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What NOT to do on a Plane with a Dog

When it comes to flying with your pup, you’ll find endless tips online (including many from us!). There’s generally an emphasis on what to do, both in terms of canine behavior and with regard to regulations and documentation. But what about what not to do? There’s actually plenty to avoid when hitting the friendly skies with your pup. Here are our tips on what not to do when flying with your dog. 

1. Don’t be rude

There's plenty to avoid when hitting the friendly skies with your pup. Here are our tips on what NOT to do when flying with your dog. 

Long lines. Delays. Dealing with TSA agents.

Traveling is stressful and tedious enough on its own, and having a bad attitude won’t make things any easier. Being rude or impolite to others will create bad energy, thats rubs off on your dogs and encourages gate agents and airline officials to give you a hard time.

Luckily, dogs are an instant mood booster. Use that good energy and spread it along on your journey. Be kind and courteous to everyone that you meet. It will make for a more enjoyable trip, and may even help you out (maybe Fido wants an upgrade?). A smile goes a long way.

2. Don’t travel with a dirty dog

There's plenty to avoid when hitting the friendly skies with your pup. Here are our tips on what NOT to do when flying with your dog. 

No one likes the smell of a dirty dog, especially when you’re confined to a small space 30,000 feet in the air – with circulating air!

Dogs should always put their best paw forward when flying. That means, no playing in the mud right before you head to the airport, or allowing weeks of dirt to pile up in their fur.

Be sure that your dog is well groomed and clean when you’re planning to fly. A quick brushing and a bath should do it. If you’re pressed for time, use grooming wipes. Your nose and other passengers will thank you. 

3. Don’t let your dog misbehave

There's plenty to avoid when hitting the friendly skies with your pup. Here are our tips on what NOT to do when flying with your dog. 

If your dog misbehaves it could in the best case (read, least bad) scenario annoy fellow passengers and crew members, and in the worst, get you kicked off the plane.

The best way to ensure that your dog is on their best behavior is to teach them basic commands, and to fly with a tired dog.

For the former, commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “quiet” are useful while in the air. For the latter, plan a trip to the park or a long walk before your flight. And if you can, fly at night, when your pup will already be naturally tired.

Also, if you know your dog has bad habits, get ahead of things. If your dog isn’t a fan of strangers and tends to get snappy, slap a muzzle on them when boarding and while around people at the airport. If your dog has trouble staying in their carrier, practice a lot beforehand, and bring comforting items, like blankets and toys, and treats along with you. Don’t take any chances, it’s not worth it.

Prepare your dog and check out these Helpful Commands Your Dog Should Learn Before Traveling.

4. Don’t forget to read the room

There's plenty to avoid when hitting the friendly skies with your pup. Here are our tips on what NOT to do when flying with your dog. 

If you’re traveling with a dog, dog lovers become apparent. They’ll flash a smile, ask to pet your pup, and you’ll hear plenty of “awws” as you walk by.

Take note of those happy to see your pup, but don’t forget to look out for those who aren’t so pleased to be in the presence of fur. There will be side eyed glances, a change of seating, or a protective hand on belongings.

Some onlookers might be scared of dogs, or allergic. Do yourself a favor and stay out of their way. Whatever their reason for distancing themselves from your dog is not your problem, or your business. Be happy to oblige, and stay in your lane.

5. Don’t let your dog lick or touch fellow passengers

There's plenty to avoid when hitting the friendly skies with your pup. Here are our tips on what NOT to do when flying with your dog. 

No one should place a hand on you or your dog without asking, and the same goes for your dog. Your pup should always keep their paws to themselves. You don’t know who is allergic, or who is dog phobic.

The best way to steer clear of problems this is to keep your dog confined to their bag, and to train them with basic manners. Keep a short leash when walking through the airport and boarding, and always be in control of your dog.

6. Don’t forget to pack clean up supplies

There's plenty to avoid when hitting the friendly skies with your pup. Here are our tips on what NOT to do when flying with your dog. 

Accidents happen! Stay ahead of spills and flying fur with cleaning supplies. Throw them in your carry-on or toiletry kit for easy access.

It’s important to leave your area as clean as when you got there. We don’t want dogs getting a bad rep!

Basics include wee wee pads, wet wipes, a lint roller and poop bags. Check out Everything Your Dog Will Need on an Airplane.

7. Don’t be unorganized

Important dog health and travel documents.

Flying with your dog involves quite a few things: your dog, their gear, a pet carrier, treats, dog food, and the list goes on. It also involves paperwork, even if you’re doing a quick trip. You might need anything from just a rabies vaccine, to a health certificate, and more.

It’s best to keep these documents in an easy to grab location, so they’re easy to grab and sort through. Keep copies on your phone, and also have copies of the airline and country policies at the ready in case there are any questions or issues.

It’s best to be prepared for any scenario, instead of having to scramble in the moment. Always be prepared!

Click here for more flying with your pet travel tips. 


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There's plenty to avoid when hitting the friendly skies with your pup. Here are our tips on what NOT to do when flying with your dog. 

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4 Comments

  1. Great tips, especially the tips on making sure you have a clean dog and not allowing them to touch someone. Although I am a dog lover I am also allergic to some dogs. Keeping my distance and having freshly cleaned pets make it much easier to be in a confined space with them.

  2. Wonderful post! I wish I had the opportunity to fly with my fur babies…. however three pups on a plane might be a bit much! LOL. But honestly, I feel these same tips apply to any sort of travel. 🙂

  3. I always make sure I give Louie a bath before a flight so he isn’t so stinky. If only I could figure out how to get rid of those Frenchie farts! We do our best to follow all the other suggestions you’ve made so we don’t annoy other passengers.

  4. I have never flown with my dogs but this was great information and reminders for people that do!! We have to respect others.

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