How To Transport A Dog On A Plane
Introduction
Flying with your dog should be fun and exciting! It is a wonderful opportunity to explore the world together. Your first trip out of the country can be overwhelming for both you and your dog, but planning ahead will help you navigate through this process. With this in mind, here are a few tips for how to safely fly with your dog!
Check with your airline to read about their policies.
The first thing you should do is check with your airline to read about their policies. Some airlines will only allow cats and dogs in the cabin, while others will only allow pets in the cargo hold. If you have a dog that can fit in a carrier under your seat, some airlines will allow this type of animal on board as well.
Get your dog on a regular schedule before the flight.
Before you fly, you’ll want to make sure your dog gets on a regular schedule. A dog who hasn’t been on a routine before traveling can become agitated or even aggressive during the trip. The most important thing is to make sure that you are committed to walking and playing with your pet for at least 30 minutes each day—preferably twice daily—for at least a week before the flight.
Taking your dog on walks is an excellent way of getting them used to being around new people and places while staying calm and collected. If possible, try taking walks in areas where there will be other people (e.g., parks). This will help acclimate them even more so than just walking in your own neighborhood where they may feel more comfortable and relaxed because they know their surroundings well.
If it helps, start spending time with other animals before leaving home so that when you do get into a situation where there are lots of unfamiliar faces around (e.g., at the airport), this won’t seem unusual or bothersome at all!
Schedule flights for in the evening or at night.
If you’re taking your dog on a plane, schedule your flight in the evening or at night. Dogs are generally more relaxed and less anxious when they’re tired, so if possible, try to arrange for them to fly after their longest day of exercise. This means that you’ll need to get their paperwork done earlier in the day so that you can make it through security with plenty of time before departure.
Book a direct flight if possible.
Book a direct flight if possible.
A direct flight will make your trip easier and more comfortable for your pet. Direct flights are typically less crowded than connecting flights, so there’s less chance of dogs being scared by other passengers or getting bumped into by luggage handlers. Also, direct flights tend to be faster and more reliable than connecting ones; you won’t need to worry about delays or cancellations that could disrupt your plans at the last minute.
Request a bulkhead seat, since it has more leg room and is more accessible to you if needed.
While it’s important to have a seat that is easy to access, it’s also important to consider how much space your dog will need. Bulkhead seating is the best choice if you can get one, because they have more leg room and are easier for you to reach your dog. If this option isn’t available, then opt for an aisle seat with as much leg room as possible.
It’s not always possible to get a bulkhead or aisle seat when booking online; sometimes the only seats left are window seats in the middle section of an aircraft. In this case, request an aisle seat with extra legroom when speaking with an agent over the phone or at the airport kiosk. This way you’ll be prepared for any situation that arises at check-in and won’t end up sitting next to someone who isn’t fond of dogs!
If transporting more than one dog, request seats as close to each other as possible.
If you are bringing more than one dog on a plane, it is best to request seats as close to each other as possible. If you have two dogs, request two seats next to each other (as long as there are no other rules preventing this). If you have three dogs traveling with you, request three seats next to each other (again, if there aren’t any rules against this). This will allow the dogs to be together in their own little pack and make them feel comfortable during the flight.
Check any medications with your veterinarian to ensure they don’t interact with each other.
You should also check any medications with your veterinarian to ensure they don’t interact with each other. For example, antihistamines and benzodiazepines are both sedatives that can cause drowsiness and should not be used together.
Other important things to consider:
- Is the medication safe for dogs? If so, how many milligrams of the drug should be given?
- Is the medication safe for cats? If so, how many milligrams of the drug should be given?
- Is the medication safe for children/infants/babies or other pets such as birds or hamsters (if applicable)?
Take your dog’s crate with you to the boarding gate.
If you plan on checking a crate, take it with you to the boarding gate. It’s much easier to check in a hard-sided carrier than to carry it through the airport, and there are some size requirements that need to be met before they can accept your dog’s crate:
- The crate must be large enough for your dog to stand up, sit down, turn around and lie down comfortably.
- The crate cannot measure more than 76 cm (30 inches) high by 51cm (20 inches) wide by 115cm (45 inches) long.*
Leave the crate open when you arrive at the gate so your dog can get in and out if needed.
Leaving the crate open is a good idea if your dog is nervous and may need to escape the crate before being loaded onto the plane. This way, you can make sure your dog is comfortable in their new home for the next few hours.
If your dog has never been in a crate before, leave it open at home so they can get used to it and feel safe there. You’ll also want to be able to get them in and out of their crate easily—don’t make yourself struggle when you’re already stressed about flying with a pet! Make sure that you can close the door securely when needed as well: if anything happens during takeoff or landing (like turbulence), this will keep your pet safe inside until afterwards. Finally, make sure that whatever size of kennel/crate that you purchase fits well within airline restrictions—this will ensure that nobody gets confused or frustrated with getting their pet on board safely without hassle!
Stay with your dog until it is loaded onto the plane.
You should also stay with your dog until it is loaded onto the plane. This will help ensure that your dog is comfortable and safe, and not scared or anxious about flying. It will also make sure that the other passengers are not bothered by the presence of a dog on their flight. For example, if you have a large breed like an English Mastiff or Great Dane, you may want to consider traveling with a crate instead of letting them sit in your lap during takeoff and landing.
Plan ahead when flying with your pet!
Planning ahead is important for both you and your furry companion. For starters, it ensures that your dog is comfortable and safe during the flight.
It also allows you to be sure that all of their needs are met while they’re on board—from food and water to a comfortable place to rest their head, if they want it! This way, you can avoid any unnecessary stress or anxiety for them so that everyone can enjoy the trip together. Additionally, those who share space with your pet will appreciate this foresight as well. If you’re not sure what else may be needed for an in-cabin stay with one or more pets, check out our tips below:
Conclusion
If you are flying with a pet, the most important thing is to prepare ahead of time. Spontaneity is not recommended! It’s best to have a plan and stick to it. While airports can be stressful environments, being prepared will ensure everything goes smoothly. Your dog will thank you for it!