The Ultimate Packing Checklist for Flying With Your Dog

ByKimberly Graner Updated on

Flying with your dog can be a stressful experience, but planning ahead can make the journey much easier. Once you’ve booked your flight, a travel checklist can help you pack and help you feel more control over the process.

Whether your dog is flying in-cabin or in the cargo hold, we have dog travel tips on what you should bring and leave behind to meet airline regulations and ensure a safe flight. 

Basic Packing List Essentials for Cargo Hold or In-Cabin Travel

Whether your dog is flying in the cargo hold or in-cabin, there are a few dog-friendly travel essentials to bring along to ensure that your pet is ready for travel:

  • Health and travel documentation: Check with the airline about the vaccination records, health certificates, and other documents you need for travel to your destination. 
  • Travel crate or pet carrier: Depending on the mode of transport, you’ll need an airline-approved kennel or carrier that meets size and safety requirements.
  • Identification tags: Your dog should wear an up-to-date ID tag on their collar. In most cases, they’ll also need an ISO-certified microchip.
  • Leash or harness: Your dog will need to be leashed at all times outside of their crate or kennel. 
  • Comfort item: A small, familiar piece of clothing with your scent can comfort your dog during their flight.
  • Calming supplements/sprays: Pheromone sprays release chemicals that may have a calming effect on pets. Avoid packing aerosols or spray bottles over 3 ounces.
  • Waste bags: Pack extra poop bags for cleanup upon arrival at your destination.
  • Food: Pack enough for a few days to avoid rushing to find food upon arrival. If your dog is on a special diet, research your options before travel as you decide what to bring.
  • First-aid kit: When travelling away from home, it’s always a good idea to pack essentials like antiseptic wipes and gauze. Avoid liquids over 3 ounces in carry-on luggage. A small pair of tweezers is fine.

Additional Items Specific for Cargo

For dogs flying in cargo, start with the airline. They’ll let you know of any requirements specific to that airline and your destination. From there, here’s a packing checklist for pet parents applicable to most dogs in cargo:

  • International Air Transport Association (IATA)-approved crate: The size of your crate depends on the size of your dog.
  • Photo of your dog: Tape a clear, recent photo of your dog to the outside of their crate for identification purposes. 
  • Absorbent pad and/or blanket: A puppy pad will help keep your dog dry in case of accidents. A thin blanket can make them more comfortable.
  • Water and food bowls: These should be attached to the inside of the crate door and accessible from the outside. Loose bowls or bottles are not allowed.
  • Bag of food: Some airlines request that you attach a small bag of food to your dog’s crate on especially long journeys. Check with the airline about your travel itinerary. Make sure to also include feeding instructions.
  • Special instructions: Attach any special instructions for pets on long-haul flights to the crate. 

Any restrictions on pets in cargo are there to keep pets safe. A soft T-shirt or small piece of clothing with your scent on it is fine, but toys or loose treats are not allowed inside your pet’s cargo crate due to the choking hazard. 

Leashes and harnesses should not be left on your dog inside their crate for safety reasons. Large blankets or dog beds that could be an overheating risk should be avoided. 

Avoid sedating your pet. If your pet is on existing medications, talk to your vet about timing those meds if needed before air travel.

Planning an international flight for your pet? We can help.

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Specifics for In-Cabin Travel 

There are fewer restrictions on toys and treats for small dogs flying in-cabin, but keep in mind that this doesn’t mean it’s the best travel option for your pet. Cargo may be more efficient with fewer layovers. Depending on the destination, your pet may need to fly in cargo. 

If you choose to fly with your pet in-cabin, here’s a packing checklist to keep them comfortable and compliant with most airline regulations:

  • Airline-approved carrier: Size constraints may vary by airline depending on the airplane. Choose a soft-sided pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
  • Absorbent pad or blanket: Line the carrier with an absorbent pad or their favorite blanket for comfort and to help manage any accidents.
  • Paper towels: Bring a few loose towels for clean-up in case of emergencies.
  • Collapsible bowls: Bring portable travel bowls that you can fill with water and/or food. 
  • Empty water bottle: While you can’t bring full water bottles through security, most airports have water filling stations where you can fill up your bottles.
  • Dog treats: Pack a few treats to keep your dog calm or distracted during the flight. Just don’t overfeed them to avoid nausea. 
  • Soft toy: A quiet chew toy or a small plush can help keep your dog occupied and reduce anxiety.

Restrictions for pets in-cabin are focused on pet safety with the additional layer of passenger comfort. Avoid bringing noisy or squeaky toys that may disturb others. Small amounts of kibble or treats are fine, but avoid large food containers that may spill or create odors.

Leave any potential choking hazards at home, such as toys with removable pieces or bully sticks. Avoid bulky blankets that give pets little room in their carriers. Keep collapsible water dishes empty outside of watering times to avoid spills mid-flight.

What to Know About Airline Policies

Once you’ve found a pet-friendly airline, each airline can have slightly different procedures and requirements for traveling pets. It’s important to thoroughly review each airline’s pet policy before you even book your ticket. This information is typically posted online. 

Policies outline everything from your travel options — some airlines only allow pets in-cabin or in the cargo hold — to necessary documentation and check-in procedures. Depending on the destination, you may need additional documentation about your pet’s rabies vaccination history.

As far as your packing list, some airlines are more lenient about things like comfort items. Others may have preferences for food and water bowls for pets in cargo. Understanding the guidelines at each one helps you avoid potential delays (or rejections!) at the airport.

Taking the Stress Out of Pet Travel

Even the most well-prepared travelers can benefit from a second set of eyes on not only their packing lists but also travel documents and health certificates, which are essential for a smooth trip. A professional pet shipper can offer door-to-door service for a stress-free experience.

Ready to get started? Each pet relocation situation is different, so to get an idea of the costs involved, fill out a quote request.

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FAQ

Air travel can be stressful for dogs, but there are ways to reduce anxiety. Start by acclimating your dog to their crate or carrier well before the flight. Encourage them to sleep and relax in it by rewarding them with high-value treats and their favorite toy. Calming treats or dog-safe supplements with ingredients like chamomile or L-theanine can help soothe their nerves, but test out any new strategies ahead of your flight with vet support. On the day of travel, exercise your dog before their flight to help them release nervous energy.

How you pack your dog’s food before their flight depends on how they’re getting to their destination. 

For in-cabin flights, bring enough food for the journey and pack it in your carry-on with a collapsible bowl for easy feeding. Pack food in sealable bags to avoid spills or odors. For dogs on wet food or specialized diets, ensure food meets TSA guidelines on liquids and banned items.

For dogs traveling in the cargo hold, the airline may ask you to attach a small, secure bag of food to the outside of the crate in case of a long flight or delays. Food bowls should be attached to the inside of their crate and accessible from the outside. Include feeding instructions.

Dogs flying internationally need health certificates that include rabies vaccination information. Some destinations require additional vaccines. Check with your airline for specific requirements. Your best option is to work with a pet shipper that can guide you through all destination requirements including vaccines.