Can Dogs Travel on Airlines? A Comprehensive Guide

Are you wondering, “Can Dogs Travel On Airlines?” Absolutely! Many airlines welcome canine companions, but careful preparation is key for a smooth journey for both you and your furry friend. At TRAVELS.EDU.VN, we’re dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date information and services to ensure your pet travel experience is stress-free. Let us guide you through the intricacies of airline pet policies, health requirements, and essential packing tips to make your next trip together a resounding success.

1. Is Flying Safe for My Dog?

The decision of whether your dog should fly is crucial. Air travel can be stressful for both humans and dogs. According to Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer of the American Kennel Club, the unusual sounds, sights, and smells of airports, along with new destinations, can be challenging for pets.

Changes in diet and water during travel can also affect a dog’s gastrointestinal health. Furthermore, the disruption of travel and changes in time zones may lead to dehydration or interruptions in medication schedules, such as insulin for diabetic dogs, potentially causing serious consequences. Therefore, it is essential to consult your veterinarian to determine if flying is safe and appropriate for your dog.

Papillon sitting indoors with a traveling crate in the background

2. How Should I Prepare to Fly with My Dog?

Proper preparation is key when flying with your dog. First, verify that your dog can travel with you to your destination and check for any quarantine, vaccine, or other restrictions on dogs entering that area. The AKC provides a list of state-by-state travel requirements, but international travel may have additional rules, especially for U.S. residents returning to the U.S.

Many airlines permit small dogs to fly in the cabin in a carrier under the seat in front of you. Large dogs, however, usually need to fly in cargo. Whenever possible, book direct flights. For summer travel, choose early morning or evening flights to avoid the hottest times of the day, while in winter, opt for midday flights to avoid the cold. Be aware that dogs are often not allowed to fly in cargo during extreme temperatures.

CDC Guidelines for Dogs Entering the U.S.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) implemented new guidelines in August 2024 for dogs entering the U.S. These guidelines require that anyone traveling with a dog into the U.S. for the first time, or returning from another country, must submit a CDC-approved Dog Import Form online in advance. Additionally, all dogs must be immunized against rabies, be at least six months old, and have an International Standards Organization (ISO) standard microchip.

Dogs coming from a “high-risk country” must also have a U.S. rabies vaccine certificate, a certification of foreign-issued rabies vaccination, or a certification of foreign rabies vaccination, along with a microchip form. In some cases, dogs may need to be quarantined upon arrival in the U.S.

3. What Health Checklist Should I Follow Before Flying My Dog?

Before flying with your dog, ensure they are healthy enough to travel by considering these health factors:

Schedule a Veterinary Appointment: Even if a health certificate isn’t required for domestic flights, it’s wise to have your dog examined by a veterinarian. The vet can confirm your dog is healthy enough to travel, up-to-date on vaccinations, and provide an updated rabies certificate. According to a study by the American Veterinary Medical Association in March 2024, 95% of veterinarians recommend a pre-travel check-up for pets.
Prepare Medications: Pack enough of any prescription medications your dog needs for the entire trip, as well as preventative flea and tick medications.
Prescription Diets: Bring enough specialized or prescription food for the trip, as you may not find it while traveling.

4. What Items Should I Pack When Flying with My Dog?

When preparing to fly with your dog, it’s crucial to pack all the necessary items for the flight and your trip. Here’s a checklist to help you:

Item	Description
Proof of Vaccinations	Include a health certificate signed by your vet, if required, and entry requirements for your destination.
Airline-Approved Carrier	Ensure the carrier meets the size requirements of your airline, is waterproof, and provides ample room for your dog.
Portable Water Bowl	Essential for keeping your dog hydrated.
Portable Food Bowl & Food	Bring a small amount of food in case of flight delays.
Treats	To reward and comfort your dog during the journey.
Poop Bags	For easy cleanup.
Pet Wipes	Ideal for quick cleanups if your dog gets sick.
Chew Toy	Helpful during takeoff and landing to alleviate pressure changes.

