Sachin Walls
Travelling with a dog can be stressful, as airports are noisy, crowded, and full of strange sights, sounds, and smells. However, some airports are more dog-friendly than others, offering pet relief areas, both pre- and post-security, where your dog can stretch its legs, drink water, and relieve itself. Before bringing your dog to the airport, it's important to do your research and prepare your dog for the experience of flying. This includes training your dog to be comfortable in its carrier and exposing it to loud and crowded places. Additionally, you should check with your airline about specific guidelines and requirements for travelling with a dog.
Can I take my dog to the airport?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rules | Vary across airports; some require dogs to be in a carrier at all times, while others allow leashed dogs outside of their carrier. |
| Service animals | Allowed inside airport buildings. |
| Pet relief areas | Located behind security. |
| Additional requirements | Dogs arriving from high-risk countries for rabies have additional requirements. |
| Fees | Vary depending on the airline, trip details, and size of the animal and kennel. |
| Recommendations | Train your dog to get comfortable with the carrier before the flight. |
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What You'll Learn
Rules vary across airports
Rules and regulations regarding dogs at airports vary across different airports. Some airports may allow dogs inside the airport buildings, while others may restrict them to specific areas, such as relief areas or outside the baggage claim area. It is important to check the specific rules and regulations of the airport you are visiting or travelling from.
For example, at Chicago O'Hare Airport, animals are generally not allowed inside buildings, except for service animals, which are permitted by law. In contrast, some users have reported that airports such as SFO, EWK, and SLC allow dogs on leashes inside the airport, while others, such as EWR, may enforce stricter rules and require pets to remain in their carriers.
When travelling with a dog, it is important to consider the dog's comfort and well-being. Some dogs may become anxious or stressed in the busy airport environment. It is recommended to train your dog to become comfortable with its carrier or kennel and to provide treats or sedatives to help calm them. Additionally, you may be able to request a private room for the security check if your dog is likely to become scared.
Each airline will also have its own rules and regulations regarding the transportation of pets. For example, American Airlines allows passengers to bring one pet carrier as a carry-on, provided the pet meets certain requirements. They also charge a pet travel fee, which can be paid at the airport or a travel centre. Other airlines, such as United Airlines, may have different policies and facilities for pet relief areas. It is important to research the specific policies of the airline you are travelling with.
Furthermore, when travelling with a dog, there may be additional requirements and restrictions depending on your dog's travel history and the country you are visiting or departing from. 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. Similarly, the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources only accepts accredited assistance or service dogs for import. It is important to familiarise yourself with the regulations of your destination country to ensure a smooth journey with your dog.
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Requirements for dogs entering the US
As of 1 August 2024, the CDC has implemented new import requirements for all dogs travelling to the US. These requirements vary depending on the dog's travel history in the six months prior to their arrival in the US.
If your dog has only been in dog-rabies-free or low-risk countries (such as Canada, the US, and Mexico) in the six months before their travel to the US, you will need to complete the CDC Dog Import Form.
If your dog is arriving from a high-risk country for rabies, additional requirements apply. Dogs that do not meet the CDC's requirements may not be allowed to enter the US. In such cases, you must contact the CDC to request a derogation. If a derogation is not granted, your dog may not be eligible to enter the US.
Furthermore, if your dog is coming from a country or region where foot and mouth disease is known to exist, you must meet the following requirements: their fur and bedding must be free of excessive dirt, hay, or straw, and they should be bathed as soon as they reach their destination and kept separate from all livestock for five days after entering the US.
If your dog is coming from a country or region where screwworm is known to exist, it may only enter the US if accompanied by a certificate signed by a full-time salaried veterinary official from the region of origin. The certificate must state that the dog has been inspected for screwworm within five days prior to shipment to the US, and if it was infested, that it was held in quarantine and treated prior to leaving the region. For dogs travelling to the US from Mexico, the required screwworm freedom certification may be issued by a clinical veterinarian authorised to sign on behalf of the official government veterinarian.
