Don’t Fly with Your Dog Until You’ve Read This

Traveling with dogs can be an adventure—full of wagging tails and occasional barking at strangers. But if you’ve never flown with your pup, you might be wondering how to make the experience as smooth as possible.

From airline policies to stress-reducing tips, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break down everything you need to know about flying with dogs (plus some key product recommendations that are essential to keep your furry friend comfy at 30,000 feet).

Do Dogs Get Stressed While Flying?

While your furry friend may be excited about the new adventure, the journey to get there can be quite a stressful time—heck, it’s even stressful for us and we know what to expect! The unfamiliar environment, loud noises, and pressure changes can make even the calmest dog nervous.

Some dogs may even suffer from motion sickness or anxiety during the flight. Short-nosed breeds, like Bulldogs and Pugs, are particularly sensitive to stress and can have a harder time breathing during flights (this is why they often aren’t even allowed to fly at all).

There are some key signs to look out for to see if your dog is feeling anxious, including:

• Panting
• Whining
• Pacing
• Trembling

Watching out for these signs means you can then act quickly to alleviate their stress. While there are some things you can do in the moment to calm them down, the best way to keep their stress low while traveling is to carefully prepare and plan your pup’s trip so that all that they have to worry about is looking cute and getting treats!

Top 7 Tips to Reduce Your Dog’s Stress While Flying

Flying doesn’t have to be a nightmare for your pup. Here are some simple things you can do to ensure it’s smooth sailing:

1. Get them used to their carrier: In the weeks leading up to your flight, let your dog spend time in their carrier at home, especially if they are quite nervous in a crate without being 30,000 feet in the air. You can also add their favorite blanket or toy to make it cozy.
2. Arrive at the airport early: You want to give your pup time to settle before taking off while giving yourself more than enough time to sort out all the logistics with the airline.
3. Exercise before the flight: A tired dog is a calm dog. Take them for a long walk or play session before heading to the airport to burn off some energy.
4. Avoid feeding right before the flight: Try not to feed your dog right before flying to avoid motion sickness. Offer a light meal a few hours before and make sure they stay hydrated (but don’t give them water just before take-off, otherwise they might have an accident in the air).
5. Plan your potty breaks: To prevent any mishaps during the flight, make sure to take your dog for a potty break right before you take off and as soon as you land. You can also line your carrier with pee pads just in case.
6. Use calming products: Consider using calming sprays or dog pheromone products to soothe your pet during the flight. These products mimic the natural pheromones that help dogs feel safe. But make sure not to sedate your dog, as it’s better for your dog to be alert.
7. Practice beforehand: If your dog’s first car or plane trip is the day of your flight, they may be extra stressed. Practice shorter trips in the carrier to get them familiar with the traveling experience.

But that’s not all! There are some genius products to make your dog feel like they’re flying first class!

10 Essential Products for a Stress-Free Flight for Your Dog

Now for the fun part—packing! These must-have products will help ensure your dog has a stress-free, and maybe even luxurious, flight

1. PAWZIDEA Expandable Airline Approved Carrier

Ready to make flying with your pup a breeze? The PAWZIDEA expandable pet carrier offers double the space for pets to relax, ideal for small dogs, and cats, or even rabbits. Available on Amazon.com for $49.99, it features top-load access, side doors, and anti-scratch mesh for visibility and ventilation. Built with a durable steel frame, it folds easily for storage. TSA-approved for travel, it includes a safety leash, self-locking zippers, and a solid bottom to prevent leaks. Conveniently equipped with straps for securing to luggage or car seats, it also features a shoulder pad that doubles as a leash or poop bag dispenser.

2. Mr. Peanut’s Aspen Series Airline Approved Backpack Pet Carrier

Imagine traveling hands-free and keeping your dog snug as a bug? The Mr. Peanut’s Aspen Backpack is a game-changer. This backpack keeps your pup close, comfy, and, most importantly, calm during travel. With fleece lining and a built-in leash tether, your dog can chill without a care in the world, while you cruise through the airport looking like a pro.

