If you’re planning a trip with your dog, you’ve probably gotten used to the idea of arranging for boarding. The problem is that not all dogs are able to go through airline travel without some sort of assistance – or at least that’s what most airlines say.
Luckily, there are some pet products and services out there which can make traveling with your dog much easier!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| – The age at which a puppy can go on a plane varies depending on the airline and destination regulations. |
| – It is essential to research and comply with the specific airline’s policies and any requirements set by the destination. |
| – Some airlines may allow puppies as young as 8 to 12 weeks to travel, while others may have a minimum age requirement of 16 weeks. |
| – Puppies should be in good health and have received necessary vaccinations before traveling on a plane. |
| – Consulting with a veterinarian and seeking professional advice can help ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience for the puppy. |
What Age Can A Puppy Go On A Plane?
To answer the question, what age can a puppy go on a plane? You should know that puppies can fly at 8 weeks. The same goes for 10 and 12 week-old puppies. As you might have guessed, 14, 16 and 18 week old puppies can also travel in the airplane cabin with you.
This time frame applies to small dogs (under 20 pounds). You will need to consult your veterinarian if you plan on taking your large dog or cat on a plane because they require special permission from the airline (which may cost extra).
When it comes to the health of your puppy, getting their first shots at the right age is crucial. Check out our comprehensive guide on when puppies should get their first shots to ensure your furry friend receives proper protection and stays healthy.
Pet Travel – Airline Regulations and Guidelines
Before you book a flight for your pet, check with the airline to see if they allow pets in the cabin or cargo hold. Some airlines allow pets of all sizes on their flights, while others have age restrictions or size restrictions.
There are also health and temperament requirements that need to be met before you can fly with your four-legged friend.
In addition to contacting the airline directly, there are several websites that list specific regulations for each airline; this information will help you determine whether your puppy is eligible for air travel at certain ages and whether he or she is too large or small to fit in the cabin or cargo hold (if allowed).
Puppy Age
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to traveling with your puppy
- Puppies can fly as early as 8 weeks.
- If your puppy is fully vaccinated and has been de-wormed, he or she can fly at 12 weeks.
- If your puppy is fully vaccinated, but has not yet completed the required de-wormings, he or she can travel by plane at 16 weeks of age (this does not apply to puppies that have been de-wormed for only 3 rounds).
Curious about your puppy’s teething journey? Learn how long it takes for puppies to develop all their teeth in our informative article on the timeline for puppies’ teeth development. Understand the stages and milestones of dental growth for a happy and healthy pup.
Health Requirements
A puppy’s health requirements for flying are no different from an adult dog’s. Puppies need to be current on their vaccinations, as well as free of parasites, heartworm and any other diseases that could be transmitted to humans and other animals.
The health certificate is a document issued by your veterinarian stating that your pet is healthy and fit to travel.
You should get the health certificate well before you plan on traveling with your puppy so you can schedule any needed appointments with the vet or kennel before heading out on vacation.
If your pup gets sick after getting his shots but before he travels, don’t worry too much—it’s not likely that he’ll develop into something serious while air-traveling (unless it’s highly contagious).
If your dog gets sick during the trip or in-flight, however, take him to the veterinarian immediately upon landing.
| Airline | Vaccination Requirements | Health Certificate | Additional Health Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Airlines | Up-to-date vaccinations | Required for international travel | – Pets under 10 weeks not allowed<br>- Brachycephalic breeds restricted |
| United Airlines | Up-to-date vaccinations | Required for international travel | – Pets under 4 months not allowed<br>- Snub-nosed breeds restricted |
| American Airlines | Up-to-date vaccinations | Required for international travel | – Pets under 8 weeks not allowed<br>- Brachycephalic breeds restricted |
| Southwest Airlines | Up-to-date vaccinations | Not required | – Pets must be in good health<br>- No specific breed restrictions |
| JetBlue Airways | Up-to-date vaccinations | Not required | – Pets must be in good health<br>- No specific breed restrictions |
Temperament
When traveling with a puppy, you must be sure that he or she has good temperament. A puppy that is not socialized will be scared of new things and may act out in response to this fear.
In order for your puppy to be comfortable on the plane, he or she needs to have been exposed to as many new experiences as possible before going on a trip.
This can be accomplished by taking your pup for walks in different places, introducing them to people and animals at home (especially if they will be staying with someone else while you are away), and providing toys that encourage exploring their surroundings rather than cowering from them.
Vaccinations
If your puppy is under 6 months old, they will need a rabies vaccine. If they are older than 6 months, they will also require a distemper vaccine and a kennel cough booster.
Your veterinarian can help you determine the right time to get your puppy vaccinated based on their age and weight.
These vaccines need to be renewed every three years regardless of whether or not they have been updated since they were first given (i.e., if you got your puppy’s first set of immunizations at 12 weeks old, but then waited four years before bringing them back for their second set).
Protecting your puppy from fleas and ticks is important, but it’s essential to know the right time to start. Discover the ideal age for administering NexGard to your furry companion by reading our article on when to give a puppy NexGard. Keep your puppy safe from these common pests.
Breeding Status
For safety reasons, the maximum recommended age for breeding is 6 months. If your puppy has reached this age and you plan on breeding it in the near future, please wait until you’ve arrived at your destination before doing so.
The Department of Agriculture requires that all dogs be spayed or neutered before transportation. This policy applies even when transporting puppies less than 8 weeks old.
Getting an ESA letter for your Dog to Fly on a Plane
An ESA letter is an official document from a medical professional that allows your pet to travel with you in the cabin of the plane.
It’s needed by airlines to allow pets to fly in the cabin, but it doesn’t mean that your dog will be allowed on any flight. Instead, you’ll need to check with each airline for their specific policy and make sure your dog meets all its requirements before applying for an ESA letter.
