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Sometimes it’s necessary to transport your dog by air, and transport dog crates are an important part of the planning for your dog’s trip. Try to minimize the stress of traveling for your dog by planning ahead. Look into whether there are any options to transporting your dog by airplane, as this could be less stressful for your dog.

Airplane travel for dogs is fraught with problems, and most pet owners who have made any enquiries about transporting animals by air are aware of dogs being injured or worse on such trips. Don’t misunderstand me, most dog air travel is incident free, but because things can go wrong, planning ahead can mean the difference between a smooth journey for your dog or one with mishaps.

Before you do anything else, you should call the airline you intend to travel with and find out their current policies on pet transportation. If you have a choice of airlines, call each one, as the policies may vary slightly. If you intend to transport a young puppy, you also need to be aware that federal regulations require that a puppy be at least 8 weeks old before it is permitted to be carried by air, and it needs to have been weaned for a minimum of 5 days prior to transportation.

Large dogs have no choice but to travel in the cargo section of the airplane, in transport dog crates. The cargo section unfortunately has neither airconditioning nor heating, which can make for a pretty uncomfortable experience for dogs. Small dogs may be a litte luckier. If they’re under 15 pounds, they may be accepted in the passenger compartment of the airplane, traveling in transport dog crates or other types of pet carriers that will fit under your seat.

Some steps you can take to provide your dog with a stress-free airplane trip:

- stop-overs and transfers extend the journey for your dog, so opt for a direct flight wherever you can.

- try to minimize unexpected delays by confirming your flight before you leave home. That way you’ll know in advance of changes to the expected departure time.

- just prior to leaving for the airport, take your dog for a walk.

- will your dog need food during the flight? Ask your vet well in advance. Generally pet owners are advised to ensure that their dog starts the flight with an empty stomach, but with long flights food may be required, and it will vary depending upon your dog’s usual feeding schedule, your dog’s usual food, and your dog’s size and age.

- make sure your dog will have a good supply of water during the flight in order to keep him properly hydrated.

- arrive early for your flight, so you’re not stressing out which in turn will stress your dog. It also gives you time to deal with any unexpected hiccup in the checkin process.

- give your dog a toilet break immediately before he is put into the transport dog crate, and put your dog into the crate yourself, rather than allow airline staff to do so.

- before boarding your dog, stay with him for as long as the airport staff will allow you to. And ask whether it is possible for you to personally deliver your dog to the gate.

- when you board the plane, tell the flight attendant that you have a dog in the cargo hold.

- make your way to the baggage area as soon as possible after landing, to meet your dog.