Plus, it has pockets for treats, your phone, or waste bags, along with a side water bottle pocket. With mesh on all sides, your dog gets a 360-degree view for comfort and anxiety relief. It’s basically like a mobile doggo Zen zone that fits neatly under your airline seat. Stress-free flying? Check!

3. Petmate ASPEN PET Porter Dog Kennel

If you’re after a sturdy, no-frills dog crate, the Petmate Pet Porter Dog Kennel is a solid choice. It’s lightweight yet tough, giving your dog a safe space for travel. Setup is a breeze with no tools required, and you can load your pet through the front or top gate.

While it’s designed for smaller dogs (up to 15 pounds), there’s enough room to add a cushion or toy. This crate is ideal for cargo travel, but keep in mind that balancing it might be tricky due to the small carry handle.

4. A Travel Pillow Dog Mat Bed

A Travel pillow dog mat bed is a portable slice of home, giving your pup a familiar spot to snooze no matter where your travels take you. Pop it out during the flight, and voilà! Your dog will feel like they’re napping in their own bed, which means less stress and more dreamy tail wags.

Make sure to introduce the mat to your dog at home first so they’ll feel familiar with it when you’re traveling. This mat may not offer tons of padding, but it’s perfect for a quick, comfortable rest during flights. There are various brands like the Plush Travel Pillow Dog Mat Bed available on Amazon.com which retails for $49.99 and its really cool because you can use it for both small and extra-large dogs.

5. ThunderShirt Classic Anxiety & Calming Vest for Dogs

For dogs that get anxious during travel, the ThunderShirt is a lifesaver! It’s like a cozy hug for your dog that melts away all their flight anxiety. This calming vest uses gentle, constant pressure to soothe nervous pups, similar to the effect of a weighted blanket. The sporty design makes it breathable and stylish, and the easy-to-use fit avoids going over your dog’s head, which many pups love.

Want extra calm? Add a spritz of lavender on the shirt’s special patch for extra relaxation. Whether you’re flying or driving, this vest can be a great way to keep your dog calm without the need for medication.

6. Kalimdor Dog Water Bottle

Keeping your dog hydrated mid-flight? Piece of cake with the Kalimdor Portable Dog Water Bottle! This leak-proof bottle is perfect for easy, mess-free drinks during travel, letting you offer your dog a drink at the push of a button, with no spills or mess.

Bonus: you can save any water they don’t drink for later, so there’s no waste. Compact and easy to carry, the bottle includes a sling rope and carabiner, making it ideal for clipping onto your bag, making it easy for your dog to stay hydrated on the go.

7. GAMMA2 Portable Food Storage Container

Forget fumbling around with bags of dog food mid-flight—this Portable Food Storage Container is here to make mealtime stress-free. This all-in-one Portable Pet Food Storage Container holds up to six cups of kibble and transforms into a complete feeding system.

Just pop off the top and bottom, and there you have it—instant food and water bowls. Plus, its design keeps food fresh, so your dog’s meals are ready wherever you go, even at 30,000 feet! 

8. Wagwell Calming Chews

Got a nervous flyer on your hands? Wagwell Calming Chews to the rescue! These all-natural treats are vet-formulated with calming ingredients like hemp and melatonin, perfect for easing your pet’s anxiety without knocking them out so they can snooze through the flight instead of stressing out.

Just be sure to follow the dosage instructions, and you’ll have a more relaxed (and happy!) travel buddy.

9. Adaptil Calming Pheromone Collar for Dogs

Ease your dog’s travel anxiety with the Adaptil Calming Pheromone Collar! This clever collar mimics the natural calming pheromones of a mother dog, that mimic those of a mother dog, helping your furry friend feel safe and relaxed in unfamiliar environments—like an airplane cabin.

Once activated by your dog’s body heat, the collar releases the pheromones continuously, making it a great choice for long flights in the cabin or cargo. No fuss, no stress, just a happy, chill dog ready for takeoff.

