When I fly with Mishka, people incredulously ask if dogs are allowed on planes, or how did I manage to fly with a dog. They don’t get through security if you weren’t allowed to fly with a dog. Some airlines are more pet-friendly than others, there are restrictions for airline pet carriers, and international pet travel. Here are my tips for flying with a dog.
I think this has been my most requested post, and since most people do not know the hows of “pet air travel” I think it is a much needed one. Once we can travel again, your furry friend can help with the uncertainty of what life after quarantine will be like!
When I got Mishka, I planned on taking him with me everywhere. Which is why I researched a ton about how to fly with a dog and trained him since he was a puppy to be able to handle airplane travel. He has traveled from Mexico City to Rome multiple times.
7 tips for flying with a dog
- 7 tips for flying with a dog
- Quick Pet Travel Checklist
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1) Make sure your dog can travel
By this I mean your dog needs to be well trained to stay in his carrier, be able to hold it and only go to the bathroom when you allow it, and be friendly to strangers. No barking or growling! Disruptive pets may be denied boarding in-cabin, so if your pet is not well trained, send him in cargo.
Mishka is never sedated and he handles 12 hour trips with ease. Because he doesn’t bark, I bring him on board with me and fellow passengers are always happy they had him on the flight. Not every dog is like this. Groot, my youngest puppy, is a very nervous dog, especially around strange humans. For this reason, Groot only travels when necessary, alongside his brother Timon, as checked pets in their big crate.
If your dog is anxious to fly, ask your vet about a dog sedative for flying. I use a natural alternative treat to calm Groot down, and it has worked fine.
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Tips for training your dog for travel
- Watch T.V. with your dog. Make sure she can stay seated and calm for long periods of time of you doing nothing. This is one of the best tips for traveling with your dog. If they can’t stay calm, then they won’t handle a flight.
- Potty train them. There are multiple ways to do this, I chose to crate train them in the beginning. Inside their crate/den, they will not go to the bathroom. Remember the crate is their safe space and never a place of punishment.
- Take them on every trip possible. Mishka went on a seven hour car trip when he was just three months old. He always comes with me to Mexico City or even just to the bank. I also take him to the office. Make them used to cars, movement, and people.
- Teach them stay. This one takes time and effort, just like potty training. I began this training without really knowing when taking Mishka to the office. He isn’t allowed on the top floor but there are no doors preventing him from coming up the stairs behind me. The first few times he would try to come up, then he learned to stay and wait for me. This is super important when I need to get up to stretch or use the bathroom.
2) Book your dog’s seat
Yes, just like you booked your seat in advance, book your puppy’s as well. Airlines have limits to the amount of pets allowed to fly either in-cabin or in the baggage compartment. Make sure you book (and pay if needed) your dog’s place as soon as you can.
This is one of the most essential tips to follow for traveling with your dog. I met a lady who had to de-grade her ticket to economy because I had taken the only space available for pets in the front of the plane. She got lucky there was still space behind.
The cost of flying with a dog range depending on flight duration and airline. With Alitalia the fare for both in-cabin and checked pet was $200 dollars from Mexico to Europe, and $125 back. Domestic flights are 40€ and European flights 75€. On United Airlines, you pay $125 each way for in-cabin and they have a PetSafe program for bigger dogs. United does allow in-cabin pets for international flights, even long ones if you can prove your pet will not be disruptive. Flying with a dog on Southwest Airlines is $95 each way, but dogs are not allowed in cabin on international flights. On US airlines, service animals and Emotional Support Animals (ESA) are free of charge but need to be booked 48 hours prior to the flight.
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3) Get the right airplane pet carrier
If it is either in-cabin or a checked pet, check with the airline the requirements for height, weight, and construction materials of the carrier.
For in-cabin flying I used to love my Sleepypod Air, but it is heavier and Mishka is on the margin for some weight restrictions (8kg with carrier for Alitalia, when he teeters between 7-8kg). Now I use Sherpa carrier and I love it. It is sturdy, light, and the pocket fits Mishka’s things perfectly. Mishka also seems to love it.
I also have a big kennel for checking Timon (he weighs 14 kg) and Groot. Make sure your crate is IATA compliant. Do not skimp on the cost of the crate as it will protect your pet. Metal windows and screws are not required by all airlines but advissable to prevent your pet from eating them away and getting out. Also make sure you always have zip ties to secure the door and prevent any unwanted opening. I bought some reusable ones.
