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I have never flown with an animal and to be honest, it scares the heck out of me. After all, it’s one thing to put my own life in someone’s hands whom I have never met, but my baby? That’s just plain frightening.
However, my youngest Shetland sheepdog Merlin (he will be a year old on April 15th) and I are winging our way from California to Pennsylvania at the end of this month for a week long “herding bootcamp” at the Raspberry Ridge Sheep Farm. At the end of which my little Merlin (with some “help” from mom) will compete at his first herding trial, but more on this later.
Before we can do any of that, we have to get there. I do not have the time or money to drive across the country, so flying was really our only option and he is too big to fit under the seat comfortably. Meaning I will have to come to terms with putting my beloved in a crate inside a giant plane and then somehow be calm about it for an almost 6 hour flight…okaayy.
While flying with your pet will never be “stress free,” the following tips and advice I have gained from my own experience should help make the first time you fly just a touch easier.
6 Tips for Easier Air Travel with Your Dog
1. Plan Ahead
Every airline only allows a certain number of pets on each flight, and some flights will not be able to hold any, depending on size of aircraft and other items they are transporting. The sooner you can book your flight, the more choices you will have. This is what I did. I found the flight I wanted and then called the airline to make sure there was still room left for Merlin. I then booked the flight and his travel.
Also, your pet will need a health certificate within a certain time before flying. Be sure to plan ahead and have all your vaccines up-to-date and make an appointment with your vet for the health certificate. Be sure to check requirements at your destination; different states within the U.S. and different countries have varying rules.
RELATED: Essential Travel Gear Checklist For Your Dog
2. Fly Direct
It will be easiest on your dog if you fly non-stop. Even if you have to pay a bit more, it will not only be less stressful for him, but it gets rid of one stress – you won’t have to worry whether your dog made your connection or not.
3. Pack Correctly
- 9 waterproof stickers
- Plastic nameplates that won’t break or warp
- Marker-friendly cardstock declarations
- Highly visible, stickers won’t peel or roll
Be sure you have an airline approved crate along with “Live Animal” stickers. The Geyee 18 Pcs Live Animal Stickers for Airline Cargo Crates offers 3 live animal tags, 9 live animal stickers with arrows, 3 animal nameplates and 3 shipper declaration labels. Also include airline approved dishes for food and water. The airline will also let you know when you book what is allowed for bedding. United had quite a list, but they make it clear it can only be one layer. Make sure your dog is packed correctly to avoid hassle at the gate.
- Includes 2 bowls and containers for food
- Made of tear-resistant, waterproof polyester
- Carries maximum load of 30 pounds
- Bowl size: 6 x 6 inch
- Bag size: 13.5 x 6.5 x13 inches
Don’t forget a checked bag with all your dog’s toys, food, medications, etc. that they will need at the other end. Don’t assume you can buy it there, especially if your dog is on a special diet or needs a certain shampoo. The BAGLHER Dog/Pet Travel Bag provides a perfect solution for packing the pup’s essentials.
- Simply squeeze to fill; release to drain
- Patented leak-proof technology
- Food safe and BPA-free materials
- Includes aluminum carabiner clip
- Dishwasher safe
Water is also essential for as soon as your pup lands, so make the sipping easy with the Springer Classic Dog Travel Bottle. This portable travel water bottle dispenser features a leak-proof design you simply squeeze and the attached bowl fills with water. Its patented design and BPA-free construction make it a reliable choice for pet parents and their thirsty dogs.
4. Crate Train
If your dog is not used to being a crate, don’t just stuff him in one for a 6-hour flight. Start getting him used to it by crating him for a few minutes, then several, then half hour, etc., until he can be settled and calm in it for extended periods of time. Make sure he gets lots of positive reinforcements in the crate – toys, food, praise, etc. And if you’re looking for a carrier you can take in the cabin of the plane, check out these 10 Best Airline Approved Dog Carriers.
5. Ask for a Check
Before the plane leaves the terminal, ask a flight attendant for conformation that your dog is safely in the plane before take-off. While mix-ups are rare, they do happen. This will make you slightly more at ease on your flight.
Check back to see video and blogs from Merlin’s Sheep Camp. Will he earn his first pre-trial title before he turns one? We will find out in one month!
About the Author
Based in Tustin, Calif., animal lover Kristina N. Lotz is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and works as a full time trainer. She also owns her own custom pet products company, A Fairytail House, where she makes personalized collars, leashes, beds, keepsake pillows and blankets, and anything else your imagine can think up. In her spare time, she trains and competes in herding, agility, obedience, rally, and conformation with her Shetland Sheepdogs.
