Taking a dog on a plane may sound a bit stressful. Fortunately, your dog won't be the first to take a plane. Many airlines have an entire department that specializes in transporting animals by air. This is done very professionally.
Preparing yourself for the flight
Before you fly with your dog, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
Can your dog be in the country of destination?
This may sound crazy, but not every animal is allowed in every country. Think of import regulations, but also rules regarding certain dog breeds.
What are the conditions for joining the country?
What requirements do you and your animal have to meet to enter the country? Think of age, vaccinations, or a mandatory quarantine period.
Sometimes a country also wants to take blood tests; this procedure can take weeks or months. So be prepared for this and read up on the rules.
What are the conditions for your return?
There may be different rules for the outward journey than for the return journey.
Is a stop-over possible?
A flight journey longer than 12 hours or with multiple transfers should be limited as much as possible. This has been officially laid down by international regulations.
Therefore, consult with the airline about the possibility of a stopover or a shorter, direct flight.
Is your transfer longer than 24 hours?
Then a country can see this as an import. So get information about this in good time!
Make sure you have the right documents.
Always make sure you have arranged the correct documents well in advance. Always carry it with you during the flight.
Think of a dog passport, which is mandatory both inside and outside the European Union. This must include the following information:
Owner's name and contact details
Name, date of birth, gender, breed, and description of your dog
Your dog's chip number, with placement and registration date
Report of vaccinations and medical treatments, including date
Some countries also want to see a specific, recent health certificate from a veterinarian. Always strictly follow the import or visit requirements of a country; it is the responsibility of the animal owner to be informed about this.
If this is not properly arranged, the animal can be confiscated or even euthanized. Costs are always for the owner, and the fines are very high.
Preparing the dog for the flight
Also, take a good look at your four-legged friend before you book a flight. What do you need to take into account?
Is your dog healthy enough to fly?
Flying can be a challenge experience for anyone. Can your dog handle this physically and mentally?
For example, does your dog have certain physical conditions, such as a heart defect or breathing problems? And how does he deal with stress?
Can your dog meet the requirements of the airline?
You should not only think about minimum age and demonstrable health. The dog must be manageable by strangers, be able to wear a muzzle at all times, and belong to a permitted breed of dog.
Sick, old, pregnant, or very nervous dogs cannot fly. The transport of puppies under 12 weeks is also excluded.
In addition, sedated dogs are often not allowed for health and welfare reasons. This can cause all kinds of problems during the flight.
Can your dog handle the new environment?
A new country often brings with it a new climate, with different temperatures and weather conditions. Also, different diseases may prevail here than at home.
Do you have to feed the dog before leaving?
Always check 24 hours in advance whether the flight will take place and whether they have taken into account that your four-legged friend will come along. Give your dog his last meal 6 hours before and his last drink 3 hours before to prevent peeing and pooping in the crate.
Take your dog for a walk before you fly.
Does your pet have a long flight? Then make clear agreements with the staff for the road. Also, ask for confirmation before you get on board whether your dog is already loaded.
Always carry a leash and give your dog a tag with contact information on his collar or harness. In addition, allow enough time for check-in and check-out.
Doubts about the flight
Are you unsure about the above points? Or are you unsure about the trip in general? Then seek advice from professionals, such as the airline's veterinarian and transportation department.
They can give you an indication of the course of the trip and the risk to your dog
If you are on holiday or doing an internship, it may be better to arrange a place to stay or a babysitter. Even if you have to miss the four-legged friend for a while (and he misses you!), it will be less drastic for his health.
Your dog in your handbag.
It is allowed to bring your dog into the cabin. Your dog counts as hand luggage and must therefore comply with these rules.
The dog must be transported in a travel bag or crate of a maximum 47 x 30 x 27 cm (length x width x height). The weight, including the dog, may not exceed 10 kilos. These rules can differ per airline, so read about them carefully.
The bag must be placed under your seat and remain there during the flight. This must be completely lockable and contain sufficient oxygen holes.
Your dog should be able to lie down, stand, and turn around in the bag or bed. More movement can actually cause sliding, which is very annoying for your dog.
Your dog in the aircraft holds
The rules regarding the transport of pets are internationally regulated. The safety regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) must be adhered to. So there are strict rules for climate and pressure control.
In the baggage hold, your dog must be transported in a crate or kennel that complies with the rules of the IATA. You have to buy this yourself, and it is easy to find on the Internet. Always let your dog get used to the crate well in advance to avoid accidents and extra stress.
Always place a good layer of newspaper or a thick blanket on the bottom. Wire cages or metal cages are not permitted.
In addition, the crate must have a food and water bowl attached, which can be filled without having to open the crate.
The dimensions are approx. 102 cm x 69 cm x 76 cm (L x W x H). The whole thing may weigh a maximum of 75 kilos. Again, this can vary from one airline to another. Wheels must always be dismantled or secured.
Always attach a label with the following information to the crate:
Animal name
Owner's name and contact details
Flight number and destination
Contact person at the flight destination
Date and time of the last meal and drink
Any medication plus English instruction on this
Copy of vaccination certificates and health certificates
Attach a leash and a bag of food to the bench on the right. Do not put toys or chewing sticks in the crate. Some airlines offer extra care for your pet, so let us inform you about this.
Your dog can also be transported as cargo.
This is often cheaper and sometimes the only option for large dog breeds (75 kilos <). However, your dog is transported as cargo. There is no guarantee that you will be on the same flight as your dog.
Picking up your dog after the flight
After arriving at the destination, inquire about picking up your dog. Ask if they can give him priority with unloading. This can't always be done, but it never hurts to ask.
Also, ask clearly where you need to be. Sometimes your dog is wheeled into the hall with kennels and all; sometimes they just put him on the conveyor belt among the rest of the luggage.
Do not unload your dog in the arrival’s hall, but in a more enclosed area. He may be anxious and run away because of all the turmoil around him.
In addition, make sure you have water and a towel on hand in case your dog has to pee or defecate during the trip.
How much does it cost to bring a dog on a plane?
How much a flight by plane costs for your dog depends on the rules of the airline.
Some companies have a fixed rate for transporting dogs. With other companies, it depends on the mode of transport and the weight of the dog plus the transport crate.
Also, pay attention to the maximum number of animals per person allowed on the flight. This can range from two to five dogs. There are also exceptions, so make sure you are well informed in advance.
Robin Logan,
RSHom