Is it OK to fly with a new puppy?

Puppies must be at least eight weeks old and have been weaned for at least five days for air travel, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. If it's a small breed dog, there may be weight and age minimums, too. The CDC requires all dogs entering the United States to be immunized against rabies.



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In the car Your puppy should always be transported in complete safety, preferably in a crate designed for this purpose, in which your pet should be able to stand up and turn around, and sit and lie down comfortably.

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The answer is you should not be leaving your 8-week-old puppy alone for an extended period. This is the part of their life where they have just been weaned and need regular feedings and potty breaks. It is recommended to wait at least until they are 3 months old before they are being left alone.

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Dogs' ears can be sensitive to changes in air pressure during flights, which can cause discomfort or pain. Providing your dog with plenty of water and a comfortable carrier can help alleviate these symptoms.

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Pets traveling in the cabin need to stay inside a carrier. Carrier requirements may change from airline to airline, but dogs should be able to stand naturally and turn around inside it without touching the sides or top. Can my cat or dog sit on my lap? No.

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A puppy shouldn't be fed solid puppy food for about four hours before a flight, but it's OK to offer water and time outside to exercise and eliminate. Place several layers of puppy pee pads inside the travel crate and carry extras to add to the crate or use at the airport.

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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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Conditions in the cargo hold of commercial jets are not always friendly; temperatures can fluctuate wildly, noise can be tremendous and air pressure can drop significantly, and pets that are checked into this dark space beneath the passenger cabin sometimes die.

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Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your dog if he doesn't travel well. Strategies to reduce the stress of canine flights include: A Thundershirt® which swaddles the dog much like swaddling an infant and can reduce anxiety. A pheromone calming collar to help lower anxiety.

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Tip 2: Cover Their Ears Dogs have very sensitive hearing and, just like us humans, need noise protection while in flight. Several companies provide dog earmuffs, but cotton balls will also do the trick. Just like easing your dog into a flight, repeat that process for the ear protection.

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