How to Fly With a Large Dog
Our dog is part of the family and he has always gone everywhere with us. We’re just those types of people! When we made the commitment to relocate abroad, it was not a question of if our large dog will join us but how. With so many horror stories out there, it’s not an easy decision to make when it comes to flying with a dog. Particularly if you have a large dog like us, options are limited, research is extensive and planning can get overwhelming. Thankfully, we’ve successfully experienced the entire process ourselves and learned a lot from it. From firsthand experience and not just facts, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about how to fly with a large dog.
Is Flying With a Large Dog in Cabin Possible?
We hate to be the bearer of bad news but in a nutshell, no. It is unfortunately not possible to fly with a large dog in cabin. There may be a 1% chance that you are able to find a loophole as an exception but in general, flying with a large dog in cabin isn’t a realistic expectation. The number of pet friendly airlines is diminishing. More so, airlines have cracked down in recent years on what truly qualifies as an emotional support or health assistance animal. The old ways of “tricking” airlines are no longer a viable solution.
A slim number of airlines make exceptions for ESA (emotional support animals) which allow them to fly in cabin with passengers. However, your chance of finding an airline that allows larger dogs (or certain breeds) as support dogs, are low. You should not rely on this tactic as your answer to bringing a large dog in the cabin. If your large dog is already certified, trained and qualifies as a service animal or health assistance animal, then this is a route you can pursue. American Airlines is an example of an airline which accepts fully certified dogs in cabin, free of charge. Again, this is a large exception to the rule and should be not seen as the typical recourse.
A large dog is typically defined as anything over 20 – 25 lbs (9kg – 11kg) but each airline may have slightly different limits. Commonly speaking, if the dog cannot fit into a carry-on travel carrier, it is considered a large dog. In reality, any medium sized dogs are interpreted as large dogs to airlines.
Large Dog Air Travel: Your Options
After ruling out the possibility of travelling with a large dog in cabin, you are left with a couple of options. Still, your choices may get even narrower as you determine the specific airline, destination and the actual size of your dog.
Checked Luggage
If your dog is too large for a carrier that fits underneath a plane seat, you have the option of checking the pet as luggage. This is common for domestic flights, particularly within the United States. Many airlines will have an option to purchase a checked luggage specifically for a pet, as it won’t be the same as just adding an extra checked bag. Furthermore, there are requirements which are all based on the airline’s discretion.
For example, Alaska Airlines accommodates dogs up to 150lb / 68kg (or combined if there is more than one dog) as checked baggage. There is a set fee of $150 for a one-way journey and there are no breed restrictions. This is one of the most pet friendly options and the ideal scenario as far as airline restrictions go. It only gets more specific and more restrictive from here.
It’s important to keep in mind the minor details of the requirements set by the airlines. This includes the number of pets, type of pets, breeds and even age.
Cargo
Shipping your large dog as cargo is a bit different than buying a checked luggage ticket. This method is particularly more common for international flights (more on this below) and if you are not flying on the plane yourself. Purchasing a checked luggage ticket for your large dog is usually only possible if you’re on the flight.
Most planes will carry commercial cargo (goods, shipments, etc.) in addition to checked luggage underneath the plane. Some airlines will allow you to book your large dog as cargo instead of checked luggage and again, will depend entirely up to the airline’s discretion. Transporting large dogs as cargo has unfortunately become less available among airlines for domestic flights so it’s important to confirm airline guidelines beforehand. In most cases, if your dog weighs more than 50lb / 22kg, there is no choice in whether the dog is booked as cargo or not.
In terms of differences between cargo and checked luggage, expect a different process with dropping off and picking up your dog. There is also a difference in pricing, with cargo shipping being the more expensive option.
There can be major benefits to shipping your dog as cargo but typically only if you book with a cargo company. Most cargo companies which work with airlines will have a pet division. These departments specialize in transporting animals and the quality of care is much better than handling pet crates among luggage.
How Much Does It Cost to Fly a Dog?
Flying with a large dog can be expensive and it will depend on many factors. Although you can expect that air travel with pets simply doesn’t come cheap, extensive research can help you identify which airline and cargo company is the most affordable. Once you narrow down the airline(s), it’s then reasonable to gauge an estimate and budget for the trip accordingly.
The average range for bringing a large dog on a plane as checked luggage is between $100 – $300 per one-way. Comparatively, this isn’t a huge expense because the cost to bring a small dog in cabin is usually an additional $90 – $150. Similar to how airlines increase the cost for checked oversized luggage, keep in mind that the airline carrier can charge you based on the size of kennel. Hence, if you have a big dog with a larger kennel, it can be more costly.