I have been allowed to keep both Groot and Timon in the same kennel. They are both mixed race dogs (one is a cockapoo, the other a stray) so there is no way to prove they are the same race. They have eaten from the same bowl without fighting and have traveled three times in their kennel for 12 hours without any incident. Actually, if we take Groot outside of the kennel while still in the airport, he dashes back in. This brings us to my next tip on bringing pets on planes.
4) Get your dog used to their carrier
This is especially important for checked pets. Get them used to their crate, make them love it and it be a safe place. Follow this tip on how to prepare your dog for a flight in cargo.
My family laughed at me because a month prior to our first international flight on direct from Mexico City to Rome I bought a crate. Not only did I buy a crate but I started training Mishka, Groot and Timon to get inside. I would give them treats once they were in and let them out. Then, I increased the time they were left inside, every time giving them treats. After a while, they would open the door themselves and get in.
I also covered them with a blanket to simulate the darkness of the flight and put on some plane sounds. Moved them around while they were still in darkness, and even got in with them.
It paid off. If I open the door to their crate, they will go in wagging their tails, even after three transatlantic flights.
5) Stop food and water 4 hours prior
I always take away their food four hours prior to the flight. Right before we need to check them in or go to the gate, we take them out once more to relieve themselves. He will most likely not accept any food because he is nervous. Do not panic about the no food and water rule. When your puppy sleeps they go for up to 12 hours (or more if they’re lazy) of sleeping without drinking or eating. They will be fine!
If the flight is longer or it is hotter, make sure to leave those drip water bottles so they can drink some and not get dehydrated. For an in-cabin pet, give them small sips of water.
If you have a long layover, like I did in Cancun, make sure you take your puppy outside (if immigration and airport policies allow) so he can stretch his legs and relieve himself. Some airports (especially those in the USA) have special pet relief areas inside the terminals.
6) Have your dog’s documents ready for travel
Depending on the country you will need different things to travel with your puppy. Across every destination and airline I’ve been on, a vet certificate of good health is essential. What this certificate should include is date, pet description, lot number and expiration date of vaccinations (especially rabies) and deworming (internal and external). It must also state that the pet is free of illness and wounds. Don’t forget to include the animals particulars (breed, color, name, date of birth, sex and microchip number), your details, as well as the veterinary’s. This certificate cannot be issued more than ten days prior to travel and in some cases even five, so plan accordingly.
Mostly it will be the airline that will ask for a health certificate and history of vaccinations. Most airlines require one, so always have an extra one. I almost didn’t follow my own tips for traveling with your dog as with all the planning for traveling during the pandemic, I forgot Mishka’s health certificate! Thankfully, my vet came through and saved the day.
International Pet Travel
USA
The U.S.A. doesn’t really have any requirements for pets coming in from countries with low-risk for rabies.
If you come from a high-risk country, they do require a health certificate that states the dog has been vaccinated against rabies. This vaccine, if administered for the first time, needs to be at least 28 days prior to entry into the U.S. If not the first, then booster vaccines must be up to date and you must show a history of this. Remember you are not required to vaccinate a puppy younger than three months of age. If you come from a country where screwworm or foot and mouth disease exists, then the health certificate must say your pet is free of both.
Travel within, to and from the U.S. allows for Emotional Support Animals (ESA). Getting an ESA certificate should never be taken as a joke or as a way to get out of paying a fee. ESA are necessary for people to cope with mental health conditions. In order to get an ESA certificate you need to have a mental health condition for which your pet helps you cope with, and a letter from a mental health professional stating you need them. This will allow your pet to travel in cabin with you and not need to be in her carrier the whole flight. Because of my depression and anxiety, Mishka is an ESA.
Mexico
First: only dogs and cats are considered pets in Mexico, no parakeets like in the USA. Second: Aeromexico allows for ESA to fly for free in cabin as well.
Mexico requires dogs to be vaccinated against rabies, and you must bring proof of external and internal deworming. This needs to be on the health certificate that cannot be older than five days. Once you enter Mexico, you need to contact SENASICA while still at the airport in order to get your pet checked and obtain a certificate of importation. If your pet is coming from the U.S., you do not need a health certificate. Just be sure to bring proof of vaccinations.
