Let’s face it, having to fly internationally with a dog is not fun, it’s a lot of work, and it’s stressful for both human and the furry friend.
But flying with a dog doesn’t have to be painful. While this article focuses specifically on flying internationally with a dog, a lot of the information can be useful for flying domestically with cats and dogs.
Sora flew with us on many occasions, both domestically and internationally (both in the cargo hold and cabin), and we’ve cataloged our helpful hints into a single blog post.
Please keep in mind, since each airline has different rules (like Delta who made changes in March of 2018and Alaska Airlines in May 2018), it’s important to check with specific airlines for up-to-date information. However, the guidelines below should help get you started and cover most of the planning.
Is it Safe to Fly with a Dog?
If you’re considering flying with your dog, you have no doubt heard the horror stories about flying with pets, leaving you to wonder whether it is safe to fly with a dog.
I do think it is safe to bring your pet (both in cabin and as cargo), so long as you do extensive homework and prep work beforehand. Pets fly regularly without issue–think about animal shelters that transport between states or dog show attendees.
Some dog breeds, like pugs and other brachycephalic are not permitted to fly due to their body mechanics that cause respiratory failures.
If your dog is flying in the cargo, ask if the cargo area is air-conditioned. This is essential to your dog’s health.
Keep in mind that airlines enforce temperature restrictions and will not fly with a dog if the forecasted temperature exceeds 85℉ or drops below 45℉. It’s best to find a flight that arrives early in the morning or late at night.
Will Flying be Stressful for My Dog?
Most dogs will likely experience some stress flying. It will be a new high-stimulation environment and if your dog is not used to busy areas or being alone for long periods of time, they will feel more stressed.
Here are a few tips to best prepare your dog for a flight:
Crate train
Take your dog to high-distraction areas long before your flight
Place train
The more reps you get in with training, the more relaxed and prepared your dog will be for the flight.
Do Your Research and Talk to Your Vet
Before booking your flight, check with your vet to ensure that your dog is in good enough health to fly. You will be required to present health documentation multiple times throughout your journey proving that you dog is in good health and is up-to-date on their vaccinations (more about this below).
Before booking your appointment with your veterinarian, check with your local USDA (if you’re in the US, otherwise your local national agriculture government arm) to check that your vet is an accredited veterinarian.
The vet must be endorsed by the USDA or the paperwork is not valid.
Ask whether they have worked with individuals traveling abroad with their pets. It can be quite complicated and working with a knowledgeable veterinarian will make for a smoother process.
Will I Have to Quarantine My Dog?
The most frequently asked question we receive from people about traveling with a dog internationally is whether they will have to quarantine, and for how long. It seems a common misconception that when one travels with a dog that it must face a quarantine period.
Fortunately, only a handful countries require quarantine. Rabies-free nations or islands generally impose the quarantine period.
Popular countries that require may quarantine include:
Australia
Hawaii
Japan
New Zealand
Singapore
Hong Kong
Iceland
Depending on the origin of the country, rabies-free nations may deny entry if you enter from a nation with high incidents of rabies.
Double check which zone your current country resides in before traveling. You may be surprised to learn that your country of origin has a high risk of rabies.
If the origin country is high risk for rabies, the destination may require a titer test from a certified location. Then, you must wait three months after the results come back before permission to travel
Required Documents to Fly Internationally with a Dog
Again, the requirements vary among each country, so check ahead of time. Many, but not all countries require the following:
ISO microchip (which is a different frequency than the chips used in the United States)
Recent rabies vaccination (most countries do not recognize the 3-year vaccine like in the US, we’ve found that most countries require annual shots, a titer test may also be accepted)
Blood titer test in some cases (if coming from a high risk rabies country)
Tick and tapeworm treatments administered a certain number of hours prior to entry (Norway required this, but most countries do not require this)
Health certificates administered by your veterinarian no more than 10 days prior to entry
Government export paperwork from the country of origin (Department of Agriculture or USDA equivalent)
Pet Passport, if available otherwise paper certificates/documentation like rabies shot.
This all sounds like a lot, and initially it is, but once you’ve gone through the process once, you have most of what you need to take your pup to other countries.
The most important thing to remember is to look ahead at where you will be traveling and understand the entry requirements for each individual country.
Finding Specific Pet Import Requirements by Country
Pet Travel is a great place to start to find out requirements, but always supplement the information by going to the destination country’s pet import policies and emailing the right contacts.
Occasionally, we cannot find anyone to email and we assume the information on the destination government website is correct.
If you’re in the US, go to the USDA APHIS – Pet Travel page and select your destination travel country. This has the most information on what you’ll need to get your export papers approved.
For example, if you’re traveling to Germany, you’ll be able to select the country and view the EU Pet Requirements and download the forms.
