How to Travel with your Dog?

Posted on 5th April 2023

Flying can be an incredibly stressful experience for pets, especially when it comes to elderly dogs, pups or pets with health or behavioural challenges. Depending on the animal’s breed and size, they can travel as a carry-on or be shipped in cargo. Carry-on pets are generally limited to cats and dogs that meet the size, age and destination requirements.

There’s no denying that all animal lovers and pet owners dream about flying with their furry friend when going on vacations, since, after all, they are part of the family. No one likes leaving their pet behind while traveling, however, this is an increasingly popular practice, since some commercial airlines make it especially difficult to book a flight and travel with your pet.

To make it easier for pet owners, here we give you a complete guide on all you need to know when it comes to flying with pets, both commercially and privately.

What documents do I need when flying with a dog?

Before flying, make sure to meet the following conditions and present all the documents required to fly with your pet:

Having a microchip, applicable to both dogs and cats. When flying internationally, your dog must have a passport issued by a vet, certifying the vaccination record, especially the rabies vaccination, at least 21 days before the flight. Additionally, before traveling we advise you to check your destination’s specific conditions regarding carriage of animals. You can talk with your vet if you have any questions. Moreover, if you are traveling with your dog outside the EU, as well as the documents listed above, you’ll have to present:

In European Union or Shengen space countries: evidence of tapeworm treatment
In the rest of the countries: tapeworm treatment and blood test showing the treatment was effective.
Furthermore, when traveling to the US, keep in mind the following guidelines:
Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and must be weaned
Dogs require proof of rabies vaccination
Each State has specific Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Booking and check-in tips when traveling with your dog

In order to include your pet in the booking, you must select this service during the customize your flight section. If you already booked your flight and would like to add your pet, contact the airline’s customer service center.

On the day of your flight, you must check-in early at the desks with enough time margin so that you are allocated seats that suit your needs. At the security control, the pet carrier along with the leash and food must go through the scanner, while your dog must pass the walk-through metal detector with you, either in your arms or walking on its own. You can also carry the food for your pet in your hand luggage.

Differences between flying commercial vs private with a dog

The first and most evident aspect you must sort out when deciding between flying commercial or private with your pet is, of course, the cost. In all other respects, when it comes to seat space, comfort and freedom of movement, there is no comparison between the two.

If you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing and eventless flying experience with your four-legged best friend, the most pet-friendly option is a private jet. Regardless of breed and size, unlike in commercial flights, when traveling privately your pet can travel in the aircraft cabin with you, rather than separately in the cargo hold. Whether your pet is an emotional support animal or pet, such as a dog, cat, bird or reptile, they are allowed to be with you in the cabin.

The calming presence of its owner will help your pet skip the uneasiness of the separation anxiety, and will make it possible to enjoy a worry-free flight where you won’t have to resort to solutions like pheromone-calming collars, prescription anxiety medicine or comfort items.

Besides, if you own more than 1 dog and don’t want to leave anyone behind, unlike with commercial aircrafts, when it comes to private jet charters there is no limitation on the size, breed or number of pets you can bring along.

Want to avoid feeling cramped and not being allowed to pet your dog during the flight? If you’re looking to have a pleasant experience while on board an aircraft, safety, comfort and peace of mind are a guarantee when flying with pets on a private jet.