5-tips-for-traveling-by-airline-with-your-dog-kennel-boarding

When searching for dog trainers near me or dog care near me, Bark Avenue Daycamp is the top choice whether you live in Bartlett, Hoffman Estates, St. Charles, Elgin, or Schaumburg. Not only are we here for you for your dog training, dog daycare, dog grooming, and kennel boarding needs, we want to share with you useful tips and information on various dog-related topics that you might find helpful.

Pet travel to and from a foreign country can be complicated, time-consuming, and stressful. If you have travel planned this year with your pup in tow, and you are traveling from the US to another country or within the US, it is important that you keep these 5 tips in mind.

Tip #1 – Vet Visit for a Health Certificate (Passport)

  • Dog health certificates (Passport) are not always mandatory, but if needed, this proves your dog has been vaccinated and is healthy enough to travel. Make sure any necessary paperwork/medical records are up to date.
  • “Airlines and countries often have different requirements, so make sure you know what the specific ones are.” (CDC – Traveling with Pets)

Tip #2 – Check Your Airline’s Pet Policies and Requirements

  • Not all airlines have the same pet travel requirements, check directly with your airline.
  • Questions to ask: What are the requirements for my dog to travel in cabin vs. cargo? Weight and size requirements? Do I need to make reservations? Are there extra fees?
  • Depending on the country, there may be additional requirements such as additional vaccinations, and microchips – check with the embassy of your destination country for information about quarantines.

Tip #3 – Buy the Appropriate Plane Pet Carrier

  • Check the airline’s website for the exact measurements and requirements for a pet carrier.
  • Keep in mind that the pet carrier will count as a carry-on.
  • “Pets should be able to stand and sit, turn around normally and lie down in a natural position in their carrier without touching the sides or top of the carrier.” (AKC – Airline Pet Policies: A Guide to Dog Travel Requirements for Flying)

Tip #4 – Know What to Pack for Your Dog

  • Traveling can be stressful, know what to bring to be prepared and to help your dog stay calm and relaxed.

Travel Supply List

  • Puppy Pads
  • Moist towelettes
  • Collapsible bowls for food and water
  • Small toys or chews
  • Treats
  • Poop bags
  • Food
  • Collar and leash
  • Microchip and ID
  • Medical Records

Tip #5 – Research Airports

  • Not all airports have relief areas, contact each airport on your route (your departure, destination, and any places where you may have layovers.
  • Ask what facilities they have for your dog to relieve himself. Most airports do not have big facilities, some are limited to a small section of artificial grass.

Note: These guidelines are for dogs considered pets. Most airlines allow fully-trained service dogs to ride in the cabin without a carrier. Airlines are no longer required to accommodate emotional support animals (ESAs) and they must travel as pets.
(https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/dog-pet-airline-travel-guidelines/)

At Bark Avenue Daycamp, we want to help our clients with all their dog care questions, whether it is dog training, dog grooming, or general dog care! If you live in Bartlett, Hoffman Estates, St. Charles, Elgin, or Schaumburg and are looking for dog care near me or dog trainers near me, call us at (630) 289-8470 or contact us online.