5. How Can I Acclimate My Dog to Flying?

Familiarizing your dog with their crate before flying significantly improves their travel experience. Before your trip, prepare your dog for flying by exposing them to their crate early so they are comfortable inside for long periods. Let your dog explore their crate at home where they feel secure, and associate going into the crate with praise and treats.

Bringing your dog to noisy and crowded dog-friendly places, such as bus stations and dog-friendly stores, can also help. This will prepare your dog for the sights and sounds of the airport. Airlines require dogs to be well-behaved during flights, meaning they should not bark excessively, growl, or act aggressively. To prepare for a flight, consider training your dog and earning their Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title. Skills learned during CGC training, such as walking through a crowd and behaving politely around other dogs, will help prepare your dog for being in an airport. Dog trainers may also set up rows of chairs to simulate an airplane, teaching dogs how to sit under a seat in a carrier.

6. What Happens with Dogs at the Airport?

If your dog is flying via cargo, you will check them in with the airline upon arrival at the airport. Airline staff will then be responsible for getting your dog’s crate onto the plane and off at your destination. If your dog is traveling with you in the cabin in a carrier, you will proceed through TSA screening. Your dog will need to come out of their carrier to go through security. They will then walk through the full-body scanner, and TSA personnel will screen the carrier, along with your dog’s collar, harness, and leash.

Most airports have pet relief areas after security, so make sure to allow your dog time to relieve themselves. While waiting to board your flight, you may be able to let your dog out of their carrier to stretch their legs.

Sealyham Terrier laying down in a travel crate

7. How Should I Manage My Dog During the Flight?

Once you and your dog are on the flight, your dog must stay in their carrier. Dogs are not allowed to sit on their owner’s lap. Providing your dog with a chew toy can comfort them during turbulent or noisy parts of the flight. Chewing helps to relax your dog naturally and can also help them adjust to pressure changes during takeoff and landing.

8. What are the Airline-Specific Rules for Flying with Dogs?

Here’s a comprehensive guide to airline policies for flying with dogs on major U.S. airlines. Always confirm with the airline before purchasing tickets to ensure space for your dog and to verify the specific guidelines for your flight.

Alaska Airlines

Health and Vaccine Requirements: Health certificates or proof of vaccination aren’t required for dogs traveling in the cabin, but dogs must be in good health. Dogs appearing sick or distressed may be denied access to the flight. Dogs flying cargo must have a health certificate dated within 10 days of the flight and within 30 days of the return flight.
Dogs Allowed in the Cabin? Yes. Small dogs can fly in an approved carrier in the cabin. The dog counts as the passenger’s carry-on allotment for under-the-seat baggage. Two dogs of similar size may travel in the same carrier if they are comfortable.
Restrictions on Dogs in the Cabin? First-class cabins can accommodate three pet carriers per flight, and the main cabin can accommodate eight. On international flights or flights to Hawaii, dogs are only permitted in the cabin. You can fly with two pet carriers in the main cabin if you purchase a second ticket for an adjacent seat.
Dogs Allowed in Cargo? Yes. Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old and weaned to fly cargo.
Restrictions on Dogs in Cargo? Dogs and crates cannot weigh more than 150 pounds combined. Dogs flying cargo must be on the same flight as the ticket holder and must be comfortable in their crates.
Fee to Travel with Your Dog? $100 per pet for flying in the cabin or cargo.

American Airlines

Health and Vaccine Requirements: Dogs traveling via cargo need original health certificates completed by a licensed veterinarian within 20 days of the flight. Health certificates aren’t required for dogs flying in the cabin.
Dogs Allowed in the Cabin? Yes. Dogs can fly in an approved carrier under the seat on flights up to 11 hours and 30 minutes long.
Restrictions on Dogs in the Cabin? Depending on the plane, a maximum of five to seven pets are allowed in the cabin per flight.
Dogs Allowed in Cargo? Dogs are only permitted to fly in cargo with active-duty U.S. Military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Up to two pets can be checked to fly cargo.
Fee to Travel with Your Dog? $150 per carrier for dogs flying in the cabin. Fees for dogs flying cargo vary based on destination.

