The dimensions of the area under the seat differ from plane to plane, and airline to airline. You can look them up online, but in most cases you’ll be restricted to flying with toy breeds.
You’ll likely need a health certificate signed by a veterinarian. This will demonstrate that your dog isn’t carrying any infectious diseases and that they’re not going to spread fleas all over the airplane. [3] X Research source
The fee for bringing a pet on board is typically $50-300 depending on who you choose to fly with. Airlines typically have a hard limit on the number of pets they let on a plane. If you don’t tell the airline you’re bringing a pet, they may fill up to their max and refuse to let you board with your dog. [5] X Research source
Buy airline-approved pet carriers online or in a pet store. Most airline carriers list requirements for carriers you can keep your dog in on their website.
Bring this paperwork with you to the airport on the day of the flight. You may need to show it to the attendant as you’re boarding the plane. Some airlines do not require a health certificate. You may be able to skip this step depending on who you’re flying with. Even if it isn’t a requirement, it’s still a good idea to see a vet just to make sure they’re healthy enough to fly.
Do not give your dog anything to calm them down if it isn’t prescribed or recommended by a veterinarian. [11] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source The vast majority of dogs do not need sedatives to fly. So long as you pay them proper attention and you spend time with them throughout the flight, it should be fine. [12] X Research source
The collar or calming shirt are also good options if you’re worried about giving your dog medication but you still want to help them take the edge off.
If you haven’t already, consider microchipping your dog so that they can be returned to you if they end up getting lose and running away. The odds are very low that you’re going to be separated from your dog, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Also, you’ll have a bit of peace of mind!
If you’re flying late at night, it’s a little cruel not to feed your dog. Give them breakfast and/or lunch, but cut back on food in the 4-6 hours leading up to the flight. [16] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Your dog is likely going to have a few hours here where they’re not able to move around. Giving them plenty of time to exercise before you board is the kind thing to do.
If you do need a health certificate for the airline, print a copy and leave that at home. Bring the original to the airport with you.
Bringing your dog through security seems scary, but it’s usually straightforward. Your carrier will go through the X-ray machine, and you’ll hold your dog while you go through the scanner. [20] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
If they don’t go to the bathroom before you go into the airport and they end up needing to go, you’ll have to leave the airport and go back through security again if there’s no pet relief area. Line their carrier with a puppy pad or two just in case they need to go on the plane.
You know your dog best. If they calm down once they get their growling and barking out of their system, just wait for them to relax somewhere far away from your boarding gate.
Don’t wake your dog up to interact with them on the plane. If they’re sleeping, literally let that sleeping dog lie—it’s a best case scenario if they snooze.
Do your best to take them on a long walk after you get to the hotel or wherever you’re staying. Your pup went through a lot on the plane (even if it doesn’t look like it), so they deserve some love.
