So you want to fly with your dog? Well, if your dog is a task-trained service dog then she can fly with you in the cabin at no extra charge. But most likely she is not, so you have a couple different options. If your dog is under ~20lbs. and can fit in a small soft sided carrier, you may be able to pay to have her fly in the cabin with you at your feet. If you have a larger dog, then your option is going to be to pay to have her fly cargo in a hard plastic crate. Each airline has different regulations so you’ll want to check with the airline you plan on flying with for specifics and if flying international, there will be even more protocols.
Whether your dog is a task trained service dog or a pet, airports are loud, crowded, and can be overwhelming for even the most well-trained dog. Preparing any dog to fly takes training and for some, medication to help with the stress that comes with it. For a service dog, the training they go through prepares them to work in a wide range of environments and a busy airport shouldn’t be too much to handle. Being able to ignore people passing by, lie quietly at their handler’s feet, and ignore other dogs are the most important obedience skills for any service dog that will also be helpful in the airport. If your dog has never flown, has never experienced a situation similar to an airport, or has not done well on a previous flight, talking to your vet is probably a good idea.
A trainer can also help if your dog needs work on obedience as well as can give you additional tips to help make the flight and entire trip smoother for everyone. If your dog is going to be flying in the cabin with you, once through security you’ll want to have your dog visit the pet relief station, if your airport has one. Pet relief stations are becoming more of a regular accommodation at airports throughout the US, making it easier to give your furry friend a chance to relieve itself before boarding your flight. It’s a good idea to check ahead of time to see if your airport has pet relief stations so if not, you can be sure to give your dog ample time to relieve itself before going through security.
Regardless of where your dog is flying, limiting the amount of food and water you give them a few hours before the flight is a good idea. You don’t want them to have a full stomach, but you also don’t want your dog to have a completely empty stomach because that might cause them to become sick due to the pressure changes. If you have an early morning flight, it’s smart to only give your dog a small handful of kibble and just enough water to wet their throat for their breakfast. Once you arrive at your destination, you can resume your normal feeding schedule. If you have a flight that is later in the day, feeding your dog their normal breakfast is probably safe but then just wait to give their dinner until later. Ice cubes are a great way to give your dog small amounts of water easily and most airlines are happy to give them to you on board the flight if your dog is flying in the cabin with you.
There are various options when bringing your dog on a flight:
1. Service Dog:
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) defines a service animal as “…a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability…” Airlines are cracking down on fake service dogs and emotional support animals (ESA) as the number of people trying to pass off their pets as service dogs is on the rise. Most airlines no longer recognize ESAs as service dogs and are requiring them to fly as pets following the individual airlines’ pet policies and fees. This is being done by requiring service dog handlers to fill out a DOT form verifying their dog’s training, health, and behavior prior to boarding the flight. Airlines are also allowed to inquire about the tasks the dog has been trained to perform but cannot ask specifically about the person’s disability. The airline can deny a service dog if the handler does not have the completed DOT form, cannot explain the tasks their dog performs, the dog causes a disturbance such as barking or pestering other patrons, or is too large to fit at the handler’s feet. Once on board the aircraft, a service dog should lie quietly at the handler’s feet or may be permitted to sit in the handler’s lap if small enough but should not cause a disruption to anyone on board the flight.
2. Pet Dog Flying in Cabin:
Every airline has slightly different rules for flying with a small dog in the cabin, so you’ll want to check with your specific airline to get the most accurate and up to date information. The American Kennel Club’s website is a great resource condensing information from all of the major airlines. In most cases, only dogs under 20lbs that can comfortably fit in a small soft-sided carrier are allowed and the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you where your carry-on bag normally would go. Some airlines require a health certificate dated within a week of your flight from your vet stating that your dog is up-to-date on all required state vaccinations and is visibly healthy. All airlines charge a fee for pet dogs to fly in-cabin and most are around $100 each way. Dogs are supposed to remain in their carrier unless being taken out at a pet relief station.
3. Flying Cargo:
For most dogs, flying in cargo is the only option due to their size. Just like having your dog fly in the cabin, every airline has different regulations for flying a dog in cargo. Some airlines will only fly dogs in cargo if the flight is less than a certain number of hours, only during certain months of the year, or only when the temperature is between specific degrees. Dogs that are flying in cargo do not go through regular security with you; they are loaded into their crate and taken by airline workers before you go through security. So, for them, definitely limiting food and water as well as giving plenty of time to potty outside before even entering the airport is a must. A health certificate is required by some airlines and all airlines require a fee.
