Anyone traveled with a medium-sized dog in the cabin of an aircraft?

Question

My mom would like to fly with her 25lb German Spitz, but only in the cabin -- not as checked baggage.

I looked online, and airlines require the dogs be in kennels with a max size of 8.5” high x 17” long x 12” wide. This seems incredibly tiny!

Has anyone traveled with a dog recently that can give some advice?

It's the size of the kennel vs. the size of the dog that's giving us the most problems -- I'm aware of the other regulations and fees, those are not an issue. Thanks!

Answer 1

she probably can't. my 17 lb. lhasa apso won't fit in a crate that size.

Answer 2

Call the specific airline because most require the dog have a current-not older than 10 days-health certificate,and some airlines charge a fee for the dog to be in the cabin and most will require the dog to be in an airline approved kennel that will fit under the seat. The dog will be considered one of the two allowed carryons also. Always check with the airline itself before heading off to the airport to get their own requirements. My mom flew with a 5 pound mini Dachshund and it cost her over $200 for his plane ticket and she had to fit him under her seat-I think she took American Airlines for that flight.

Answer 3

When we brought our dog back from Okinawa, she had to be checked because she wouldn't fit under the seat. But, if she doesn't have to fly the dog, don't. It was so hard on mine. Someone said to sedate but the vet will not sedate a dog to fly because the baggage area is colder than the cabin & the dog, if sedated, cannot regulate its body temp. Also, the crate to ship the dog in should only be big enough to allow the dog to stand & turn around. No extra room. They charge by size of crate so it could cost quite a bit. When we flew our dog, she was only 30 lbs & it cost us $400.00 plus a vet health certificate within 10 days of the flight. Be sure if you decide to do it, to arrange it in advance because not all flights are able to transport live animals. I would not do it if I knew how hard it was going to be on her.

Answer 4

If its riding as "carry on" it has to fit the airlines standards, which really dont allow for a dog that size.

The only way she could take a dog that size is if it was a service or emotional support dog. If the dog is too big for her lap, some airlines may require her to buy an extra ticket for the dog, some may allow it to ride at her feet.

I took my small dog in cabin once, but I got my psychiatrist to sign papers stating that he was an emotional support dog.

Answer 5

Furthermore the ariline must require the dog be small enough to stand up, turn around and lie down in that tiny crate (and some will even requre the tips of the dogs ears don't touch the top of the crate) Enough dogs have bee forged in as service dogs that they are gonna great that idea with suspition.

Answer 6

I wouldn't suggest it unless it's a show your going to or something. Flying is VERY stressing for dogs. And sometimes a medication or sadating your dog is necssecary to lower stress during your dog's flight.