Dog Airline Travel Tips

These are general guidelines, so once again, please check with your specific airline to get the most accurate up to date info.

• Check with the specific airline you're traveling with to make sure you have an authorized carrier for your dog.
  

• Plan your trip as soon as possible because airlines have limited space reserved for pets.

• Supervise your dog at all times; never leave him unattended
  
  
• Sedation is not recommended for air travel and can actually be dangerous to your pet. If you do need to tranquilize your dog for any reason, do so with specific instructions from your vet. Understand the correct timing and dosage.
  
  
• Dogs are very sensitive to temperature so many airlines will not permit your dog to travel in extremely hot weather. This is also the case in extreme cold weather, so take the weather into consideration when planning a trip.
  
  
• Try to stay with one airline if you must have a connecting flight.

• Make sure you understand the difference between domestic and international airline requirements. For international travel, pets need passport-like paperwork that will depend on the country you're visiting. Leave yourself plenty of time to ensure you have the proper documentation.
  
  
• If your dog is prone to motion sickness or gets unusually anxious check with your Vet for remedies.
  
  
• Make sure you take the documents and supplies your dog will need. You can find a list of items here.
  

NOTE: Your dog should probably not travel by air if he is:

• Very old
• Not in good health
• Nervous / anxious
• Pug-nose - breeds with breathing issues (Shih Tzus, Boxers, Pugs, etc)

When in doubt, have your pet checked by a vet before the trip.