Delta

Health and Vaccine Requirements: Health certificates aren’t required for dogs flying in the cabin. Dogs flying cargo need health certificates signed by a veterinarian within 10 days of the trip.
Dogs Allowed in the Cabin? Yes. Dogs must fit into a carrier that fits under the seat. The carrier must have ventilation openings on three sides for domestic flights and four sides for international travel.
Restrictions on Dogs in the Cabin? Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old for domestic flights, 16 weeks old when traveling to the United States, and at least 15 weeks when traveling to Europe for international flights.
Dogs Allowed in Cargo? Yes. The carrier must allow the dog to sit, stand, lay down, and turn around without touching the top or sides of the crate and comply with International Air Transport Association regulations.
Fee to Travel with Your Dog? $95 each way for domestic flights and $200 for international flights.

Frontier

Health and Vaccine Requirements: No health certificate requirements, but specific destinations may require them.
Dogs Allowed in the Cabin? Yes, dogs at least 8 weeks old are allowed on domestic flights and flights to and from the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
Restrictions on Dogs in the Cabin? Dogs must be able to stand, turn around, and lay down in a natural position in a soft-sided pet carrier that fits under the seat.
Dogs Allowed in Cargo? No.
Fee to Travel with Your Dog? $99 each way.

Hawaiian Airlines

Health and Vaccine Requirements: Health certificates from your dog’s veterinarian are required for flights between Hawaii and the U.S. Mainland, dated no more than 14 days prior to arrival. Contact the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for quarantine and vaccine requirements.
Dogs Allowed in the Cabin? Yes, on certain flights.
Restrictions on Dogs in the Cabin? Dogs are permitted on interisland flights within Hawaii and flights between the mainland U.S. and Hawaii. The pet and carrier’s combined weight cannot exceed 25 pounds.
Dogs Allowed in Cargo? Yes, but the weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 70 pounds.
Restrictions on Dogs in Cargo? Dogs cannot fly in cargo on most flights between April 15 and October 15, or when temperatures are below 20°F or above 85°F at the origin, destination, or connection airport. Dogs aren’t permitted to fly cargo on international flights.
Fee to Travel with Your Dog? $35 for flights within Hawaii and $125 for flights between Hawaii and the mainland United States.

JetBlue

Health and Vaccine Requirements: Dogs must have any needed vaccines and documentation required by your destination, along with ID tags and licenses.
Dogs Allowed in the Cabin? Yes, dogs under 20 pounds can fly in carriers in the cabin.
Restrictions on Dogs in the Cabin? The combined weight of the dog and carrier must be no more than 20 pounds.
Dogs Allowed in Cargo? No.
Fee to Travel with Your Dog? $125 for each flight.

Southwest Airlines

Health and Vaccine Requirements: Passengers must comply with any vaccination or health certificate requirements of their flight destination.
Dogs Allowed in the Cabin? Dogs are allowed in the cabin for domestic flights, but not for international flights.
Restrictions on Dogs in the Cabin? In-cabin pets are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis until the capacity of six pets per flight is reached. Dogs displaying disruptive behavior may be denied boarding.
Dogs Allowed in Cargo? No.
Fee to Travel with Your Dog? $125 per pet carrier for U.S. mainland flights and $35 per pet carrier between Hawaiian Islands.

Spirit

Health and Vaccine Requirements: Health certificates aren’t required, except for flights to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Proof of rabies vaccination is required for dogs traveling to Puerto Rico.
Dogs Allowed in the Cabin? Dogs that are at least 8 weeks old and weaned are permitted on domestic flights. Pet dogs aren’t allowed on international flights.
Restrictions on Dogs in the Cabin? A passenger can only bring one pet carrier, but each carrier can have up to two dogs inside, as long as they fit appropriately. The combined weight of the dog(s) and carrier cannot be more than 40 pounds.
Dogs Allowed in Cargo? No.
Fee to Travel with Your Dog? $125 per flight.

