Domestic and International Travel Guidelines for Dogs on Airplanes
November 19th, 2009 by Henry, under Air Travel, World Travel. No Comments
Going on vacation is something to look forward to ; however, if you have to leave your dog at home then a vacation may not be as fun as you’d prefer it to be. You worry that they’re being taken care of the right way and you miss their companionship. Rest easy, you can take your dog with you on vacation, even if you’re flying, domestic or abroad. Here are some things you should be apprised of that can make the trip easier on you and your beloved dog .
Domestic Air Travel Guidelines for Dogs Traveling in the Cabin
Travel arrangements should be made early. The number of dogs per flight are restricted , but all major airlines permit four-legged friends in the cabin. Changing from airline to airline, the number of dogs permitted on board the plane per flight may differ, depending on the season; however, some allow only one dog while others may permit up to seven. You will help ensure both you and your K9′s space on the flight by making your travel arrangements early.
Fees. As you might suppose, there is usually an additional fee for the pet, which is to remain on your lap in their carrier or on the floor in front of you at all times. Fees can range from 50 dollars each way to 250 dollars each way, depending on the airline, and only one pet kennel per ticketed passenger is allowed in the cabin. Aim on taking only one additional bag, besides the pet carrier on the plane with you because the kennel counts as a carry-on bag.
Choose the right carrier. Proper ventilation is necessary for your dog, and the airline approved dog kennel must be leak proof. The crate should permit them to stand up, turn around and lie down. The carrier should also have handles, which are helpful so you can carry them easily. Pet carriers allowed in the cabin have a maximum size of 19″ long x 13″ wide x 9″ high.
You’re permitted to actually have two dogs per carrier provided the total weight doesn’t exceed airline limits, which are generally no more than 20 pounds combined. Two Chihuahuas, for instance, would satisfy the regulations. Additionally, the two pets inside a single carrier must be the same species, which means two dogs, you can’t sneak your cat and your dog inside the same carrier .
Health Regulations. It is required that dogs traveling inside the cabin must be a minimum of eight weeks old. Unless you are traveling to Hawaii, there are no health regulations; however, they do have strict regulations that do not allow pets to fly via non-stop flights into Maui, Hawaii, or Kauai. Pets must be taken to a sterile area until you are ready to board your next flight, if you are flying through Hawaii and have a layover or have to switch planes. Having your dog checked by a veterinarian, and cleared for air travel, is recommended before making your reservations . Some dogs, older dogs in particular, may not be equipped to stand the stress and atmospheric changes of airline travel.
Dogs Traveling as Checked Baggage – Domestic Air Travel Guidelines
A dog too large to travel with you in the cabin may be checked as luggage. When checking your pet , here are a few guidelines and restrictions.
On top of the standard checked luggage fees, you will be charge an additional fee and you can’t check your dog as luggage if the flight is longer than 12 hours. While they can be quite expensive, these fees change depending on airline, and the size of dog and kennel.
Carriers must be made of a solid material like wood, metal, or plastic. They must be leak proof. They must have adequate ventilation on two sides of the kennel, in addition to the door. They must have a door that fastens snugly and be escape proof. In addition, handles on the carriers make easy transfer for the luggage attendants. Carriers must also have a water container fastened to the kennel with access from the outside in case there is a flight delay and attendants need to give your dog extra water. The maximum size for a kennel is 40″ long x 27″ wide x 30″ high, a series 500, and the maximum weight of the dog and the kennel cannot exceed 100 pounds.
Temperature restrictions. There are temperature restrictions to keep your dog safe because it can become incredibly hot or cold in the cargo area of the plane. The restrictions include:
Dogs will not be accepted when the current or forecasted temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit or when the ground temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Traveling Abroad – On Board or as Checked Baggage
All of the above restrictions apply internationally; however, depending on where you are traveling, there are a few added restrictions. It’s important to always check your international destination to make sure you’re allowed to bring your pet into the country.
Unless it is a service animal, the United Kingdom, for example , does not permit you to bring your canine into the country.
Snub-nosed breeds, like Pugs, due to their breathing difficulties are not allowed in cargo by many airlines, as well as some other little dogs. For instance, United Airlines doesn’t permit 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
In Europe and Japan, your K9 must be micro chipped and in Japan you must notify their Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before your scheduled arrival. Additional documents and certifications are also required.
Taking your dog with you on vacation is a wonderful and generally easy process. Being informed of restrictions in advance can be accomplished by making reservations ahead of time so that you are prepared .
It is also very important that your dog has completed some basic obedience training so he is well behaved for the flight
