It takes a ton of preparation for having the smoothest flight. If your dog is doing great, it will make your travel experience much better.

Please Note: Brioche is not our Emotional Support Animal (while we think he is sometimes!) or our Service Dog. So, some of these tips and tricks may not apply to you. Brioche has a paid ticket, must stay inside his carrier at all times, and under the seat. He may not be on our lap during the flight, or out of the carrier at any time.

Flight Checklist

• Latest vaccination records (shots, neuter, microchip) - some airline ask for it

• Food and water bowl (if feeding is during airport or flight time)

• Flight approved carrier

• Toys - bring your dog’s favorite hard toys that fit in its carrier, this gives them something to do inside during the flight

• Chews - bully sticks, cow ears, or stuffed bones will keep your pooch busy and its mind off flying

• Pee/Poo bags - if your dog is trained to only go on potty pads

• Food, water, and treats

Carrier Preparation

• Make sure to buy an airline approved carrier - we currently use the Sherpa Carrier

• Train your dog before your flight to go into the carrier, so that they enjoy it - we use the cue word “travel” and he goes inside his carrier

• Once your dog goes into its carrier on command, leave your dog in there for 5 minutes, 30 minutes, and gradually increase time inside the carrier.

Medication

• We avoid using medication when it isn’t needed. Our vet does not recommend it either unless we absolutely need it as it may cause issues when they are are medication at high altitudes

• If you insist on using sedatives, our vet suggested taking it at home first to see the effects prior to giving it to your dog for the flight. This is because they may have side effects or bad reactions to the sedative.

• Make sure to ask your vet for the medicine as you need the right dosage for your dog. Also ask them how long it will take to kick in and how long the effect will last.

Our Typical Flight Schedule

• Tire out dog as much as we can before the flight

• Arrive at airport 2 hours prior to flight (first we book the reservation noting we have a pet)

• Check in at the ticket counter for airline staff to check the carrier (correct size) and dog (ensure they are not barking, growling, etc.)

• Go through security - take the dog out of the carrier and carry them through metal detector

• Walk dog to pet relief (technically you are supposed to put them back in the carrier)

• Use cue words Potty and Make for dog to do its business

• Play with dog a little bit

• Place dog back into carrier

• Go to the Gate