How to Prepare Your Dog for Air Travel — Professional Guide

A Guide for Responsible Owners and Couriers

This guide is designed not only for loving owners preparing their dogs for a safe flight — but also for pet couriers, especially those who are still learning. Over 12 years and thousands of dogs transported across borders, we’ve seen one truth: most problems at border crossings come not from dogs, but from people — and in over 80% of cases, because of incorrect documents or ignorance of travel rules.

Before the Flight: Food, Water and Walks

• Feed your dog no later than 12 hours before departure — unless the vet travel requirements explicitly state that feeding cannot be skipped. If the dog is healthy, avoid feeding before the flight to prevent any risk of toilet accidents.
• Water can be offered up to 3 hours before takeoff.
• Walk the dog well before the trip. Let them relieve themselves properly. A calm and relaxed body means a calm and relaxed flight.
  
  

Transport Crate Requirements

• Choose a transport crate that’s large enough for your dog to lie down, turn around and stretch their front legs. The animal should not feel trapped.
• For flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, always choose a crate one size larger — to reduce stress and allow unrestricted breathing. Some airlines accept such dogs again after recognizing this method works.
• Secure a water bowl inside the crate — fastened so it can be filled without opening the door.
• Line the floor with flat cardboard, optionally wrapped in an old home-smelling T-shirt or blanket.
  
  

Collars and Harnesses — Choose Safely

• Your dog must wear a secure collar that cannot be pulled over the head during walks.
• No plastic click-lock buckles — ever. They are unreliable and easily snap. Use metal clasps or classic buckles only.
  
  

During the Flight — Cabin and Hold Travel

• If your small dog travels in the cabin with you, take a small bowl and offer water at least twice for every 3 hours of flight.
• If the dog travels in the aircraft hold for pets, offer water before check-in and ask airline staff to refill it once loaded onto the aircraft — without opening the crate door.
  
  

Scent and Calm — Natural Solutions

If your dog is anxious, never use sedatives unless explicitly required for dangerous aggression in cargo transport.

Instead, take a small piece of cardboard (1.5 x 2.5 cm), drip 3–4 drops of lavender oil on it, and place it gently on the side wall inside the crate. It’s subtle, safe, and helps with natural calming during transport.

After Landing — Connection and Trust

• When you pick up your dog at the destination airport, greet them immediately. Talk to them. Smile. Let them see you’re there.
• Offer fresh water right away, then find a quiet spot for a quick walk.
• Reward them with a small treat or favourite food — build the memory that flying is safe, and always ends with care and love.
  
  

Stay Tuned to Your Dog’s Needs During Travel

During the journey, you and your dog are a single organism. Learn to sense their discomfort — whether thirst, stress, or a need to pee — and respond. Calmness and awareness are the strongest tools in your hands.

Vet Documents — the Foundation of Stress-Free Travel

Most border issues arise not from the dogs — but from human mistakes in paperwork. And dogs feel their humans’ stress.

Make sure all veterinary travel documents are correctly prepared according to the laws of your destination country.

The official rules are available here: Vet Travel Docs.

And if you're unsure — order our expert document review before your journey.
It only takes 20 to 40 minutes, and brings you peace of mind: Order Transport / Document Check