Travelling with Your Dog on a Plane

Taking your dog abroad can be fun for everyone - after all, things wouldn’t be the same without the whole family there!

Whether you’re heading off to the beach or travelling to chillier climes, your dog will have a whale of a time exploring new environments and seeing new sights with you.

Of course, sometimes going on holiday involves getting on a plane. That doesn’t mean your canine friend can’t join you - dogs can be international jet-setters too! However, it does mean that you’ll have to plan a lot of things in advance to make sure travelling with your dog runs smoothly.

Before taking your dog on a plane, there are several things that need to be organised before you even get to the airport. Luckily, most of the things necessary when flying with a dog can be addressed a long time in advance; it’s best to get preparations underway seven to eight months before you go. In all cases, even if your dog is healthy, contact the vet before you go – some countries require vaccinations, health checks or certificates before your dog can come in!

How to prepare when flying with a dog

Many pet owners want to know how to travel with a dog on a plane without all the hassle, but the truth is, every journey will need a bit of preparation!

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owner holding red suitcase while dog is sitting

However, if you organise things for your dog in advance, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. Read our checklist to make sure you’ve got everything covered, then get ready for a holiday full of fun with the best travel companion in the world.

Things to organise in advance

Before the rest of your preparations get underway, contact the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) about your journey.

DEFRA can tell you about the dog travelling requirements for your destination. You might want to check out www.defra.gov.uk to get started.

When you book your flight, make sure the airline knows you want to bring your dog on the plane. They’ll happily give you advice. The IATA website also provides useful information on travelling with pets.

Your crate will need to meet regulations for the flight, so make sure you’ve got one sorted – it will be stressful to rush and find one at the last minute!

As well as this, consider food and water bowls that attach to the front of the basket and are less likely to spill and easier to top up from outside. The earlier you get them, the better.

Make sure you’re familiar with your airline’s regulations. For example, prepare for the fact you might not see you pet all journey, as they can’t be in the cabin with you.

Visit your vet a minimum of 7-8 months before the journey, as there may be specific vaccination requirements or certificates for the country you are visiting.

Some destinations require a health certificate 24-48 hours prior to flying with a dog. If that’s the case, get your vet appointment booked to avoid last minute stress!

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dog in a crate with a red suitcase next to it

Acclimatise your pet to the crate well in advance of flying with a dog to reduce their stress. Put it in their home environment with a nice bed and treats until they like being there.

On the day

Before the flight, put a small luggage tag on your dog's collar displaying the temporary residence information for your destination – just in case something goes awry.
Make sure that the information on your dog's ticket corresponds exactly with the information on yours. You don’t want to end up in different places!
Inspect every tag attached to your pet's container before taking your dog on a plane and ensure it is marked with both your dog's information and your flight information.
Include a food and water pack with the container – it sounds simple, but forgetting it could put a huge dent in your plans. Dogs on planes can get quite thirsty.
Attach a feeding schedule for a 24-hour period and any other information for the travel carrier, just in case your pet doesn't make it to their final destination for some reason.
Arrive at the airport in good time, having made sure that your dog has eaten earlier in the day, is relieved, well exercised, and comfortable – keeping stress to a minimum!

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small dog on read lead leaving the house

When thinking about how to fly with dogs, consider withholding food for a minimum of 2-4 hours before the journey to avoid travel sickness. That way once you get your dog on a plane and start travelling, they shouldn’t be ill.

Flying with an assistance/guide dog

Unlike most pets, assistance or guide dogs can travel in the cabin with you on the majority of flights. You will usually find that both you and your dog will be placed on the front row, leaving your dog plenty of space to lie-down. You do not have to pay any kind of fee to be able to have an assistance dog travel with you on a plane.

When arranging to have an assistance dog join you in the cabin, be sure to phone your travel provider and let them know, as this kind of request usually cant be dealt with online and must be confirmed plenty of time in advance of the flight.