Pooches and Planes
It’s wonderful when you can bring your dog with you on a trip. But, there are many rules and regulations that you need to consider before bringing your dog on board. In fact, some airlines don’t accept dogs. Let’s take a quick look at some important rules for bringing a pooch on a plane.
If you’re thinking of traveling by air with your dog, your first order of business is to research whether or not your dog is allowed on the plane. Many commercial airlines do not allow pets to fly.
If you find a commercial airline that allows your pet to travel with you, there may be strict rules and restrictions that must be followed. Some include:
- Fees: Depending on the airline and your destination, you may be required to pay a fee in order to travel with your dog. Domestic flights range from USD (US dollars) $50 – $100 and international flights are approximately USD $250.
- Restricted travel: Some airlines restrict travel privileges based on breed and health concerns. For example, short-nosed breeds such as Pugs may have a harder time breathing at higher altitudes. Other times, if a dog is vomiting, dehydrated or physically ill, an airline will not allow the dog to fly. These restrictions are reinforced for the safety of the dog.
- Temperature restrictions: Certain temperatures can have a large effect on whether or not a dog should travel in cargo. For example if a dog travels on a day when the temperature is below 20°F then he may be too cold. Likewise, if temperatures soar above 85°F then a dog can suffer from heat exhaustion.
- No sedating a pet: Some owners believe that sedating a dog will keep him more comfortable while traveling. But the truth is that many airlines will not allow it. This is because a dog who is not 100% coherent can injure himself.
- Must have proper documentation: Before traveling with your dog, call the airline to see if any veterinary documents will be required upon boarding the plane or arriving at your destination. Any travel outside the state will definitively require a current Health Certificate from a veterinarian.
- Age restrictions: Many airlines require that a dog be a certain age before traveling. Generally, a dog younger than eight weeks old will not be allowed to travel. This is especially true if the dog has not yet been weaned (no longer requiring his mother’s milk).
- Travel crate restrictions: Many airlines will allow small dogs to be carried on board in a special carrying case. Call ahead and ask the airline what their rules are regarding carry-on pet travel. Many airlines have strict limits on the number of animals allowed in the passenger area, so arrangements should be made as soon as possible if you want to take your small dog in the cabin with you. As well, most airlines have allotted cargo space, and crate sizes must fit within specified requirements in order for a dog to travel.
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