How to Prepare a Dog for Air Travel

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Take your dog to a veterinarian and have it examined for a travel health certificate.

   Prepare two copies of the certificate with you for whenever you are traveling; leaving one copy with your boarding documents and one taped on your dog's carrier.
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   Step 2: Contact your airline of choice and ask what their regulations and fees are for flying with a dog.

   , The fee may depend on where your dog will fit; smaller dogs can often stay in their carrier underneath your seat while larger dogs will typically ride in the cargo section. , A carrier for dogs staying in cargo must be hard plastic with ventilation holes; soft-sided carriers are only allowed inside the cabin.
   
   Wire carriers are not permitted on board. ,,, , Practice the motion of travel by placing your dog in the carrier and then putting it in your car while driving; this will acclimate your dog to traveling in its carrier.
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   Step 3: Purchase a ticket for yourself in person or over the phone

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   Step 4: alerting the sales representative that you will be traveling with a dog

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   Step 5: and pay the airline's fee for an accompanying dog.

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   Step 6: Purchase or adapt a dog carrier that is tall enough for your dog to stand up and large enough for it to turn around comfortably.

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   Step 7: Cover the floor of the carrier with a towel or another absorbent textile to safeguard for accidents.

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   Step 8: Place a comfortable blanket or toy that smells like home inside for security and put a fan on the front of the carrier to create air circulation.

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   Step 9: Label the carrier clearly with your personal contact information and feeding instructions

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    Step 10: then mark the top and sides of the carrier 'Live Animal.'

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    Step 11: Place your dog in its carrier regularly and let it get used to staying confined for longer and longer periods of time.

Detailed Guide

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