The Last Minute Travel Fact Center

Going on vacation is something to anticipate; however, if you have to leave your dog at home then a vacation may not be as fun as you’d like it to be. You fret that they’re being taken care of the right way and you miss their company . You can take your dog on vacation, so rest easy, even if you are flying, domestic or abroad. Here’s what you need to know to make the trip easier on you and your dearly loved dog .

Dogs Traveling in the Cabin - Domestic Air Travel Guidelines

Reservations should be made early. While all of the major airlines permit four legged friends in the cabin, they do limit the number of dogs per flight. The number of dogs permitted on board the plane per flight deviates from airline to airline with some only allowing one dog per flight and others allowing up to seven; however, that may deviate depending on the season. You will help guarantee both you and your dog’s space on the flight by making your travel arrangements early.

Fees. Holding a pet on your lap in their carrier or in the floor in front of you might require , as you might suppose, an additional cost. Only one pet kennel per ticketed passenger is permitted, and depending on the airline, the charges range from 50 dollars to 250 dollars each way. The pet carrier counts as a carry-on bag, so other than one additional bag, don’t aim on taking more onto the plane with you.

Take along the right carrier. Your airline approved dog kennel must be leak proof and afford adequate ventilation for your dog. The crate should allow them to stand up, turn around and lie down. So that you can tote them easily, handles on the carrier are helpful. Cabin pet carriers are permitted a maximum size of 19″ long x 13″ wide x 9″ high.

Generally no more than 20 pounds combined, you are permitted to have two dogs per carrier, provided the total weight does not exceed airline limits. Two Chihuahuas, for example , would satisfy the regulations. You must also carry two pets of the same specie, meaning two dogs; you can’t sneak a cat and a dog inside the same crate .

Regulations - Health. Dogs traveling inside the cabin must be at least eight weeks old. Pets are not allowed to fly non-stop flights to Maui, Hawaii, or Kauai, as Hawaii has rigid regulations; however, there are no other health regulations you must meet. Until you are ready to board your next flight, you will have to take your pet to a sterile area, if you are flying through Hawaii and have a layover or have to change planes. You should always have your dog examined by a veterinarian to be approved for air travel before making reservations . Some dogs, elderly dogs in particular, may not be equipped to stand the stress and atmospheric changes of airline travel.

Domestic Air Travel Guidelines for Dogs Traveling as Checked Baggage

You may need to check your dog as baggage if they are too large to travel in the cabin with you. Below are a few restrictions and guidelines when checking your canine.

Dogs cannot be checked as luggage if the flight is longer than 12 hours and you will be charged a fee in addition to standard checked baggage fees. These fees deviate depending on the airline and the size of the dog and kennel but can be quite expensive.

Solid materials such as wood, metal, or plastic must make up the carrier. Carriers must be leak proof. Adequate ventilation on two sides of the kennel is a must, in addition to the door. Doors must attach tightly and be escape proof. Handles on the kennels also make them easier to transport by the luggage attendants. A water container must be fastened to the kennel with access from the outside so that, in case there is a flight delay, attendants may need to give your dog additional water. The maximum weight of the dog and kennel combined cannot surpass 100 pounds, and the maximum size is 40″ long x 27″ wide x 30″ high, a series 500.

Restrictions on Temperature. Since it can become amazingly hot or cold in the cargo area of the plane, there are temperature restrictions to keep your dog safe. The restrictions include:

When the ground temperature falls below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, or if the current or forecasted temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, dogs will not be accepted.

Travel on Board and as Checked Baggage - International Travel

Depending on where you are traveling, there are a few restrictions; however, all restrictions listed above apply Internationally. Checking your International destination is urgent , to be sure you are allowed to transport your pet into the country.

In the United Kingdom, for instance, you are not permitted to bring your canine into the country unless it’s a service animal.

Many airlines do not accept snub nosed breeds, like Pugs, in cargo due to their breathing difficulties and other small dogs may be prohibited as well.United Airlines, as an example, does not allow the following breeds to be checked as baggage

* Boston Terrier
* Boxer
* English or French Bulldog
* King Charles Spaniel
* Lhasa Apso
* Pug
* Shar-Pei
* Shih Tzu

Europe and Japan requires that your canine be micro chipped, and Japan also requires you inform their Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before your scheduled arrival. You must also satisfy additional forms and certifications. 

Taking your pooch with you on vacation is a great and generally easy process. The trick is to make your reservations ahead of time and to be aware of the restrictions ahead of time so you’re prepared .

Going Through some basic dog obedience training prior to the flight is also a good idea to ensure your dog behaves.