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If you are taking your dog on an airplane this summer, it is important to follow some guidelines to ensure your dog’s safety and comfort when traveling. Always check with the airline to find out their specific requirements for your traveling dog. Also, you should find out if the destination has specific requirements for dogs.

Here are some helpful tips if your dog is flying in the cargo area:

1. Contact the airline that you are flying on first before you purchase an airline approved crate for your dog to find out the airline’s specific crate requirements.
2. If your dog is going to travel in the airplane’s cargo area, there are typically few size requirements for dog crates. However, make sure that your dog is able to stand and turn around in the crate for comfort.
3. The crate should have at least two vented sides, including the door area. Some airlines may require all three sides to be ventilated.
4. Do NOT choose a collapsible crate for safety reasons.
5. In addition, the crate should be able to be properly secured. Make sure that your dog won’t be able to escape from the crate.
6. Make sure that your dog’s water bottle can be accessed from the outside in case there is a delay and your dog needs more water.
7. Check to see if there are crate and dog weight requirements or additional fees that may be charged for weight.
8. The airline may not accept your dog for travel when temperatures on the ground are too hot or cold to ensure their comfort.
9. Make sure that you get to the airport early to ensure that your dog will be able to travel with you. There may be a limit to how many dogs that can travel in the cargo area.
10. Take along your dog’s favorite toy or blanket for extra comfort.

For dog owners who plan to take their dog with them in the cabin here are some helpful tips:

1. You may have to make a reservation in advance for your dog to travel with you in the cabin. As soon as you plan on taking your dog, call the airline to see if you need a reservation.
2. Destination limitations – there may be requirements for your dog at the destination location.
3. Check to see if there are additional charges for your dog for your dog to travel in the cabin.
4. There are specific size requirements for the kennel size and type. Contact the airline first before purchasing a crate.
5. The airline may have an age requirement, so make sure that your dog is old enough.
6. If your dog is in poor health, there may also be health requirements for your dog.
7. If you are taking more than one dog, there may also be additional requirements for multiple dogs.

Labels: airline approved dog carriers, dog airline travel