Flying With a Small Dog In-Cabin
When traveling, it’s nice to bring your small dog along for the adventure. But before flying with a small dog in-cabin, there’s a bit of planning that should be done at least two months prior to your flight. If you plan to fly with a small dog, such as a puppy, follow these tips before boarding the plane.
Airline-Approved Pet Carrier
Two to three months before purchasing flight tickets, you should check each airline’s pet policies. Ensure your dog meets size and weight restrictions to fly, then purchase an airline-approved small dog carrier that you can bring with you on the plane.
A dog should be able to lie down, stand up and rest comfortably inside a small dog carrier. If the pet carrier is too small, you will be turned away during check-in, so double-check beforehand.
In the past, I’ve had excellent results with Sherpa and SleepyPod pet carriers, and both are airline-approved. Just to be safe, contact the airline directly and ask if these brands or the carrier brand of your choice meets the airline’s pet carrier restrictions.
Dog Training Skills
For a safe and stress-free flight, it’s important to teach your dog a few valuable skills. Even small dogs flying inside the cabin should learn a few dog training skills before a flight. It’s not very pleasant traveling with a barking dog on a plane filled with strangers. Check out these tips on teaching a dog to enjoy flying.
Health Certificate
Depending on where you’re traveling, your dog may need a health certificate from a veterinarian. You should get your dog’s health certificate either 30 days or 5 days before a flight, depending on an individual airline’s restrictions. A health certificate verifies your dog is in good health and is up-to-date on vaccinations before traveling. Bring the original health certificate that is signed by your veterinarian to the airport.
Items to Bring
You should always have the following on hand and in easy access when traveling with your dog, especially inside the cabin:
- Veterinary health certificate
- Six-foot leash (no retractable leashes)
- Plastic water bowl
- Bottle of water
- Snacks
- Paper towels
Your dog should wear a collar with up-to-date ID tags, and have an updated microchip. Several canine pheromone brands sell pheromone-scented towelettes, which are lightweight and super easy to transport. Grab a few and tuck into your purse or bag. Pheromones will keep your dog calm during a bumpy flight, so lightly wipe inside your dog’s carrier.
What You Should Not Do
Flying with a small dogs in-cabin is becoming increasingly popular. So much so airlines are complaining about inappropriate pet owner and dog behavior. Here are a few reminders, so please plan ahead.
No Fake Service Dogs: Please don’t register your dog as a service dog unless he or she has been specifically trained. Airplanes are packed with fake service dogs lately, and it’s causing quite a commotion due to passenger complaints. If you fly with your dog (non-service dog), follow polices and procedures for all pets and not service dogs.
Never Walk Your Dog Through the Airport: Keep your dog inside his or her carrier. Walking your leashed dog through an airport is asking for trouble. Airports are packed with people moving really fast, and small dogs can easily become injured by suitcase wheels and shoes. I recently witnessed a small dog bite a child while walking past her in a super busy airport.
Keep Your Dog Inside the Carrier During the Flight: Per airline restrictions require dogs to be inside their carriers at all times. If your dog becomes sick, pick up the pet carrier and bring it inside the bathroom. From there, you can remove your dog to clean up any mess.
Plan ahead, teach your dog valuable skills and safe travels!