Things You'll Need
- Health certificate
- Proof of vaccinations
- Airline-approved crate
- Water dish
- Identification information
Instructions
Preparation
Book your tickets several months in advance. Airlines may have restrictions as to the number of dogs on a plane, so make sure that your dog has a spot by making reservations in advance. You will need to make a reservation and pay a fee for your dog. Book a direct flight as to avoid any long layovers.
Discuss regulations and procedures with the airline when making your reservations. Each airline has its own policies as to transporting dogs. Depending upon the size of your dog, you may be able to bring it in the cabin with you or you may need to store it in the cargo section. For international travel, you'll also want to contact the embassy of the country you're visiting because there may be additional guidelines, including quarantine periods.
Take your dog to the veterinarian. To fly with your dog, you will need a recent health certification and proof of vaccinations. The airline may require this to be within a certain number of days of your flight, so follow instructions. While at the veterinarian, discuss medications and get a prescription for a tranquilizer. The American Veterinary Medicine Association warns against the use of tranquilizers, but discuss it with your veterinarian to get a professional opinion specific to your dog.
Purchase or rent a crate. To transport your dog on the plane, you will need a crate or carrier of some form. Be sure that it is large enough for your dog to stand and turn around in. Before purchasing a crate, check with the airline for any specific regulations for the type and material allowed.
Put a live animal sticker on the top of the crate and include your full name, telephone number, destination information and home address on it. The sticker should have arrows indicating the upright direction. Also make sure your dog has an identification tag on his collar with all your updated information.
Put your dog's favorite blanket, pillow or bed in the crate and let it get used to the crate well before your travel day. This will make your dog more comfortable and less anxious on the travel day.
Day of Travel
Feed your dog three to four hours before the flight.
Take your dog for a long walk prior to heading to the airport. A long walk will help to tire your dog out so it is able to rest during the flight.
Give your dog the medication based upon your veterinarian's instructions. When you get a prescription for the tranquilizer, be sure to get full instructions as to when you should give it to your dog and how long it will last. Write the name of medication, dosage and how it was administered on the outside of the crate so that personnel are aware the dog was dosed.
Put your dog's favorite toy and bed in the crate and affix a cup or deep bowl of water to the door. Only fill it a fraction of the way to avoid spillage.
Keep your dog's health certificate and proof of vaccinations on your person for check-in. You will need to show the attendant these documents. Check in and load your dog according to airline procedure.
Pick your dog up promptly at your destination and let him out to stretch and go to the bathroom as soon as possible.