I’ve always thought that once I got a dog, I was going to travel with my dog. After having my dog for a few months, I decided to plan our first trip together to New York City. I was super excited for the start of our travel adventures. But during our first flying experience, I learned there’s much more that goes into traveling with your dog than just the adventures. Here’s a few tips for your first time flying with your dog.

Picking a destination

Domestic or international

I suggest for the first time flying with your dog to pick a destination that’s domestic and the flight is a couple of hours at most. You may love flying, but flying may not be your dog’s thing, and you don’t want to find that out on a six hour flight to another country. If your dog isn’t a fan of flying it could be a nightmare. Your dog may bark and whine most of the flight or even worse potty in the kennel because of fear.

My first time flying with my dog Ruby was domestically from Raleigh to New York City. I strategically picked New York City because it’s not a long flight from Raleigh, and my family and friends are there. My plan was to take baby steps for the both of us. Mainly because I wasn’t sure if she would even like flying, nor was I sure that I would even like flying with her.

Go to the vet

Before booking your flights, bring your dog to the vet for a check up to see if your dog is okay to fly. Depending on where you’re flying, you may also need proof of vaccinations and a health certificate. You can also get some recommendations from your vet on how to make the flight a better experience for your dog based on what they know about your dog.

Booking flights

Do research on airlines

Do research on the airlines that flies to the destination you picked. You can do a compare and contrast on what’s best for you based on pet travel requirements, duration, layovers, and cost. Most airlines that allow dogs, has a section on their website that caters to flying with pets. They usually have all of the requirements, like weight of the dog, age of the dog, dimensions of the kennel, type of kennel, price, etc. Also, keep in mind flying internationally has different requirements than flying domestically, like vaccinations, permits, etc.

If you are confused about anything or just have a question, I highly recommend speaking to a rep from that airline, instead of winging it. One of the worst feelings is getting to the airport and you’re missing something that either you or your dog needs to board your flight.

My experience booking with Delta

My experience booking with Delta was great. I first booked my boyfriend and I flights from Raleigh to New York City and then right afterwards, I called Delta to add my dog Ruby to our flights as my carry on. The rep asked for Ruby’s age, weight, and her kennel dimensions. She then told me that I didn’t have to pay for Ruby’s flight before getting to the airport, that I would have to pay $95 at the airport when I check her in.

What to bring

• Collapsible water bowl
• Dog wipes
• Favorite toy and/or blanket
• Kennel/carrier
• Kong
• Pee pads
• Treats
• Waste bags

Day of flight

Eating and drinking

Don’t give your dog anything to eat or drink at least four hours before the flight.

Burn energy

Make sure your dog burns some energy before heading to the airport. You can take your dog on a walk, or let your dog run around and play. This will help with anxiety and may also help your dog sleep throughout the flight.

Potty

Take your dog out to potty before heading to the airport. Some airlines have a Pet Relief area, but I wouldn’t completely rely on that. Anything can happen where you may not have time to go to the Pet Relief area, or you may have time to go but your dog just doesn’t want to potty there.

At the airport

Check-in

Just like traveling alone or with other human travelers, get to the airport early enough for you to not have to feel anxious during check-in. With Delta, I had to check-in Ruby at the airport. I’m not sure if all airlines does it like that. But during check-in, the passenger service agent looked at the kennel, gave me a tag to put on the kennel, and then I paid the $95 for her to fly.

Security

During the security checkpoint, I just had to show my drivers license. You will have to show your passport and maybe other documents if traveling internationally. Then, I had to put all of our belongings on the conveyor. I had to take off her leash and collar because they had metal, and I carried her through the scanner.

Potty

If your dog didn’t potty before heading to the airport, take your dog to the Pet Relief area. If the airport doesn’t have a Pet Relief area, put a pee pad on the floor in a bathroom stall and see if your dog will go there. For backup, put a pee pad in the kennel for your dog to lay on, just in case your dog has to potty during the flight.

Boarding

Put your dog in the kennel before your group is called, so you’re ready to board. Delta doesn’t allow passengers to board with their dogs outside of the kennel, which means you cannot wait until you’re sitting in your seat to put your dog in the kennel. Put your dog’s favorite toy and/or blanket inside of the kennel as well.

After you land

Potty

After you land and exit the plane, take your dog out of the kennel to stretch. Then go to a Pet Relief area so your dog can relieve itself if needed. Again, if there’s no Pet Relief area, you can put a pee pad on the floor in a bathroom stall. Just remember to always clean up after your dog.

Drink water

Give your dog some water because it may be thirsty since it didn’t have any in a few hours. Depending on the last time your dog ate, you can also give your dog some treats.

Check out my full experience traveling with my dog for the first time, by clicking on “First time traveling with my dog: Lessons, surprises, and new memories”.