Are you going on vacation to the destination of your dreams but don’t want to leave your pet at home or put them in a dog hotel or with acquaintances? Take them with you. Although flying with a dog may sound like a big mystery and extremely challenging, today it can be done relatively easily. Of course, you need to consider a few matters you probably would never encounter when traveling without a dog.
This article is based on our multiple experiences when our dog Ibo traveled with us. Since his weight requires him to travel in a carrier in the cargo hold, much of the article focuses on this form of transport. At the same time, it also covers most of the procedures needed when traveling with a dog in the cabin with passengers.
Table of Contents
Choosing the destination and season
Before each trip it’s advisable to consider what kind of area you’re traveling to and whether the country is safe for a dog. This assessment should include not only the current security situation but also cultural and religious aspects. Not every culture views dogs the same way we are used to at home—for example, in some Muslim countries a dog may be considered an unclean animal, which can affect the attitude of the public, hotels, or carriers.
Besides social aspects, you also need to take into account the climatic conditions at the destination. By flying to distant countries we expose the dog to sudden weather changes. Tropical destinations may be attractive to people, but not every breed handles high temperatures well.
You should also think about the weather at transfer points. Even though airports and aircraft are usually air-conditioned, a dog traveling in the cargo hold may be exposed on the tarmac to unfavorable weather for several tens of minutes before loading (rain, wind, heat, frost). We don’t mean to say you should avoid such destinations, but it’s good to prepare yourself and your dog for possible complications.
Preparing the dog’s health documentation
If you are traveling with your pet outside the EU, preparing the veterinary documentation can take a relatively long time — ideally start at least 2 to 3 months before the planned departure. Many processes, such as antibody tests or waiting periods after vaccinations, are time-consuming. In some cases a signature and a round stamp from a state veterinarian are also required.
It’s advisable to have the documentation officially translated into the language of the destination country, which can take several days to a week. We recommend purchasing tickets only after all necessary tests have been successfully evaluated and the documentation is complete, signed by the veterinarian, and possibly translated.
The main parts of the health documentation include:
Pet passport
This document is issued by a veterinarian and contains information about vaccinations, identification (microchip), and the dog’s health condition. All tests and vaccinations performed in connection with the trip must be properly recorded in the passport and their dates must comply with the entry requirements of the destination country. Some countries require, in addition to recording vaccinations, their inclusion in a specific form or a confirmation from the Regional Veterinary and Food Administration (RVPS), which issues confirmations in a bilingual version.
Valid vaccinations
The most important is rabies vaccination, but depending on the destination country other vaccinations may also be required. In most cases the vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before travel. Also consider the conditions for returning home.
Rabies antibody test (antibody titration)
Some countries require confirmation that the dog has a sufficient level of rabies antibodies. The test is performed from blood and its processing can take 2 to 4 weeks, sometimes longer. It is carried out at least 30 days after vaccination and at the same time at least 3 months before entering the given country. Proper timing is key.
Additional tests depending on the destination country
Some destinations may require tests for diseases such as leishmaniasis. Conditions vary by country, so it’s important to include them in your planning.
Treatment against parasites
Some countries (e.g. Finland, Ireland, the United Kingdom) require confirmation of deworming prior to entry.
Veterinary health certificate
Some airlines or countries require a current certificate (usually within 5 days before departure) that the dog is healthy and fit to travel.
Important notice
Always check the exact conditions for entering with a dog directly at the embassy or on the official websites of the respective country.
On our site we gradually add general information and real experiences from our travels with our dog. Currently we have more detailed entry requirements from the EU for to countries in South America, to Norway and to the countries of the former Yugoslavia.
Buying plane tickets
We recommend buying tickets only after the health documentation is fully prepared. Before choosing an airline, check whether they transport dogs and under what conditions.
We’ve found it effective to book tickets by phone. That way you have certainty that you’re purchasing tickets for both you and your dog at the same time and you avoid the situation where there is no space left for the dog on that flight.
Before the call prepare:
- weight of the dog,
- weight and dimensions of the carrier.
Transporting a dog increases the ticket price. Depending on the length of the flight and the airline, it can be up to 350 EUR for one flight.
On our website you’ll also find a more detailed overview of well-known airlines and their dog transport conditions.
Preparing the dog for the flight
Preparation starts several weeks before the trip.
Practice staying in the carrier: start with short intervals and gradually lengthen them.
Acclimatization to noise and movement: simulate conditions similar to an airport.
