Can I Take My 50 Pound Dog on a Plane?

There’s one question you’ve been asking yourself since you booked a weeks-long trip to Miami Beach and want to bring your furry friend. All you want is to relax on the beach, frolic in the water and enjoy your trip to sunny Florida. However, your dog is quite large and you need to fly to your destination. You’re asking yourself, “Can I take my 50-pound dog on a plane?”

The short answer is yes, you can! However, there are some stipulations to that answer and not every large (or even medium-size) dog will be able to fly with you. Let’s dive deep into the details of flying with a 50-pound dog.

Research and Planning

• When you’re researching, check each airline’s specific pet policy.
• Every airline has different rules and regulations, with fees that can change with each airline, as well.
• Keep an eye out for route restrictions in terms of having pets in the cabin or in the cargo hold.
• Book your seat and reserve your dog’s place on your flight early because there’s always limited space for pets.

Travel Options

So, your dog is 50 pounds. Unfortunately, your dog is going to have to go in the cargo hold, no matter what airline you choose. Only small dogs that can fit underneath the seat can go in the cabin. Some airlines have offer the option of flying your large dog in the cargo hold of the plane: Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines and American Airlines.

Health and Safety Requirements

When it comes to health requirements, it’s important that you get up to date records for your pet. What does that mean? You should obtain a health certificate from a USDA-certified veterinarian within 10 days of travel. You should also ensure that your dog is up to date with vaccinations. All of this should be included in the health certificate that you hand to airport authorities.

Carrier Requirements

Buying a durable carrier that adheres to TSA requirements requires some research. These carriers or crates usually cost around $100, though larger ones can run up to $200 or more.

Pet Cargo Crate Requirements

• Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around in the crate.
• Their head should not touch the top of the crate.
• It should securely lock with pins that extend past the extrusions above and below the door.
• Ventilation on all sides is required.
• Label the crate with your dog’s name and your contact information.
• Water and food bowls should be attached to the door and accessible from outside the crate.
• The crate must be secure with hardware instead of plastic fasteners.

Flight Preparedness

Before traveling, you should always prepare your dog for the long journey ahead. There are certain tips and tricks that you should have handy for preparing your dog before the flight, preparing your dog when they are at the airport, and during the flight. There are also considerations for after the flight, too.

Before The Flight

• Acclimate your dog to the crate so he’s accustomed to being in the small space for long periods of time.
• Give your dog plenty of exercise before the trip, which helps him stay calm.
• Feed your well in advance of the flight to avoid stomach issues or potty problems.

At the Airport

• Follow the rules the airport has set out for pets.
• Your dog should be on a leash at all times.
• Arrive early to allow extra time for the pet check in process.
• Bring all of the required health documentation and any other records that the airline and other authorities need.

Arrival and Post-Flight

• When your flight has landed, you should go to the arrival area.
• Once your dog is in your hands, it is smart to give them water so that you can rehydrate them.
• Check for any signs of stress or health issues that they could have gotten during the flight.

Additional Considerations

You should also consider that there are several restrictions that airlines have produced when it comes to pet travel. Let’s take a look at these below.

• Breed Restrictions: Some airlines have breed restrictions. For example, all brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds are not allowed to travel in the cargo area because of the risk of health issues.
• Seasonal Restrictions: Some airlines have seasonal restrictions due to temperature extremes. The temperatures have to be at a certain range for your pet to travel in the cargo hold.
• Fees: Be aware of the additional fees associated with transporting a large dog.

Wrap-Up!

And there you have it, you can take your 50 pound dog on a plane, though with some caveats. If you follow these considerations and tips, everything will go smooth sailing.