United

Health and Vaccine Requirements: United encourages dog owners to get a health certificate, but they’re not required for flights within the United States. Proof of rabies vaccinations and health certificates are required for dogs flying internationally.
Dogs Allowed in the Cabin? Yes, dogs at least 2 months old are permitted on domestic flights. For international flights, dogs must be at least 4 months old.
Restrictions on Dogs in the Cabin? Restrictions on the number of pets allowed in the cabin depend on the aircraft. Some planes allow up to two pets, while others allow up to six.
Dogs Allowed in Cargo? No.
Fee to Travel with Your Dog? $125 for each flight. An additional $125 fee applies for each layover of more than four hours for domestic flights and more than 24 hours for international flights.

Shetland Sheepdog service dog laying next to its owner at the airport

9. What are Common Concerns about Dogs Traveling on Airlines?

Stress for Dogs: Air travel can be stressful for dogs due to unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells.
Health Risks: Changes in diet and water, dehydration, and interrupted medication schedules can pose health risks.
Airline Restrictions: Each airline has specific rules about breed, size, and carrier requirements.
Temperature Concerns: Extreme temperatures can prevent dogs from flying in cargo.
Documentation: Health certificates and vaccination records must be up-to-date and accessible.
Behavioral Issues: Dogs must be well-behaved to avoid disruptions on the flight.

10. Can TRAVELS.EDU.VN Help Me Plan a Trip with My Dog?

Planning a trip with your dog can be overwhelming, but TRAVELS.EDU.VN is here to help. We understand the challenges and concerns that come with traveling with pets, and we are dedicated to providing you with the support you need for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Benefits of Booking with TRAVELS.EDU.VN:

Expert Guidance: Our knowledgeable travel experts can guide you through the complexities of airline pet policies, health requirements, and destination-specific regulations.
Personalized Planning: We create customized travel plans that cater to your dog’s specific needs, ensuring their comfort and safety.
Stress-Free Travel: We handle all the details, from booking flights and accommodations to arranging ground transportation, so you can focus on enjoying your trip with your furry friend.
Up-to-Date Information: We stay current on the latest pet travel guidelines and restrictions, providing you with accurate and reliable information.
Dedicated Support: Our team is available to answer any questions or concerns you may have before, during, and after your trip, ensuring you always have peace of mind.

We are committed to making your pet travel experience as seamless and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re planning a cross-country adventure or a relaxing getaway, TRAVELS.EDU.VN is your trusted partner for pet-friendly travel.

Don’t let the complexities of pet travel keep you from exploring the world with your beloved dog. Contact us today to start planning your next adventure. Let TRAVELS.EDU.VN take the stress out of pet travel and help you create unforgettable memories with your furry companion.

FAQ: Flying with Dogs

1. What size dog can fly in the cabin?
Small dogs that fit comfortably in an airline-approved carrier under the seat in front of you are typically allowed in the cabin. Weight limits vary by airline, usually around 20 pounds including the carrier.

2. What documents do I need to fly with my dog?
Depending on the airline and destination, you may need a health certificate from a veterinarian, proof of rabies vaccination, and an import permit. Check the specific requirements of the airline and your destination well in advance.

3. How much does it cost to fly with a dog?
Fees vary by airline and range from $95 to $200 each way for domestic flights and can be higher for international flights.

4. Can my dog sit on my lap during the flight?
No, dogs are typically required to stay in their carrier under the seat for the duration of the flight.

5. How do I book a flight for my dog?
Contact the airline directly to book a flight for your dog, as online booking is often not available. Ensure there is space for your pet on the flight, as most airlines have limits.

6. Do I need a special carrier for my dog to fly?
Yes, your dog needs to travel in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The carrier should be well-ventilated and allow your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

7. How can I calm my dog during a flight?
Familiarize your dog with the carrier, provide a favorite toy or blanket, and consider using calming aids recommended by your veterinarian.

8. Are there any dog breeds that are not allowed to fly?
Some airlines have restrictions on brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs, due to potential breathing problems during flight. Check with the airline for specific breed restrictions.

9. What if my dog needs to relieve themselves during the flight?
Most airports have pet relief areas before and after security. During the flight, dogs must stay in their carriers and cannot be taken to the lavatory.

10. Can service dogs fly for free?
Trained service dogs are generally allowed to fly in the cabin with their handlers at no charge. Documentation may be required.

Ready to plan your next adventure with your furry friend? Contact TRAVELS.EDU.VN today!

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