Some countries will give you a phone and fax number to call and fax your notice of entry to the airport veterinarians who will check your dog’s credentials after the flight. Make this phone call 24 hours before you land.
The majority of the time we have had no contact before our arrival and it really depends on the destination. Norway, for example was particularly specific on their rules of calling in advance.
Booking Your Flight
Call your airline before booking your flight to understand their rules about pets and ensure that your dog will be allowed on that particular leg.
Airlines can only accommodate a few animals per flight, so you want to get your request in early.
Many airlines require a minimum three-hour layover for those traveling with dogs as cargo. Be sure to check your individual airline’s rules about dogs and layovers.
During the layover, the staff sometimes take the animals to a dog area where they are walked, fed, given water, and go to the bathroom in between flights. Confirm this is the case with your airline (I can confirm that Lufthansa offers this service).
Once you’ve booked your flight, call again and make sure they know that you will be bringing a dog. You can never call them too often.
Before booking your flight for your large dog who will be flying in cargo, be sure to ask these 14 questions.
Where do Dogs go to the Bathroom on Planes?
To best prevent an accident during a flight, limit your dog’s water intake prior to the flight (don’t deny them water, but don’t allow them to have a ton a few hours before departure). Make sure that they go potty as close to departure time as possible.
If your pet is flying in cabin, you may not allow them to relieve themselves on the plane. You will have to wait until the layover or arrival. Most airports in the US now have pet relief areas, so just check with staff once you exit the gate to inquire the nearest location.
If your dog is flying in cargo, you may want to line the kennel with puppy pads, in case your dog needs to relieve themselves during the flight. I also recommend placing a travel dog bed beneath the puppy pads for additional cushioning in the kennel.
Which Dog Kennel is Needed to Fly Internationally with a Dog?
Airlines have very specific requirements for kennels for flying with a dog. Generally, the kennel or crate size needs to be larger.
Make sure to follow these guidelines exactly. They can refuse your dog if the kennel does not meet their guidelines. Go to your airlines website and find their pet policy.
It will have the exact rules for flying with your dog. Make sure to go over this a few times before and leading up to your departure. You can and should check with the airline to make sure you have the correct size.
When purchasing the kennel, measure your dog according to the IATA sizes and choose the kennel size that best fits your dog.
The kennel sizes run in 4 categories and are standardized based on size. You can find the size needed by using the Guidance for Dimensions of Container at IATA.
Food and Water
Flying on a full stomach might upset your dog, so it is best not to feed your dog more than four hours prior to the flight.
Continue to give your dog water leading up to takeoff, and make sure to give them a walk outside the terminal before heading through security to make sure they’ve eliminated as much as possible.
Checking on Your Dog before, during, and after the Flight
Don’t be afraid to ask the airline staff at the gate to check on the status of your dog. You can also ask during a layover with any attendant from your airline.
Be sure to let the captain and the flight attendants know that you are traveling with your dog in cargo, so they are aware in case anything goes wrong with equipment like air conditioning or cabin pressure during the flight.
Don’t shy away from asking about your dog or cat because you don’t want to come across as a nervous Nancy.
Landing
Each airline and airport are different. Sometimes, your dog may come out on the conveyor belt, other times, they will be the last to unload and will come out in a special area. Ask the airline staff what to expect.
Resist the urge to let your dog out until you have cleared customs, airport staff will tell you to just put her back in the kennel.
Your dog will likely be scared, overwhelmed, and disoriented. Avoid giving your dog too much attention and just let them take everything in on their terms.
At customs clearance, they will ask for all of your paperwork, stamp it, and then hopefully you’ll be on your way. Once outside of the airport doors, let that pup out to go potty and stretch those legs!
Here’s some of our favorite gear to make flying easier for your dog⟶
Flying a dog in the cabin usually costs between $125 and $200, while the cargo hold is typically over $1000. There are also licensed companies that offer international pet shipping companies — they usually charge between $1000 and $6000.
Flying a dog in the cabin usually costs between $125 and $200, while the cargo hold is typically over $1000. There are also licensed companies that offer international pet shipping companies — they usually charge between $1000 and $6000.
Most countries require pets to arrive with a health certificate (also called an international health certificate, a veterinary health certificate, a veterinary certificate, or an export certificate). You must verify the country requirements each time you plan to travel with your pet.
You can't buy an extra seat for your dog unless you're flying JSX or JetBlue Airways. Generally speaking, traveling with a dog as a "carry-on luggage" item usually incurs a lower fee than if it travels in the belly of the plane as cargo. And by the way, a pet in its carrier counts as your carry-on bag.
So long as your dog is crated, many airlines, such as Alaskan or American Airlines, allow large dogs to be checked baggage. As the pet owner, you will bring your dog to check-in as you would normally with your other bags, and then they will be weighed and moved like the rest of your bags.