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Preparing your dog for the airport
Once you have confirmed that dogs are allowed in the airport, you should prepare your dog for the experience. The airport environment can be challenging for dogs due to strange sounds, sights, and smells, so it is important to familiarise your dog with their travel crate or carrier before the trip. Place the carrier in their living space, and feed them treats inside to create a positive association. It is also beneficial to take your dog to loud and crowded dog-friendly places, such as bus stations, to help them adjust to the busy airport environment.
On the day of travel, ensure your dog is microchipped, wearing a collar and tag with accurate information, and has been exercised and relieved before entering the airport. You should also bring fresh food and water for the journey. At the airport, keep your dog on a leash and be mindful of other passengers and staff. Look out for designated pet relief areas, usually inside or outside each terminal, where your dog can stretch, drink, and relieve themselves.
It is important to note that once you board the aircraft, your dog will need to remain in their carrier for the duration of the flight. To make this experience more comfortable, you can give your dog a chew toy to help with pressure changes and relaxation.
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Paying pet fees
While it is not recommended to casually bring your dog to the airport, you may be permitted to do so in certain circumstances. However, it is important to note that the rules vary across different airports, and some may require dogs to remain in their carriers at all times. Therefore, it is advisable to check the specific regulations of the airport you plan to visit.
When it comes to paying pet fees at the airport, the process can vary depending on the airline you are travelling with. Here is some information on paying pet fees for a few specific airlines:
American Airlines
American Airlines allows you to pay the pet travel fee at the airport or at a travel centre using a credit card or paper voucher (where accepted). They do not accept cash or cheques for this type of payment. The fees are non-refundable and apply per kennel, each way. The amount you pay may vary depending on the trip details, the size of your pet and kennel, and whether your trip includes any stopovers or connections.
Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air charges a non-refundable fee of $50 per segment per carrier for travelling with pets. They allow pets to travel within the contiguous 48 states and Puerto Rico. Passengers travelling with pets must check in with an Allegiant agent at the ticket or gate counter at least one hour before departure to ensure compliance with guidelines.
Other Considerations
In addition to paying pet fees, it is important to be aware of temperature restrictions when travelling with your pet. Some airlines, such as American Airlines, have policies in place to ensure that pets are not exposed to extreme heat or cold during their journey. Therefore, you may be restricted from travelling with your pet if the current or forecasted temperature at any location on your itinerary is above or below a certain threshold.
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Service dogs
To travel with a service dog, you must complete the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form, which verifies the dog's health, training, and behavior. This form must be submitted to the airline at least 48 hours before departure. If your flight is over 8 hours, you will also need to complete the DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form, stating that your dog will not need to relieve itself or can do so without creating a health or sanitation issue.
At the airport, your service dog must be secured with a harness, leash, or tether, and it should not display any disruptive or aggressive behavior. If your dog is in a kennel, it must fit under the seat in front of you. If your service dog causes a significant disruption or violates safety or health requirements, the airline may deny transport.
It is important to be aware of the rules and regulations regarding service dogs at your destination, especially for international travel. Some countries may have specific requirements, such as information on the dog's health and vaccination status. Knowing your legal rights and the relevant forms and procedures can help ensure a smooth travel experience with your service dog.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you're travelling with your dog, you can take them into the airport. However, you should be aware that airports are noisy, crowded, and full of strangers, which can be stressful for your dog. It's a good idea to prepare your dog for the airport environment in advance.
It depends on the airport. Some people have reported being able to take their dogs into the baggage claim area of the terminal, but official airport guidelines often state that animals are not allowed inside airport buildings unless they are service dogs.
You should check the specific requirements of the airport and airline you're travelling with. You may need to pay a pet travel fee, and you'll need to ensure your dog meets the requirements for behaviour and health. It's also a good idea to prepare your dog in advance by getting them used to their crate or carrier and exposing them to loud and crowded places.
