Flying With My Dog for the First Time

Flying with a dog for the first time felt intimidating for me. There was conflicting information on the internet, from word of mouth, and even from airlines. I had many expectations, so I focused on preparation and practice.

Getting Ready Before the Flight

I had a puppy, a 5 month old Shih Tzu, about 8 pounds, with shots, vaccines, and potty trained. He was good with other dogs, a bit shy with human strangers, but very calm in public.

I started researching tips and advice for first time flying in the US, from New Jersey to Austin TX. I checked airline rules, asked for an airline recommendation, and booked a vet appointment to meet the 10 days travel check. The wait time for non emergencies was long, so plan early. I also checked if being not neutered but meeting the minimum age requirement would affect boarding.

Carrier, Comfort, and Training

For comfort, I got a travel kennel and fabric backpack carrier with the right dimensions to fit under the seat.

I made sure my dog could:

• Stand up
• Turn around comfortably
• Stay inside a closed carrier and zipped carrier

I did carrier training with practice, even sleeping in carrier at home.

To help him relax, I used:

• Treats and training treats
• Toys and a blanket
• Playing prior so he felt sleepy

I also tested:

• Car errands and short rides
• Visits to stores

I used a portable rechargeable fan for noise and breeze to keep him calm.

Also read: When Can Puppy Have First Bath?

Food, Health, and Essentials

Some people use calming medication like trazadone, transdermal Xanax on the ears, or CBD treats, but always ask a vet for a prescription and do meds practice first.

I also packed:

• Poop bags
• A potty pad

I planned feeding carefully, avoiding no food or no water only a few hours before flight to reduce pooping or vomit.

At the Airport and On the Plane

Airport and Security Process

At the airport, things move fast.

During security:

• I had to remove my dog
• Carry him with a leash
• The carrier went through the machine or security scanner

This part needs calm handling.

I arrived early to:

• Manage the counter
• Pay the fee
• Confirm my reservation for boarding flight

I also looked for a pet rest area and did short terminal walking.

A short flight time can still mean long hours, so plan for:

• Transportation
• Ride share
• Carry on bag setup

Boarding and Airline Rules

During boarding, I did boarding early so my dog could get settled before other passengers.

My dog was a bit fussy at first and showed:

• Barking
• Crying

But he started to calm down after a while.

I kept him in the zipped carrier under the seat as required by regulations.

Some airlines have strict rules, and the flight attendant may check, so always show respect.

I noticed:

• Some non service dogs in kennels
• Others walking around

But I followed the rules to avoid issues in this grey area.

Also read: Why Dogs Lay on Back? Cute Behaviors Explained

In-Flight Experience

On the airplane, the cold air conditioning made me use a jacket and blanket to keep him warm.

At one point, I let him stretch near the empty seat, but he was mostly unnoticed by other passengers.

He was a bit anxious at times, maybe due to environment or stress.

Later, he felt relaxed, almost like a sofa feeling, and went to sleep.

I avoided:

• Too much feeding
• Swinging the bag

This helped prevent smell, anal glands issues, or motion stress.

Conclusion

My second flight was smoother and a much better experience.