Your pet can travel on the plane with you (either in-cabin, as accompanied baggage, or as cargo). Your pet will be charged accordingly. Some airlines no longer offer this option and some countries do not allow pets to enter the country in-cabin. You can book your pet on a separate flight.
Pets are placed in “hold 5”, at the rear of the plane. It is part of the cargo area underneath the cabin, but it is separated and it is heated. It is kept at the same temperature and pressure as the cabin, since the captain is notified of animals on board, and will make sure of this.
Flying is an incredibly stressful experience for all dogs, but it can be especially upsetting for elderly dogs, as well as pups with health or behavioral challenges.
You probably have a plan for your own passport, but your animal companion needs one too. All pets traveling to and from the United States need a passport. Keep in mind, a “pet passport” in the U.S. refers to the extra documents you need to travel to other countries with your pet.
The major US carrier, American Airlines, is dog-friendly and allows accepts dogs of at least eight weeks old to travel in the cabin whose weight combined with the weight of the carrier doesn't exceed 25 pounds. Each passenger can bring one kennel measuring 19″x13″x9″ (or 48cm x 33cm x 22cm).
Adult dogs and cats easily make it through the night without having to relieve themselves, so your pet should also be OK on most very long flights. Regardless, you'll have to line their carrier with something absorbent - a Dry Fur pad works nicely under your pet's own crate pad or thin blanket.
Many airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin as a carry-on, so long as they stay inside a carrier that's small enough to fit under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. Southwest, Alaska, United, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Spirit, and Frontier are some of the airlines that allow pets as carry-ons.
A 40-pound dog is indeed too large to travel in-cabin on most (if not all) airlines and will have to ride as cargo. Besides very small pets, only trained and certified service or support dogs with legitimate documentation can sometimes accompany their owners in-cabin.
By Plane: Fly with your dog. Several airlines do accept large dogs by storing them in the plane's cargo. The hold is temperature-controlled and pressurized, so it is a humane way to transport them. For most airlines, pets weighing 17 pounds or more qualify as large and must travel in the hold.
Be aware of the dangers of flying your pet in a cargo hold
While most animals flown in the cargo area of airplanes are fine, you should be aware that some animals are killed, injured or lost on commercial flights each year. Excessively hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation and rough handling are often to blame.
However, whether or not it's “cruel” ultimately depends on your dog. Like in the case of humans, some dogs simply handle long flights better than others.
You can get a European pet passport for your dog, cat or ferret from any authorised vet (permitted by the relevant authorities to issue pet passports). A pet passport is valid for life as long as your pets rabies vaccination is in date.
Dogs must not be exposed to air temperatures above 85 °F (29.5 °C) or below 45 °F (7.2 °C) for a period of more than 4 hours. Dogs must not be accepted for transport unless the animal holding areas meet these temperature requirements.
Pets may be shipped as cargo if unaccompanied, and many airline cargo departments employ specialists in the movement of animals. Animals must always be shipped in pressurized holds. Some airlines allow the kennel to be carried in the passenger cabin as carry-on luggage if it fits under the seat.
The airlines will require that your pet can stand up and turn around comfortably in the carrier. If you stuff your pet into a carrier, you are not providing for your pet's comfort and stand the risk of being turned away at the gate. You will need to take your pet out of its carrier at the security checkpoint.
How does earache occur in dogs traveling by plane? As with humans, animals can also experience barotrauma when traveling by plane. This injury is caused by an imbalance between the environmental pressure inside the aircraft and the pressure inside the middle ear cavity.
If you have a very energetic pet that could use a bit of help to snooze on the plane, Benadryl could be a good option for them. However, again I would recommend discussing this with your family veterinarian as well to ensure that you are giving the correct dose.
In general, if your pet carrier (with your pet inside) can fit under the seat in front of you, your dog can ride in the cabin on flights that permit it. Typically, this would be a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.
Your pet container must be small enough to fit underneath the seat without blocking any person's path to the main aisle of the airplane. Your pet container must be stowed properly before the last passenger entry door to the airplane is closed in order for the airplane to leave the gate.
You will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to travel and some airlines require an acclimation certificate. Both of these certificates can only be completed and signed by a federally accredited veterinarian.
There are dozens of ferry liners with accommodations for both pets and their owners. Many of these are located in Europe, where you will be aboard ship with your pet for between several hours and several days. These are very large ships which make ports of call in several countries.
For example, there is no requirement for pets to have a health certificate to enter into California. Instead, the owner needs to provide proof of current rabies vaccination only. However, in other states, pets are required to have a valid health certificate in order to cross state lines.
How Long Will the CDC Ban on Dogs Last? The CDC's temporary suspension of imported dogs from high-risk countries started in February of this year. In order to protect public health, the ban will continue until July 31, 2023.
