Having to leave your dog at home can make going on vacation not as fun to look forward to as you would like it to be. You miss them and are concerned they are not being taken care of properly . Even if you are flying, domestic or abroad, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you can take your canine with you on vacation. Here are some things you should know that can make the journey easier on you and your dearly loved pooch.

Dogs Traveling in the Cabin – Domestic Air Travel Guidelines

You should make your reservations early. The number of dogs per flight are limited, but all major airlines permit four-legged friends in the cabin. Airlines deviate in the number of dogs permitted on board; some airlines only allow one dog per flight, while others allow up to seven; however, that may vary depending on the season. Guaranteeing your dog’s accommodations on the flight can be helped by making your reservations early.

Fees. As you might expect , there is usually an additional cost for the pet, which is to remain on your lap in their carrier or on the floor in front of you at all times. Charges ranging from 50 dollars to 250 dollars each way and apply, depending on the airline, and one pet kennel per ticketed passenger is allowed in the cabin. Plan on taking only one additional bag, besides the pet kennel on the plane with you because the kennel counts as a carry-on bag.

Select the right carrier. You dog must have an airline approved dog kennel that is leak proof and that provides adequate ventilation. The crate should allow them to stand up, turn around and lie down. Handles are also helpful so that you can tote the carrier easily. A maximum size of 19″ long x 13″ wide x 9″ high is permitted for cabin pet carriers.

Providing the total weight does not exceed airline limits, which are generally no more than 20 pounds combined, you are allowed to actually have two dogs per carrier. As an example, two Chihuahuas would satisfy regulations. The pets inside a single carrier must also be of the same specie, meaning two dogs or two cats; you can’t sneak a dog and a cat inside the same kennel.

Health Regulations. It is required that dogs traveling inside the cabin must be at least eight weeks old. Otherwise, there are no health regulations you must meet unless you’re traveling to Hawaii, which has rigid regulations and does not permit pets to fly via non-stop flights into Maui, Hawaii, or Kauai. Until you are ready to board your next flight, you will have to take your pet to a sterile area, if you are flying through Hawaii and have a layover or have to change planes. Having your dog examined by a veterinarian, and approved for air travel, is advised before making your reservations . Some dogs, elderly dogs in particular, may not be equipped to manage the stress and atmospheric changes of airline travel.

Domestic Air Travel Guidelines for Dogs Traveling as Checked Baggage

You may need to check your dog as baggage if they are too large to travel in the cabin with you. When checking your dog , here are a few guidelines and restrictions.

On top of the standard checked baggage fees, you will be charge an additional fee and you can’t check your dog as luggage if the flight is longer than 12 hours. Depending on the size of the dog, their kennel, and the airline, these fees change, but can be quite expensive.

Solid materials such as wood, metal, or plastic must make up the carrier. They must be leak proof. They must have proper ventilation on two sides of the kennel, in addition to the door. The kennels must have doors that tightly attach and also be escape proof. Crates should also have handles on them for easy transport by the luggage attendants. A water receptacle must be fastened to the kennel with access from the outside so that, in case there is a flight delay, attendants may need to give your dog extra water. The maximum size for a kennel is 40″ long x 27″ wide x 30″ high, a series 500, and the maximum weight of the dog and the kennel cannot exceed 100 pounds.

Restrictions on Temperature. There are temperature restrictions to keep your dog safe because it can become amazingly hot or cold in the cargo area of the plane. These restrictions include

Ground temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or current or forecasted temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit prohibit dogs from being accepted.

Travel on Board and as Checked Baggage – International Travel

There are a few restrictions, depending on where you are traveling; however, all of the above restrictions apply Internationally. It’s urgent to always check your international destination to make sure you’re permitted to transport your pet into the country.

For instance, the United Kingdom does not allow you to bring your canine into the country unless it is a service animal.

Other small dogs, as well as snub-nosed breeds such as Pugs, are not allowed in cargo due to their breathing troubles on many airlines.United Airlines, as an example, does not allow the following breeds to be checked as baggage

* Boston Terrier
* Boxer
* English or French Bulldog
* King Charles Spaniel
* Lhasa Apso
* Pug
* Shar-Pei
* Shih Tzu

In Europe and Japan, your canine must be micro chipped and in Japan you must inform their Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before your scheduled arrival. Additional forms and certifications are also required. 

A generally easy process, taking your pooch on vacation with you can marvelous. The trick is to be apprised of the restrictions in advance by making your reservations ahead of time, so that you are prepared .

Dog obedience training is also something you may want to look into prior to your flight so your dog is well behaved.

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