FLYING WITH DOGS
OVERVIEW:
Here are some important points to consider:
Advance Booking: It's important to contact the airline well in advance to make arrangements for your dog's travel. Airlines often have limited space for animals in the cargo hold, so booking early is recommended.
Pet Health and Documentation: Your dog may need a health certificate from a veterinarian stating that they are fit for travel. This certificate is usually required within a certain timeframe before the travel date. Additionally, ensure that your dog's vaccinations are up to date and that you have any necessary paperwork for your destination.
Crate Requirements: Your dog will need to travel in an IATA-approved pet crate or kennel. This crate should be properly ventilated, secure, and large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Make sure to follow the airlines specific guidelines for crate size and weight requirements.
Feeding and Watering: Follow the airlines guidelines for feeding and watering your dog before the flight. Typically, they recommend feeding your dog a few hours before the flight and not immediately before boarding. This will vary depending on length of flight and what is best for the individual dog.
Identification: Clearly label your dog's crate with your contact information and flight details. Include your dog's name and a photo for added identification.
Check-In Process: You'll likely need to check in your dog and their crate separately from your own check-in process. Arrive at the airport early to allow enough time for this.
Handling Fee: Airlines typically charge a fee for pets traveling in the cargo hold. The fee can vary, so check their website for the most current pricing.
Temperature Restrictions: Depending on the weather conditions, there might be temperature-related restrictions on when dogs can be transported in the cargo hold. This is for the safety and well-being of the animals.
Pet Restrictions: There may be certain breeds or types of dogs that are not permitted to travel in the cargo hold due to health or safety concerns.
Flight template
The flight template is basic information of each dog I am flying with, our flight information. I print as many as needed for each flight to and from my destination. I keep both in the folder that is taped to the top of each dog kennel. The folder I put these in is linked in my Amazon storefront.
Assemble Crate for flying
First, I take the crate apart to put into the car to go to the airport. Then I assemble the crate at the airport.
prepping my dogs crate
Spring 2024 update. Since this update, I have made changes to the dog bowls I use. Newer updated video will be up soon.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT - (CANADA > AMSTERDAM)
Note: This information is for travelling internationally with your dog. Be sure to check each destination if there are further requirements or vaccinations needed. This was for my travel into the European Union in 2023 and 2024.
What you need to know going to your VET and getting your RABIES VACCINE CERTIFICATE.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL DEWORMER (United Kingdom)
In additional to the above documents, a dewormer and supporting documentation is needed for taking your dog to the UK, along with some other countries.
Your dewormer needs to be administered by a veterinarian within 5 days of entry into the country. The dewormer, active ingredient of anti-echinococcus must include Praziquantel.
Here, I have linked the document for print.
Here, is linked the mock version of the document I was given by CFIA (Canada Food Inspection Agency).
ARRIVING AT THE AIRPORT (AMSTERDAM TO CANADA)
Arrive to the airport at least 3 hours prior to your flight.
Potty your dog.
(if you are on the return trip home and returning a car rental, return the rental and then go potty your dog).
Check-in.
At check-in you will have a couple forms to complete.
PACKING
First time, I flew across Canada with Loot and Cali for the EO/AWC agility tryouts, I packed light! This was a 6 day trip and I was packing for myself and my dogs. On this trip, I kept a list on my phone of things I should have packed or things I didn’t need to pack to make the next trip even better. I will include all of that here.
Airtags
I use AirTags on my dogs collars and in my luggage. You could also tape the airtag to the inside of the crate. Some airlines will ask you to remove airtags if they see them visible. Or will ask that the dog not wear a collar.
I use a RaincoastK9 collar, and my AirTag holder on my collar is from FurForgeCollars on Etsy.
Recently, I have started using vet wrap to wrap the dog tag and d ring for the leash attachment as well.
For any dogs I don’t feel comfortable wearing a collar when flying, I secure the AirTag somewhere on the crate. I make sure I pack my own zip ties and secure the crate door myself.
AMAZON STOREFRONT
Linked on my Amazon account are the items I use or similar to the things I use for travelling. When buying items from my Amazon storefront in supports me putting together all this information and guides.
- The document holder is to tape on top of the kennel.
- The double crate bowl is what I use that has a funnel to pour water from the outside. I added other funnels because I found that the funnel the double bowl comes with spills out the sides.
- The pouch is to attach to the outside of the crate door and hold items such as scissors to cut the zap straps later, some treats and a leash.
- You will need an absorbent mat for the crate. I use an absorbent mat that can be washed and reused all the time. That is also listed on my Amazon account.
- Included is the additional dog bed I use along with the absorbent mat. You could just use the absorbent mat listed as a 2-in-1 bed.