If you're anything like us, you too probably want to take your pup everywhere with you (as you should!). But with airlines getting more strict on travel policies due to people abusing the system, it's made it more difficult to do so (no more emotional support animals). Also, understand this pertains to dogs that do not fit into a carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you, as they are allowed if you pay an additional fee.
We’ve been flying together since Benji was 9 weeks old, and he's been on over 100 flights since.
He's now registered as my service animal (trained to interrupt panic attacks for PTSD) and I taught him everything myself. Here’s the site we went through to get him registered. You will fill out all the necessary information about your dog and yourself, schedule a call with a certified professional, and they will send over your letter via email.
I only recommend this if it’s necessary for you and the pup is properly trained and knows how to act in public (no barking, lunging, biting, etc.). If this isn't the case, please do not proceed as this will lead to stricter laws for everyone.
Next you'll want to pick the right airline. For us, Southwest has been the most accommodating when it comes to traveling with Benji. When booking your flight you'll, you'll be asked to fill out the passenger information. This is where you'll go to "Special Assistance" and click on "Traveling with trained service animal" so they will know ahead of time.
Once you're booked, print & fill out this form to bring with you to the airport on travel day.
Be sure to get to the airport 1.5 - 2 hrs in advance as you'll have to go through the full service line to check in your bags and to show them the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form.
Once through security, head to your gate to let them know you're traveling with your service animal so they can keep you in mind for pre-boarding the flight.
Now that you're on the flight, you need to get your pup settled. Benji is about 80 lb and actually loves small spaces so he curls up into a ball at my feet. Your dog cannot have any limbs or tails out in the aisle, nor can they sit in the seat next to you. If the flight isn't full, the airlines is usually very accommodating and will tell you to save the seat next to you so should your dog want to, they can sprawl out between both foot spaces. That's another great thing about flying Southwest - you get to choose your own seats so you won't be forced to sit next to someone that sucks and doesn't appreciate getting to sit next to your lil fluff.
I’ve never given Benji any meds to calm him down prior to a flight, as he instinctually knows that when we’re in public there’s no funny business and he has to act like a very good boy, but perhaps a little CBD wouldn’t be a bad idea for a pup’s first couple trips.
We did have a potty accident once after a flight while we were walking through the airport, but I consider that to be my fault since we didn’t have a long walk prior to our flight, which is very key. Always go on a long walk prior and minimize food and water intake within numerous hours before heading to the airport. After enough travel, these dogs get it and won’t want to ingest anything so they won’t have to go.
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