Everything You Need to Know about Flying with a Large Dog In Cargo
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Hi There! I’m working on updating this post, so if things look a little wonky in some places, that’s why. I’ll be finished shortly, and in the meantime, continue to read through because I’m nearly finished!
In general, yes, flying with a dog in cargo is safe. Thousands of animals fly in cargo across the globe annually. We just hear about the unfortunate cases where something goes wrong. Think about how many shelters transport cats and dogs every day.
Since flying with our pets isn’t something that we do on a daily basis, like say drive a car, it feels less safe.
If you do your homework and research, then chances are high that your dog will arrive to your destination safely. My post about safely flying with dogs will help you prepare both yourself and your pet for a flight.
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Which airlines allow pets in cargo?
How much does it cost to fly a dog in cargo?
The cost to fly your dog in cargo often depends on the size and weight of your dog, as well as the destination. Prices vary among each airlines.
This list shows the prices for some of the most popular airlines:
American Airlines – $200 each way within the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, and Central America. To/From Brazil is $150
Delta Airlines – $125 each way within the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, Brazil is $75, and outside of the US the fee is $200
Alaska – $100 each way
United – To improve pet travel services, United has partnered with PetSafe. This makes the airline the most expensive of the US-based carriers. Rates vary depending on the size of the pet and can range anywhere between $201 to over $2000 for very large pets.
See BringFido.com for a complete list of airline pet fees.
Cargo Hold Temperature and Pressure
One of the first questions to ask the airline carrier is whether the cargo hold, transportation vehicle, and holding areas are climate controlled. Most pet owners only think about the cargo hold, but your dog will be in other locations throughout the journey.
Tell every staff member you can that you are traveling with your dog: the check in staff, flight attendant, and even pilot if you see them. The more people who know that your dog is in the cargo hold, the better.
This way, they are more observant of the temperature or any other malfunctions that might happen en route.
Not all Dog Breeds are Allowed to Fly as Cargo
Many airlines will refuse to transport short and snub-nosed or strong-jawed breeds, like Boston Terriers, Pugs, and Pit Bulls in the cargo hold.
This is on account that their nasal structure can cause shortness of breath under stress. If your dog is small enough, they can still travel in the cabin.
If your dog is too big for the cabin, you can still work with a pet relocation service. This means that your pet will not travel on the same flight as you do.
Be sure to look for a reputable brand who is a member of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA).
Each airline should have a list of unaccepted breeds under their pet policy on their website. This list from United Airlines should give you an idea to start.
Preparing for Your Dog for Your Air Travel
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Visit your veterinarian
Most airlines will require a health certificate as well as vaccination records stating that your pet is in good enough health to travel. You will keep this on hand and present it to the staff during check in.
Be sure to check if there is an expiration date on the health certificate. A common standard is 10 days.
Some states have specific health requirements as well. Check with both the destination state and your departure state to ensure you have the necessary documents ahead of time.
If you’re flying internationally with your dog, then you will require even more paperwork, including a certificate from the Department of Agriculture, an appointment you will have to make well in advance.
Anxiety
Expect your pet to experience anxiety. They will be put in a strange situation with lots of movement and loud noises that will scare them.
Never sedate your pet during a flight. Sedatives can prevent your dog from adequately regulating their temperature, which can result in death. They can also increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems.
Instead, talk to your vet about an alternative, such as an anti-anxiety medication or experiment with CBD oil prior to the flight to see if it works on your dog. I have used HempMy Pet with a lot of success.
Whatever method you choose, practice using the CBD oil or medication prior to flight day. You want to make sure that it actually works and that there are no side effects.
Crate Training
If your dog isn’t already crate trained before deciding to take them on a flight, start working with them immediately. The crate will be their safe space and they need to love their kennel well before your departure date.
This video offers a great introduction to the crate, explains why crate training is important, and demonstrates how to train successfully.
Trim their Nails
Long nails can result in injuries if your dog panics and attempts to escape from the kennel. Plan a nail trim a day or two before the flight. Long nails can get caught on the door or other openings of the kennel if they try to scratch their way out.
ID Tags and Contact Information
Make sure that your dog’s ID tags and microchip information are up to date and easily identifiable on both your dog and their crate. A flat tag like a Road ID that slides directly onto your dog’s collar opposed to dangling below will reduce risk of the tag getting caught on something.
You can use either a kennel door name tag like this one or write your contact information directly onto the crate with a Sharpie. You’ll want this in a second location in case your dog’s collar becomes removed during the flight.
Planning Your Flight
I am often asked whether it is better to book a long flight or break up the flight with a layover.
Most of the time, a longer flight is best, but try to keep it no longer than 12 hours. It’s still a long time to not go to the bathroom, but layovers run the risk of misplacement during the shuffle.
Call the airline prior to booking to inquire if they offer layover services for animals. Lufthansa, for example, takes pets out during a layover to offer food and water and take them for a potty break.
Weather
Further, check the temperature of your destination before you leave. Many airlines will not fly to certain destinations like Phoenix and Las Vegas over the summer because the temperatures well exceed the standard 85 degrees Fahrenheit standard set by most airlines.
If you are flying to a hot destination, plan your arrival for the evening or early morning when the temperatures are coolest. Morning is best since the sun has been away for a longer period of time.
Similarly, winter flights can cause pets to freeze. Airlines typically put a hold on live animal transport when temperatures fall below 45°F.
Plan your flight accordingly and keep an eye on the temperatures leading up to your departure date. Ask the airline what you can do if the temperatures exceed the limits on the date of your flight.
Exercise
If time allows before your flight, take your dog for a nice long run or walk to tire them out for the long day. You can also combine a shorter walk with brain games. Mental stimulation is really tiring for dogs and can be a great way to tire them out before a long day of travel.
Food and Water
Packing List for Flying with a Dog in Cargo
Your dog crate travel kit should include the items listed below. Some are required by the airlines, while others will bring comfort to your pet.
In addition to the items below, carry on your person other accessories, including:
Before purchasing a kennel for your flight, double check with airline sizing requirements. These are very specific and you will not be permitted to fly if they do not match the standards. The IATA is a great place to start.
Common pet crate regulations dictate that your pet must be able to:
Turn around freely in a standing position
Stand and sit upright
Fully lie down in a comfortable position
If you need guidance selecting a dog kennel for flying, you can check out the list we put together.
Crate Pad
This is something you should already have at home for your dog’s crate. You’re looking for a rectangular bed that is comfortable for long periods of time. Any of the beds below are ideal.
Your dog will be super comfortable on this cozy fleece bed. This crate pad is machine washable and lined with a 2-inch thick bolster border to add additional comfort.
In case of a potty accident, a puppy pad will help absorb any liquid and keep your pet a bit more comfortable. Place this on top of their bed, so they can keep their bed dry if they do pee mid-flight.
Each pad measures 22×22 inches (LxW), with the center pad measuring 19×19 inches (LxW). The pad has a 1.5 inch plastic border on all sides to prevent overflow.
Super-absorbent core that turns liquid to gel upon contact
Leak proof with plastic lining to prevent damage to floors
Quick-dry surface with built-in attractant
Regular size training pad is intended for puppies and small dogs only, medium-large sized dogs should use the AmazonBasics Pet Training Pads, Extra-Large
***Do not forget the cable ties! It’s important to also have the airline secure the kennel door with cable ties. This is a requirement and in our experience, the airport staff insist on having the cable ties done themselves.
