A Guide to Traveling by Air with Dog Crates

Flying with your dog and his dog crate can be strenuous.  This guide is designed to help your make air travel with your dog crates easier.  In addition to being the owner and operator of this store with my wife, I am also an airline pilot. Some may wonder how an airline pilot decided to get in the dog crate business, but the answer is easy. Airplanes and canines are two of my favorite passions in life. For us animal lovers, the joy of being able to take a pet on an airplane with is a wonderful experience, but without proper planning, it can be disastrous.


Many people sometimes wonder what is necessary to take their dog crates on an airplane. It can be a very time consuming and difficult task without proper planning. The most important thing a pet owner should remember is that each airline has its own set of rules, so be sure to contact the specific airline for their special rules that pertain to dog crates. That is priority number one. Also, be sure to give yourself plenty of time before the flight to find out the necessary information. The airlines have given a lot of thought into safe travel, both for you and for your pet.

Okay, let’s put aside dog crates for a moment and examine a few of of the basic things that we pet owners should know about our pet after we know the airline we are traveling on and its specific rules. We should make sure that our pet is not sick, in distress, or of a bad temperament. Some pets may be sedated for travel; however, it is not recommended, especially for very young pets. If you feel thus could be a problem, your veterinarian is most definitely the best source of information on that subject. Also, make sure your pet has the appropriate and necessary health documentation from your vet.

Back to dog crates.  Small pets can travel in the cabin with you provided they are in dog carriers or a dog crate that will fit under the seat in front of you. There are many great dog carriers on the market that will provide comfort for your small animal. Large pets must travel in a dog crate in the cargo compartment. You need not worry though.  Experience from my airline profession gives me the knowledge that the cargo compartment is safe and kept at a cozy temperature for your canine. The airlines will not allow any animals back there if that air conditioning system is not working properly.  Your dog crate should be clearly marked with “Live Animal” and “This Side Up” tags. You should also have your name, address, telephone number, and telephone number at your destination clearly marked on the dog crate. When looking at dog crates for your pet, many of the top quality dog crates are approved for air travel. Be sure to ask.

A few basic things about dogs and dog crates to remember are:

• Be sure to put your pet’s favorite blanket and toy in the dog crate
• Book a nonstop flight
• Don't feed your pet just prior to departure.  You don’t want your pet to get airsick, lost, or stuck out on the hot tarmac for a long time
  
• Give your pet frozen water or ice cubes in his or her dog crate or dog carrier It will melt slowly, keep your pet hydrated, and not spill so easily.
  
• Plan for your dog crate ahead of time
  
• Enjoy the company your pet can give you during your travels
  

Thanks for taking the time to read this guide and I hope to see you on your traveling adventures