For dogs heavier than 25 pounds, the owner must purchase an additional seat. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger. For a single passenger with more than one pet, an additional seat must be purchased for the second pet, regardless of the pet's weight.
Flying with a large dog in the cabin is currently not allowed by any airline, for obvious reasons. Dogs are only allowed to travel with you as carry-on luggage if they weigh not more than 20lbs. And still, they have to be carried inside an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat.
Dogs and cats flying in cargo must travel in a well-ventilated, rigid (a.k.a. hard-sided) kennel. Soft-sided carriers are not allowed for safety reasons. Most airlines required that the kennel have a solid top and base (i.e. without ventilation openings) and at least three sides with ventilation.
Unfortunately most airlines will not allow you to buy a seat for your dog on a plane. This is because most public airlines require dogs to travel in a carrier stowed away in the seat in front of you. This is why, usually, only very small and light dogs are permitted to fly in cabin.
Generally, airlines charge a pet fee of $100 to $200 each way, but prices will vary depending on where you're traveling and your airline. Check the airline's pet policy before purchasing a ticket to make sure your pet meets the airline's breed and size requirements. If not, the airline won't let them board.
Cleanliness. One of the top reasons for concern is the cleanliness of aeroplanes. They aren't the cleanest of places and can, therefore, carry many germs and illnesses, such as Parvo, that can be picked up by pets and can sometimes be deadly and easily transmitted to others.
Larger pets must be sent as checked luggage (accompanied) or as air cargo (larger pets or unaccompanied). On airlines that offer this service, this section of the cargo hold is fully pressurized and heated. The cost can run from $50.00 to $500.00 so check with your airline's reservation or cargo department.
Bigger dogs: Bend at the knees! Place one arm around the front of their chest (under the neck) and one arm around their back legs underneath the rump.Lift up with your legs.
Your pet will be in his crate for the entirety of the flight in a temperature-controlled portion of the cargo hold. While some pets simply sleep or rest until the plane lands, others panic or suffer from motion sickness.
3 Answers. Many things including bottles containing liquids break when the temperature drops below zero, so the cargo hold is always maintained above freezing; 7°C is typical (source). This applies to both pure cargo aircraft and mixed passenger/cargo airplanes.
Flying pets in cargo domestically on a pet-friendly airline, owners can expect to spend an average of $300 for a smaller pooch. Bigger breeds will cost up to $1,000. On top of the cargo fee, owners must also ensure they purchase an airline-approved cargo carrier, which can be an additional $100+.
The simple answer is airlines charge cargo rates for pets and other animals. There are no discounts. Period. No matter how much we pet lovers want to believe our pets are people, the travel and transportation industry classifies them as cargo.
Generally speaking most airlines expect dogs to travel in the cargo hold of the plane. Note that this does not mean that your pet will spend the flight resting against someone's luggage. Instead, animals are confined to a special area of the plane, which is pressurized and heated, for maximum comfort.
Adult dogs and cats easily make it through the night without having to relieve themselves, so your pet should also be OK on most very long flights. Regardless, you'll have to line their carrier with something absorbent - a Dry Fur pad works nicely under your pet's own crate pad or thin blanket.
Be aware of the dangers of flying your pet in a cargo hold
While most animals flown in the cargo area of airplanes are fine, you should be aware that some animals are killed, injured or lost on commercial flights each year. Excessively hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation and rough handling are often to blame.
Many airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin as a carry-on, so long as they stay inside a carrier that's small enough to fit under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. Southwest, Alaska, United, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Spirit, and Frontier are some of the airlines that allow pets as carry-ons.
Sedation carries various risks and is not recommended for pets during air travel. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), sedating cats or dogs during air travel may increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems.
A common standard is 10 days. Some states have specific health requirements as well. Check with both the destination state and your departure state to ensure you have the necessary documents ahead of time.
Yes, you'll have to buy your pet a ticket. It won't necessarily be the same ticket plus boarding pass that you'll use, but there are various fees based on where and how your pet will ride on the aircraft. As you can see, there are several steps you'll want to be aware of when it comes to flying with your pets.
The main benefit of air travel is that it's much faster for your pet to get to their destination. The cons of flying could include the cost of bringing your pet on a plane, the stressful experience of the flight, the possible separation of your pet, and the extreme conditions your pet may endure in cargo.
Flying in a plane is an unnatural experience for most dogs. The air pressure alone can affect a dogs' balance and cause anxiety or uneasiness. While your dog has flown peacefully before, he may be having a reaction now based on a variety of reasons, different smells, sounds, etc.
Introduction: My name is Msgr. Refugio Daniel, I am a fine, precious, encouraging, calm, glamorous, vivacious, friendly person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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