Can Dogs Fly On Planes?

So you’re looking to move to another country and you’re wondering if your dog can jump on the plane with you.

Well the direct answer is: Yes, your dog(s) can fly on the plane with you. And with the right preparations – they’ll have a safe and comfortable journey too.

In this article, we’ll share insights from our 30+ years of experience as a leading pet travel company in the UK.

We’ll guide you through everything you need to know about flying your dog on a plane, ensuring you’ve got all the info you need before making a decision.

Where Do Dogs Go During The Flight?

Dogs typically travel in the aircraft’s animal hold, which is located in the belly of the plane.

It’s a pressurised and temperature-controlled environment that’s designed to be calm and quiet. The lights are dimmed to near darkness to help your dog settle down and get some rest. And in fact, the lights only come on during take-off, landing or if there’s turbulence to ensure their safety.

Travelling in the animal hold is the safest and most comfortable way for dogs to fly. The space is free from the hustle and bustle of the passenger cabin, reducing stress and allowing your dog to relax. It also means you can relax, knowing no one’s going to step on their paw when they push past you on their way out.

While your dog is in the animal hold, you won’t have access to them until you reach your destination. However, you can rest assured that they’re in a comfortable environment.

Can I Give My Dog A Sedative?

It’s understandable that you want your dog to feel calm during the flight, so you might wonder if giving them a sedative is a good idea. However, sedating your dog for air travel is not recommended and can be very dangerous.

Sedatives can affect your dog’s ability to regulate their body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, which is especially risky in the changing environments of air travel.

Sedatives also tend to wear off before the journey is over. This means your dog could wake up in unfamiliar surroundings, feeling disoriented and more anxious than if they hadn’t been sedated at all.

Plus, airlines are cautious about accepting sedated animals, and many will refuse to transport a pet they believe has been medicated.

What To Do Instead

We spray our travel crates with Adaptil or Feliway, which is a synthetic version of the natural canine appeasing pheromone. This pheromone is released by mother dogs to comfort their puppies and can help reduce anxiety in dogs of all ages without any side effects or sedative effects.

You can also provide a small blanket or a T-shirt that you’ve been wearing, which smells of you and your home. We can place this in your dog’s travel kennel to give them a little bit of added reassurance.

Why You Don’t Need To Worry

Most dogs handle air travel much better than their owners anticipate, and quickly return to their normal selves when they reunite with their families.

While stress is not enjoyable, it is something dogs can physically tolerate. In fact, it’s extremely rare for anything to go wrong when the appropriate measures are followed.

What Else Can I Do To Prepare My Dog?

One of the best ways to reduce your dog’s anxiety on the day is to get them used to their travel crate well in advance of the flight. When the crate becomes a familiar and safe space, your dog is more likely to feel safe during transportation. So we always advise you to purchase the travel crate ahead of time and allow your dog to explore it at their own pace.

It’s a good idea to place it in a common area of your home where your dog spends a lot of time. And then start to encourage them to spend time in the crate by placing their favourite toys, treats or bedding inside. This helps them associate the crate with positive experiences.

Once your dog is used to it, gradually start to increase the amount of time they spend in there with the door closed.

It’s also worth reminding you that your dog is incredibly intelligent (as I’m sure you know), and picks up on your emotions, so staying calm and positive about the upcoming journey can help ease their anxiety too.

Which Travel Crates Are Best?

We’d always recommend getting a travel crate that’s bespoke built for your dog’s specific measurements to ensure their safety and comfort during the journey. They’ll need enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, without the crate being too big and causing them to slip around during turbulence.

We custom build our crates from sturdy plywood with a strong wooden frame, ensuring they can withstand the journey and even be reused afterward.

We fit them with an inside water container and an external funnel, so fluids can be added without disturbing your dog during transit. And we also supply veterinary bedding cut to fit the crate perfectly to ensure your dog has good comfort and hygiene.

Does My Dog Need Health Certificates & Vaccinations?

The specific requirements can vary depending on your destination country, but there are some common requirements:

Firstly, all dogs must be microchipped and have the microchip number recorded on all veterinary certificates prior to international travel.

Next, your dog will need to be certified as ‘fit to fly’ by a veterinarian. This involves a health check to ensure your dog doesn’t show any signs of infectious or contagious diseases, such as ear infections or visible signs of parasites like fleas or ticks. The vet will issue a health certificate confirming your dog is healthy and safe to travel.

Depending on where you’re going, your dog may need specific vaccinations or blood tests. For example, some countries require a rabies vaccination, while others may have additional requirements.

For some countries, your dog might need an import permit or face quarantine upon arrival. This is particularly true for destinations like Australia or New Zealand.

For more specific details about the country you’re flying to, give us a call and we’ll be happy to talk you through it.

Can All Dogs Fly On Planes?

Most dogs can fly on planes without any issues, but there are some exceptions:

• Certain breeds, particularly snub-nosed breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Pekingese, may face restrictions or require special accommodations when flying. These breeds can have breathing difficulties, which can be exacerbated by stress or changes in air pressure during the flight. Some airlines may not accept these breeds, or may have specific requirements such as using a larger travel crate to ensure better airflow.
• Very large or strong breeds might need specially designed crates, like CR82 crates, to ensure their safety during the journey. Airlines have regulations about the types of crates allowed, and it’s important to have the right one for your dog’s size and strength.
• Puppies under 10 weeks old are generally not accepted for air travel. We do not transport puppies by air under this age, regardless of airline policies.
• Older dogs can also fly, and we’ve successfully transported many senior dogs – even as far as Australia or New Zealand. They may need a bit of extra care, such as a slightly larger crate to accommodate any stiffness or arthritis. Older dogs often handle air travel well, as they’re generally calmer and more accustomed to new experiences.
• Dogs with certain health conditions may need special attention or clearance from a vet before flying. It’s important to address any health issues in advance to ensure your dog’s safety during the journey.

How Much Does It Cost To Fly My Dog On A Plane?

The cost of flying your dog ranges from around £1400 to £8000, depending on where you’re flying to. As well as the cost of the flight itself, you’ll need to budget for arrival handling charges, which vary by destination, and a customs clearance fee, which is payable when you collect your dog at the destination airport.

You’re again welcome to give us a call if you’d like a ballpark figure on 01206 330332.

Frequently Asked Questions