Cargo transportation for a large dog will cost much more. Since this method is primarily the best solution for international travel, it can cost up to $2,000 but heavily depends on the route and size of kennel. For any select few airlines such as Hawaiian Airlines or Alaska Airlines that accept large dogs as domestic cargo, prices range from $100 – $250 for one-way.
Further below, we’ll get into additional expenses to keep in mind such as potential taxes, veterinarian bills and equipment.
Flying Internationally With a Large Dog
The thought of bringing a dog on a plane for an international flight can be stressful, even if they’d be flying in cabin. Now, thinking about your large dog travelling internationally as cargo? Oh, the anxiety! Let me tell you, I personally did not sleep the night before the flight because I was that nervous. Although you have every right to feel worried, flying a large dog internationally really isn’t that bad of an experience and we were left pleasantly surprised by the whole ordeal. Here is what you should expect when flying internationally with a large dog.
Choosing a Cargo Company
Unless your dog weighs less than 25lb / 11kg, expect for your large dog to travel internationally by cargo. This means the dog will not be in cabin and instead, will be stowed in the designated cargo area of the plane, which is different than where luggage is stored. This is a common misconception and many people think their dog will be squished between two Samsonites. The separate cargo compartment which animals are transported in is usually beneath the cockpit and is climate controlled.
Choosing a cargo company with a distinguished pet travel department is absolutely crucial. There are countless cargo companies which specialise in moving animals, whether it’s commercial, passenger or zoo related. In other words, these people know what they’re doing and they’re experienced. After doing some research, make sure you are left confident that the cargo company you choose will handle your dog safely.
For our large dog’s journey from NYC to London, we opted to use IAG Cargo. From initial quoting all the way to greeting our dog on the other side of the pond, everything went perfectly. We wouldn’t hesitate to go through the process again with IAG Cargo as that’s how positive of an experience it was for us. From the beginning, I was handheld throughout the entire process by one of their agents. Do not be afraid to ask questions and ask for help – this is not something you want to make a mistake with.
Know the Destination Requirements
In most cases, the cargo company which you choose to transport your dog with should be able to provide information on the destination’s requirements for bringing a pet into the country. If not, this is one of the most tedious parts of travelling with a large dog internationally. You will need to head to the government website of the country you are flying to and determine the pet import requirements, down to the very last detail. Often times, your vet may also have these requirements on hand for popular destinations such as the UK, EU states or Canada.
This is one of the most key components of flying with a large dog because you do not want to risk your dog getting put into quarantine upon arrival. Requirements include certain vaccinations, microchipping and more. Not only are the requirements themselves vital but so is the timing of them.
The departure country will check over your paperwork before your dog leaves the origin country, but they do not have the final say for accepting the dog at the arrival point. We’ve personally heard about stories of this happening so it was a fear of ours, even though we cross referenced our list a million times.
Budget & Plan Appropriately
You’ll likely be concerned about the price when it comes to travelling internationally with a large dog. Cargo companies will be able to give you a price quote upfront while you’re making your plans. How much it will cost to fly a dog depends entirely on the travel crate size, when it comes to cargo shipping. For example, you could fit a small Chihuahua into a crate meant for a Great Dane and still pay as much as you would for transporting a Great Dane. Measure your dog accurately for the right kennel size to avoid overpaying.
With our experience using IAG Cargo, we transported our large dog, a Rottweiler, in a crate with the following dimensions: 48L x 30W x 33H inches. Our quote for transportation alone was $1,800.
Another hurdle you’ll have to plan accordingly for when it comes to international travel, is that you cannot make a reservation with a cargo company until two weeks before your scheduled departure date. This is to ensure the cargo company can sort out their own logistics in terms of what is going where and on which plane. Making a reservation months in advance sounds responsible but is unfortunately not possible. This can depend on the cargo company, but they’re 99% likely to schedule the cargo transportation of a dog on the same exact flight as the passenger which is what happened to us. They’re simply not able to make promises so far in advance but it’s very likely that you will fly on the same flight as your dog.
Step by Step: How to Fly With a Large Dog Internationally
- Identify your dog’s flight route and approximate dates.
- Measure your dog for a crate size.
- Reach out to potential cargo companies such as IAG Cargo for quotes by providing them with the crate size, requested travel date and preferred route.
- Make a decision on which cargo company you will use and put a pin in it until it’s possible to actually make a reservation with them.
- Gather the destination country’s requirements for importing a pet.
- Purchase the crate and other equipment needed to fly your large dog (more on this below).
- Begin checking off the pet import requirements correctly, based on timing. Consult your veterinarian on a timeline as they’ll be able to advise and schedule the visits accordingly.
