Lois Larson
If you're planning to bring your dog to the airport, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, different airports and countries have varying regulations regarding dogs, so it's important to check the specific rules for your location. In general, working and service dogs are typically allowed inside passenger terminals as long as they are on a leash, while other dogs may need to remain in a kennel or carrier. It's also crucial to ensure your dog is well-behaved and comfortable in crowded and noisy environments like airports. Additionally, you may need to provide health certificates, proof of vaccination, and other relevant documentation. Proper planning and research are essential to ensure a smooth experience for both you and your furry companion.
Can I bring my dog to the airport?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | The airport is a crowded, noisy, and stressful place for dogs. |
| Rules | Working and service animals are allowed inside passenger terminals on a leash. All other animals must be in a kennel. |
| Pet relief areas | Most airports have pet relief areas, usually located behind security. |
| Preparation | It is recommended to train your dog and expose them to crowded places like bus stations to prepare them for the airport environment. |
| Health considerations | Discuss with your dog's vet whether flying is safe and appropriate for your dog. Consider the potential impact on gastrointestinal health, dehydration, and medication schedules. |
| Paperwork | Research and understand the specific guidelines and paperwork requirements of the airline and destination, especially for international travel. |
| Food and water | Bring food, treats, water, and medication for your dog. |
| Toys and blankets | Pack toys, treats, and a blanket to comfort and entertain your dog. |
| Carrier requirements | Ensure your dog and carrier meet the airline's requirements, including size restrictions. |
| Fees | Confirm with the airline if there are any pet travel fees and the accepted payment methods. |
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What You'll Learn
Rules for bringing dogs into airport buildings
- Check with the airline to see if they allow your dog's breed in the cabin or cargo hold. Some airlines may have restrictions on certain breeds, such as Pugs.
- Ensure your dog is healthy and in good condition to fly. Dogs that appear sick or distressed may be denied boarding. It is recommended to consult your veterinarian before flying with your dog, especially if your dog has specific medical needs or dietary restrictions.
- Make sure you have all the required documents and forms for your dog, such as health certificates, proof of vaccination, and any other veterinary paperwork specified by the airline or destination country.
- Familiarize your dog with the kennel or travel carrier before the trip. This will help reduce their stress during the journey.
- Bring items that will make your dog comfortable during the flight, such as water, medication, treats, toys, and a blanket. A chew toy can help comfort and relax your dog during turbulent or noisy parts of the flight.
- At the airport, follow the signs to locate pet relief areas. Most airports have designated areas for pets to relieve themselves and stretch their legs.
- Keep your dog on a leash at all times inside the airport building. Working and service animals are generally allowed inside passenger terminals on a leash, while other animals must remain in their kennels or carriers.
- Be mindful of your dog's behaviour. Airlines require dogs to be well-behaved, which means no excessive barking, growling, or aggressive behaviour.
- Arrive early at the airport to allow for any additional time needed for checking in with your dog and going through security.
- If you are travelling internationally or to a place with strict customs rules, such as Hawaii, be sure to research the local animal import laws and requirements for your destination.
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Preparing your dog for the airport environment
Socialisation and Exposure
Take your dog to crowded and loud dog-friendly places, such as bus stations or dog-friendly stores. This will help familiarise your dog with the sights and sounds of a busy place like an airport. It is also a good idea to get your dog used to being in a crate or kennel, as they will need to be in one at the airport and during the flight.
Obedience Training
Airlines require that dogs are well-behaved and do not bark excessively, growl, or act aggressively. Consider training your dog to earn a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title, which includes skills such as walking through crowds and behaving politely around other dogs. This will help your dog be better prepared for the airport environment.
Airport Exposure
If possible, take your dog to the airport's departure area a few times before your trip to help them get used to the surroundings. Familiarising your dog with the airport can make them more comfortable and reduce their stress levels.
Travel Carrier or Kennel
Ensure your dog is comfortable in their travel carrier or kennel, which must meet the airline's requirements. Soft-sided collapsible kennels are recommended as they can be slightly larger and still fit under the seat. Practise having your dog in their carrier in a simulated airplane setup, teaching them to sit calmly under a seat.
Health and Comfort
Consult your veterinarian to determine if flying is safe and appropriate for your dog, especially if they have specific health considerations, such as diabetes or a strict medication schedule. Discuss and prepare any necessary health certificates, proof of vaccination, or veterinary paperwork. Bring enough food, medication, and treats to keep your dog comfortable and happy during the trip. Also, ensure you have a water bottle with a bowl attached for easy hydration.
Local Regulations
Research the local animal import laws, especially if travelling internationally. Some countries have strict customs rules, lengthy quarantine periods, or prohibitions on pets in the cabin. Start your trip planning early, and be aware of any specific requirements, such as testing and treatment for diseases well in advance.
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Paperwork and fees
- Breed restrictions: Certain dog breeds may be restricted from flying. Check with your airline to see if your dog's breed is permitted in the cabin or cargo hold. Some airlines may have specific policies regarding this.
- Health and vaccination certificates: Some airlines may require health certificates or proof of vaccination for your dog, especially if they are flying in the cargo hold. For example, Alaska Airlines does not require health certificates for dogs travelling in the cabin, but they must be in good health. In contrast, dogs flying cargo on Alaska Airlines must have a health certificate dated within 10 days of the outbound flight and within 30 days of the return flight.
- Rabies restrictions: If your dog is travelling from or has visited a high-risk country for rabies, there may be additional restrictions. For instance, American Airlines does not accept dogs as carry-on pets if they are from or have visited a high-risk country for rabies within the past six months, unless they are service dogs that meet CDC requirements.
