Bringing Your Pug on the Plane

Traveling by plane can be difficult for any animal. The key to success is therefore to plan ahead. The rules pertaining to dogs tend to differ from airline to airline, so the first thing you need to do is to check which rules apply for the airline you wish to travel with.

No matter if your Pug will travel in the cabin or as checked baggage, he will be traveling in a crate so you should train him to do so. If you don’t, just being confined to a small space might be stressful for your Pug.

You should remember to book your ticket early on, since most airlines only allow a certain number of pets on board at the same time. Usually, if you are traveling with a dog you have to check in at the ticket counter and you should always allow for some extra time to do this. Also, if you need to change flights during your trip, make sure that you have plenty of time to take your Pug for water- and potty breaks (and if he is going as cargo, checking him back in again for the next flight). Last but not least, since Pugs are very vulnerable to stress, heat/cold and altitude pressures (because they have such a tiny nose) you should always talk with your vet before you take off. Let your vet examine your Pug to make sure that he is healthy enough to fly. This will make the trip less worrying for you and safer for your four-legged friend.

Pugs Traveling in the Cabin
The maximum size for cabin pet carriers is normally around 22" (long) x 13" (wide) x 9" (high). Your Pug must be able to stand up, turn around and lay down in a natural position in the kennel and you are usually not allowed to take him out of the kennel during the flight. There are strict guidelines for how the crate or kennel should look like and how big it can be, so always check the rules that apply for the airline you wish to travel with.

Pugs Traveling in the Cargo Compartment
Traveling with your Pug in the cabin is usually not a problem. However, if your Pug is quite big and has to travel as checked baggage, it can be very nerve-racking for both you and your Pug.

An aircraft cargo compartment is pressurized and holds a temperature of between 50 °F to 70 °F, so traveling as checked baggage is not really a problem for your Pug. However, it can be rather scary for him. Also, since Pugs need lots of water, especially when it’s hot, you have to make sure that he will have plenty of water in his kennel (and that it will not spill out into the kennel and make your Pug’s trip a wet, cold and uncomfortable one).

Your Pug’s crate must be airline approved and he must be able to stand, turn around, sit and lie down in a natural position. Sometimes there are guidelines about how may sides of the crate that have to have ventilation, so check with the airline before you head out to the airport with a create that will not be approved for travel.

Documentation and Health Certificate
Most airlines require written documentation from you stating when your dog was last offered food and water. Some airlines might also require a health certificate that states that your dog is healthy and fit for airline travel, so again, talk to your airline about the papers your dog must have.

The Use of “Downers” Prior to Flying
Generally, dogs should not be given sedatives or tranquilizers prior to flying since the increased altitude pressure can create respiratory and/or cardiovascular problems for dogs that are given these kinds of medication. Button-nosed dogs, such as Pugs, are especially affected so before giving your Pug any medication prior to the flight you should discuss it with your veterinarian (in some cases a mild “downer” might be preferable, but this is something your vet can and should help you with). Note that some airlines will not accept sedated or tranquilized dogs.

Temperature Constraints
To help guarantee the safety of pets traveling as checked baggage, airlines often have so called “day-of-travel temperature restrictions” to make sure that animals are not exposed to extreme temperatures. Pets are usually not accepted when the temperature is above 85 °F at any location on the itinerary, but when it comes to button-nosed dogs, such as Pugs, the temperature may usually not be higher than 75 °F. (The temperature restriction might not affect you, but if you are planning on traveling during the summer it might be a good idea to book flights late at night or early in the morning when the temperatures are not as high). There are also cold restrictions that states that pets are not accepted when the temperature is below a certain degree, so talk to your airline about their temperature restrictions.

Traveling Aboard
If you are taking your Pug abroad, it is of vital importance that you contact that particular country's Consulate/Embassy for information about which requirements you have to meet in order to get your dog through customs. If you are traveling from the US to somewhere in the European Union your dog is for instance required to have a microchip that matches his vaccination certificates. Also, some countries might require your dog to have certain vaccinations and blood works done prior to a certain date in order to let him into the country, so again, check all this information before booking your flight. A dog that does not meet the requirements will not be let into that country, meaning that you simply must buy a new ticket for you and your Pug and fly back home again!

If you plan your trip carefully and make sure that you have an approved kennel, plenty of time to care for your Pug, lots of time between flights and all certificates in order, flying with your Pug should not be a problem. However, you should remember that Pugs are quite vulnerable to heat/cold, stress and altitude pressure, so having your vet checking your Pug prior to the flight is an important part of the planning.

Have a nice flight!

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