Pet Transport & Travel tips when Traveling with Small Dogs

Our dogs are like our children. We dote on them, want the best for them, and often bring them everywhere with us. However, flying with a small dog can be quite the undertaking! There are ways to prepare your precious pet for flights without the stress.

Preparation: Before you leave, make sure your Pet is up-to-date on all his or her shots and medicines. Traveling exposes your pet to different germs, so make sure you’ve taken him or her to the vet before your trip. Get Scruffy treated for fleas, and make sure he’s in tip-top health. Also make sure your pet is the right size to fly – many airlines have a 25 pound limitation for carry-on crates. If you pet needs to diet, find out well in advance.

Pack Appropriately: It’s the little things that mean comfort – for your dog, too. Be sure to pack a favorite coat or blanket if you’re traveling to cooler climates. Bring enough of your pet’s particular brand of food, as toy dogs are sometimes more picky than their larger counterparts. Most importantly – don’t forget to bring a leash. More and more airports have dog-friendly areas, and you won’t want to keep your pet locked in his or her crate simply because you forgot the leash.

Pet Travel Carrier: This is an extremely important purchase. Your pet will be in the crate for long stretches at a time, so make sure it is tall enough for the pooch to stand up in and turn around, but the right size to fit under the airline seats, as well. Include a favorite blanket for comfort, and be sure to acclimate your pet to the carrier well before the trip. Place your pet in it for short stretches, gradually working up to longer and longer periods. Take your dog in the crate on short car trips, and try a practice trip (to a hotel, or a friends’ house) to make sure there won’t be any in-flight freak outs.

Dog Travel In the Air: If you feel comfortable, ask your veterinarian about a light tranquilizer for your pet. If he or she can sleep through the flight, everyone will be happier. Give the tranquilizer a test run before the trip, as some dogs may become sick or more anxious as the drug kicks in. If it works, sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight.

When Panic Happens: If your pet does become anxious on the flight, begins barking or chewing, do not panic. Your anxiety will only tell your pet that there is something to worry about. Try draping a light coat or blanket over the crate – don’t tuck it in, ensure that air can still flow to your pet. The darkness may be soothing and send him right to sleep. If your dog is disturbing other passengers, ask a flight attendant for help. They may be able to place you in a quieter area – they are there to help, and have probably dealt with this situation before.

Most Important Advice of All!

Above all, do not take your pet out of his or her crate while on board the plane. This will get you and your pet in trouble with the flight crew, and if your dog happens to escape, it will be extremely difficult to find him in the cramped cabin. Wait until you are on the ground and in an approved pet area before letting your pet out on a leash. The airlines will appreciate it, and your pet will too – unfamiliar areas will only frighten your pet more.

Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page for more info.

Let our experience at Animal Transporters and Shipping work for you - contact us here for your next pet transportation or relocation. We encourage you to email us with any questions you may have regarding any aspect of our services and how we may better meet your individual pet shipping needs.

We specialize in stress-free pet travel services! Seeking the professional pet relocation service of Animal Transporters will assure you peace of mind when transporting your pets on the ground or in the air.

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