Once you’ve decided to travel with your dog, you need to figure out which airline you’re traveling with. If you’re traveling with a pet friendly airline, but cant ride coach with your hound, they’ll have to ride in cargo. This leads many dog owners to wonder, is it safe to fly your dog in cargo?
Today we’re going to dispel some of the myths about this concern, and also brief you on the facts. Overall, it’s incredibly safe to fly a dog in cargo, with less than 1 in 10,000 pets having an issue. Of course, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be curious, so let’s go over how it works.
When Does a Dog Fly in Cargo?
Depending on how travel friendly your dog breed is, you may not be able to ride in the cabin with your pooch. Larger pets and certain breeds have to ride in the cargo, where they’ll be safely and comfortably transported to your destination.
If you’re traveling with more than one pup, you can only take one in the cabin per person. So even if you’ve got a pup that’s small enough for the cabin, they would still have to travel in cargo.
Which Airlines Fly Pets in Cargo?
Most US based airlines fly pets, but not all of them offer cargo flights. We cover everything you need to know about flying your puppy in cargo, from prices to policies. If your pup is too big to ride in the cabin, make sure that you're going with a carrier that can accommodate you.
Myths about Flying a Dog in Cargo
There are some common myths about if it’s safe to fly your dog in cargo, but they just aren’t true. Let’s go over the biggest misconceptions.
There are Extreme Temperatures
Many dog owners are afraid that the cabin will be too hot or too cold, which can stress out and injure your four-legged friends. The truth is, the cargo hold at the same temperature as the cabin. This means that your pup will be totally comfortable during their flight.
The Cargo Hold Isn’t Pressurized
Some people are worried that, since it’s mostly luggage, they don’t always pressurize the cargo hold. But with the way planes are typically built, they keep cargo hold under the same conditions as the cabin. You can fly to your dog-friendly travel destination at ease knowing your pup is breathing the same air as you.
My Dog Will be too Stressed out
While there are a couple of breeds of dog that don’t do well with travel, most dogs are going to be just fine on a plane. These K9 creatures have a knack for adapting to new situations, and will be just fine sitting in cargo. They’ll be too busy dreaming about all of the dog parks they’re going to visit on your trip.
What are the Dangers of Flying My Pet in Cargo?
Flying your dog in cargo is perfectly safe. But when there are issues, they’re not the ones people usually think of. Here are the biggest risks to flying your pup in cargo, and what you can do to minimize them.
The Tarmac
The biggest risk in flying a dog in cargo is time spent on the tarmac. Your pup may be left outside in extreme temperatures as they’re loaded into cargo.. This is fine on a calm day, but half an hour in 100 degree heat is dangerous. Fortunately, airlines always take the steps to make sure that this doesn’t happen.
Long Layovers
No one really likes layovers, but it can also be stressful on your pup. Long layovers mean your pup will be in their travel carrier for longer, which can be more stressful. Especially if this layover is over 3 hours. Fortunately, this isn’t a huge problem, since airlines provide attendants to make sure your pup is calm and comfy.
Long Flights
If you’re flying domestically, most fights will be under 5 hours. Unless, of course, you’re flying to Alaska or Hawaii. So while most flights won’t be too long, be wary of long haul flights with your pet. Most airlines are totally fine with making sure your pup is safe and comfy on a long flight, but your pup will notice the extra few hours in a carrier.
The Final Verdict: is it Safe to Fly Your Dog in Cargo?
Is it safe to fly your dog in cargo? Yes, absolutely. Not only have airlines been making more effort to provide better pet travel services, but air travel itself is getting safer. Cargo travel is safer than road travel, for both you and your pup.
At Woofjet, we have all of the information you need to have a successful vacation with your pet. From airline info to step-by-step instructions to travel supplies, we’ve got you covered.