Flying with Your Dog: What to Know Before Takeoff

Ready to see the sights with your pup by your side? Before you buy your plane ticket, make sure you understand the different airline requirements for flying with dogs.

There is a lot to keep in mind when traveling with a dog, but you don't have to go it alone. Here, we've outlined the general airline rules, the documents you may need, how to prep your pup for takeoff, and what to pack. Use this as your guide before you fly, and be sure to check your specific airline to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information.

Can you bring a dog on a plane?

Yes, you can usually bring a dog on a plane, whether as your carry-on or in the baggage compartment. Requirements vary by country, destination, airline, and even the time of year, so be sure to do your research before flying to ensure that you and your pup can get where you want to go without a hitch.

Most airlines charge an additional fee for flying with your pup, ranging from about $35 USD ($48.29 CAD) to $200 USD ($275.96 CAD) one way. Fees are typically waived for service dogs.

Airline rules for flying with dogs

When you have a big trip planned but you don't want to leave your furry companion at home, you likely wonder, “Do airlines allow dogs?” Fortunately, most airlines allow dogs either in the cabin or in the baggage compartment. Beyond this general allowance, requirements vary by dog breed and size, if they're a service animal, the type of seat booked, the destination, and the time of year.

Age, breed, and size

Most airlines that allow dogs in the cabin technically don't have breed restrictions; instead, they mandate that dogs must stay in a carrier that fits underneath the seat in front of you. That means that while the breed doesn't matter, their size does. For instance, Delta recommends a soft-sided carrier and limits the carrier size to 18 inches x 11 inches x 11 inches (42.75 cm x 27.94 cm x 27.94 cm).

Large and small dogs can typically be placed in the baggage compartment, which is pressurized and climate-controlled. However, different airlines have different weight requirements. For example, Air Canada limits the total weight of the pet and kennel to 100 pounds (45 kilograms) and Alaska Airlines limits the total weight to 150 pounds (68 kilograms).

Additionally, for U.S. domestic flights, dogs typically need to be at least 8 weeks old. Air Canada requires dogs to be at least 10 weeks old.

Service animal

If you have a service animal, it's possible to fly with them at your feet or by your side in the cabin rather than placing them in a carrier or in the cargo area. Airlines typically require that the dog be able to fit within your booked seat's dedicated space and not intrude on another passenger's space. For larger dogs, it may be beneficial to book two seats side by side so that your pup can fit comfortably next to you.

Many pet parents wonder about flying with emotional support animals. Per the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Canadian Transportation Agency, emotional support dogs are not recognized as service dogs, so they can't fly without their carrier or kennel. Regardless of the airline you're flying, before departure, you'll typically have to submit a U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form (for U.S.-based flights) or an airline-specific service animal form, such as Air Canada's service dog form.

Type of seat booked

Airline pet travel rules stipulate not only the size or type of dog but also where you can sit with your pup. For in-cabin pet travel, the type of seat matters. Sitting with your dog may be restricted or limited for these areas of the plane:

• Exit rows
• Bulkhead seats
• Flat-bed seats
• Premium cabin seats
• First- or business-class seats

Destination

Some destinations have additional requirements for flying there with your pup, so be sure to do your research ahead of time. For instance, Hawaii-bound and international flights have requirements that may differ from mainland domestic destinations.

Time of year

Airlines also have restrictions on flying with your dog during certain times of the year, particularly during the summer and winter. Here are some examples:

• American Airlines prohibits cargo or in-cabin pet travel to locations with a current or forecasted temperature above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 degrees C) or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees C).
• Air Canada prohibits dogs in cargo during certain time frames based on location.

In-cabin vs. cargo: What’s best for your dog?

Choosing between in-cabin and cargo likely depends on the breed and size of dog. While checking your pup into the baggage compartment is safe, you may prefer to keep your companion at your feet if they fit. Plus, certain breeds, particularly brachycephalic dog breeds, aren't allowed to fly in cargo due to breathing difficulties; multiple airlines require them to stay in the cabin.

Pre-flight vet visits and travel documents

Before flying with your pup, it's a good idea to schedule a visit to your veterinarian to ensure that they're in good health. Getting a check-up can provide you with peace of mind before embarking on your journey through the skies. Plus, it gives you the chance to get your dog microchipped in case they haven't been already.

Vet visits may be necessary for flying with dogs to particularly cold destinations. For instance, if you're flying on American Airlines to (or connecting through) a location that is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees C), the airline requires a written letter from a vet clearing your dog for these cold environments. As an extra measure for travel safety for dogs, some airlines even require health certificates or signed veterinarian letters for canines flying in cargo regardless of the location's temperature or dog breed.

Here's a rollup of some of the vet or travel paperwork you might need:

• U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation form or an airline-specific form for service animals
• U.S. DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation form for service animals
• Written and signed letter from your vet clearing your pup for traveling to a cold location
• Dog health certificate for travel between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii and for international flights

Packing list: Travel essentials for your dog

Keep this dog travel checklist handy so that you don't forget a thing:

• A dog carrier or kennel that complies with airline requirements
• A food and water dish
• Food, water, and their favorite treats
• A dog toy that they can play with in their carrier or at a designated airport pet relief area
• Absorbent bedding/padding for the carrier or kennel
• Waste bags
• Their leash, harness, and collar, with the tag clearly showing their name and your phone number
• Medications, supplements grooming supplies, and sunscreen, especially if you have a hairless dog
• Documentation showing that your pup is up to date on vaccinations, or a health certificate for traveling

How to prepare your dog for a flight

Even the most adventurous and adaptable dogs might have a case of the nerves on travel day, especially if they've never flown before. After all, airports and planes can be quite stimulating—for pet parents and pups alike! But there are some things you can do ahead of time and day of to help your four-legged friend have a good experience.

• Before the flight: Recognize the signs of stress and anxiety in dogs so that you can easily identify if your pup needs some extra TLC.
• Before the flight: If you're putting your dog in cargo, practice easing dog separation anxiety in the months, weeks, and days leading up to the flight.
• Before the flight: Ask your vet if they recommend any natural remedies for anxiety.
• Before the flight: Make sure that they're used to and comfortable staying in the carrier or kennel for an extended amount of time.
• Day of the flight: Try to exercise your pup (aka tire them out!) so that they're less energetic on the plane. Take them for a potty break at the airport's animal relief area.
• Day of the flight: Place a familiar, loved item in their carrier or kennel for comfort.
• Day of the flight: Speak to them in a calm, loving voice throughout the day.

What if your dog gets sick while traveling?

As much as you plan for travel days, sometimes they're unpredictable, from delayed flights to a bumpy ride to even getting sick. And flying with a pet may add to that unpredictability. After all, even if they're calm and collected, you never know when they might show signs of illness, such as motion sickness, digestive issues, or allergies.

That's why it's important to prepare for various scenarios, ensuring that you have the proper, vet-approved medications or natural treatments, as well as first aid supplies, to help your dog feel better in the moment. Then, when you land at your destination, you can seek veterinary care if your pup is still feeling ill.

Does pet insurance cover travel emergencies?

What about pet insurance and travel? Fortunately, pet insurance covers travel emergencies so that your dog can get the care they need—even if they're not at home. Trupanion supports unexpected health needs during travel, covering treatment for sickness and injuries in Canada and the United States (and their territories), Puerto Rico, and military bases around the globe. A dog insurance policy helps to protect your pup—and your budget—as you jet-set together to new destinations.