If you’re planning to travel and have a furry friend, it’s important to consider what to do with your dog when you’re away.
Fortunately, traveling with your dog can be relatively affordable and comfortable for your pet. Dogs that have undergone crate training at a young age will likely have no problem boarding a plane for a short flight.
Most airlines only accept one pet per person on domestic flights but there are exceptions to this rule. The size of your dog determines the flight cost and all pet travel bookings need to be reserved in advance. This guide will take you through a look at everything that you need to know to fly with your pet.
Flight Fees for Dogs
You may want to check out this article: It has a list of the most pet friendly airlines.
The fee charged comes separate from your ticket. Prices for flying with a pet range between $100 and $200 each way. Almost all airlines allow you to bring your dog into the cabin with you in an airline approved soft pet carrier that has to meet certain size limitations. The distance of the flight determines the cost of the trip.
Your dog will be kept under your seat or in front of you at your feet. Only small dogs under 20 pounds are transported in this manner due to size constraints.
Larger dogs will be kept in their crate and stored in the cargo hold. Not all airlines allow large dogs to be transported but most do.
The Humane Society actually recommends flying pets in cargo rather than the cabin for safety reasons. But personally, I don’t think I could leave my dog in the cargo hold.
Flight Limitations and Considerations
The number of pet carriers allowed in the cabin and cargo hold is limited for each flight. This is why early reservation of your seat and place for your dog is essential.
The longest flights that dogs are allowed on span 12 hours. This is a massive amount of time for a large dog to be left alone in storage.
Always consider your dog’s training and temperament before taking them along on an extended flight.
International Travel
Many airlines don’t allow any dogs in the cabin during international flights. So be sure to do research before booking an international flight.
Service dogs are of course exempt from this rule but small dogs and other animals will have to travel in the cargo hold for the duration of the flight on international flights.
Service Dogs
Most airlines will ask that you fill out the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form and turn it in to the Special Assistance Desk at least 48 hours before the flight leaves.
Support Dogs
Support dog owners need to carry an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. They will also need to fill out several forms and this info needs to be turned in 48 hours before take off. Support dogs will be allowed to sit on their owners’ lap or on the floor at their feet.
Dogs and Carry-on Luggage
Certain airlines allow small dogs which are capable of being carried in carry-on luggage on their flights with no additional surcharge.
A proper transport container is needed with the only exceptions being service dogs such as guide dogs and hearing dogs.
The Importance of Crate Training
Dogs that have undergone proper crate training should have no problem traveling.
Long flights and untrained pets result in extreme anxiety, which can damage the bond between owner and dog.
Even a short domestic flight can be distressing to a dog used to being at its owner’s side and nowhere else.
Get a Check-Up at the Vet
Every country and every airline will have its own regulations governing the transport of animals. If you plan to travel with any pet, you had better take them for all required vaccinations, and any possible precautionary medication advised as a part of entering any particular country.
A dog leaving the environment that it was raised in, can experience problems acclimatizing and fending off local viruses and bacteria.
A checkup in preparation for travel will award you with the documentation that you need to make your booking.
If you have a particularly anxious dog, consider asking your vet for a tranquilizer or sleeping medication so that they have a peaceful journey all the way. CBD oil can help keep them calm too.
Travel Checklist
Here’s a sample checklist that should help make sure that your dog can fly with on your journey:
- You have made certain that your pet and its carrier conform to entry and exit regulations for all countries concerned.
- Your pet has been for all necessary veterinary examinations and treatments (this includes services such as microchipping and vaccinations).
- You have consulted your vet concerning any potential medications needed for traveling
- You have your official veterinary documents on hand.
- You have confirmed that your pet is allowed on all airlines involved in your journey.
- You have booked and registered your pet for transport via the airline directly or your travel agency.
- You have obtained a transport container that meets the minimum requirements.
- Your transport container is lined with an absorbent material.
- Your pet is comfortable and eased with suitable toys, blankets, or other transport items.
- You have a harness, lead or collar ready in your carry-on luggage for when you arrive.
The Cost of Flying with a Dog
Most animals need to be checked in at least two hours before a flight.
As mentioned, the limit for most airlines is one dog per passenger, but some allow two if they are small enough. Always check with your airline and all connecting routes to see what rules and legislation govern the transport of pets.
Some owners take the extra time to plan their flights according to airports that provide a pet relief area. If you’re worried about leaving your dog in a carrier for a long flight, keep this option in mind or they’ll be locked up for the whole trip. The surcharge for your dog depends largely upon which country you’re flying from.
You can, however, expect a general price range falling between $70 to $200. It’ll rarely be less or more. Just remember, you need to factor in your vet’s bill as well.
