Roberta Aguirre
Taking your dog to the airport can be a stressful experience for both the owner and the dog. While some airports are more dog-friendly than others, offering pet relief stations, drinking fountains, and even luxury suites, most airports do not allow dogs inside the terminal unless they are service animals. If you are travelling with your dog, it is important to do your research and prepare your dog for the experience of flying. This includes training your dog to be comfortable in a carrier, and ensuring that they meet all government regulations and airline guidelines.
Can you take your dog to the airport?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dog-friendly airports | Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWK) |
| Preparing your dog for the airport | Train your dog to walk through crowds and behave politely around other dogs; get your dog used to their crate early; take your dog to loud and crowded dog-friendly places like bus stations; ensure your dog is comfortable in their carrier |
| Airport facilities for dogs | Pet relief areas, drinking fountains, bags and receptacles for dog waste, pet boarding |
| Flying with your dog | Dogs must be well-behaved and cannot bark excessively, growl, or act aggressively; dogs must stay in their carrier during the flight; dogs cannot sit on their owner's lap; some airlines have specific sections for dogs, such as Economy or E+ |
| Regulations and requirements | Dogs must meet government regulations on vaccinations; some airlines require you to pay a pet travel fee; some airlines have restrictions on carry-on pets, such as size and weight limits |
| Picking up someone with your dog | Some airports may allow dogs in the baggage claim area, but official guidelines indicate that animals are not allowed inside airport buildings except for service animals |
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What You'll Learn
- Preparation: Train your dog to get comfortable with their crate and loud places
- Airport facilities: Many airports have pet relief areas and drinking water
- In-flight: Dogs must stay in their carrier and can be given chews to relax
- Rules and regulations: Vaccinations, fees, and crate requirements vary by airline
- Service dogs: Service animals are allowed inside airport buildings by law
Preparation: Train your dog to get comfortable with their crate and loud places
To get your dog comfortable with their crate, it is important to create positive associations with the crate. This can be done through the use of treats and games. For instance, you can play fetch and throw the ball inside the crate or hide treats inside for the dog to find. You can also feed them their regular meals near the crate, gradually moving the food dish inside. This will help them associate the crate with a relaxed mindset and they will enjoy being in it. It is important to be patient as crate training can take several months of consistent training.
When it comes to the size of the crate, it is crucial to get one that is suitable for your dog's adult size. The crate should not be too big, as dogs prefer small, enclosed spaces, but it should allow them to stand up to their full height and turn in a circle comfortably. Additionally, make sure to remove any collars or tags from your dog before placing them in the crate to prevent any accidents.
To get your dog comfortable with loud places, you can use an expert-approved training method called sound desensitization. Start by playing recordings of scary noises at a low volume while engaging in activities your dog enjoys, such as feeding or playing games. Gradually increase the volume as your dog becomes more comfortable. You can also use a Bluetooth speaker to play sounds from "danger zones" in the house, such as behind doors or near windows. Remember to take it slow and always treat your dog when they display a neutral reaction to the sounds.
If your dog displays signs of distress or fear, reduce the volume to a tolerable level and provide comfort. It is important to stay calm and cheerful, rewarding your dog with treats and play, so they learn that there is nothing to worry about. You can also use calming devices such as earmuffs, soft music, or a snug dog shirt to help your dog feel more relaxed.
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Airport facilities: Many airports have pet relief areas and drinking water
Many airports have facilities for pets, such as relief areas and drinking water. These are typically located post-security, although some airports have pre-security relief areas. A U.S. federal regulation requires airports serving 10,000 or more passengers annually to have areas inside or outside each terminal where pets can relieve themselves. These areas usually include real or fake grass, space to move around, and drinking water.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, for example, has a "dog walk" with lighting and landscaping. This relief area is located outside in a pre-security area near the parking garage and includes a drinking fountain, bags, and receptacles for waste disposal. Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport also has several pet relief areas, including an indoor post-security area with fake grass and a sink for easy cleanup.
Some airports, like O'Hare, do not allow animals inside buildings, except for service animals. Therefore, it is important to check the regulations of the specific airport you are travelling through. Additionally, it is recommended to prepare your dog for the airport environment by exposing them to loud and crowded dog-friendly places and training them to behave appropriately in public.
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In-flight: Dogs must stay in their carrier and can be given chews to relax
When it comes to flying with your dog, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to communicate with the airline in advance to understand their specific pet policies and confirm if there is room for your dog on the flight. Most airlines only allow a small number of dogs in the cabin, and they must meet specific requirements.
