As the world opens to travel again, people are booking flights like never before.

In fact, airline travel is back up to pre-pandemic levels in many places. According to The Economist, “Pent-up demand for travel is becoming un-pent.”

Of course, travel isn’t just for humans…our pets need to travel, too!

Whether it’s tagging along on a family vacation or relocating to a new home, occasionally you may need to think about flying your cat or dog. But airline travel with pets isn’t a simple undertaking. There is a lot to consider. To help make flying with pets safer, easier, and less stressful, My Pet Candy is here with answers to common questions pet parents should ask themselves, before boarding a plane!

Up, Up, and Away. What Pet Owners Need to Know Before Booking Fido a Flight

The #1 concern when it comes to pet travel is this: Can cats and dogs safely make it from point a) to point b) and what (if any) are the risks? Do the pros outweigh the cons?

Indeed, airline travel with pets is no walk in the dog park.  

First, let’s look at the logistics of flying with a pet. Dogs are the most frequent four-legged airline passengers, and because of this, airlines have strict rules regarding how, when, and where canines can kept be during a flight. Naturally, most pet owners want to their dog to sit in the cabin with them as “carry-on.”

But is this always the case?

Turns out, no.

Unless your dog is a registered service animal, major airlines have the right to deny cabin entry to any pet. For example, American Airlines outlines that dogs must meet “size, age and destination requirements.” If a pet is small enough to fit under the seat (and calmly stay contained inside a carrier) then chances are, they will be permitted in cabin with you. Which is good news!

Otherwise, the bigger the dog, the more likely they will have to go in the cargo hold.

Specific Health Considerations When Flying a Dog

Okay, your pooch is too big to fly in cabin. So, cargo hold it is.

Unfortunately, the belly of the plane can be a loud, scary, uncomfortable, and even downright dangerous place for dogs. This is also where luggage and freight go, after all. Sadly, every year there are reports of animals who died or were injured during a flight. Some dogs become panicked, experience extreme separation anxiety, and chew or scratch at their carriers. Others are injured when unsecured items drop, bump, or slide into their carrier during loading and unloading.

Likewise, some dog breeds shouldn’t fly at all…period. 

“Flat faced dogs (such as pugs, bulldogs, shih tzus, boxers) are extremely sensitive to altitude changes, says Dr. Nelva Bryant, consulting veterinarian with Delta Airlines. “Those short little noses have a hard time breathing on an airplane.

Just imagine a panting dog waiting in a crate on a hot paved tarmac. Or crying and howling for hours on end in a cargo hold, where temperatures can change and nobody is around to monitor them. Yikes!

Heat and stress can be a deadly combination.

Always talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s age, breed, and overall health before considering airline travel. They may be able to recommend a non sedative supplement to help calm an anxious pet if travel by car is absolutely not an option.

For instance, Brave Paws Anxiety and Stress Support is one such plant-based chewable. It contains naturally occurring compounds that promote a sense of calm and relaxation in dogs.   What makes it great for traveling is that it is fast acting and a non-drowsy formula.

Final Tips on Flying with Pets

Sometimes, flying your pet to a new destination in unavoidable. However, there are plenty of things pet parents can do to make the ride smoother.

To start, invest in a carrier that is an appropriate size. Crates should be tall enough for a dog to stand in and wide enough for them to comfortable turn around.

Second, book a nonstop flight. Also, avoid transfers. The last thing you want is to get accidently separated from your beloved pup, right?

Third, go straight to the airport’s pickup location. At this point, your dog has been alone for several hours. They will probably be thirsty, hungry, and in need of a potty break.

With smart planning, your pet will arrive safe and sound, ready to enjoy their next adventure!