If you have any tips for flying with your dog, leave a comment and let us know. And everyone reading this, be sure to check out the comments below to see what others’ experiences and tips are.
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How to Travel with Your Chihuahua
Cathy Bendzunas
Pet Blogger
Sunday 16th of July 2023
I have traveled with my two pups (Chihuahua and Russian toy terrier) extensively and all internationally. Most airlines do allow one pet in cabin (size and weight restrictions apply) and one pet in cargo per person. Because the space in cabin and in cargo is so limited, that is the most tedious part of the whole process; trying to find a flight which has space for all three of you, so when you do find a flight that fits your schedule and has space for your fur babies, book it right away because they go really fast. Even if it's not ideal for you, just book it so you at least have the reserved space and can cancel it should you find something more fitting. The prices for international flights vary, for both in cabin and cargo hold, but be ready to pay from about $120 - $400 per pet (last time we flew, I paid $120 for in cabin and $360 for the one in cargo hold). Always check way in advance of your trip, the requirements for entry of pets in the country you are traveling to, especially if the country requires titer tests (not all countries require them). All countries require microchips and rabies vaccines (the latter needing to be at least a month old prior to travel). Note that there are usually some different and/or additional requirements for puppies. The last time we flew from Warsaw to Miami (on LOT airlines), the flight attendants let me keep Yoda in the seat next me and he just chilled right next to me, the whole flight (except during take-off and landing, when he was in the soft carrier by my feet). Chewie was in the cargo hold. It's really not that hard to travel with your fur babies, as long as they are fine with it (like my two babies are)). I also recommend that you put an old t-shirt or something that smells like you in the carrier with them, so they can have that comforting and familiar smell that they love so much next to them.
Monday 17th of July 2023
Thank you Cathy! I do have international experience, but not US domestic, so I definitely learned something from your article too. ))
Cathy Bendzunas
Sunday 16th of July 2023
Great advice from someone with personal experience! You should have written this article.
Angela Himmeröder
Sunday 10th of November 2019
I fly to Amsterdam 3x a year with my husband and 2 chihuahuas in cabin. One is my ESA dog but Don’t expect all airlines flying out of Canada to allow an ESA dog for free or having it sit on your lap or the floor. KLM does not recognize ESA pets any longer flying out of Canada, but allows them flying out of the USA. Also make sure you have all the proper paper work filled out by the Food and Drug Administration in both languages, English and the countries language where you are landing. All pets MUST be microchipped. They will accept Titer tests, but your pet has to have the 1 yr or 3 yr rabies vaccine.
Cathy
Sunday 10th of November 2019
Thanks for the info Angela!
Melanie Kofoed
Sunday 17th of February 2019
I recently returned from traveling with my 4# chi. She is certified as e.otional support animal but I think I am more HER support. She is a little shy. Vet statement, Psych statement, and one from me stating she doesn't bite were required 72 hours before the flight. She had only been in a carrier a couple times before this trip. We had to take a bus 5 hours to get to the airport and she stayed in the carrier with no problem most of that time. But then I did have her on my lap. I was able to Pat her and reassure her. When we got to the airport I checked my baggage and found a way outside to find a place to potty. I didn't worry about anything because my flight was only two and a half hours away. We went through security and was told the flight was delayed. Okay it was nighttime and she generally sleeps all night. Once we got to the gate we found that the flight was delayed and the only way to take her for another walk would be to go through security again. Much too far to go. After waiting 5 hours we ended up on the flight four four more hours. At least she was able to walk around in in the airport. On the plane she either needed to be on my lap or under the seat in front of me. Even though there was an empty seat next to me dogs are not allowed just sit in that seat even if it were paid for. She curled up on my lap and slept for 4 hours. By the time we landed and took a cab to a hotel we have been traveling for 18 hours with only two potty breaks. She did amazing. Returning home we spent two weeks driving cross-country staying at different motels and friends houses every night and I was so glad that she had learned how to ride in the carrier cuz it was a new car that I was driving and at least I was able to buckle her in. Delays are something you have to realize can happen. I would have been worried sick if she had been alone in a crate in checked baggage for 12 hours. Do line the carrier with piddle pads just in case and carry poop bag. Koko did leave ber mark at airport after getting off flight before we could get outside.
Cathy
Sunday 17th of February 2019
Wow she really did do well for such a long ordeal. What a little trooper! Good point about lining the carrier with peep pads. Thanks!
Sandra
Friday 15th of February 2019
Thank you for this information. We will be flying in the coming year and I had no idea where to start about finding out about taking our Chi with us. This will be a tremendous help.
Cathy
Saturday 16th of February 2019
I'm so glad Sandra! Let us know how your trip goes with your chi.