People flying with chihuahuas can simply take them into the cabin in their carry-on luggage. But what if you want your Great Dane to accompany you on your journey?<\/p>\n
Flying with a large dog comes with certain challenges, but nothing should worry you as you can safely transport them as cargo if you prepare them beforehand.<\/p>\n
Here is all you need to know to have a comfortable trip!<\/p>\n
While not impossible, traveling with a large dog can be a challenge unless you and your pawsome pet are adequately prepared for the trip by checking off the list below.<\/p>\n
While airlines typically transport large animals, your dog’s weight will determine whether you can take it with you or you will have to ship it separately with a cargo plane.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, even if you are sharing the same flight, you can only take your furry friend in the cabin with you as long as it weighs below a certain limit (usually 20 pounds)<\/strong>, its crate is sufficiently roomy and ventilated, and it can fit under the seat in front of you. Conversely, medium-to-large dogs have to be stored in the cargo area<\/strong> as baggage.<\/p>\n In any case, your dog must be at least eight weeks old, weaned,\u00a0and sufficiently calm and healthy<\/strong>\u2014proven with the corresponding health and vaccination certificates.<\/p>\n Depending on the airline, additional requirements also apply. For instance, Alaska Airlines will only transport harmless animals<\/a> that have been properly fed<\/strong> before transit and have easy access to food and water<\/strong> in their containers.<\/p>\n Note:<\/strong> Federal regulations prohibit airlines from transporting pets in extremely cold and hot temperatures (below 45 and above 85 degrees Fahrenheit).<\/p>\n Start planning your trip in advance since certain airlines require you to inform them you will be traveling with a pet well before scheduling your flight, as they can only accommodate a certain number of animals per trip<\/strong> and<\/p>\n Doing so gives you plenty of time to meet all relevant regulations<\/strong> regarding pet travel. For instance, you will most likely have to contact a veterinary service and even make an in-person visit to get all necessary health certificates.<\/p>\n If you start preparing early, you’ll also have ample time to find a flight at such a time and day when the temperatures are expected to be moderate<\/strong> and tolerable by your pet. Moreover, you’ll train your doggo to stay in a crate for longer periods of time.<\/p>\n Note:<\/strong> If you expect your trip to be longer than 10 hours, book a layover flight so that you and your dog have enough time to stretch out and go for a potty break.<\/p>\n When traveling with large dogs, you’ll either have to check them as baggage on the same flight<\/strong> as yours or have them travel separately in a pet cargo plane.<\/strong><\/p>\n Most owners choose the former option since they don’t want to be separated from their pets and want to be reunited with them the moment they get off the plane.<\/p>\n However, many pet transport services, such as PetRelocation, recommend transporting your large doggo via a cargo plane<\/a> since it is the safer alternative.<\/p>\n For instance, they can be monitored easily<\/strong> since they travel on a separate ticket, will be stored in a pressurized and warm area<\/strong> at all times, will never be left waiting on the tarmac, will be handled by specialized staff, and they’ll be the first on and off the plane.<\/strong><\/p>\n Note:<\/strong> If your dog and its carrier are above a certain weight threshold, they will not be allowed even to be checked as baggage and will have to travel separately in a cargo plane.<\/p>\n Before going on its trip, your globetrotting doggo must be thoroughly checked by a veterinarian and deemed healthy and free of any spreadable diseases.<\/strong><\/p>\n That way, you will receive the necessary health and vaccination certificates<\/strong> (especially against rabies), which airlines require you to get within 10 days of your journey.<\/p>\n Since most health certificates last for 30 days<\/strong>, you may have to visit a vet to meet the return flight requirements if your journey is longer than that.<\/p>\n If your dog is suffering from medical issues, bring the necessary medications and prescriptions and consult with the vet about the risks and solutions to anxiety attacks.<\/p>\n Note:<\/strong> Some airlines disallow traveling with brachycephalic (short-muzzled) breeds since they have trouble breathing at high altitudes and in hot and humid environments.<\/p>\n Just as you pack your own luggage, you should also prepare a kit for your furry friend that will contain all its trinkets, toiletries, and other necessities, including:<\/p>\n When it comes to the traveling crate, most airlines impose certain restrictions on its size and build. For example, the carrier must be ventilated on two opposing sides<\/strong>, have a leak-proof bottom<\/strong>, and animals\u00a0must be able to stand, move, and lie comfortably<\/strong> in it.<\/p>\n Before traveling anywhere with a pet, you should (and on some occasions must) get it microchipped<\/strong> so you are able to locate it anywhere and at any time.<\/p>\n On travel day, feed your dog<\/strong> several hours before getting to the airport and allow it to relieve itself<\/strong>, especially if you have scheduled a long flight.<\/p>\n Also, if you have an especially energetic and\/or anxious doggo, take it for a walk<\/strong> to calm it down and tire it out so it can easily sleep on the plane.<\/p>\n When all is said and done, put your dog in its crate along with its favorite toys and head for the airport several hours earlier than usual. That way, you will have plenty of time to check in and take the dog to a separate drop-off location if it’s traveling as cargo.<\/p>\n In any case, if you have an older dog<\/strong> or one suffering from a serious medical condition<\/strong>, air travel will be challenging as it takes a toll on its physical and emotional well-being, so consider taking it with you only when absolutely necessary.<\/p>\n Expert tip:<\/strong> Put up a current photo of your dog and your contact information on the crate and keep a photo in your phone as well in case the airline “misplaces” your loyal companion or someone steals it since dog thefts have been on the rise<\/a> in recent years.<\/p>\n2. Plan and schedule your flight early<\/h3>\n
3. Choose Between Pet Cargo vs Checked Baggage<\/h3>\n
4. Ensure your dog is vaccinated properly<\/h3>\n
5. Get a pet-friendly travel kit<\/h3>\n
\n
6. Prepare your dog for the flight<\/h3>\n