Can I Buy My Dog A Seat On An Airplane?

If you’re spending less time with your pets, there’s nothing worse than putting them in a boarding service or a pet sitter if you have to travel for some reason, so allowing them to tag along can be very beneficial for you both.

Even though it is possible for you to travel with your dog on a plane, there can be some restrictions to this allowance, and this isn’t the case for all airlines, so which ones do you book your flight with?

And are there any considerations you need to make regarding the health and well-being of your dog so they can be as comfortable as possible?

In this article, we’ll elaborate on the rules and limitations that come with arranging a seat for your dog and what you might want to consider before buying your dog a seat. Read on further to see how you and your dog can have the easiest flight possible. 

How Do I Buy A Seat For My Dog?

As we are aware, there are only a select few airlines that allow you to purchase plane tickets for dogs, and these are United and Jet Blue, you can buy a seat where you can place your dog carrier next to you.

If this isn’t possible, your dog will have to be stowed under the seat in front of you, so you can see here that smaller dogs are really the only type that can work in these circumstances, and in these cases, you’ll have to make an advance reservation.

The rules differ slightly with airlines, as with United, you can’t have your dog use a seat, and it has to be stowed under your seat for the duration of the flight.

You should also consider that if you’re hoping for your dog to have a seat, you’ll have to pay for it as you would typically for an additional person, and your dog will require a passport to ensure it has had all the necessary vaccinations and is fit to travel.

This is the case because some countries will require certain vaccinations, and your vet can inform you on which ones are needed and can also provide an official health certificate, which is also required.

What Else Should I Take Into Consideration?

As well as these rules, there are other policies that will determine if a flight with your dog is possible, which are in place for the consideration of other passengers and ensures that your dog is secure during the flight.

Below we have provided these policies so that you can determine if your companion can travel with you or not.

The Size Of Your Dog

Whatever airline you go with that accepts dogs will usually have a weight limit of around 8kg, which combines the weight of your dog and the carrier, which will allow you to have your dog beside you adequately or under the seat.

These rules are also in place to enable the dog to freely move around the carrier without bumping into any sides of the container, which can reduce the amount of stress your dog has to endure.

This method might not be ideal for you, but it ensures that your dog is comfortable, especially for longer or connecting flights. 

The Breed Of Your Dog

Depending on the breed of your dog, you might not be able to have them accompany you on your flight, and usually, dogs that are brachycephalic or snub-nosed are not allowed with many airlines because they are more likely to develop breathing problems during the flight.

This list contains breeds such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Mastiffs, Shih Tzus, chow chows, Pekingese, Pugs, Tibetan Spaniels, and American Staffordshire terriers to name a few.

It’s recommended that you check on the airline’s website to see their policy on the breeds they don’t allow, as the policy can differ from airline to airline.

The Behavior Of Your Dog

You want everyone around you to have a bearable flight, so if your dog isn’t obedient and barks or acts aggressively around other people, you might be told that your dog is moved to the cargo hold or refused entry onto the plane altogether.

This might also occur if you have a dog that’s enthusiastic or doesn’t react well to the change in environment, so you might have to make a judgment call over whether you think your dog can behave well on a flight.

With some flights, you might have to complete a consent form that informs the airline that your dog is flight-ready, so it’s best to contact the airline before your flight to complete any forms.

Your Dog’s Health

As we’ve mentioned before, a pet passport is often required as a means of certifying that your dog has all of its vaccinations and is microchipped to ensure that your dog can enter the country you’re flying to, as other regions will have their own rules regarding vaccinations.

It also helps you when you’ve landed if your dog were to go missing or become ill, you can better identify them or have them treated as the vet will be able to diagnose the illness easier.

We don’t like to think these things can happen to our pets, but it is a means of assurance, as these instances can add additional stress to you during your trip. 

Conclusion

With all this in mind, you can make an informed decision over whether or not your dog would be better placed by you or the cargo hold, as their temperament and behavior can be factors you’ll want to consider before booking any tickets.

As long as your dog is happy and safe, you can both have a pleasant flight and an even better vacation.