Angelina Chow, also known as Gigi, is a seasoned traveler and dog lover who shares her experiences of globetrotting with her Yorkshire terrier, Roger Wellington, on her blog, Wet Nose Escapades. Over the past five years, she’s taken Roger on more than 50 flights across 20 countries. She’s learned a lot about the do’s and don’ts of traveling with a small dog and wants to share her insights to help others avoid common mistakes.
Dog ownership has surged recently, with many people becoming first-time pet parents and travelers. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that nearly one in five American households adopted a pet during the pandemic. More pet owners are also choosing to travel with their pets, with the US Department of Transportation estimating that over two million pets travel by air each year. As travel rebounds post-pandemic, these numbers are expected to rise.
Traveling with a dog can be a wonderful experience, but it’s not without its challenges. If not done correctly, it can be stressful and even traumatic for your pet. For instance, unless your dog is a service animal, it will likely need to travel in the cabin, which is typically only an option for small dogs. Larger dogs often have to travel in the cargo hold, which can be risky due to extreme temperatures, poor ventilation, and rough handling. That’s why organizations like the Humane Society and PETA generally advise against it.
Gigi has learned that preparation is key for a successful in-cabin flight with a small dog. Here are nine common mistakes to avoid when traveling with your small dog:
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Not investing enough time into carrier training: This is crucial for helping your pet feel comfortable and safe inside the carrier before a flight. It requires patience, time, and lots of treats. You should start carrier training at least two to three months before your pet’s first long-haul international flight, and a month minimum before a domestic flight.
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Not researching the return flight requirements: Many people focus on the outbound journey and neglect to research the requirements for the return flight. This can lead to problems, especially if you’re traveling internationally.
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Making your dog’s first flight an international one: Long-haul flights can be tough on everyone, including your pet. It’s best to start with a domestic flight to help your dog get used to the experience.
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Booking a flight with more than one layover: While it might save you money, multiple layovers can add stress to your dog’s journey. If you can’t avoid layovers, consider spending a few days at the layover destination to give your pet a break.
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Not exhausting your dog’s energy: A tired dog is a happy dog! Make sure to give your pet plenty of exercise before the flight to help it sleep through the journey.
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Not being strategic with water and food intake: To prevent accidents, you’ll need to carefully plan your pet’s feeding times and portions before and during the flight.
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Not being prepared for accidents: Even well-trained dogs can have accidents in new and stressful environments. Make sure to pack poop bags, pee pads, dog wipes, and hand wipes for quick cleanups.
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Flaunting your dog: Not everyone is a dog lover. To avoid causing discomfort or annoyance to other passengers, it’s best to keep a low profile with your pet.
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Not monitoring your dog throughout the flight: Even if your dog seems comfortable, you should keep a close eye on it throughout the flight in case of emergencies.
Traveling with a small dog can be a rewarding experience, as long as you prioritize its health, comfort, and safety. Gigi’s experiences with Roger have not only strengthened their bond but also led to new connections and friendships around the world. With the right preparation and care, you and your pet can have an amazing travel experience together.
