Canine Air Travel: Navigating The Complex World Of International Dog Flight Regulations

Travelling internationally with a dog can be a stressful experience for both the dog and the owner. There are many factors to consider, such as airline and country-specific regulations, the dog's health, and the dog's comfort during the flight.

Firstly, it is important to check the regulations of the country you are visiting. Some countries do not allow foreign dogs to enter, while others require a quarantine period. It is also crucial to research the airline's restrictions, as different airlines have different policies on transporting dogs. Some airlines may refuse to fly certain breeds, such as toy or short-nose dogs, or puppies and elderly dogs. Additionally, there may be restrictions on whether the dog can travel as carry-on baggage or must be checked as cargo.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is recommended to start planning early, visit the veterinarian to obtain necessary health certificates and vaccinations, and familiarise the dog with its carrier. On the day of the flight, it is important to reduce the dog's food intake and provide ample opportunities for exercise and waste elimination. During the flight, offer the dog ice or kibble to keep it distracted and hydrated, and make sure it stays warm with a blanket.

Overall, while travelling internationally with a dog can be challenging, careful planning and preparation can help ensure a safe and comfortable journey for both the dog and the owner.

International airlines that allow dogs

There are several international airlines that allow dogs on their flights, but they may fly in the cabin or cargo, depending on the airline and the dog's size and weight.

Airlines That Allow Small Dogs in the Cabin

• Aegean Airlines
• Air Canada
• Air Europa
• Alaska Air
• American Airlines
• Air France
• Delta
• French Bee
• JetBlue
• Lufthansa
• TAP Air Portugal
• TUI
• Turkish Airlines
• United Airlines
• Vueling
• Southwest
• Frontier
• Hawaiian
• Spirit
• British Airways
• Iberia
• Alitalia
• CopaAirlines
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Swiss International Airlines
• Jet Airways
• Air India
• Cathay Pacific Airlines
• Emirates Airlines
• Virgin Australia
• Qantas
• Qatar Airways
• Air New Zealand
• Aero
• BLADE
• JSX
• Surf Air
• Tradewind Aviation

Airlines That Allow Large Dogs in the Cabin

• Aero
• BLADE
• JSX
• Surf Air
• Tradewind Aviation

Airlines That Only Allow Dogs in Cargo

• Aer Lingus
• Japan Airlines
• Air Canada (temporarily stopped accepting dogs due to COVID-19)
• Virgin Australia (only service animals allowed in the cabin)
• British Airways
• Qantas
• Qatar Airways
• Air New Zealand
• Emirates Airlines

Airlines With Unspecified Policies

The following airlines allow dogs, but it is unclear whether they are permitted in the cabin or only as cargo:

• Lufthansa Airlines
• Swiss International Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• OpenSkies (British Airways)
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• CopaAirlines
• Iberia
• TAP Air Portugal
• Turkish Airlines
• Air India
• Aeroflot
• SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)

Preparing your dog for the flight

Health and Veterinary Checks:

• Consult your veterinarian to ensure your dog is in good health for flying. Get the necessary health certificates and ensure your dog is up-to-date with vaccinations.
• Check if your dog's breed is permitted to fly. Some breeds, like brachycephalic dogs (e.g., pugs), may not be allowed due to respiratory risks.
• Research the health requirements of your destination country. Many countries require specific vaccinations, such as rabies shots, and may have unique entry requirements.
• Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country to understand their specific animal travel regulations.
• If traveling from the US, review the International Animal Export Regulations provided by the USDA-APHIS.
• Ensure your veterinarian is accredited by the relevant authority (e.g., USDA in the US) to validate the health documentation.
• Microchip your dog with an ISO-compliant microchip, as required by many countries.
• Administer any necessary parasite treatments, as some countries mandate external and internal parasite treatments.

Crate and Crate Training:

• Procure an IATA-certified crate that complies with airline requirements. It should be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• Start crate training early to familiarize your dog with the crate, ensuring they view it as a safe and comfortable space. Gradually increase the duration until they can sleep overnight in the crate.

Socialization and Comfort:

• Socialize your dog by taking them to dog parks, dog-friendly spaces, and daycare. This helps them get accustomed to other dogs and strangers, reducing travel-related stress.
• Expose your dog to loud noises and crowded public places to acclimatize them to the busy airport environment.
• Take your dog on road trips to help them adjust to the sound and movement of vehicles.
• If your dog exhibits severe separation anxiety or aggression towards strangers, consult a pet behavior specialist for assistance.
• Avoid using tranquilizers or sedatives, as they can cause respiratory distress in dogs and cats at high altitudes. Instead, opt for calming sprays like lavender oil or pheromone spray.

Travel Day Preparations:

• On the travel day, take your dog for a long walk or run to expend their energy.
• Feed your dog no more than six hours before the flight to avoid a full stomach during the trip.
• Ensure your dog is well-hydrated 48 hours before travel, but limit water intake a few hours before departure to prevent accidents.
• Clip your dog's nails and groom their hair to enhance comfort during travel.
• Attach a collar with a name tag and a lead to the crate for easy identification and handling after disembarking.
• Line the crate with a familiar blanket and an item with your scent, such as a t-shirt, to provide comfort during the flight.
• Remember to stay calm on the travel day, as your dog can sense your moods and anxieties.

What to do during the flight

Once you've booked your flight and done all the necessary prep work, it's time for the flight itself. Here's what to do during the flight to ensure your dog has a safe and comfortable journey.

