than six months to prepare the necessary paperwork for international

Each airline has its own set of rules and requirements, so get in touch with them well in advance so you won’t have any surprises. Many airlines, for example, limit the number of pets that can travel in the cabin. You can also expect to be required to present your dog’s health certificate to airline staff at the check-in counter and have a signed letter of acclimation from a veterinarian. They also may not allow pets to travel during extreme weather, especially if they won’t be in the cabin with you. If your dog takes regular medication, make sure you have enough to get through your travel period in your carry-on.

Choose a travel carrier

Your dog’s carrier must meet certain size requirements for your pup to travel with you in-cabin. For pets traveling cargo, kennel dimensions are somewhat larger, as many people fly large-breed dogs this way. Regardless of an airline’s specific size requirements, all carriers must be ventilated and large enough for your dog to comfortably sit, stand, and turn around in. Dogs are not allowed out of their carriers at any time, either in cargo or in-cabin.

What to pack

In addition to medications and vet documentation, you’ll want to be sure you pack the essentials, even on a short flight: food, water, pee pads, doggie bed, calming collar or shirt, toys, chews, identification, and a collar and leash. Make a list and check it twice: the one thing you forget to bring is the only thing your dog will want.

Keeping your dog comfortable during flight

Even for a well-traveled dog, flying can be uncomfortable, stressful, and just downright boring. You’ll have to do your best to keep them comfortable, while strictly observing certain airline restrictions. Getting a calming collar may help. A favorite blanket or familiar toy can work, too.

Meals and potty breaks

Dogs can’t be let out of their carriers for any reason and should not be fed aboard the plane. This means meals and potty breaks will have to take place before boarding. Pre-flight exercise is also a good way to make it easier for your dog to sleep during the flight. Most vets recommend you don’t feed your dog for several hours before your flight as this helps to reduce nausea and vomiting.

After you land

When traveling internationally, leave your dog in their kennel until you get the all clear from airport officials, which may not be until after you’ve cleared customs or left the airport. Depending on your destination, you may need to present proof of vaccination and your health certificate again upon landing. Requirements vary by state and country.

Still have questions about flying with your pup? The USDA publishes all the information you’ll need, but professional guidance can go a long way toward understanding all the requirements. Book a virtual care appointment anytime, anywhere with Vetster to speak with a veterinary professional about how your dog will fare on a flight. Top-rated vets are available 24/7 and can advise on traveling necessities based on your dog’s breed, health, and temperament. They can help you avoid the pitfalls associated with international travel by making sure you know how to get the documentation you need, all while avoiding purchasing any unnecessary pet passport paperwork or other documentation. m