What could be better than spending your vacation with your dog or cat? On the road by car or train is still comparatively easy. However, when traveling by air with a dog, there are a few things to consider. The flight must be sufficiently planned. Many airlines have different transport conditions for taking dogs and cats. But also your pet must be prepared for the trip.
Cabin or cargo hold
Depending on the species (and breed), weight and size of your pet, it is often possible to take it as additional carry-on baggage in the passenger cabin or as excess baggage in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Important: Not all airlines carry animals.
Small dogs and cats are often allowed to fly in the cabin. For this you need a suitable “carrying container”. Unfortunately, the requirements differ from airline to airline. Therefore, inform yourself in good time before booking, which requirements must be met.
Medium and large dogs are generally not allowed in the cabin. Exceptions apply to assistance dogs. Transport in the cargo hold of the aircraft usually means stress for both animal and owner. Proper preparation is therefore essential. It is best to start training months before the trip. Many experts advise against air travel with a dog in the cargo hold unless it is absolutely necessary.
You should only fly with young and healthy animals. If necessary, talk to your veterinarian. You should also check the entry regulations of the respective destination country (vaccinations, quarantine regulations) and also the re-entry regulations in good time. In the European Union, an animal must have an EU pet passport, be chipped and vaccinated against rabies.
Photo by Kelli McClintock on Unsplash
The right “carrying container”
Many airlines carry dogs and cats up to 8 kg, including transport container in the cabin. The usual dimensions for the carrying container are 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm.
Our customers fly with all TARIGS backpack models. However, the MountainRock Backpack from size Medium is officially at least 2 cm too deep. The PeakStone Backpack in sizes Small and Medium meets the requirements of many airlines. To be safe, check with your airline in advance to determine what requirements must be met in order for you to take your pet into the cabin.
A special dog transport box is required for transport in the cargo hold. This must comply with the regulations of IATA, the International Air Transport Association. The box must be stable and well ventilated. Your pet must be able to stand and turn around comfortably. Fresh water must be placed in the box and not spilled during transport. An absorbent pad is still mandatory.
Preparation is everything
Register your pet in time, preferably at the time of booking. Accustom your animal to the carrying container in time. In our blog you can find an idea of how the training could look like. Your dog should not drink anything shortly before the flight. Before he has to go into the transport container, you should go for a walk. Plan a little extra time for check-in.
What you should consider?
- Flying can be a big stress factor for animals
- Only young and healthy dogs should be carried on airplanes
- Snub-nosed dogs and cats are no longer transported in the cargo hold by Lufthansa, among others.
- Tranquilizers should be given only after consultation with the veterinarian (usually not recommended, an alternative may be homeopathic remedies)
- Traveling by car can be less stressful for both dog and human
- In addition to family and friends, there are also dog boarding facilities and private dog sitters who will lovingly take care of your pet