First, make sure you arrive at the airport early. If your dog is flying as cargo, most airlines require you to arrive at least three hours before departure for domestic flights and at least five hours before international flights. You'll need to take your dog to a separate cargo drop-off location, usually a special hangar on the outskirts of the airport. If your dog is small enough to fly in the cabin with you, go to the passenger check-in desk to present your dog's paperwork and pay the pet carry-on fee.

Next, you'll need to get through security. Remove your dog from its kennel and place the carrier on the conveyor belt to go through the X-ray machine. When it's your turn to go through the metal detector, carry or walk your dog through. You'll need to remove your dog's collar or leash if any part of it is metal. If your dog could escape without its collar or leash, have a backup collar and leash that can remain on them through the metal detector.

After you've made it through security, follow the action plan you created with your vet for food, water, and exercise. It's recommended to feed your dog a small, easily digestible meal a few hours before the flight and decrease their water consumption to reduce the risk of an accident. Make sure to give them plenty of exercise before arriving at the airport so they're tired and ready for a nap.

When it's time to board, inform the captain and flight attendants that you're travelling with a dog in cargo, so they're aware in case anything goes wrong with equipment like air conditioning or cabin pressure. If you have a layover, be sure to ask the airline staff about the status of your dog and let them know that you're travelling with a dog. Many airlines will take dogs to a designated area during layovers to be walked, fed, and given water.

Finally, once you arrive at your destination, head straight to the airline's cargo location to pick up your dog. Dogs who fly as cargo are typically available for pick-up two hours after the flight's arrival, and you usually have four hours to pick them up before they're taken to a veterinarian or boarding facility. If your dog flew in the cabin with you, take them for a walk as soon as you can and give them lots of praise, treats, and attention.

Quarantine requirements

From a Rabies-Free Country to Any Other Country:

If you are travelling from a rabies-free country to any other country (except certain other rabies-free countries), you will be able to enter with minimal paperwork and without a quarantine or blood titer test, although some countries will require an import permit. However, there may be restrictions and possible quarantine when returning to the rabies-free country.

From a Rabies-Controlled Country to Another Rabies-Controlled Country:

Your pet must have resided in a rabies-controlled country for a minimum of six months before the travel date (four months if the pet was born in the rabies-controlled country). Some countries will require a microchip and the proper veterinary certificate for the country that you are entering. Your dog's rabies vaccinations must be current. A limited number of these rabies-controlled countries also require an import permit for entry.

From a Rabies-Controlled Country to a Rabies-Free Country:

If you are travelling from a rabies-controlled country to a rabies-free country, an import permit, rabies titer test, microchip, and the proper pet passport for the destination country are required. There is sometimes a waiting period from the time you have the rabies titer test until you enter the rabies-free country, which can be between 30 days (Hawaii), 90 days (European Union), and 180 days (Australia). If your schedule does not allow for a waiting period, quarantine will be imposed at the destination country or your pet will be returned to the originating country.

From a Rabies-Controlled Country to a High-Rabies Country:

Your pet can always travel to a high-rabies country from a rabies-controlled or rabies-free country with only the proper pet passport and sometimes an import permit. These countries do not require a blood titer test, and most do not require a microchip. However, you will likely need a blood titer test to return to a rabies-controlled or rabies-free country from a high-rabies country.

From a High-Rabies Country to a Rabies-Controlled Country:

With the exception of the United States, Canada, and a handful of other countries, any time you travel from a high-rabies country to a rabies-controlled country, a blood titer test will be required, your pet must be microchipped, and you will need the proper pet passport forms for that country.

From a High-Rabies Country to Another High-Rabies Country:

In most cases, you will need only the proper pet passport forms and sometimes an import permit.

From a High-Rabies Country to Certain Rabies-Free Countries:

Some rabies-free countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, Mauritius, and New Caledonia, will not permit pets from high-rabies countries to enter. EU countries will require a blood titer test three months before entry to avoid quarantine. There are several countries where quarantine is unavoidable, even when entering from a rabies-free country.

It is important to note that these rules only apply to dogs, cats, and ferrets who are accompanied by their owners. Different rules may apply for unaccompanied pets. Additionally, some countries, such as Australia, only have one quarantine facility, so all pets are required to fly to a specific airport.

When travelling with a dog, it is essential to review the import regulations and quarantine requirements for your specific destination country.

Dog breeds banned from flying

While there is no universal guideline for what dogs can and cannot fly with you, each airline has its own rules and restrictions based on different safety regulations. It is important to check with your airline before booking your flight to confirm that your dog can fly. Additionally, some countries have their own regulations for animal entry, so it is also important to research the requirements of your destination country.

Brachycephalic or Snub-Nosed Dogs

Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs are often restricted from flying in the cargo area due to health and safety concerns. These breeds have shorter snouts and a condensed facial structure, which can lead to respiratory difficulties and overheating during flight. Examples of brachycephalic dog breeds include:

• Pugs
• Bulldogs
• Mastiffs
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Japanese Chin/Japanese Spaniel
• Shar-Pei/Chinese Shar-Pei

Aggressive or Strong-Jawed Breeds

Some airlines, such as United Airlines, have placed restrictions on "strong-jawed" or aggressive breeds, which are often banned based on their reputation for being dangerous. These breeds include:

• Pit Bulls
• American Staffordshire Terriers
• American Bully (all breeds)
• Bull Terriers (all breeds)
• Perro de Presa Canario

Service Dogs

Service dogs are generally exempt from breed restrictions and can accompany their owners in the cabin without being placed in a carrier. However, it is important to note that Delta's updated service dog policy forbids Pit Bulls from both the cabin and cargo as service companions.

Frequently asked questions