Consultation with a veterinarian: always consult a professional about any calming medications.
Adjusting feeding before the flight: do not feed your dog for several hours before the flight, ensure plenty of water, and take them for a proper walk before departure.
Transport to the airport and procedures at the airport
Transport to the airport
Arrive with sufficient advance time. Add at least 30 extra minutes to the standard time.
Check-in
You will present the tickets and the dog’s health documentation. You may be asked to sign a declaration regarding the health condition and compliance with transport conditions.
We recommend using check-in to obtain as much information as possible about the next steps—where and when to hand over the dog, where to pick it up at the destination, and so on.
Last walk before the flight
The walk usually takes place before entering the departure hall. The dog should be able to cope with the hustle and noise of the environment.
Security check
Procedures may vary depending on the airport and the method of transporting the dog.
Handing over the dog for transport
If the dog travels in the cargo hold, it needs to be placed in a carrier and handed over at the oversized baggage counter. They may ask you to remove the wheels from the carrier and lock it. Keep the wheels in a designated space in your carry-on luggage.
During the flight
The course of the flight differs significantly depending on whether the dog travels in the cabin with passengers or in the cargo hold.
Dog in the cabin with passengers
If the dog meets the airline’s weight and size limits, it can travel in the cabin in a closed carrier placed under the seat in front of you. It must remain in the carrier for the entire flight—opening it or removing the dog is not permitted, even when the flight is calm.
Before takeoff and landing the cabin crew checks whether the carrier is correctly placed. Some companies require it to be fully pushed under the seat and for the dog’s head not to protrude from it.
As the owner you can calm the dog by speaking to it during the flight. It is recommended to have an absorbent pad in the carrier and, for safety, a small collapsible water bowl. Feeding during the flight is generally not recommended, especially on shorter flights.
It is very important that the dog is accustomed to the carrier already from the home environment. If it knows it as a safe space, this significantly reduces stress during the flight.
Dog in the cargo hold
If the dog travels in the cargo hold, as a passenger you have no access to it during the flight. This also applies in the case of a transfer to a connecting flight—the dog remains in the care of airport staff and is moved between aircraft without your presence.
Technically, however, it travels in the aircraft’s air-conditioned and pressurized space, which is also intended for the transport of live animals.
In this scenario a high-quality IATA-approved carrier is crucial. It should be sufficiently sturdy, securely closed, equipped with an absorbent pad and a water container attached so that it can be refilled from the outside.
The owner must expect that from the moment the dog is handed over until it is picked up after arrival they do not have direct control over the dog (and usually not even during transfers). For this reason we also recommend choosing reasonable transfer times—not too long, but not extremely short either (there is a risk the carrier may not be transferred from plane to plane in time).
After landing
If the dog traveled in the cargo hold, after landing you need to first locate and pick it up. In most cases this takes place in the baggage claim area, but the exact location may vary from airport to airport.
Most commonly this is:
- the Lost and Found counter,
- a belt or counter for oversized baggage,
- a separate counter for live animals.
If you’re not sure, always ask the staff. It’s better to get precise information immediately than to wander around the arrival hall.
For flights outside the EU, a check of the veterinary documentation may follow. We do not recommend underestimating this check or trying to bypass it. It can lead to delays, complications, and in extreme cases fines or orders for quarantine.
The carrier can usually be opened only after all formal checks are completed, usually in the airport arrival hall. Immediately after opening, greet the dog and check its mental and physical condition—breathing, hydration, any injuries or signs of extreme stress.
It is possible that minor hygienic incidents occur. Have wet wipes, spare absorbent pads and sanitary bags ready.
As soon as possible after arrival, find a suitable place to walk. Many larger airports have designated areas for that. Study the layouts of the airports you will pass through before departure.
Transport from the airport
Plan your onward transfer from the airport before departure. Make sure the chosen mode of transport accepts dogs and that you have enough space for the carrier. Long waits after a tiring flight are unpleasant for both you and the dog.
Conclusion
Flying with a dog is undoubtedly somewhat more demanding than traveling without one. It requires more planning, more administration and more responsibility. On the other hand it brings huge added value—the opportunity to share travel experiences with a four-legged family member.
With good preparation, sufficient lead time and thorough study of the conditions, the whole process can be managed without unnecessary stress. Most complications arise from underestimating the details, not from the flight itself.
If you have concerns, questions or are unsure about the specific conditions for your destination and airline, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to share our experiences with you and help you prepare so that you can travel with your dog with confidence and peace of mind.