For your dog to be allowed on the flight, they must be well-behaved, which means no excessive barking, growling, or aggressive behaviour. It is recommended to train your dog and practice good behaviour before the trip, such as earning their CGC title, which includes skills like walking through crowds and behaving politely around other dogs. This training will help prepare your dog for the busy airport environment.
In terms of carriers, confirm that your carrier meets the size requirements of the airline and the specific flight. The carrier should be waterproof and provide enough space for your dog to sit, stand, lay down, and turn around comfortably. It is also crucial to familiarise your dog with their carrier before the flight to reduce their stress during the journey.
Now, specifically regarding the in-flight experience, dogs must remain in their carrier during the flight and are not permitted to sit on the owner's lap. To help your dog relax, especially during turbulent and noisy parts of the flight, it is recommended to give them a chew toy. Chewing helps to naturally relax dogs and can aid in adjusting to the pressure changes during takeoff and landing.
Additionally, when travelling with your dog, always carry a portable food bowl and a small amount of food in your carry-on luggage. Pet wipes are also useful for easy clean-up in case your dog gets sick during the journey. Remember to consult with your veterinarian before flying with your dog to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their health.
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Rules and regulations: Vaccinations, fees, and crate requirements vary by airline
When travelling with a dog, it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations that vary across airlines. These regulations include vaccination requirements, fees, and crate specifications.
Vaccinations
Vaccination requirements for dogs vary depending on the airline and the destination. For example, dogs travelling to the United States must meet government regulations on vaccinations, and specific CDC documentation requirements apply to all dogs entering the country. American Airlines requires dogs travelling via cargo to have original signed health certificates completed by a licensed veterinarian within 20 days of the flight for both departure and return trips. In contrast, Hawaiian Airlines mandates health certificates from a veterinarian dated no more than 14 days prior to the flight's arrival.
Fees
Fees for travelling with a dog also differ among airlines. American Airlines charges a pet travel fee that can be paid at the airport or a travel centre using a credit card or paper voucher. The fee for dogs flying in the cabin is $125 per carrier, while fees for cargo flights vary based on the destination and are confirmed at the time of booking. Similarly, Delta Air Lines collects a one-way fee for small dogs travelling in the cabin within the contiguous United States, while fees for international flights depend on the documentation and requirements of the destination.
Crate Requirements
Crate or carrier requirements also vary across airlines. American Airlines specifies that non-collapsible kennels cannot exceed the under-seat dimensions of the aircraft and recommends soft-sided collapsible kennels. Delta Air Lines, on the other hand, recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18" x 11" x 11" to fit most aircraft types. Additionally, Delta requires the kennel to have ventilation openings on three sides for domestic flights and four sides for international travel.
It is important to note that each airline has its own set of policies and requirements for pet travel, including carrier size, breed restrictions, and fees. Therefore, it is essential to review the specific airline's policies and guidelines before booking your travel to ensure a smooth journey with your furry companion.
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Service dogs: Service animals are allowed inside airport buildings by law
Service dogs are allowed inside airport buildings by law. However, they must be fully trained service dogs that meet specific requirements. These dogs are defined as those that are individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. This includes physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, and other mental disabilities.
When travelling with a service dog, it is recommended that you submit the necessary forms to verify the dog's health, training, and behaviour. These forms include the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form and the CDC Dog Import Form. Final approval for travel will be determined at the airport, ensuring the dog can safely fit at your feet.
Service dogs must be permitted to accompany their owner in the space under the seat in front of them. Smaller service animals may be allowed on the owner's lap, provided it is done safely and does not obstruct emergency exits or aisles. Service animals are not permitted to occupy a seat.
Additionally, service dogs must behave properly and not cause disruptions or display aggressive behaviour. Airlines may deny transport to a service dog if it violates safety or health requirements or poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
It is important to note that service animals in training, emotional support animals, and comfort animals are not considered service animals and may be subject to different regulations.
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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 mindful that airports are noisy, crowded, and full of strangers, which can be stressful for your dog. It is recommended that you train your dog to be comfortable in their carrier with treats and praise.
This depends on the airport. Some airports only allow service dogs inside the building, while others have designated dog relief areas outside the terminal. It is best to check the regulations of the specific airport you plan to visit.
There are several things you can do to prepare your dog for the airport:
- Train them to be comfortable in their carrier with treats and praise.
- Expose them to loud and crowded dog-friendly places, such as bus stations, to get them used to the sights and sounds of the airport.
- Ensure they meet all vaccination and documentation requirements for air travel.
- Research the specific airport to find out if it has any dog-friendly facilities or relief areas.
