Is your dog flight-ready? If you’re wondering, check this first.
Taking a trip with your dog can be an exciting and rewarding experience for both of you. However, some trips are much easier to make when traveling by plane rather than car or any other mode. Taking animals with you on a plane can prove a tricky task, though. Can you take a dog on a plane?
Know Your Airline’s Pet Policies
Different airlines have different pet policies. The criteria for bringing a pet with you into the cabin as a carry-on include the following points. Keep in mind that these criteria apply to the continental U.S.
- Number of pets: An airline might allow zero pets in business class but several pets in economy class.
- Pet weight: Dogs can weigh between a few pounds and over a hundred pounds. Some airlines have no pet weight limit, but other conditions, such as the maximum dog carrier size, determine how big your dog can be to fly. It is generally easier to fly with a small dog than with a large dog.
- Carrier size: You can find the maximum dog carrier size on the airline’s website or in an article detailing the requirements for your given airline. Your pet must be able to stand and move around comfortably within it. Be sure to get an airline-approved dog carrier for your trip.
- Dog breed: Unfortunately, some dog breeds are banned on different airlines. These breeds can include the pitbull, Boston terrier, American bully, Japanese chin, and Tibetan spaniel.
- Dog age: Your pet must be a minimum age to travel. The exception is if a mother dog is traveling with a nursing puppy.
- Pet health: You might need to submit a pet health certificate to the airline before traveling.
- Destination: In some cases, the dog might need to travel in cargo when flying to specific countries or not at all. You may run into restrictions when flying with your pet to Hawaii as well.
It is best to search for an airline that meets all your requirements as specifically as possible. If you need to confirm your pet can travel with a specific airline, you can call its customer support for up-to-date, accurate information. Remember to use an airline-approved carrier and to prepare your pet well!
Prepare Your Pet
Do not fly with your pet if it deals with problematic health issues or behavioral problems. Your pet will be the best airplane passenger if it is well-behaved and calm. Take your pet to the vet at least ten days before the flight to get an approval of health for flying.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!