- Ensure your dog is crate trained or feels comfortable in the crate they will be flying in.
- When allowed, secure your reservation with the cargo company by also providing the information on which flight you’d like your dog to be on.
- Confirm logistical details with the cargo company. Where and when do you drop off your dog? Where and when can you pick up your dog upon landing?
- Finalize any remaining pet health requirements that may not be doable until a few days before departure.
- ON THE BIG DAY: Prepare your large dog in their kennel, equipment and all documentation for drop off with the cargo company. To be 100% sure, confirm again where you’re supposed to pick the dog up at the destination.
Expert Tips for Flying With a Large Dog
Time of Year
In regards to safety, one of the most crucial tips on how to fly with a large dog is to be mindful of when you fly. Since your large dog will not likely travel in the cabin, you’ll need to take into consideration the extreme heat or cold they may need to endure. This is not only in reference to temperature in the cargo area, but also when they’re waiting around to be loaded or unloaded. Unfortunately, we’ve witnessed dog kennels being left outside under the August sun for far too long. To stay clear of any potential mishaps, avoid flying with a large dog in the summer.
Crate Preparation
Cargo companies will set requirements to what standard of a kennel you must come prepared with. This is due to the dog’s and company’s safety. By not overlooking the crate guidelines, you’ll eliminate any possible issues with boarding your dog on the big day.
You’ll also want to make sure your dog is comfortable. It’s highly recommended you line your kennel, include a familiar toy or blanket and ensure they have access to water. For our dog’s flight, we also purchased a cooling pad. We placed it on the bottom of his crate as we know he easily gets hot.
Get the Dog Ready
The first rule on how to fly with any sized dog is to not sedate them. Unless recommended by your vet for very specific reasons, sedating a dog for a flight is not safe. Instead, ensure that your dog is ready to fly safely by getting them very tired. A well exercised and tuckered out dog is the best case scenario for a long haul flight.
Secondly, do not feed your dog within four hours of the flight’s departure time. This is recommended by most airlines and vets as it will eliminate cause for motion sickness. However, a small amount of treats to encourage the upmost cooperation from your dog is OK. If you are ever uncertain about what’s best for your dog, consult your veterinarian as they will be able to advise.
Weeks before the actual flight, establish that your dog is even ready to be in a crate for several hours. Our dog was personally not crate trained as there was never a reason for him to be. A month prior to the flight, we started to feed and crate him for an hour or so each day. He slowly became less scared of it. Do not place your large dog in a kennel for the first time on the actual day of the flight.
Consider Alternative Routes
Some cargo companies will only operate from and to certain hubs. During your quoting process, ask as many questions as possible around this subject. The reason is, not all flight routes will allow a crate of a certain size in cargo. So, you may be redirected to the only possible flight path. For example, we flew our large dog from NYC to London but we initially wanted to fly into Paris, so we’d arrive on mainland Europe. Due to the large crate which our dog would be traveling in, this route wasn’t an available option for our circumstances.
Another reason to explore alternative routes is to minimise your dog’s flight time. If your goal is to keep your dog out of the sky, consider the shortest flight path available by the cargo company. This way, you can complete certain ends of the journey by car or even train. Both which are much less stressful and cheaper than flying.
Have Your Ducks in a Row
You can read a hundred articles on how to fly with a large dog but if you do not follow the health requirements carefully, you will not be ready. Each country has their own import requirements that you’ll attentively need to follow. One missing document or step can quickly ruin the possibility of flying with a dog. The easiest place to research import requirements is on the country’s government website. For example, the UK’s can be found here. The biggest inconvenience you’ll run into is that you cannot prepare everything all at once and far in advance. Appointments and procedures are spaced out. For example, the tapeworm treatment needs to be given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) in advance – talk about last minute!
Gear for Flying With a Large Dog
Travel Crate – A dog crate that’s sturdy, secure and compliant with airline regulations. Wheels are a bonus!
Water Dispenser – Make sure your dog understands how to use it before installing it for the flight.
Kennel Liner – To easily absorb any accidents your dog might have during the flight, a liner will continue to keep them dry.
Cooling Pad – For travelling in the summer, this is a must to ensure your dog doesn’t overheat.
Ziploc Bags – A handful of dog kibbles will need to be transported with your dog so the staff can feed them.
Collapsible Dog Bowl – Easy to attach and include with your dog’s kennel.
Training Style Treats – Quick and small bites to keep in your pocket will help keep your dog calm and cooperative during the boarding process.
Flight Kit – Handy flight kits include crate hardware, labels, stickers and pee pads.
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