SENASICA has an amazing program for traveling pets called Mascota Viajero Frecuente (frequent traveler pet) and it allows for an expedited entrance of your pet into Mexico without the need for a health certificate every time. The health certificate needs to be renewed every six months with the program being valid for a year. You can also skip ahead of the line and take less time as your pet’s information is already stored. I highly recommend this if you travel to and from Mexico with your pet.
To exit Mexico, you need to get a certificate of exportation through SENASICA. If their system is down, it will take you about an hour or more, if it is up and running it will take 20 minutes. You need a copy of your pet passport or proof of vaccinations, your pet’s health certificate, and a copy of your passport. If you are traveling to Europe and do not have a European Pet Passport, then you will need to turn in a letter that states you do not intend to sell your puppy and provide proof of microchip, the resulting form to import to the EU takes longer but is needed when getting your Pet Passport. Do not bother to download the forms that are online, they will give you a new one to fill when you arrive at their offices.
There are offices in every international airport and these are open when flights are, so it gives you more options than the non-airport ones.
European Union
Having a Pet Passport allows for “free” travel within the European Union (not free of cost, just free of other documentation. Lufthansa charged me 70€ from Munich to Rome ). To leave the EU, make sure you have the documentation needed for the country you are going to. Like stated earlier, never leave home without a current health certificate just in case.
Trains also allow pets to travel in cabin. In Italy, pets that fit in a carrier and weigh less than 10kg are allowed to board free of charge and without the need to pre-book. In Rome, they are also allowed almost anywhere, even inside supermarkets. It is amazing!
Restrictions for Certain Countries
Countries like the U.K., and New Zealand have additional restrictions. For example, since Mexico is not considered a rabies free country my sister could not bring her cat to New Zealand. The cat needed to spend at least six months in a rabies free or rabies controlled country, like the US, plus ten days in “quarantine” prior to entering New Zealand. Check country specific regulations.
7) Give them a treat after the flight
First, take your dog immediately outside. With all the excitement of flying and arriving somewhere new, we may forget they need to relieve themselves.
Don’t forget to give them a treat once they’ve completed the flight, and many cuddles! They deserve it for being your companions through thick and thing.
I honestly don’t know what I would do without Mishka, especially during my two flights that were so stressful. Follow my tips for flying with a dog so he never has to stay behind!
Quick Pet Travel Checklist
- Check if the airline allows for pet travel and international pet travel.
- If it does, book your dogs seat.
- Approved airplane pet carrier. Either for in-cabin or in cargo, check each airlines requirements. For in-cabin it is generally soft sided carrier that fits under the seat, and with the pet weighs less than 10kg. (Check because Alitalia’s is 8kg).
- Veterinary health certificate (signed).
- Vaccination card or pet passport (if European).
- If international pet travel, certificate of exportation (US doesn’t require one, but Mexico and Italy do).
- Zip ties, reusable ones are better.
- Food and water bowl. For cargo pets, it is required to have an accessible food and water bowl attached to the door. I recommend adding a water drip also attached to the door.
- Poop bags! Always clean after your dog!
- Familiar blanket and toy. Mishka travels with his blanket in-cabin. For Groot and Timon, I normally add a t-shirt that smells like me.
- Food, and treats. Enough for your pet on your trip, or to gradually change their food.
- Collar and leash with id and a phone you can be reached even internationally. A safety harness is also recommended.
- Sedatives or calming treats if you think will be needed.
- If taking medication, bring their medication and prescription.
- A list of local vets and hospitals of where you are going.
- A pet first aid kit. I bring with me Benadryl tablets (1mg per pound) and Pepto-Bismol (1tsp per 10 pounds) in case an insect bite or an upset stomach. Also bring gauze, antibiotic treatment (my vet recommended Gentian Violet) and hydrogen peroxide (if you need to make your dog vomit). Ask your vet first about any medication and dosage, even over the counter.
- I never leave behind brush, shampoo, wipes and styling scissors.
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Wow! I had no idea you could travel with a dog with so much ease! Thanks for the tips and tricks. And thanks for the adorable pictures. I needed that today!
Yes, it’s easier than people think! I love traveling with Mishka!