Pet Travel Safety – By Air

National Pet Travel Safety Day falls right after the holiday season on January 2. As it turns out there is a lot to keeping pets safe when traveling, especially when flying.

First things first, it’s best to begin at the beginning and research the requirements of your destination. They vary from state to state and country to country, so read up first and then take them to their vet to get them evaluated. Are they up to date on their shots? Are they healthy enough to travel?

And that’s just the beginning! There’s even more to consider when traveling by plane. 

  • Remember to bring all the essentials to care for your pet while you’re still at the airport, including a collapsible water bowl, leash, treats and plastic poo bags.
  • To keep them calm on the flight, it always helps to have a favorite toy, blanket or pillow that smells familiar in their crate. You can also use calming products to help ease your pup’s anxiety. Make sure to test their efficacy a few times before flying to make sure it has the desired effect.
  • Generally speaking, the crate needs to be durable and have plenty of ventilation, strong handles, and a leak-proof bottom.
  • To minimize your pet’s distress, look for non-stop flights with no transfers, and avoid traveling over holiday periods when airlines and airports are busier than normal, to help reduce the risk of anything going awry.
  • As a general rule airlines usually do not allow passengers flying with dogs to sit in bulkhead rows, business or first-class cabins with lie-flat beds, or emergency exit rows.
  • Keep temperature in mind if traveling somewhere with an extreme climate like Alaska or Hawaii – 
  • Very important: A manila envelope containing copies of the pet’s medical records should be taped to the outside of the carrier. Travelers should also carry a copy of these records with them at all times, together with contact information for the animal’s veterinarian, color photographs of the pet, both with and without the owner (as a safeguard if pets are accidentally released or stolen during transit), and any pet medications.

Having said all this, it’s important to note that not all dogs can travel safely by plane. Brachycephalic dog breeds (those with short or snubbed noses), like French bulldogs and pugs, usually can’t fly in the cargo hold because of the potential for breathing issues with the varying pressures and altitudes. 

Most larger dogs aren’t allowed in the cabin (with exceptions for trained service animals) and will have to fly in the cargo hold. Flying can be uncomfortable for all dogs, but it’s especially hard on elderly dogs, as well as pups with health or behavioral issues.

Some airlines will let you buy a ticket for your pet and they can join you in the cabin, however, the carrier will need to fit underneath the seat in front of you and stay there the entire time. The pet carrier counts as either your personal item or carry-on bag, and it must be roomy enough for your pet to be able to stand up and turn around when it’s zipped shut.

However, if the thought of treating your pet as cargo or carry-on luggage does not appeal to you, you’ve got three options.

If your pup will spend most of the trip confined to a hotel room, it’s worth reconsidering whether bringing them along is the best choice. Subjecting pets to the stress of a flight or a long car ride—only to leave them cooped up—might not be fair to them.

In many cases, the best option is to leave your pet at home with a trusted sitter or boarding service. Traveling with pets can be stressful for everyone involved. Cats generally don’t handle car travel well, dogs can experience motion sickness, and the logistics can become overwhelming depending on your destination and mode of travel.

Additionally, age or health conditions, like arthritis or other mobility issues, can make traveling uncomfortable or even unsafe for your pet. By carefully weighing your options, you can ensure your furry friend’s well-being while you enjoy a stress-free trip.