How to Travel with Your Dog: Airline Rules & Safety Tips

Traveling with your dog can be exciting, but it also requires careful planning to make sure your furry friend stays comfortable, safe, and compliant with airline rules. Each airline has its own policies for pets, but there are general guidelines and safety measures you should know before booking your trip.

This guide will walk you through airline pet rules, safety tips, and pre-travel preparation so both you and your dog can enjoy a stress-free journey.

1. Check Airline Pet Policies Before Booking

Before buying your ticket, visit the airline’s official pet travel page to review their rules. Policies can differ widely between carriers.

Key things to check:

In-cabin vs. cargo travel – Smaller dogs may be allowed in the cabin if they fit in an approved carrier under the seat. Larger dogs may need to travel in the cargo hold.
Pet fees – Airlines often charge a fee for traveling with pets, typically ranging from $75 to $200 each way.
Breed restrictions – Some airlines restrict brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like pugs, bulldogs, and shih tzus from cargo travel due to breathing risks.
Vaccination requirements – Most airlines require proof of up-to-date rabies vaccinations and a health certificate from your vet.
International travel rules – Flying to another country often means additional paperwork, quarantines, or microchipping requirements.

You can check American Airlines Pet Travel Policies and Delta Airlines Pet Travel Guidelines for specific examples.