Have you ever wanted to go on a vacation, but also take your furry friend with you? Lots of people want to be sure that their dog can come with them on vacation, but usually assume that means they have to drive to their destination. Fortunately, that is just not true! Most airlines offer the ability to take your pet with you on domestic flights!
You might say "Yeah, but I don't want my dog to be in the cargo hold of the plane." And I couldn't agree with you more! Don't worry, though! For dogs under 25 lbs, they can fly in the cabin with you.
Sounds like a great plan, right? So what all is involved in such a trip? I'm so glad you asked. :-)
I used to work as a flight nanny (delivering puppies
all across the country) before my sister and I started our breeding program. I learned a lot through those trips, and wanted to share what a it looks like to travel with a pet, and then some of my tips with our Lady Darling family in case they want to take their pets with them on an up coming trip.
After you've booked your ticket, you'll want to con
tact the airline and let them know you'll be bringing a dog with you. Note that a pet carrier counts as your personal item. So you can still take a carry on suitcase with you, but no purse/backpack. Or, you can do a purse/back pack and the carrier, but then no carry on suitcase.
At the airport, you'll go to the ticket counter to pay the pet fee and for the airline to verify the carrier. (In my experience, this is usually an excuse for the airline employees to pet your dog :-), they'll weigh your dog and carrier and give you a tag and you'll be off!) Now for security. This isn't as scary as it sounds. You'll remove your dog from the carrier and either carry them, or have them walk on a leash through the metal detector with you. The carrier will go on the conveyor belt and go through the x-ray machine. At this point you are SUPPOSED to put your dog back in the carrier... but, in honesty, no one has ever been upset when I carry mine or let them walk. Everyone needs more doggos in their day. Just be sure you have time to let your dog meet every
one. :-) All major airports have a "pet relief" area, and MOST of them are after you go through security. If your dog needs to go, you can always take them there. Alternatively, you can set up a puppy pad for them to use. Once you get to your gate, and are ready to board the plane, the dog needs to be in the carrier. You'll carry them onto the plane, and put them under the seat in front of you. They must remain in their carrier the whole flight (unless your flight attendant wants to get some puppy snuggles in). If your dog is whining, don't worry. As soon as the airplane starts moving they settle right down! I've taken LOTS of flights with all kinds of dogs and puppies and they've ALL settled in and slept for the flight. One four month puppy slept for the entire 6 hour flight.
It really is that easy to take your dog with you on your trip! Below are some tips that will help you travel with your dog like a pro!
Tip 1 - Know your airline regulations. Each airline is different. Some require a vet check to approve the dog to fly, some require vaccination records, some don't require anything. Choose your airline accordingly. Below I've listed a few of the requirements for the most popular airlines (note these can change, so be sure to check up on them before you fly).
Southwest - this is my recommended airline for traveling with a dog. They make it as easy as possible. They don't require any paperwork at all! Pet Fee $95/one way
Delta - Another favorite for traveling with my doggos. Pups must be at least 10 weeks old, but otherwise, no other paperwork is necessary. Which is great, no one wants to mess with more papers at the airport! Pet Fee $95/one way
American - No requirements for papers, however some restrictions apply to what seats you're able to sit in with a carry on pet. Pet Fee $125/one way
United - No paperwork required, seat restrictions apply though, and they limit the number of in-cabin pets per flight. Pet Fee $125/one way, and an additional $125 if your layover is more than 4 hours.
Tip 2 - Pick the right carrier! Be sure you get a good carrier that meets the requirements of your airline, is sturdy, can be easily carried, and most importantly HAS POCKETS! Just trust me, you're going to need them! :-)
This is the one I always use. The Large size can be used with Southwest, and the Medium can be used on all airlines.
Tip 3 - Puppy Pads. Pack a couple, you're going to want them. I also wrap the base of the carrier in a puppy pad (the part the dog lays on). It keeps everything cleaner, and makes for easy clean up! Also - the spare puppy pads are GREAT if the pup has an accident outside of the crate. Just use the puppy pad as a paper towel. The plastic back keeps your hand from getting icky, and it is super absorbent.
Tip 4 - A little food and water, but not too much. If your dog is prone to car sickness, don't make the flight miserable for them by feeding them before going. I live a ways from the airport, so I generally just give them a little snack before we leave; then a couple sips of water at the airport. Once we land, they can eat and drink normally again.
Have any specific questions? Leave them in the comments below!
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