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Flights with dogs: Tips and tricks for flying with your dog
Many of us have a dog at home, who brings us endless joy with their loyalty, cuddles and cold noses. Taking a holiday, then, can feel really difficult as you may need to leave your beloved pooch behind with friends or in a dog kennel. But what if you want to bring along your dog on your next holiday?
If air travel is your one and only option for this holiday, you'll need to prepare as flying can be very stressful for dogs and pets in general. In this article, we'll be sharing everything you need to know about flying with dogs, from entry requirements and costs to tips and tricks for making the journey more comfortable for your four-legged companion.
Flying with dogs: The practical information
First things first: the facts. What's the maximum-sized dog that you're allowed to bring along in the cabin? And what's the minimum size/weight for dogs that need to travel in the cargo hold instead? How big are the transport crates? And what do you need to consider when entering a different country with a pet?
There are endless questions, but these are important to address long before travelling so that you don't run into any unexpected problems. Check out some of the practical information for flying with dogs below.
Dogs flying in the plane cabin:
Only small dogs that weigh up to 5kg are allowed to be carried in the cabin.
Some airlines make exceptions for this, allowing pets that weigh between 6 and 8kg.
The pet transport box must not exceed the dimensions of 45 - 55cm x 35 - 40cm x 20 - 25cm.
Dogs over 8kg must fly in the cargo hold.
Most airlines will only allow a certain number of animals to fly in the cabin, so book and register your transport as early as possible.
Check the entry requirements for your holiday destination. Check with the embassy about import regulations and make sure that you have an updated health certificate for your dog with a valid vaccination schedule.
We do not recommend travelling to a country where quarantine is required upon entry.
Dog breeds that aren't allowed to fly on planes
Unfortunately, certain dog breeds are not allowed to fly on planes, and this is due to safety concerns and for your animal's wellbeing. Due to breeding and anatomy, some dog breeds can experience shortness of breath when travelling on a plane, which can put their health at risk. Since flying is already a stressful experience for pets due to loud noises and new smells, these kinds of dog breeds aren't allowed to fly and you should avoid flying with older dogs too for the same reason.
Breeds that are known for having shorter noses and shorter heads include the Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog, Pug, Pekingese, Shi Tzu and Chihuahua. For safety concerns, dogs such as Mastiffs, Mastinos and Rottweilers are not permitted on board.
If you're thinking of treating you and your dog to some luxury by flying in business class, you'll be disappointed. Due to the seating conditions, dogs are not allowed in the business class cabin. However, if you want some more space around you, you may buy an extra seat in the economy cabin. While your pet carrier isn't allowed on the seat and must remain on the floor in case of an emergency landing, you'll have more space for your legs if you get an extra seat.
Lastly, you'll need to fly with a more established airlines, as the budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air are simply not set up for transporting animals at all.
Finding the right animal transport box
A pet transport box is a must if you want to take your dog on holiday. Imagine you are flying in an aircraft with walls that look rickety or have sharp edges. If it's your dog's first time flying, a cold and uncomfortable crate is the last thing they'd want. To ensure your dog's comfort, your transport box should meet the airline's requirements, but also have some extra features to make the flight go as smoothly as possible.
On the practical side, your pet transport box must not be foldable, nor should your dog be able to escape from it. The same rule applies to transport boxes being brought into the airplane cabin. To reduce stress, you could introduce your dog to the box you'll be using a few days before the flight. Simply keep it open and in your dog's usual space at home, and your dog may go inside and sniff around, making it familiar before your holiday.
The size and material of the box are based on the International Air Transport Association - or IATA for short. According to their regulations, your dog must be able to stand up easily in the box without its ears or head hitting the top of the box. Likewise, your pet should be able to turn around freely inside and find a new, comfortable position to lie down. There must also be sufficient air supply and circulation so that your pet always has fresh air. Lastly, if your dog is travelling in the cargo hold, the box needs to have a water and food bowl.
