Air Travel With a Puppy

In some cases, it is necessary or desired for pet owners to take their puppy on an airplane. While many airlines accept the transportation of animals, some do not. It is important to contact your airline and gain all guidelines and regulations before attempting to travel in the air with a pup.

  1. Age

    • The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has guidelines about puppy travel on planes. The law states that puppies must be at least eight weeks of age and completely weaned from the mother.

    Health

    • Visit a vet to ensure that the puppy is safe for traveling by air. Certain breeds, such as pugs and boxers, have trouble breathing during a flight.

    Communication

    • Inform the airlines about the puppy travel when the flight is booked. One to two days before the flight, contact the airlines again to confirm that arrangements for your pup are booked on board.

    Food and Water

    • It is required by the USDA that all pet owners offer both food and water to pets within four hours before flight. The time that the puppy was offered food will be recorded by the airline.

    Inspection

    • The Transportation Security Administration mandates that all pets be placed through security screening regardless of whether they are riding in the cabin with the owner or as cargo.