Traveling with a dog by plane sounds exciting, but it comes with a lot of preparation. While I haven’t personally flown with my dog, Leksi, the topic has always fascinated me. I love traveling, and naturally, I’ve wondered what it takes to bring a furry companion along. That curiosity led me to dive into research, and I quickly realized how many factors – rules, safety concerns, and airline policies – come into play.
If you’re thinking about flying with your dog, being prepared is key. From crate training to required documents and feeding schedules, every detail matters. To save you time, I’ve put together this guide with the most important air travel tips for dogs – so you and your pup can have a smooth and stress-free trip. Let’s get started!
1. Is your dog old enough to fly?
Before booking your flight, check if your pup meets the minimum age requirements.
- In the U.S., puppies must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned for at least 5 days before flying.
- In Europe, rules vary by country, especially for puppies under 3 months old that haven’t been vaccinated for rabies. If you’re traveling internationally, check the regulations in advance.
Even if your dog meets the age requirement, consider if they’re ready for air travel. Young puppies, senior dogs, and those with health issues may find flying stressful. If you’re unsure, talk to your vet to see if flying is the best option for your pup.
2. Basic training makes travel easier (unless your dog is like Leksi)
A well-trained dog = a stress-free trip. If your pup follows basic commands, navigating airports, hotels, and new environments becomes much easier.
In theory, training sounds simple. In practice? Not all dogs are on board. Take my dog, Leksi – she blatantly refused to follow commands. She understood them perfectly but chose to do the exact opposite just to prove she was in charge. If it suited her, she’d be the perfect pup. If not? Forget it.
Then there was Kari, my mom’s German Shepherd – the polar opposite. She didn’t even need serious training. You’d tell her a command a few times, and it was like she’d known it her whole life. She was pure goodness – never made a mess at home, never barked unnecessarily, just an all-around angel.
If your dog is more like Kari, you’re in luck. If they lean more toward Leksi’s “I make the rules” attitude, start training well in advance (or consider working with a pro).
The most important commands to practice before flying include:
- Sit – helps your dog stay calm in crowded areas.
- Look at me – useful for keeping their focus in busy airports.
- Quiet – great for stopping unnecessary barking.
- Wait here – perfect for hotel rooms, rental cars, and check-in lines.
- Come – important in case your dog gets loose.
A little training now can save a lot of stress during the trip, especially if your pup has a mind of their own.
3. Crate training = less stress for your dog
Most airlines require dogs to travel in an airline-approved crate. If your dog isn’t used to one, the flight will be stressful – so crate training is essential.
Choose the right crate:
- It should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- It must be sturdy, well-ventilated, and leak-proof with a secure latch.
- Label it with your name, contact details, and “Live Animal” markings.
Get your dog used to the crate:
- Start by letting them explore it at home with treats inside.
- Gradually increase the time they spend in it.
- Take short car trips with them inside the crate to simulate travel.
A familiar crate can feel like a safe space, making the journey much less stressful for your pup. Bonus tip: place a blanket that smells like home inside to help keep them calm!
4. Medication? Only if your vet approves!
Some dogs handle air travel like pros, while others get anxious. You might be tempted to give your pup something to keep them calm, but never medicate your dog without talking to your vet first.
In fact, most veterinarians strongly advise against sedating dogs for air travel. Sedatives can increase the risk of heart issues and breathing problems at high altitudes. Some airlines even require a signed statement confirming your dog hasn’t been tranquilized before boarding.
If your dog struggles with anxiety, ask your vet about natural calming aids instead. Things like:
- Calming chews with ingredients like chamomile or melatonin
- White noise machines or calming music playlists
- A familiar-smelling blanket or t-shirt for comfort
The goal is to keep your pup as relaxed and comfortable as possible without unnecessary risks.
5. Double-check tags and microchips
Before heading to the airport, make sure your dog’s ID is up to date in case of emergencies.
- ID tag – It should have your name, phone number, and travel destination. (Skip including your dog’s name! If they get lost, it’s safer if strangers don’t know what to call them.)
- Microchip – If your dog isn’t already microchipped, consider doing it before the trip. If they are, check that your contact info is correctly registered.
- Temporary travel tag – For longer trips, add a tag with the address and phone number of where you’ll be staying.
Losing a pet is every owner’s nightmare, but having the right ID can make all the difference in reuniting quickly.
6. Keep those papers handy!
Flying with a dog isn’t just about booking a ticket – you’ll need paperwork, too.
Must-have travel documents:
- Proof of rabies vaccination – Most airlines (and countries) require it.
- Health certificate – Issued by a vet within 10 days of travel.
- EU pet passport (if traveling in Europe) – Lets your dog move freely between most EU countries. (Read more » European regulations for pet travel)
Each country and airline has different rules, so check requirements well in advance. Some places may ask for additional vaccinations, parasite treatments, or quarantine periods, especially for international travel.
A quick call to your airline can save you from last-minute surprises!
7. Trim those nails and consider a haircut
Dogs tend to scratch when they feel anxious or trapped, and long nails inside a travel crate can lead to injuries. To keep your pup safe:
- Trim their nails a day or two before your flight. This prevents them from getting caught on the crate or scratching themselves.
- Going somewhere warm? If your dog has a thick coat, a trim might help them adjust to the heat. But don’t shave them completely! Their fur protects against both heat and sunburn.
And no matter where you’re headed, ease your dog into the new climate gradually. Don’t rush them from an air-conditioned airport straight into extreme temperatures!
8. Feeding schedule: less is more
Flying on a full stomach can make some dogs uncomfortable. Many vets recommend feeding lightly before a flight to prevent nausea and digestive issues.
General feeding tips for air travel:
- Skip a heavy meal at least 4-6 hours before departure (but always provide water!).
- For long flights, pack your dog’s regular food so they don’t have to adjust to new brands mid-trip.
- Ask your vet if your dog has specific dietary needs, especially for puppies, senior dogs, or those with medical conditions.
Every dog is different, so your vet can give you the best feeding advice based on your pup’s size, breed, and health.
9. Bring a blanket that smells like home
Flights can be stressful for dogs, but a familiar scent can make all the difference.
A thin, cozy blanket that smells like home (or even one of your T-shirts!) can help calm your pup in the crate. If your dog is crate-trained, they’ll already associate it with comfort – but adding a favorite blanket makes it feel even more secure.
Leksi loved being under her favorite blankets. When she slept in my bedroom, she would either snuggle under the duvet with me or stay on top of it, tucked under her yellow blanket. In the living room, she had a different setup – her blue baby blanket, which she loved curling up under, usually with a toy right next to her (see the next photo).
🐶 Bonus tip: Before your trip, place the blanket in your dog’s crate during naps or car rides. This helps them associate it with safety and relaxation.
10. Don’t forget their favorite toy and snacks!
A long flight without anything familiar? No fun for your pup.
- Pack a favorite toy – Something small and safe (avoid anything that could be a choking hazard).
- Bring their favorite treats – A little snack after landing can be a great reward.
- Skip toys inside the crate during the flight – They can be a hazard if your dog chews or chokes on them mid-air.
Familiar items help your dog feel safe and comfortable in a new environment, so don’t leave them behind!
Final thoughts
Flying with your dog takes planning, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth and stress-free experience – for both of you! From training and paperwork to packing familiar comforts, every little detail helps make the journey easier.
Whether your pup is a natural traveler or a bit of a diva (like my Leksi), patience and preparation are key. The more effort you put in before takeoff, the more enjoyable the trip will be once you land.
Safe travels to you and your four-legged best friend!