Traveling with a Small Puppy: A Comprehensive Guide

Traveling with a small puppy can be an exciting yet daunting experience for many pet owners. Ensuring your furry friend’s comfort and safety during travel, especially via air, requires careful planning and consideration of various factors.

Traveling with a small puppy involves more than just having a travel-friendly pet; it involves ensuring they are secure and comfortable throughout the journey. A reliable way to carry your puppy is using an expandable puppy carrier like the Jetpaw puppy carrier for plane and long travel, which offers ample space for your puppy to move and relax while keeping them safe and contained.

Is it stressful for puppies to fly?

Flying can indeed be stressful for puppies due to the unfamiliar noises, movements, and the environment of an airplane. Young animals are especially sensitive to changes, making it important to provide them with a comforting and secure travel setup.

How do you carry a small puppy?

Carrying a small puppy for travel is best done with a carrier designed for their size and needs. The Jetpaw expandable puppy carrier is specifically designed to accommodate the size and comfort of small puppies, providing them with the security and space they need.

Can I take my puppy in a stroller?

Absolutely, puppies can be taken in a stroller designed for them. The Jetpaw Stroller is an excellent choice as a stroller for puppy, allowing your puppy to view their surroundings securely and comfortably. This type of small puppy stroller is ideal for navigating airports or walking in the city. This stroller is convertible into puppy backpack, pet handbag, car seat, expandable pet bag.

Can you fly with two puppies?

Many airlines allow passengers to fly with more than one pet, but it’s crucial to check the specific airline’s policy. Generally, each puppy must have its own carrier unless they are small enough and familiar enough with each other to share one comfortably.  If two pups satisfy pet airlines standards, they can travel together in an airline-approved puppy carrier.

If two small puppies are of the same species, fit comfortably inside the flight-approved pet carrier, and the combined weight of the pets and carrier is under the airline’s weight limit (typically around 15 pounds or about 7 kgs), then American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines will allow them to travel together in a pet carrier. The small puppy carrier needs to fit beneath the seat, and bookings must be made in advance. To clarify specifics, always inquire directly with the airline about their most recent pet-related travel restrictions.

What is the minimum age for a puppy to fly?

Most airlines require puppies to be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned before flying. This age ensures that the puppies have developed enough physically and emotionally to handle the stress of flying.

Can my dog sit on my lap during a flight?

Usually, airlines do not allow dogs to sit on laps during flight for safety reasons. Puppies or small dogs must remain in their carriers under the seat in front of you throughout the flight.

Do puppies need paperwork to fly?

Yes, traveling with a puppy typically requires certain paperwork, such as a health certificate from a veterinarian, vaccination records, and sometimes additional permits depending on the destination.

How much does it cost to bring a puppy on a plane?

The cost to bring a puppy on a plane can vary widely between airlines and destinations. Fees can range from $100 to $300. It’s best to check directly with the airline for their specific pet travel fees.

What can I give my dog to keep him calm while flying?

Consulting a veterinarian is crucial before flying to discuss options for keeping your puppy calm. They might recommend calming chews, a familiar blanket, or in some cases, prescription medication to help ease anxiety. There are a few secure and practical solutions to think about in order to assist in keeping your dog quiet throughout a flight:

• 

  L-theanine, chamomile, or tryptophan – Anxiety can be lessened by over-the-counter relaxing foods or supplements, such as those containing L-theanine, chamomile, or tryptophan. These are made especially for dogs and have the ability to induce rest without medication.

• CBD oil for dogs – The use of CBD oil for dogs has also grown in popularity as a way to lessen anxiety, but you should speak with your veterinarian first.
• Anti-anxiety drugs: If your dog exhibits extreme anxiety, your veterinarian could suggest prescription anti-anxiety drugs like Alprazolam, Gabapentin, or Trazodone. These drugs can soothe your dog without giving them a lot of sedation, but their prescription should be based on the requirements of your dog.
• Adaptil – A synthetic pheromone product called Adaptil replicates the soothing aroma of nursing mother dogs. It can help lessen anxiety when traveling and is available as a spray, diffuser, or collar.

Traveling with a small puppy requires attention to detail and an understanding of their needs. By using the right tools like a puppy stroller and an small to large puppy  carrier, and by preparing the necessary paperwork and comforts, you can ensure a safe and stress-free journey for your beloved pet.