Are you about to fly with your pet for the first time, or are you debating whether you even should fly with your dog or cat? Then keep reading, as we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about flying with your dog or cat. Two of our dogs have flown across the Atlantic on 5 separate occasions, always in the cargo area, so all the answers to the questions are based on our own extensive experience when it comes to flying with a dog or cat. If you are ready to fly with your pet, but wish someone could give you a step by step guide, then we have great news for you. We have put together a detailed guide to flying with your dog or cat that you can find right here.
1) Is it safe?
Yes, the amount of injuries or deaths related to pets travelling by air is very small. Of course it’s incredibly sad, and a big deal when it does happen, so it seems more common than it is. We’ve travelled with our pets in the cargo area on 5 different long haul flights, with no issue. We make sure to use an excessive amount of zip ties on our crates, as you can see in the image below, to ensure that their crates are completely escape proof. After all, no one wants their dog to be running around the runway chasing airplanes!
2) Will my pet be comfortable in the cargo area?
Probably. The cargo hold on most larger aircraft is heated/ cooled to ensure a comfortable, and safe temperature for the animals being transported. The hold is also kept in the dark, so once your pet has settled down, and gotten used to the noise they will probably just sleep. To keep your pet comfortable make sure you place a blanket in the bottom of their crate, ideally one they normally use so that they will have a familiar smell with them. If you’re worried about their comfort, just remember that they have a lot more space in their crates, than we do in our cramped economy class seats.
3) Can I take my pet in the cabin with me?
Yes, if your dog or cat is small enough to fit in a soft sided carrier that is no bigger than 55 x 40 x 23 cm (LxWxH) and weighs less than 8kg. The exact specifications can differ slightly between airlines, so it is best to check once you have decided on an airline. Although those are the rules, I have seen more than one person transport a pet that most definitely could not stand up straight inside those dimensions. Just keep in mind that some airlines are very strict, and won’t even let your pet stick their head out of the crate for a look around.
4) What will it cost me?
It depends on a few factors, such as crate size, flight duration and whether your pet is flying cargo, in cabin or excess baggage in hold. If they’re flying in the cabin with you, the fee is usually around USD 125 for a long haul flight, and around USD 75 if you’re flying within the US/ Canada or within Europe.
For flying in the hold on a long haul flight wth Lufthansa, for example Houston to Frankfurt, a medium crate (up to 60x45x40cm) will cost USD 220 and a large crate (up to 125x75x85cm) will cost USD 440. Depending on the airline, they will also allow you to have two dogs in one crate, as long as they are a similar size, and normally live together. Poodle and Mezzo, our Mini Poodle and Finnish Lapphund respectively, have flown together in the same crate on every single flight they’ve taken.
5) Do I need a reservation for my pet?
Absolutely. It is extremely important that you make a reservation for your pet with the airline as soon as possible. Take a look at our How to Fly With a Dog or Cat article for an overview of how this works for different airlines.
6) Should I sedate my pet?
No. Sedation can on rare occasions cause your pet to have difficulties breathing. Every vet recommends against it, and most airlines also prohibit it.
7) Will they be stressed?
Not for the whole flight, and it really depends on your pet. They will probably be a bit stressed when they’re being transported away from you, and are surrounded by lots of people, and strange surroundings. Once they’re on the plane, they will settle down in their crates and sleep, as the pet area is usually kept dark and quiet.
8) How can I reduce my pet’s stress?
The best way to reduce their stress is to make sure they’ve gotten used to their crate. This holds true whether they’re flying in the cabin or the hold, if they’re used to sleeping in their crate, and feel comfortable with it, then their flight will be a lot more comfortable. Before your flight you can also try using a calming pheromone spray like Adaptil, just to help them with the initial stress. You can buy Adaptil online or at a pet store. Lastly, your dog will look to you for guidance, so make sure that you act calm and collected as that will help your dog feel more comfortable with. After all, if their beloved human is completely calm, then why shouldn’t they be?
9) What if they go missing?
If you’re on a non-stop flight the chance of them going missing is almost zero. However, before we board the plane, we always ask the gate agent to confirm that our pets are onboard. If you have a connecting flight, you also need to confirm that they are on the next flight before you board.
10) Can I fly with my French Bulldog, Pug or other snub nosed dog?
Yes, but they can not fly in the hold as the stress, and temperature changes can cause them to have difficulties breathing. Although permitted, I would check with your vet before flying with them in the cabin, just to be on the safe side.
11) Do I need to bring my own crate?
Yes, it is very rare for airlines to have crates available for purchase. Having your own crate, also means you can acclimate your pet to being in the crate before they fly.
12) How big should the crate be?
The crate needs to be large enough for your pet to stand up straight, turn around comfortably, and also lie down. The check in staff may ask you to prove this, so make sure you have some treats on hand. This requirement technically also applies to a crate you would use for transporting your pet in the cabin.
13) Does my pet need a health certificate to fly?
Sometimes. It depends on the country you are flying into, so always do your research ahead of time. If you’re flying internationally, your pet will always need to have a valid rabies vaccine. If you live in the EU, then your EU pet passport is usually sufficient, and you don’t require a separate health certificate. Take a look at our How to Fly With a Dog or Cat post for more information on the customs process.
14) Will my pet receive food or water during the flight?
No. So make sure they’ve eaten, and had access to water before the flight. If you are travelling very long distances with a stop over, you will be required to have some food strapped to the top of the crate, and a food / water bowl attached to the front of the crate. That way ground staff can safely give your pet some food, and water.
15) Should I fly with my pet?
It’s completely your choice, and it probably depends on the size of your pet. However, if you are moving to a new country permanently, then I would absolutely take your dog or cat with you, as being left behind by their owners, even if it is with another good family, would be a big emotional toll for your pet. Take a look at our post on How to Fly with Dogs and Cats where we talk about when you should fly with your pet. For us flying with our pets has allowed us to move around the world, whilst still enjoying the benefits of pet ownership.
To learn important considerations and helpful strategies for travelling abroad with your pet, check out our post on 8 Essential Tips for Travelling Internationally with Dogs and Cats.
