Preparing for Flying with Your Puppy in 2021
Whether your puppy is flying home to you or you are taking a family vacation, a dog’s first flight can be intimidating for your dog and yourself. Here are some recommendations to make sure their aviation experience is a successful one.
Tickets
Before making reservations with an airline, make sure the flight and airline are compatible with pet access. If they do allow pets, confirm that your dog fits within the weight, size, and any other restrictions the airline might have outlined. If your dog fits the requirements, check if there are crate constraints, as well. Only certain airlines will allow pets in the airplane cabin and they may grant a certain number of pets on a given flight, so book your ticket well in advance. If your ticket allows for pets in the cabin, there will most likely be a fee associated with this privilege.
Size
Very small cats and dogs are more often found in the cabin and are restricted to specified carriers under the seats which also often come with a small fee.
If your pet is not allowed in the cabin of the plane, they will most likely be stowed in the cargo area. Although this area will be heated and have ventilation, you should still consider the time of year if your pup will be flown as cargo. This area can still be affected by extreme cold or hot weather and you should follow the CDC’s recommendations. The CDC reports that if pets are being shipped as cargo, many airlines will not carry them in the warmest months of May through September.
Age
Your dog must be at least 8 weeks of age and have been weaned for 5 days before they can travel by air. If your dog is of a small breed, though, these restrictions can vary so be sure to research your specific dog. If your dog is coming to the US from a foreign country, it must be vaccinated against rabies and rabies vaccines are not generally given to a puppy before it is 3 months old.
Talk to Your Vet
All dogs should be given general vaccinations at least one month before air travel. Take all of these things into consideration before booking your flight. They should be dewormed and have no recent surgeries before being allowed on a flight.
Some flights might also require a veterinarian’s health certificate to board the plane, so consult with your vet before reserving your seat on a flight. Investigate your airline and destination’s requirements as they can be different contingent on where you go.
Preparation
You should prepare your dog for air travel before the big day comes. If a breeder will be sending your puppy to you, delivering them a crate ahead of time can be a good way to slowly introduce the idea to the puppy. Adding several pee pads inside the crate will make for a more comfortable ride and smoother transitions. Carrying ID tags, harnesses, and leashes will make the day much easier, as well.
Stowing things like blankets, toys, or other sentimental items in the crate is another way to make the flight go over more smoothly for your dog.
Depending on your specific dog’s size and breed, you should select certain crates. If your dog is a short-snouted breed, for example, they will need more ventilation in a crate. Research which type of dog crate is best for your dog’s breed and make sure they are in compliance with your airline.
Flight Day
Your dog should not have solid food and little water for at least four hours before the flight to help with queasiness.
Keep your paperwork such as veterinarian health certificates on you throughout the boarding and security periods.
Although your dog carrying crate will need to go through security, your dog will not. It is best to make the security area aware and carry your dog through per their instructions.
Whether meeting your new best friend or going on a fun vacation, a flight can be stressful for your pup. By following these tips, the flight transition will be much easier for all parties involved.