Flying with your dog doesn't have to be stressful. Whether it's a cross-country move or an international vacation, this guide walks you through every step — from choosing the right airline to clearing customs at your destination.
1. Check If Your Dog Can Fly
Not every dog is cleared to fly. Before booking, verify these three things:
- Breed restrictions: Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers are banned from cargo on most airlines and restricted in cabin on some. Check your airline's policy.
- Age minimum: Most airlines require dogs to be at least 8–12 weeks old. Puppies under 15 weeks cannot enter the EU.
- Health: Your dog must be healthy enough to fly. Dogs with respiratory issues, recent surgery, or pregnancy may be denied boarding.
2. Cabin vs. Cargo: Which Is Right?
The choice depends on your dog's size:
- Cabin: Generally for dogs under 8–10 kg (with carrier). The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Typical max dimensions: 45×35×20 cm.
- Cargo: For larger dogs. They travel in a pressurized, climate-controlled hold in an IATA-compliant crate. This is safe but requires more preparation.
Pro tip: PawGo checks your exact dog's dimensions against your airline's carrier limits automatically.
3. Required Documents
Documents vary by destination, but here's what you'll typically need:
- Microchip: ISO 15-digit microchip, implanted before rabies vaccination.
- Rabies vaccination: Must be current. Some countries require a 21–30 day waiting period after vaccination.
- Health certificate: Issued by a licensed vet within 10 days of travel. For international flights, it usually needs government endorsement (USDA in the US, APHA in the UK).
- Titer test: Required for certain countries (Japan, Australia, Singapore). Involves a 180-day waiting period.
- Import permit: Some countries require advance application (Australia, Singapore, New Zealand).
Check your destination country's exact requirements.
4. Choosing the Right Airline
Airlines vary dramatically in pet-friendliness. Key factors to compare:
- Cabin pet allowance: Some airlines allow 1–2 pets per cabin, others allow more.
- Fees: Range from $100 to $500+ one-way.
- Breed bans: Some airlines ban all brachycephalic breeds; others only restrict them from cargo.
- Temperature embargoes: Most airlines won't transport pets in cargo when ground temps exceed 29°C (84°F) or drop below 7°C (45°F).
Compare all airline pet policies in our database.
5. Booking Your Dog's Spot
Most airlines require you to call to reserve your pet's spot — you can't book pets online on most carriers. Do this as early as possible, as cabin spots are limited (often 1–2 per flight).
What you'll need when calling:
- Your booking reference
- Your dog's breed, weight, and carrier dimensions
- Health certificate status
6. Preparing Your Dog for the Flight
- Crate training: Start 3–4 weeks before travel. Leave the carrier open at home with treats inside so your dog associates it with comfort.
- Vet visit: Schedule the health certificate appointment 5–7 days before departure (within the 10-day validity window).
- Day of flight: Light meal 4–6 hours before. Walk your dog right before check-in. Bring a familiar blanket or toy for the carrier.
- Sedation: Most airlines and vets advise against sedation — it can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems at altitude.
7. At the Airport
- Arrive 3 hours early for international flights with a pet.
- Have all documents printed and organized in a folder.
- Your dog will go through security — you'll carry them through the metal detector while the carrier goes through the X-ray.
- Keep your dog in the carrier at all times in the terminal (most airports don't have pet relief areas past security).
8. Use PawGo for a Personalized Checklist
Every trip is different. Your dog's breed, size, airline, and destination country all change what's required. Instead of piecing together information from dozens of sources, get a free personalized travel plan from PawGo. It takes 30 seconds and covers everything: documents, deadlines, vet appointments, and airline-specific rules.