Domestic and International Travel - Guidelines for Dogs on Airplanes

Having to leave your dog at home can make going on vacation not as enjoyable to look forward to as you would like it to be. You fret that they’re being taken care of the right way and you miss their companionship. Rest easy, you can take your dog with you on vacation, even if you’re flying, domestic or abroad. Knowing these things can make the adventure easier on both you and your dearly loved pooch.

Domestic Air Travel Guidelines for Dogs Traveling in the Cabin

Make your travel arrangements early. Major airlines generally allow our four-legged friends in the cabin; however, they do have limitations on the number of dogs per flight. Depending on the season, the number of dogs allowed on a plane per flight changes with some allowing only one dog per flight, while others may allow up to seven. By making reservations early, you will help secure you and your K9’s space on the flight.

Fees. There is usually an added expense for a pet that is to remain on you lap in their carrier or on the floor in front of you at all times, as you might suppose. Only one pet kennel per ticketed passenger is allowed in the cabin and fees range from 50 dollars each way to 250 dollars each way depending on the airline. A pet carrier counts as either passenger’s one carry-on bag so don’t plan on taking more into the plane with you than your pet and one additional bag.

The appropriate carrier should be selected. Your airline approved dog kennel must be leak proof and provide adequate ventilation for your dog. It must also allow them to stand up, turn around and lie down in the crate. The carrier should also have handles, which are helpful so you can tote them easily. Pet carriers permitted in the cabin have a maximum size of 19″ long x 13″ wide x 9″ high.

Providing the total weight does not surpass airline limits, which are generally no more than 20 pounds combined, you are permitted to actually have two dogs per carrier. Two Chihuahuas, for instance, would meet the regulations. Additionally, the two pets inside a single crate must be the same species, which means two dogs, you can’t sneak your cat and your dog inside the same crate.

Regulations - Health. Dogs traveling inside the cabin must be at least eight weeks old. Unless you are traveling to Hawaii, there are no health regulations; however, they do have strict regulations that do not allow pets to fly via non-stop flights into Maui, Hawaii, or Kauai. If you’re flying through Hawaii and have a layover or have to change planes you will have to have your pet taken to a sterile area until you’re ready to board your next flight. You should always have your dog examined by a veterinarian to be cleared for air travel before making reservations . Some dogs, elderly dogs in particular, may not be equipped to manage the stress and atmospheric changes of airline travel.

Dogs Traveling as Checked Baggage - Domestic Air Travel Guidelines

You may check your dog as baggage , if your dog is too large to travel with you in the cabin. Below are a few restrictions and guidelines when checking your pet .

Dogs cannot be checked as luggage if the flight is longer than 12 hours and you will be charged a fee on top of standard checked baggage fees. Fees can deviate and can be quite expensive, but depend on the airline, the size of the dog and kennel.

Solid materials such as wood, metal, or plastic must make up the carrier. Carriers must be leak proof. Proper ventilation on two sides of the kennel is a must, in addition to the door. Doors must fasten securely and be escape proof. Additionally, kennels should have handles on them for easy transport by the luggage attendants. A water receptacle must be attached to the kennel with access from the outside so that, in case there is a flight delay, attendants may need to give your dog additional water. The maximum size for a kennel is 40″ long x 27″ wide x 30″ high, a series 500, and the maximum weight of the dog and the kennel cannot surpass 100 pounds.

Restrictions on Temperature. Since it can become incredibly hot or cold in the cargo area of the plane, there are temperature restrictions to keep your dog safe. The restrictions include:

When the ground temperature falls below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, or if the current or forecasted temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, dogs will not be accepted.

Traveling Abroad - On Board or as Checked Baggage

All of the above restrictions apply internationally; however, depending on where you are traveling, there are a few added restrictions. You should always check you International destination to be sure you are allowed to transport your pet into the country.

You are not permitted to bring your dog in the country, in the United Kingdom, for instance, unless it is a service animal.

Due to their breathing difficulties , many airlines do not accept snub-nosed breeds, like Pugs, and other little dogs may be prohibited as well.  For instance, United Airlines doesn’t allow the following breeds to be checked as baggage:

* Boston Terrier
* Boxer
* English or French Bulldog
* King Charles Spaniel
* Lhasa Apso
* Pug
* Shar-Pei
* Shih Tzu

In Japan, you must notify their Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before your scheduled arrival, and in both Europe and Japan, your K9 must be micro chipped. There are additional forms and certifications you must satisfy as well. 

A generally easy process, taking your pooch on vacation with you can wonderful . The trick is to know the restrictions ahead of time by making your reservations in advance , so that you are ready.

Going Through some basic dog obedience training prior to the flight is also a good idea to ensure your dog behaves.

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