Are Dogs Allowed On Airlines? | Your Guide

Yes, dogs are allowed on airlines, but policies vary significantly by airline, dog size, and type of travel.

Traveling with a furry family member adds a wonderful dimension to your adventures, but it also brings a unique set of considerations, especially when flying. Navigating airline regulations for pets can feel like deciphering a complex map, with each carrier having its own specific rules and requirements. Understanding these nuances before you book is key to a smooth journey for both you and your dog.

Understanding Airline Pet Policies

Each airline establishes its own specific policies regarding pet travel, which can differ significantly even among major carriers. These policies cover everything from the types of animals allowed to their size, breed, and travel method. It’s essential to review the chosen airline’s official pet policy page well in advance of booking any flights.

Carry-On vs. Checked Pet Policies

Dogs typically travel in one of two ways: in the aircraft cabin as a carry-on or in the cargo hold as checked baggage. The decision often hinges on the dog’s size and weight, including its carrier.

• In-Cabin Travel: Smaller dogs, generally those weighing less than 20 pounds (including the carrier), are often permitted to travel in the cabin. They must remain in a specific, approved pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. There are strict dimensions for these carriers, and your dog must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably within it. Airlines also limit the number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight, so early booking and reservation are crucial.
• Cargo Hold Travel: Larger dogs that do not meet in-cabin requirements typically travel in the aircraft’s climate-controlled cargo hold. This method requires a sturdy, IATA-compliant kennel with proper ventilation, food and water dishes, and clear labeling. Many airlines impose temperature restrictions for cargo travel, refusing to transport pets when ground temperatures are too hot or too cold at departure, layover, or arrival airports. Some airlines also have embargoes on certain breeds during specific times of the year or altogether.

Breed and Size Restrictions

Airlines often have restrictions on certain dog breeds, particularly brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers. These breeds can face respiratory difficulties at high altitudes or in stressful environments, leading many airlines to prohibit their travel in cargo. Weight limits for in-cabin pets are strictly enforced, and dogs exceeding these limits must travel in cargo, if permitted.

Service Animals vs. Pets

The distinction between a service animal and a pet is significant in air travel, with different regulations applying to each. This difference impacts where a dog can travel on an aircraft and the associated fees.

Defined by DOT Regulations

Under regulations from the Department of Transportation, a service animal is defined as a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability. Airlines are required to permit service animals to accompany their handlers in the cabin, free of charge, provided they meet specific criteria. This includes completing a DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form, attesting to the animal’s training and behavior. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents their use.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

As of January 2021, the Department of Transportation no longer considers emotional support animals (ESAs) to be service animals. This means airlines are not required to accommodate ESAs in the cabin free of charge. Many airlines now treat ESAs as standard pets, subject to applicable pet fees and restrictions for in-cabin or cargo travel. Travelers planning to fly with an ESA should check their specific airline’s current pet policy for requirements and fees.

Preparing Your Dog for Air Travel

Thorough preparation is vital for ensuring a safe and comfortable flight for your dog. This involves both health checks and getting your dog accustomed to its travel environment.

Vet Visits and Health Certificates

A visit to your veterinarian is a necessary step before flying. Most airlines and destinations require a health certificate issued by a licensed vet within a specific timeframe (often 10 days) before travel. This certificate confirms your dog is healthy enough to fly and is up-to-date on all required vaccinations, particularly rabies. Discuss any concerns about your dog’s anxiety or health with your vet, but avoid sedating your dog for flights, as it can be dangerous at altitude.

Crate and Carrier Requirements

Whether traveling in-cabin or cargo, your dog’s carrier must meet strict airline specifications. For in-cabin travel, soft-sided carriers are often preferred for their flexibility, but they must still adhere to size limits and allow your dog to stand and turn around naturally. For cargo, hard-sided kennels must be IATA-compliant, meaning they are sturdy, well-ventilated, leak-proof, and clearly labeled with “Live Animal” stickers, your contact information, and directional arrows. Acclimate your dog to its carrier well before the flight, making it a familiar and safe space.

Airport Security and Boarding with Your Dog

Navigating the airport with your dog requires understanding specific procedures, especially at security checkpoints and during boarding.

TSA Screening Procedures

When going through security, you will need to remove your dog from its carrier. The empty carrier will go through the X-ray machine, while you carry your dog through the metal detector. According to the TSA, pets should be carried or walked on a leash through the screening checkpoint. Handlers of service animals may be subject to additional screening. Always keep your dog on a leash and under control during this process.

In-Cabin Etiquette

Once past security and on the aircraft, your dog must remain in its carrier under the seat in front of you for the entire flight. This rule is strictly enforced for safety reasons. Do not remove your dog from its carrier during the flight, even if it seems distressed. Before and after the flight, use designated pet relief areas at airports. Many airports now offer these facilities both pre- and post-security.

International Travel with Dogs

Flying with your dog to another country introduces a significantly more complex layer of requirements. Each destination country has its own unique set of rules.

Country-Specific Entry Requirements

Before planning any international trip with your dog, research the specific entry requirements of your destination country. These can include additional vaccinations (beyond rabies), specific blood tests (like rabies titer tests), import permits, and extended quarantine periods. Some countries, like Australia and New Zealand, have very strict biosecurity laws that make pet entry particularly challenging or require lengthy preparations. Begin this research many months in advance, as some processes can take six months or longer to complete.

Quarantine Rules

Certain countries mandate a quarantine period for arriving animals to prevent the introduction of diseases. The length and conditions of quarantine vary widely. For instance, while some countries may have no quarantine for pets meeting all health requirements from approved countries, others might require weeks or even months of supervised isolation. Always confirm the latest quarantine regulations directly with the destination country’s animal health authority or embassy.

Costs of Flying with a Dog

Bringing your dog on a flight incurs additional costs beyond your own ticket. These fees vary widely by airline and travel method.

• In-Cabin Pet Fees: Airlines typically charge a flat fee for pets traveling in the cabin. This can range from $95 to $125 or more per one-way flight for domestic travel. International in-cabin fees can be higher.
• Cargo Pet Fees: Transporting a dog in the cargo hold is generally more expensive, with fees often ranging from $200 to $500 or more per one-way flight, depending on the airline, route, and the combined weight of the dog and carrier.
• Additional Costs: Beyond airline fees, consider expenses for a veterinary visit, health certificate, an IATA-compliant carrier, and potential import permits or customs fees for international travel.

Safety and Comfort Considerations

The well-being of your dog during air travel should always be the top priority. While flying with a pet is possible, it’s not without risks, especially for cargo travel.

Minimize stress by keeping your dog’s routine as normal as possible leading up to the flight. Ensure they are well-exercised before heading to the airport. Place a familiar blanket or toy in their carrier to provide comfort. Avoid feeding large meals close to departure to prevent motion sickness. For cargo travel, attach clear feeding and watering instructions to the kennel. Always choose direct flights when possible to reduce handling and stress during layovers.