How do I find the right size for my dog crate?
Before buying your pet transport crate, you should take out a measuring tape and calculate how big the crate should be. Always keep in mind the IATA regulations that your dog must be able to move around comfortably and without any restriction.
The length: Measure your dog from the tip of their nose to the end of their tail and add half the length of the front legs. Voilà, you have the required length for your dog crate.
The width: The crate should be at least twice as wide as your dog's body. Better a little more than too little.
The height: Measure your four-legged friend from their paw to the tip of their ear, making sure there's enough space between the head and the top of the crate.
Also make sure that your dog can get in and out of the crate easily, that they have a clear view and that they don't have to stare at a dark wall the entire time, and that there is enough air circulation inside.
How do I train my dog to travel on an airplane?
If money isn't a problem, then you can contact a highly knowledgeable dog trainer who will be there to help you with advice and support. However, these are some of the things they might advise to prepare your dog for air travel.
You should start training your furry friend around a year before you plan to fly. In addition, the crate should become your dog's favourite place, where they're not only familiar with it, but it makes them feel safe and secure. You could add a blanket with a familiar smell and perhaps your dog's favourite cuddly toy.
Then you can start teaching your dog to go into the crate and, step by step, close the crate door and extend the time periods they're inside by small increments. Once your dog feels comfortable being shut in the transport crate, then you can experiment with training your dog in darker spaces, replicating the conditions in the plane's cargo hold. Whatever you do, be patient and make these training sessions as stress free as possible.
Dog entry requirements
The easiest way to enter EU countries is, of course, to travel from EU countries. However, for those from the UK, you'll need to get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from a vet who's authorised to issue these. The AHC will confirm your dog's microchip details, rabies vaccination and, for some countries, tapeworm treatment. You need to get your AHC within 10 days of your travel date.
There are three countries have very strict entry requirements for animals, and we do not recommend transporting your pets there for holidays:
Iceland: For Iceland, you must obtain an import permit from none other than the head of the veterinary office. Furthermore, the animals must live in complete isolation for several months after entry, which is why entry permits are not issued to tourists.
Australia: Your pet must reside continuously in the export country for six months prior to departure. A rabies vaccination, a blood sample and a titer test are also required. If you are entering from the UK, the dog must spend at least 30 days in quarantine. Imports are only permitted via Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. The following dog breeds are completely barred from entry: Argentine Dogo, Fila Brazilian, Tosa Inu, Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull and Presa Canaria.
USA: To enter the USA with a dog, you need a health certificate, and your pet must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entry. Puppies younger than 12 weeks can enter the country without vaccination and must be vaccinated on-site within 30 days and then remain in isolation for 30 days.
How much does it cost to transport a dog on a plane?
This cost varies according to who you're flying with, and whether your dog is flying in the cabin or the cargo hold.
Most UK airlines only allow service/assistance animals to fly in the cabin, and this is free of charge. This includes British Airways, as well as low-cost airlines like Ryanair and easyJet. TUI allows dogs weighing under 6kg to fly in the cabin at a cost of around £50 one way. In terms of other European airlines, KLM and Lufthansa allow small dogs in the cabin (up to 8kg). The cost of flying your dog in the cabin can range from £50-150.
If you're set on using British Airways, your pet dog will need to go in the cargo hold. Depending on the breed, size and other factors, like whether you're using a UK pet travel agent (this is recommended), these costs start to add up, starting at £500 and up to £8000. European airlines would charge similar prices.
Last but not least
Before you travel with your dog, you should think carefully about whether it is really necessary. As already mentioned, flying is stressful for dogs, no matter how well you have trained and prepared them. It is best to speak to your trusted vet to make sure that your pet is really fit enough to travel.
Once you've considered all these things and have the vet's approval, nothing stands in the way of a holiday or road trip with your furry friend. Enjoy the sun on your face; your pet will do the same. Experiencing adventures together will make your bond even stronger than before.
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