Is it safe for a large dog to fly in cargo?

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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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. Please consult your vet before travel to ensure your dog or cat has a clean bill of health and is an appropriate candidate for cargo travel.

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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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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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Having your pet travel via cargo instead of checked baggage would be best. When pets fly via cargo, they are not attached to your ticket, which means they can fly separately from you and be more easily tracked and monitored.

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How Do I Prepare My Dog For Flight Cargo? A Step-By-Step Guide
  1. Choose an IATA-Compliant Crate.
  2. Acclimate Your Dog to the Crate.
  3. Visit the Veterinarian.
  4. Review Airline Policies and Documentation Requirements.
  5. Provide Comfort Items and Essentials.
  6. Exercise Your Dog Before the Flight.
  7. Arrive Early at the Airport.


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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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Animals count as carry-on items. The combined weight of the pet and carrier may not exceed 20 pounds. The pet must remain inside their dog or cat travel crate (17-by-8.5-by-12.5 inches) while at the airport and in the aircraft for the entire flight. Only four pets are allowed per flight.

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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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Dogs can survive a 12-hour flight, but it's important to take steps to ensure their safety and comfort during the journey. Before the flight, it's important to prepare your dog properly by providing them with plenty of food, water, and opportunities to exercise.

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Most of the time, dogs travel quite easily and do well without the need for medication. Some dogs, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your dog if he doesn't travel well.

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Where will my pet travel in the aeroplane? Pet dogs and cats travelling to an international destination are placed in a pressurised and temperature-controlled area of the cargo hold of the aeroplane. Even though it is part of the cargo hold, your per will not travel stacked on top of the baggage.

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In most cases, if the layover is under 3 hours and if your pet is traveling in the cargo hold as checked baggage or air cargo, it will be transferred from one airplane to the next as long as you are staying on the same airline.

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Dogs that are prone to anxiety or have pre-existing medical conditions may be particularly susceptible to the negative effects of flying. Additionally, if your dog is traveling in the cargo hold, they may be exposed to extreme temperatures or rough handling, which can cause physical harm.

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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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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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Usually dogs are only allowed to fly in the cabin—known as carry-on pets—if they can comfortably fit in a carrier that you can stow under the seat in front of you. A small number of airlines, including JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Etihad Airways, allow passengers flying with dogs to buy an extra seat for their pet.

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Most larger dogs aren't allowed in the cabin (with exceptions for trained service animals) and will have to fly in the cargo hold. Many air carriers have completely banned specific breeds—like pit bulls—from flying at all.

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American PetEmbark™ Large enough for your pet to stand, turn, sit and lie down in a natural position (without touching any side or the top of the container) Must not exceed maximum size requirements of the aircraft you're traveling on. Must not exceed maximum weight (combined pet and kennel) of 100 lbs. / 45 kgs.

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Your dog must stay under the seat in front of you and inside their carrier at all times. To fly in-cabin on United Airlines, your pup will need to be at least 4 months old. If your dog is too big to fly in-cabin, they will have to fly through United Airline's PetSafe® program (see below).

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Regular Care when Handling Dogs Dogs must be cared for regularly during air travel. Dogs must be observed as regularly as possible during air transport (at least once in every 4 hours if cargo area is accessible). This includes when the dog is loaded and unloaded and whenever the animal cargo space is accessible.

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When it comes to flying with pets, one common question that pet owners often ask is whether they should sedate their pets during air travel. At PetRelocation, our straightforward answer is NO. Sedation carries various risks and is not recommended for pets during air travel.

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Undeniably, cargo is the more dangerous option for pet travel. The safest way for any animal to fly is in the cabin as carry-on luggage, provided that's an option.

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