10. Kong Dog Toy

When in doubt, keep ‘em busy! The Kong Dog Toy is the ultimate boredom buster for flights. Just stuff it with your dog’s favorite treats—peanut butter, kibble, or even some frozen broth—and let them chew away to their heart’s content.

It’s a great way to keep your dog distracted and relaxed while you’re flying high. Plus, it doubles as a stress reliever by giving your dog a soothing activity and mental stimulation to keep them calm and happy. The Kong toy is a travel must-have for any dog that loves to chew and snack!

Which Dogs Are Allowed on Airplanes?

Unfortunately, not all dogs are welcome on every airline, so the first step to flying with your pooch is making sure they are actually allowed through the plane doors.

Some airlines have restrictions on certain breeds, particularly brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs like Pugs and Bulldogs. This isn’t because airlines have a vendetta against dogs with smushed faces. It’s actually a safety issue where short-nosed dogs are more prone to respiratory issues, which can be dangerous during a flight. So before booking, take a second to check your airline’s specific breed restrictions.

What about service dogs and emotional support animals? Well, they have some different rules:

• Service dogs, like guide dogs or seizure-alert dogs, are allowed in the cabin at no extra fee thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Emotional support animals no longer have the same privileges after airlines cracked down on untrained pets flying in the cabin, so ensure your dog is either small enough for the cabin or properly prepared for cargo travel.

What Are the Airline Requirements for Dogs?

Airlines have strict rules, and the requirements can vary depending on your destination. Here are the essentials:

• Health certificates: Airlines typically require a health certificate from your vet, issued within 10 days of your flight to prove your dog is fit to fly.
• Vaccinations: Your dog’s vaccinations must be up to date, especially rabies shots if you’re flying internationally. Some countries have very strict rules about dog vaccinations.
• Carrier requirements: All pets have to travel in an airline-approved carrier. The size varies, but the dog must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside. Soft-sided carriers are popular for in-cabin dogs.
• Microchip and documentation: If you’re flying internationally, your dog will often need a microchip and extra documentation. The CDC has restrictions on importing dogs from high-risk rabies countries, so double-check the rules if you’re heading abroad.
• Age restrictions: If you’re taking a puppy on board, they must usually be at least 8-15 weeks old, depending on the airline.

What makes it even trickier is that each airline has slightly different requirements, forcing you to research your specific airline. Moreover, most airlines will require vaccination details, so keep a copy of your dog’s vaccination schedule with you. To help you with the basics, here’s a quick breakdown of some of the major airlines and their pet policies:

• Delta: Pets are allowed in the cabin for a fee ($95 for domestic and $200 for international), but only small dogs that fit under the seat. Larger dogs must be stored in the cargo hold.
• American Airlines: Similar to Delta, small dogs can fly in the cabin with a fee of $150. While large dogs are allowed in the cargo, it’s only for active-duty U.S. Military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders.
• United: Unfortunately, it’s small dogs only, as no dogs aren’t allowed in the cargo hold. There’s also a $125 fee, plus more for certain layovers. There is no fee for service animals, but certain forms need to be filled out.
• JetBlue: They’re known for their pet-friendly policies and even offer a “JetPaws” program. While small dogs can fly in the cabin for a price of $125, they don’t allow any large dogs to fly in the cargo hold.
• Southwest: Vaccinated cats and small dogs are allowed in the cabin for $125 with no cargo option for large dogs.

Always check the airline’s pet policies before booking, as fees and regulations can change.

Conclusion

In the end, flying with your dog doesn’t have to be ruff! With a little planning and some extra TLC for your furry travel buddy, you’ll both be soaring through the skies without a hitch. Whether it’s choosing the perfect airline or packing all the essentials, it’s all about making your dog feel safe and comfortable.

So, grab your pup’s favorite treats, double-check those travel documents, and get ready for an adventure! Who knows, your dog might even love the window seat as much as you do! Safe travels!