- Import and export regulations: When travelling internationally, it is crucial to research the import and export laws of your destination country and any countries you will be transiting through. Some countries, like Canada, may have suspensions on the import of commercial dogs from high-risk rabies countries. Other countries may have specific requirements, such as testing and treatment for diseases months in advance.
- Pet fees: Most airlines will charge a pet travel fee, which can usually be paid at the airport or a travel centre using a credit card or paper voucher. These fees are typically non-refundable and apply per kennel, each way. The fees may vary depending on the size of your dog and kennel and the specifics of your trip, such as any stopovers or connections.
- Kennel requirements: Your dog's kennel or carrier must meet the airline's requirements. Soft-sided collapsible kennels are often recommended as they can be slightly larger and still fit under the seat. However, ensure that the kennel is not excessively collapsed during the flight to provide adequate space for your dog.
- Training and behaviour: Airlines require dogs to be well-behaved and not exhibit aggressive behaviour, excessive barking, or growling. It is advisable to train your dog and consider earning a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title to prepare them for the airport and in-flight environment. Socialising your dog in crowded and noisy places, such as bus stations, can also help them adjust to the airport surroundings.
- Food, water, and medication: Bring enough food, water, and any necessary medication to ensure your dog's comfort and well-being throughout the journey. A water bottle with an attached bowl can be a convenient option. You may also want to bring treats and chew toys to help comfort and entertain your dog during the flight.
- Veterinary consultation: Consult your dog's veterinarian before the trip to create an action plan for food, water, and exercise. They can advise you on any specific health considerations and ensure that your dog is fit to fly.
- Time management: Allow for extra time at the airport when travelling with your dog. You may need to complete additional checks and ensure your dog is comfortable and has access to relief areas before boarding.
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Crate/carrier requirements
When bringing your dog to the airport, it is important to ensure that the crate or carrier meets the requirements specified by the airline and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Here are the key crate/carrier requirements to keep in mind:
Size and Space:
The crate should be appropriately sized for your dog. It should be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around normally, sit erect, and lie down in a natural position. No part of your dog should be taller or longer than the crate when standing outside of it. The length of the kennel should be a minimum of the length of the dog, plus half of its leg length. The ears of the dog should not touch the sides of the crate.
Ventilation:
The crate must have adequate ventilation. For domestic flights, ventilation is required on a minimum of three sides, while for international flights, ventilation is needed on all four sides. The ventilation openings should be a maximum of 1" x 1" (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm) for dogs. The total ventilated area should be at least 16% of the total surface area of the four sides.
Food and Water:
The crate should have attached food and water bowls. These should be accessible from outside the crate, allowing handlers to refill them easily. The water bowl can be placed inside the crate with a small funnel attached to the door, and the food can be placed in a plastic bag attached to the top of the crate.
Material and Construction:
The crate should be made of rigid plastic, metal, or wood. It must be leakproof and escape-proof, with a secure door. Metal grated ends or doors are acceptable. For snap closure kennels, ensure they are secured with metal nuts, bolts, or screws, or use black nylon caps.
Identification:
Ensure your dog has proper identification, such as a microchip, and attach two pieces of identification to their collar. One should be a permanent ID with your name, address, and contact information, and the other should be a temporary travel ID with the address and contact information of a person who can be reached during the trip.
Additional Considerations:
Some airlines have specific requirements or restrictions regarding the transport of dogs. Check with your airline to confirm their policies and any additional crate requirements. Additionally, consider the temperament of your dog. If they are prone to chewing or aggression, a custom wooden or metal crate with secure fasteners may be recommended.
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International travel considerations
International travel with a dog can be a complicated process, so it is important to be aware of the specific requirements of your destination country. Some countries have strict customs rules, such as Hawaii, and may have long quarantine periods that mean you are separated from your dog for most or all of your trip. Some countries do not allow pets in the cabin, while others prohibit pets from flying to, from, or through at all. Certain countries require testing and treatment for disease months in advance of travel. For example, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a suspension on the import of commercial dogs from countries at high risk for dog rabies.
Additionally, there may be specific requirements for the transportation of your dog. For example, American Airlines does not accept dogs as carry-on pets if they originate from or have visited a high-risk country for rabies in the six months prior to the date of travel. This restriction does not apply to service dogs that meet CDC requirements. If your dog is coming from a country with screwworm, it must meet specific requirements set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
It is important to research the specific requirements of your destination country and the airline you are travelling with to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork and that your dog meets all the health requirements. It is also worth considering whether flying is safe and appropriate for your dog. Strange sounds, sights, and smells can be challenging for pets, and changes in diet and water can affect their gastrointestinal health. Time-zone changes could also lead to dehydration or interruptions to medication schedules.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring your dog to the airport, but only under certain conditions. If your dog is a service animal, it is allowed inside the passenger terminals as long as it is on a leash. All other dogs must be in a kennel.
Before bringing your dog to the airport, it is important to do your research and understand the specific guidelines of the airline you are flying with. Some airlines may have restrictions on certain dog breeds, and there may be requirements for health certificates or proof of vaccination. It is also recommended to train your dog to be well-behaved in crowded and loud places, such as airports, before your trip.
When bringing your dog to the airport, remember to bring all the necessary documents and forms, such as vaccination records and veterinary paperwork. Additionally, bring enough food, medication, and treats for your dog, along with water and a bowl. A favourite toy or two can also help keep your dog entertained during the flight.
At the airport, you will need to pay the pet travel fee, which can usually be done at the ticket counter. Your dog will need to go through security and will need to come out of their carrier to go through the full-body scanner. Once you are through security, look for a pet relief area so your dog can relieve themselves and stretch their legs.
