What to expect when flying with your dog.

Traveling With Your Pet During COVID-19 by Katelyn Wamsley

 

Look I get it traveling with your pet sounds like one step above traveling with a screaming toddler especially during a pandemic. But if I can do it then you can too! For travel accessories we recommend click here. Well, let’s get to it! 

When you first get to the airport even if you don’t need to check a bag you’ll need to go to your designated airline and ‘check in’ your pet. I went to Delta and highly recommend finding a person who knows what they're doing. If not, like me, you’ll be stuck standing in line with a whimpering pup praying you have enough time to get through TSA. 

I flew Delta and they gave me a ‘tag’ that had my information on it and other mumbo jumbo the airline might need. Delta didn’t ask for it at the gate but yours might so keep it close by looping it through your carrier.

Let’s talk TSA.

No one likes TSA and if they do they’re certifiably insane. I first thought flying with a puppy would be a MESS but it wasn’t! My little guy did so good.

After taking off my shoes and putting all my belongings into the bin I took my puppy out of the dog carrier and put it on the conveyor belt to be scanned. 

They asked me then to go through a seperate line to be scanned while holding the puppy. I got to skip the usual line & got through faster! While in the other line I walked through a scanner and then they swabbed each of my hands that were holding the puppy. 

After putting the swabs through some crafty machine (that makes sure there aren’t any diseases etc.) I was well on my way. 

The Gate

Literally this was one of the easiest parts. The flight attendants loved the little man and so did the passengers waiting. I took him out of the carrier so he could walk around and get a bit tired before the flight. 

Check with the airport you are in and/or going to, to find the provided places for dogs to go to the bathroom. Mine surprisingly, was right behind the gate I was waiting in. There's a big buff security guy who will protect you & your puppy while you’re out letting your pup do it’s business (if you fly out of SLC not sure if other airports offer buff security guards).

Boarding 

Your dog MUST be in its carrier while boarding, during the flight and unboarding. Because of COVID-19 the seats on either side of me were empty. I let him sit (in the carrier) next to me until the flight attendant came by to say he needed to be placed under the seat. The carrier that we recommend fits really well under the seat. You’ll need to push the back part down to slide it in. When it pops back up it holds your furry friend in place! 

Takeoff & Potty On The Plane

Takeoff was easy! I put my foot in front of the carrier in case it slid as we took off but because the back of the carrier popped up we had no issues! My puppy didn’t love the sound of takeoff and so he whimpered and barked a little. I put my hand by the mesh where he was laying so he didn’t feel alone. He promptly fell asleep!

My little guy didn’t go to the bathroom once while we were traveling, not even at the puppy pit stop! BUT if your puppy does go to the bathroom in it’s carrier, while in flight, you can go to the restroom with your puppy (keep your puppy in it’s carrier). Once inside, dispose of the pee pad, replace it with a new one and walla! Odor free plane ride.

Unboarding

Literally so easy. Just walk off the plane. If you are dropping the puppy off to a loved one text them to tell them you’ve landed.

Dropping off* or headed home it’s all the same. 

Whether you are dropping your puppy off to a loved one or going home the process is the same. You walk out of the airport as you normally would & text your people where you are and walla! Lickity split. Your puppy is now in the country, state or town it’s going to call home! 

What I learned

Taking a puppy on an airplane is way easier than I thought. Definitely find someone who knows what they're doing at the check in desk, get a comfy mask you don’t have to always adjust, let your puppy get tired by walking around or play in your lap before the flight, & always print out your tickets just in case!

Wishing you the best of luck as you bring your new best friend home! It’s exciting and so easy to do!