Whether or not your dog is eligible for an ESA letter will depend on what kind of animal it is and how old they are.
For example, dogs over four months old are generally considered too young to fly because they aren’t fully vaccinated yet (and therefore pose more risk).
If you do decide to travel with a puppy younger than four months old without getting them fully vaccinated first then keep in mind there’s still some risk involved since they’re not fully protected against things like distemper or parvo virus—these diseases can be fatal if left untreated!
| Airline | ESA Letter Validity | Letter Issued by | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Airlines | 1 year | Licensed mental health professional | – Confirmation of mental health condition<br>- Recommendation for an ESA |
| United Airlines | 1 year | Licensed mental health professional | – Confirmation of mental health condition<br>- Recommendation for an ESA |
| American Airlines | 1 year | Licensed mental health professional | – Confirmation of mental health condition<br>- Recommendation for an ESA |
| Southwest Airlines | 1 year | Licensed mental health professional | – Confirmation of mental health condition<br>- Recommendation for an ESA |
| JetBlue Airways | 1 year | Licensed mental health professional | – Confirmation of mental health condition<br>- Recommendation for an ESA |
Ear Cropping
Ear cropping is a surgical procedure in which the inner and outer ear are shortened so that they stand erect. It’s done to show a dog’s breed, but it can be done at any age.
The procedure is illegal in some states, so check local laws before you take your puppy out on an international flight.
Taking your puppy for walks is an exciting milestone, but when should you start? Explore our veterinarian-approved insights on when puppies start enjoying walks to ensure a positive experience for your furry friend and encourage healthy physical activity.
Pet Airline Restrictions
- Pets can’t fly in the cabin with you. If you want to fly with your pet, it has to be in the cargo hold.
- The airlines have different restrictions for what kinds of pets they allow. Generally speaking, cats and dogs are fine (no ferrets or snakes).
- Some airlines have age restrictions for flying with puppies under 12 weeks old, but these vary from airline to airline.
| Airline | Pet Type | Weight Limit | Crate Size | Additional Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Airlines | Dogs, Cats | 20 lbs (9 kg) | Varies by aircraft | Snub-nosed breeds restricted |
| United Airlines | Dogs, Cats | 50 lbs (22.7 kg) | Varies by aircraft | Breed and size restrictions apply |
| American Airlines | Dogs, Cats | 20 lbs (9 kg) | Varies by aircraft | Breed and size restrictions apply |
| Southwest Airlines | Dogs, Cats | 20 lbs (9 kg) | 18.5″ L x 13.5″ W x 8.5″ H | Only small, vaccinated pets allowed |
| JetBlue Airways | Dogs, Cats | 20 lbs (9 kg) | 17″ L x 12.5″ W x 8.5″ H | Only small, vaccinated pets allowed |
Pet Products That Will Make Flying Much Easier!
When you’re planning your trip, it’s important to prepare both yourself and your puppy as much as possible. Luckily, there are several products available that will make traveling with a dog much easier.
Here are some of the most popular:
A harness! This is a great way to keep your dog on their leash while they’re running around the airport or waiting in line at security.
They’ll have more freedom than if they were attached to their owner by a leash only because it’ll be easier for them to run and play around without getting tangled up in the lead. Plus, no one likes having leashes wrapped around their ankles for hours at a time—and this way everyone wins!
A soft-sided carrier! This is especially useful if your pup isn’t yet potty trained; once boarded onto the plane (or even before boarding), place them in their carrier so that when nature calls (i.e., when they need to pee), they can do so easily without disrupting anyone else’s travel experience!
Preparing for air travel with a puppy involves proper restraint and safety measures. Learn how to tie out a puppy securely by following our easy guide on tying out a puppy. Ensure a smooth journey for both you and your four-legged companion.
Conclusion
We hope this article was helpful to you and that it cleared up any questions you may have had about when your puppy can fly on a plane.
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us or leave us a comment below!
Further reading
Traveling with Puppies: Get expert tips and advice on how to travel with puppies, ensuring their comfort and safety throughout the journey.
Puppy’s First Flight: How to Prepare: Learn how to prepare your puppy for their first flight, including necessary preparations, paperwork, and tips for a stress-free travel experience.
Minimal Age for Animal Travel by Plane: Discover the minimum age requirements for animals to travel by plane, ensuring compliance with regulations and the safety of your furry companion.
And here’s the markdown for the “FAQs” section with five questions and answers in H3 headings:
FAQs
How do I ensure a comfortable travel experience for my puppy on a plane?
- Providing a comfortable travel experience for your puppy involves crate training, familiarizing them with the crate, and including their favorite toys and blankets for comfort.
Can puppies fly in the cabin with me?
- Depending on the airline’s policies and the size of your puppy, some airlines allow puppies to travel in the cabin with their owners. However, there are usually restrictions and requirements in place.
What documents do I need to travel with a puppy on a plane?
- When traveling with a puppy on a plane, you typically need to have proper identification, health certificates, and vaccination records for your furry friend. Check with the airline and destination requirements for specific documentation.
Are there age restrictions for puppies traveling on planes?
- Different airlines and countries may have specific age restrictions for puppies traveling on planes. It’s essential to check the airline’s policies and any applicable regulations to ensure compliance.
How can I minimize stress for my puppy during air travel?
- To minimize stress for your puppy during air travel, ensure they are well-exercised before the journey, provide familiar items in their crate, and offer calming techniques such as pheromone sprays or treats. Consulting with your veterinarian for additional advice is recommended.
I’m Dr. Hellen James, a professional veterinarian with a deep interest in the ways that litter size affects the health of animals. I’ve spent years studying this subject and performing research on reproduction in many different kinds of creatures.
