How do you fly a large dog in cargo?

By Plane: Fly with your dog. Several airlines do accept large dogs by storing them in the plane's cargo. The hold is temperature-controlled and pressurized, so it is a humane way to transport them. For most airlines, pets weighing 17 pounds or more qualify as large and must travel in the hold.



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It sounds like you have concerns about cargo travel, but deeper research shows that flying a pet as cargo is safe and may be more comfortable for your dog. Check out this post, where we address questions about flying pets as cargo and another where we disprove myths about shipping pets as cargo.

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Flying pets in cargo domestically on a pet-friendly airline, owners can expect to spend an average of $300 for a smaller pooch. Bigger breeds will cost up to $1,000. On top of the cargo fee, owners must also ensure they purchase an airline-approved cargo carrier, which can be an additional $100+.

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On The Plane: Most likely, your pet's carrier will be one of the last things to go on board and one of the first items to be unloaded. Your pet will be in his crate for the entirety of the flight in a temperature-controlled portion of the cargo hold.

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In general, if your pet carrier (with your pet inside) can fit under the seat in front of you, your dog can ride in the cabin on flights that permit it. Typically, this would be a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.

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With that said, assuming your dog or cat is in very good health (as confirmed by your licensed vet) and assuming you properly prepare your pet for cargo travel (i.e. ensure he or she knows how to eat and drink from the kennel's bowls), cargo travel should be a safe travel option for your four-legged family.

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In general, if your pet carrier (with your pet inside) can fit under the seat in front of you, your dog can ride in the cabin on flights that permit it. Typically, this would be a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.

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Several airlines do accept large dogs by storing them in the plane's cargo. The hold is temperature-controlled and pressurized, so it is a humane way to transport them. For most airlines, pets weighing 17 pounds or more qualify as large and must travel in the hold.

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Thanks for your questions/concerns about the safest method of travel for your dog! Many other pet owners have pondered the same question, and we're happy to provide some guidance. Having your pet travel via cargo instead of checked baggage would be best.

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Flying with a larger dog as either check-in baggage or in cargo can cost anywhere between $200 to over $1000. The range between prices is why it's vital to contact your airline or research online to see what costs may be involved.

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Southwest Airlines will only carry pets in the cabin; pets are not permitted as checked baggage. There will be no more than six (6) scheduled pet carriers per scheduled flight.

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Cargo travel is stressful for any pet, young or old. Senior pets, pets prone to anxiety, or those in general poor health are at increased risk of heart failure during travel.

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Because flying in cargo can be stressful for your pup and could aggravate underlying health conditions, having a recent exam prior to flying protects both your pet and the airline from dealing with health emergencies.

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Yes, you can fly with large dogs so long as they are properly crated and prepared to fly. Many airlines require your pet to be at least 8-weeks old before flying. Any younger and dogs are thought to be too fragile for long flights. Your pet must also be free of fleas, ticks, and or infectious diseases.

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If you're considering flying with a dog If you want more space, some airlines let you buy an extra seat that you might be able to use to place your pet's carrier on during the flight. However, your pet generally needs to stay in its carrier the whole trip.

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Yes, you can certainly arrange for your pets to travel without accompanying them on the flight. Most of the pet moves we handle involve pets flying without their owners.

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Our specialized shipping service Delta Cargo provides safe, reliable, year-round transportation, with service to address the needs of all pets that are shipped without their owners. Review the following before booking: A separate booking from their flight itinerary is required. Additional fees and charges may apply.

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