Flying with a dog doesn’t start at the airport — it starts with choosing the flight. Your dog’s size, weight and breed, your itinerary and the rules of the specific airline determine where your dog will travel and which requirements you’ll need to meet.
Below: how to make sense of the ways dogs can fly, how to prepare your dog physically and emotionally, and how not to miss any details on flight day. This is general information.
Three ways to fly
Most airlines offer three options: in the cabin, in the hold as checked baggage, or as a separate cargo shipment. Which one is available depends on the carrier’s rules and the destination.
- In the cabin — usually for small dogs that, together with their carrier, stay within the airline’s weight and size limits.
- In the hold — for larger dogs, in a rigid crate, if there’s space on the flight.
- Cargo — for large animals or on routes where travelling as baggage isn’t allowed. The paperwork here is usually more involved.
The number of places for animals on a flight is often limited, so it’s best to arrange your dog’s travel with the airline before buying your ticket or straight after.
Consider the season too: in summer some carriers restrict animals in the hold on flights to hot regions, and in winter on routes with severe frost. A direct flight is almost always better than one with a connection — less time in the crate and less stress.
Breed and health
Many airlines restrict brachycephalic breeds — pugs, French and English bulldogs, boxers and other short-nosed dogs — from travelling in the hold. The reason is that they find it harder to breathe under stress and with changes in temperature.
Shortly before the trip, it’s worth taking your dog to a vet: to assess its general condition and discuss any chronic conditions, feeding and medication on the day of the flight. It’s not just a formality for the certificate but a way to prepare with peace of mind.
Crate training
A dog that finds itself in a closed crate for the first time in a noisy airport is far more distressed than one for whom the crate is a familiar resting place. Train gradually, in small steps.
- Set up the crate at home with the door removed, and put a bed and a toy inside.
- Feed your dog next to the crate, then inside it.
- Teach your dog to stay inside with the door closed — for a minute at first, then longer.
- Add short car rides in the crate.
Praise calm behaviour and never use the crate as a punishment. The goal is for your dog to go in on its own and be able to relax there.
It also helps to get your dog used to the sounds ahead: crowds, announcements, the roar of engines. Short walks near a station or a busy street help it take unfamiliar bustle more calmly.
Documents for your dog
Veterinary requirements are set by the destination country; the airline checks that they’re met and may add conditions of its own. Many destinations require a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and a veterinary certificate issued shortly before the flight. Some countries also require a rabies antibody titre test and treatment against certain parasites within a set period before entry.
Unlike cats, dogs get closer attention on some routes: certain breeds may be restricted, or large dogs may need registration or a permit. Check whether your dog falls into any such category before you start the procedures.
- Is the chip number the same on every document?
- Is the vaccination valid on the date of entry and on the way back?
- Does the destination require worming treatment, and within what time frame?
- Is the breed restricted by the destination country or the airline?
It’s handy to keep the documents in one folder in the order they’re usually checked: passport, vaccination records, test results, certificate. At check-in and at the border this saves time and nerves.
The last 24 hours before the flight
On flight day, a long, active walk does your dog good: a tired animal copes better with a long journey and the airport bustle. Dogs are usually fed a small meal a few hours before the flight to avoid nausea, and water isn’t restricted unless a vet advises it.
What to prepare
- A crate that meets the airline’s requirements, with secure locks.
- “Live Animals” labels and a tag with your contact details.
- A water bowl fixed to the door and absorbent bedding.
- A collar without long dangling parts and a lead for security checks.
- A folder with the veterinary documents in your hand luggage.
At the airport and after landing
Arrive with time to spare: check-in with an animal often takes longer than usual. If your dog is flying in the hold, it will be handed over to airport staff after check-in. For many owners this is a hard moment, but a calm goodbye without lingering hugs helps your dog too.
After landing, first give your dog water and a chance to relieve itself. For the first few days in the new place, stick to the usual feeding and walking routine — it helps your dog recover from the journey faster.
Requirements depend on the destination country, the type of animal and the travel date. Please check transport conditions with your airline or transport company.