How to fly with Your Dog DOMESTICALLY AND Internationally; A Comprehensive Guide.

Traveling with your pet bestie is one of life’s greatest joys. Whether you’re planning a skiing adventure in Canada, a relaxing getaway in Cabo, or an extended trip to Europe, ensuring that your dog can accompany you seamlessly is key. My dog, Poppy, and I have navigated these waters before, and I’m here to share everything you need to know to make traveling with your pet a breeze.

Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
The rules around traveling with pets have become stricter in recent years, especially regarding Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). As of 2021, airlines are no longer required to recognize ESAs. This change means that ESAs no longer enjoy the same privileges as service animals. Your pet must now provide a specific service, such as guiding a visually impaired person or alerting someone to an impending medical condition, to be recognized as a service animal on flights. They an in fact still serve for psychiatric purposes but need to still provide an action such as tapping head before a manic attack or leaning head on lap during a manic episode etc. If your dog is trained in a service, you will be required to fill out a form with the Department of Transportation before their flight and send to the airline.

Size and Weight Restrictions: Most airlines have size and weight restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin. Typically, dogs and their carriers must weigh less than 20 pounds combined to be allowed in the cabin. The carrier must be of a certain dimension to fit under the seat so check each individual airline, they will weigh it at check in and also the rules are that the dog must be able to stand up in the carrier and turn around comfortably. Larger dogs may need to travel in the cargo hold, which can be stressful, so plan accordingly. I wouldn’t take my big dogs on loads of trips if I had one, the stress they’re under is not worth it unless they are service animals and can be with you in the cabin.

Breed Restrictions: Some airlines and countries have breed restrictions, particularly for brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, which may have difficulty breathing in certain conditions. Always check with the airline before booking your trip. This means that these breeds can only travel in the cabin with you and not the cargo. Other airlines sadly don’t accept “aggressive” breeds. You will have to research each airline to know their specifics.

Traveling to Canada and Mexico with Your Dog

If you’re heading to Canada, especially for some winter fun on the slopes, traveling with your dog is relatively straightforward. Canada’s pet travel requirements are quite pet-friendly, making it an excellent destination for dog lovers. Mexico, with its warm beaches and vibrant culture, is another pet-friendly destination. Poppy and I have had our warm ski jackets on the slopes. We have also soaked up the sun in Cabo, and it was a fantastic experience.

What You Need:

Rabies Vaccination: Ensure your dog is up to date on their rabies vaccination. You’ll need to carry the vaccination certificate with you or have a copy on your phone.
Airline Ticket: When flying, your dog will need their own ticket. They must remain in their carrier throughout the flight unless they are a service animal.
Poppy and I have had smooth trips to both Canada and Mexico with just these essentials. Once you’re there, your dog is free to enjoy the great outdoors with you!

Domestic Travel in the USA:
When flying within the United States, you won’t need to show any special documentation for your dog—just make sure they have their own ticket and stay in their carrier throughout the journey. However, if your dog is a service animal, they’re allowed more freedom, as they’re recognized for the essential role they play in assisting their owner. Poppy is now a service animal and this gives her the freedom to sit on my lap. Remember though, airlines no longer accept emotional support animals as “service animals”.

Traveling to Europe with Your Dog
Traveling to Europe with your dog involves a bit more preparation, but with the right steps, it’s entirely doable.

General Requirements for Europe:

Microchip: Your dog must be microchipped, and the microchip must be ISO-compliant.
Rabies Vaccination: Ensure your dog’s rabies vaccination is current and was administered after the microchip was implanted. You’ll need to wait at least 21 days after vaccination before traveling.

EU Health Certificate: Obtain a health certificate endorsed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. This certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue to enter the EU and for four months within the EU.
Tapeworm Treatment: For some countries, like Finland, Ireland, Malta, and Norway, your dog will need to be treated for tapeworm 1-5 days before arrival.

Traveling to the UK:
The UK has its own specific rules, which require a bit more attention. I wouldn’t even bother with this unless your dog is a service animal and can go in the cabin. It’s almost impossible flying direct to UK from the USA with a non service animal in the cabin. I fly to Europe first (Paris), and then take the ferry over.

What You Need:

Microchip and Rabies Vaccination: Same as the general European requirements.
Tapeworm Treatment: Mandatory for entry into the UK.
Animal Health Certificate (AHC): The AHC is a specific document required for pets traveling to the UK from outside the EU. It must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian no more than 10 days before your travel.
Remember, entry into the UK must be through approved routes, and pets traveling from the USA generally arrive as manifest cargo rather than in the cabin.

How to Qualify Your Dog as a Service Animal:
To have your dog recognized as a service animal, they must be trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability. This involves both basic obedience training and specialized training for the tasks they’ll perform. Once trained, your service dog can accompany you on flights and in public spaces, provided you meet the airline’s requirements for documentation and behavior.

Poppy’s Journey: A Real-Life Example
Poppy has made several trips with me, and each time has been a learning experience. Whether it was skiing in Canada or lounging by the pool in Cabo, traveling with Poppy has always been about planning ahead and knowing the rules. Now that Poppy is a service animal, our travel has become even easier, though the basics remain the same—ticket, carrier, and staying informed about the latest regulations. Poppy is such a good dog when flying and that’s another point to be made. If your dog is a “service dog” they need to behave as one, be well trained, listen to commands, and can’t be acting a fool before boarding or the airline has the option to not allow the dog or make you pay for it and keep it in the carrier. Service animals are also always free to travel with. No ticket purchase required. You still have to let the airline know that the dog will be flying beforehand though. Most airlines only allow a certain amount of pets on each flight, so you’ll want to book your pets’ travel asap to assure their space on board.

TIP: Before a flight make sure to walk them outside after checking in and dropping baggage. Try to get the to go number 1 and number 2. Don’t feed them much the morning of the flight. Water is fine obviously. Some airports have dog reliefs areas. I always bring a couple pee pads and I take them into the bathroom with me for Poppy to go both in the airport and on the actual airplane. There was no way she could hold it for 12 hours on route from Paris. Poppy does know how to go on a pee pad on command so it is easy to just lay one on the bathroom floor and tell her to relieve herself so she doesn’t have to on the plane or in her carrier. Also bring toys for them to feel safe and dog treats or a bone to give them something to do.

Traveling with your dog, whether to neighboring countries or across the ocean, is such a fun and rewarding experience. With the right preparation and knowledge, you and your furry friend can explore the world together. Safe travels pet lovers!