If you’ve never put your dog on a plane before, the idea alone can be intimidating. Your pup isn’t just your hiking or Frisbee buddy they're a member of your family. So when a long-distance move is on the horizon, there’s no question that they are coming with you.
Whether you’re relocating from Boston to Honolulu or Denver to London or Dubai, there are several important factors to consider when arranging air travel for your dog. The goal is to keep them safe, comfortable, and compliant with all regulations from departure to arrival.
They won’t be allowed in the seat next to you, of course, but they can ride in an airline-approved carrier under the seat in front of you. This lets you maintain eye contact, offer reassurance, and enjoy a bit of “pet time” during the flight. If you’re already used to toting your purse-size pup around town, the main additional step will be ensuring they comply with your destination's health requirements.
You’ll also need to reserve a spot for your dog in the cabin. There is a fee, and most airlines limit the number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight, so booking early is essential to ensure your small dog can travel by your side.
There are a few trade-offs to keep in mind when your dog travels in the cabin. Your pet will be with you for the entire journey, so think through the total travel time, the number of connections, and how long you’ll be in transit. You’ll need enough layover time to visit the airport’s pet relief area so they can stretch, hydrate, and relieve themself. Since the carrier counts as your carry-on, you’ll have less room for your own belongings. Also, some destinations do not allow pets to enter in the cabin at all, such as the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Australia require pets to arrive as manifest cargo instead.
Most carriers require a health certificate and proof of current rabies vaccination. Not every airline can accept dogs as checked or cargo pets, and some can only accommodate smaller breeds due to limited cargo hold dimensions. Some airlines are more pet-friendly and experienced with animal handling than others. In addition, certain carriers only allow snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs to travel in the cabin because of potential breathing risks in the cargo hold. It’s important to confirm whether air travel is safe and permitted for snub-nosed breeds on your chosen route.
When temperatures are extremely hot or cold, airlines may restrict pet travel to specific times of day or approve it only case-by-case based on the forecast. These weather embargoes can disrupt even the best-planned dog travel itinerary, but they exist to protect animal welfare.
You can sometimes arrange your dog’s trip on your own, but for international travel in particular, working with a professional pet transport company is highly recommended. A reputable provider will coordinate the details needed to move your dog safely and efficiently, starting with the correct paperwork. Beyond a microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate, you may need:
Many of these requirements must be completed within strict time frames before departure, which can quickly become complicated. You’ll also need to invest in an IATA-compliant travel crate that’s properly sized to your dog’s measurements.
You should research your destination country’s dog import requirements. However, regulations change frequently, and updates are not always communicated clearly. If your paperwork is incorrect, incomplete, or out of date, your pet's trip may be delayed or canceled at check-in.
Professional pet transport companies specialize in moving dogs and other pets safely around the world. They stay current on airline policies and import rules and have established relationships with carriers and agents, which helps ensure your dog is handled correctly at every stage. For pets not traveling in the cabin, some airlines even require that you use a recognized third-party pet transport provider.
Partnering with a pet transport service that offers door-to-door support can save significant time and reduce stress, freeing you to focus on getting your family and belongings ready for the move. When you’re calmer and more organized, your dog will also feel more at ease leading up to their journey.
It’s also important to know that sedation is no longer allowed for pets traveling by air, as the health risks outweigh any potential benefit in transit.
If your dog is a restricted or embargoed breed, if flight options are limited, or if you simply feel uneasy about sending them by air within the continental U.S., ask your pet transport provider about ground transport options for travel within the lower 48 states.