Standard Poodles -
Air Travel

Air travel with your Standard Poodle may be a consideration sometime in the future, whether it is for a vacation, dog show, or for relocating. You may not have the time for a long car trip with your Poodle and although air travel is faster, it’s not always as easy as it should be.

Commercial airliners only have two options available for traveling, cabin and cargo. Only small dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin with their owners, so, the only option available to Standard Poodles is cargo.

The cargo area of the plane is located under the cabin and passengers are not allowed in that area during the flight. Although it is generally safe for your Poodle to travel in the cargo area due to proper ventilation, air pressure and temperature, things can still go wrong. There have been stories of pets freezing or overheating in the cargo area due to unpredictable weather. Actually, airline industry statistics report less than 30 animal injuries or deaths per year. Often accidents happen because of poor planning, improper containers, or other human error, with no one person to blame. Airlines really do take the best interest of the pet into consideration to try and avoid any incident.

Air travel can be stressful when riding in the cargo area and some airlines require a health certificate from a vet before flying. If your Standard Poodle is over 7 years old, it may be advisable to get liver and kidney screens as well.

It’s not mandatory, but for peace of mind, you may want to consider purchasing liability insurance when your Poodle has to travel in the cargo area.

Giving tranquilizers to your Poodle for air travel in the cargo area is not recommended due to their unpredictable effects at high altitudes.

If your Poodle is a service or guide dog, they are normally allowed to travel in the cabin with their owners and don’t need to be kenneled, just harnessed.

Charter Flights

One alternative to commercial airline travel is charter flights for pets. This option is still in its infancy and somewhat expensive. One company called Air Webster, lets your Poodle travel in the cabin right next to you, with only a leash or harness. If you can afford a charter flight, check out www.airwebster.com.

There is another future air travel option where your Poodle will be able to ride in the cabin with you, although he will have to ride in a kennel in the back. You will be allowed to visit with your dog during the flight. The company is Companion Air, and they are still in the planning stages. The following tips should help you and your Poodle enjoy your air travel experience:

Planning for the trip

• Find out from the airline if you have to use their crate or if you can use any approved airline crate.
• Do you need a health certificate? If so, how far in advance should you get it?
• Try and book a direct flight during off-times. This causes less stress for your Poodle.
• Be sure the crate is the correct size for your Poodle. It should be big enough that he can stand, lie down and turn around comfortably.
• Have your Poodle used to being in the crate for an extended period of time.
• Make sure you check with the airline about the number of pets allowed on the flight per passenger. You don’t want any surprises when you get to the airport!
• Be sure that there is identification on the crate as well as your Poodle.
• Don’t use a choke chain collar on your Poodle while traveling, only a flat buckle collar.
• Be sure to have his leash handy.
• Do you need to provide food and water dishes? Some longer flights require that your Poodle be fed.
• What time do you need to arrive at the airport?
• Find out if they have certain times of the year when pets can or cannot travel due to weather conditions.
• Inquire where the pick up area is at your arrival destination.
• Put a blanket or crate pad in the crate to keep your Poodle comfortable.
• If your Poodle has a favorite toy, put that in as well.
• If you are flying to a foreign country, inquire about the quarantine laws well in advance.
• Take a photo of your Poodle and keep it with you in your wallet in case he happens to get lost.

At the Airport

• Walk your Poodle outside the terminal before you check in and when you arrive at your destination. Don’t open the crate in the terminal.
• Remove any wheels from the crate before you check so it won’t roll around during the flight.
• Try and watch to see that your Poodle actually does get loaded onto the flight! I almost panicked once when they almost forgot ours and had to open the plane doors back up at the last minute and load them!

Return to Home Page from Air Travel Page