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When you’re looking to bring a new puppy into your home, your search for a responsible, knowledgeable breeder might take you across state lines. When you’ve found your breeder, you may have to travel far far, which means your puppy could be going on a journey too.
Families wanting to welcome a new puppy into their lives have more options than ever for connecting with the perfect pet. If you’ve found your new puppy a long distance from home, these suggestions can help you make sure they have a safe and comfortable first flight.
Find Out What You Need for the Flight
As soon as my puppy was born, I started making plans to fly to the Midwest and bring her home. But before making any airplane reservations, it’s important to check with your airline to determine if they’ll fly a puppy. Some airlines have pet restrictions on dog age, size, breed type, and what kind of travel crate is required.
If you plan to have the puppy travel with you in the airplane cabin, you’ll need to have that noted on the airline reservation. Most airlines limit the number of animals allowed in the cabin at one time, so make your reservation as far in advance as possible.
Only small dogs who can fit in airline-approved pet carriers under the seat are allowed in the cabin. There’s usually a fee of $125-$150 in addition to the price of your ticket, plus you need to account for the cost of an appropriate dog carrier. Some airlines may not allow dogs in the cabin and will transport them as cargo in a heated and ventilated hold. Learn about specific dog airline travel guidelines before you go.
If the puppy is shipped as cargo, you need to consider the weather and time of year as you plan for the puppy’s travel, which may be affected by extremely warm or cold temperatures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that some U.S. carriers don’t allow pets to be shipped between May and September, the hottest months, if they’re being transported as cargo.
Puppies Entering the U.S. Must Meet New Requirements
The CDC recently announced new requirements for dogs entering the U.S. – and including dogs imported into the country for the first time or returning to the U.S. from a visit to another country. The requirements vary depending on whether the dog is coming from a rabies-free, low-risk, or high-risk country.
In both cases, the person bringing the dog into the U.S. should obtain a CDC-approved Dog Import Form in advance by filling out and submitting the form to the CDC online.
The CDC requires all dogs entering the United States to be immunized against rabies. In addition, dogs entering the U.S. from rabies-free or low-risk countries must:
- Be 6 months old or older when they enter or return to the U.S.
- Appear healthy
- Have an international microchip. International Standards Organization (ISO) microchips have 15 or more digits and can be scanned globally.
If you’re bringing a dog home to the U.S. from a high-risk country, a U.S. rabies vaccine certificate, a certification of foreign-issued rabies vaccination, or a certification of foreign rabies vaccination and a microchip form will also be required. Quarantine upon arrival into the U.S. may also be required in certain cases.
Rules for Puppies Traveling Within the U.S.
The AKC Government Relations Department provides information online regarding state laws governing the transport of dogs across states lines. The AKC also provides a printable flyer with this information.
Additionally, puppies must be at least 8 weeks old and have been weaned for at least five days for air travel in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. For small breed dogs, there may be additional weight and age minimums.
Whether your dog is riding with you in the cabin or in a pressurized hold, their carrier must meet the airline’s requirements for strength, size, and ventilation.
Make a Visit to the Vet Before Puppies Fly
A puppy must be healthy enough to travel and up to date on puppy vaccinations, so a visit to the veterinarian is essential. Some airlines require a veterinary health certificate to be issued within a specific number of days before travel.
Puppy deworming should be completed at least three days before the puppy’s flight. Puppies won’t be allowed to travel if they have any signs of recent surgeries, so make sure they’re completely healed from any procedures they may have had.
Whether you’re traveling with your puppy from state to state or internationally, there will be health requirements you have to meet that will vary based on your origin and destination.
Prepare the Puppy for Flying
To help your puppy relax on the flight, it’s a good idea to order a travel crate that meets the airline’s requirements ahead of time and send it to the breeder. The breeder can put the puppy into the carrier for nap time and place it under a desk or table to help the puppy get used to it.
Offering the puppy treats or feeding them in the carrier may also give puppies a positive association with their travel carrier. Ask the breeder if they can give you a blanket or soft toy that smells like the mother and littermates to accompany your puppy inside their travel crate.
Plan for the Unique Needs of the Puppy’s Breed
Since dogs come in all shapes and sizes, air travel might be easier for some breeds than others. Large-breed puppies, for example, will need a bigger, sturdier crate than small-breed puppies. If your dog will be riding in the cabin, the pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Most airlines require that the puppy weigh less than 25 pounds and be able to stand up in the crate, turn around, and lie down.
Check with your airline to confirm specific requirements for puppy breed, age, and size.
How to Handle Flight Day with Your Puppy
You shouldn’t feed your puppy solid food for about four hours before a flight, but it’s OK to offer water and plenty of time outside to exercise and eliminate. Place several layers of puppy pee pads inside the travel crate and carry extras to add to the crate or use at the airport.
If you’re traveling with a puppy in the cabin, most airlines require you to sign in at the passenger check-in desk and show any required paperwork, such as your flight reservation and the puppy’s health certificate.
If you have a young puppy who hasn’t received their full series of puppy shots, it’s best to carry them around the airport and stay away from designated dog elimination areas. You can take your puppy outside or to a low-traffic area of the airport, put them on a pee pad, and give them a chance to go.
The Federal Aviation Administration considers the pet travel crate to be carry-on luggage. You must put your pet carrier through the carry-on luggage screening device – but your puppy does not have to go through. Carry your puppy in your arms and take them through the human screening process. Travel as light as possible with your personal luggage, so you can focus on your puppy’s needs and supplies for this trip.
What to Take on Puppy’s Flight Travel Day
It may seem overwhelming to determine what your new puppy needs for a safe and successful trip. Here are some absolute essentials, like an airline-approved carrier or water bowl, and some good ideas of what you should bring, like grooming wipes and a change of clothes:
- Airline-approved travel carrier or hard-sided dog kennel that meets federal and airline requirements
- Leash
- Harness
- Collar
- ID tag
- ID tag and “live animal” stickers for your travel crate
- Puppy health records
- Airline reservation verification and pet fee receipt
- Puppy pee pads
- Poop bags
- Puppy-safe grooming wipes (for feet or puppy clean-up in case of any accidents)
- Travel-size disinfecting wipes, paper towels, trash bags (to spot-clean after an accident)
- Travel bowl for water
- Bottled water or water bottle to fill at the airport
- Puppy food in case of layovers, stored in an airtight pet food travel container or resealable zippered plastic bag
- Puppy-safe treats
- Puppy-safe chew toys to keep them occupied, or soft puppy toys to keep them company, but no squeaky toys to annoy other passengers
- Change of clothes in case your puppy has an accident on you
Meeting people in the airport can also be a great puppy socialization opportunity. Keep in mind that your puppy is experiencing everything for the first time, so be gentle with them — and yourself!