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✈️ The ultimate guide to flying with your dog:
🤔 How to transport your dog by plane?
In summary:
Traveling with your dog by plane requires rigorous preparation. Everything depends on its size, breed, age, and the chosen airline. Weloca helps you plan your plane trip with your dog.
► Dogs weighing less than 8 kg can travel in the cabin in an approved carrier.
► Above this, they travel in the hold in an IATA-compliant crate.
► Certain breeds, such as brachycephalic dogs (bulldogs, pugs), are sometimes prohibited in the hold.
► A veterinary certificate, up-to-date vaccinations, and a precise understanding of each airline's rules are essential.
→ For a trip in the best conditions, order our anti-stress supplement for dogs.
The 3 possible scenarios depending on your dog's size
| Dog's weight | Type of transport | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| < 8 kg (carrier included) | Cabin | IATA approved soft-sided carrier, max dimensions 45×35×20 cm (variable), calm and clean dog |
| 8 to 75 kg | Hold | Rigid IATA crate, dog fasted, in good health, no sedation |
| > 75 kg or specific situations | Freight (cargo) | Dedicated animal transport, more expensive, but professional supervision |
🟡 Good to know: some airlines refuse dogs in the cabin, or limit their number per flight. Call before buying the ticket.
Mandatory documents
- ✅ European passport or up-to-date health record
- 📉 Rabies vaccine (mandatory for all international flights)
- 🦢 Parasite treatment in some countries
- 📋 Health certificate (dated less than 10 days before the flight)
- 🛂 Possible import permit (outside the EU)
Special cases: breeds, temperatures, restrictions
🔴 Certain breeds prohibited in the hold
So-called brachycephalic dogs (flat-nosed) risk respiratory problems:
- French/English Bulldogs
- Pugs
- Shih Tzus
- Boxers
👉 Most airlines prohibit their transport in the hold for their safety.
🔥 Extreme temperatures = canceled transport
If the temperature at the airport exceeds 29°C or drops below 5°C, some airlines may refuse to board the dog in the hold, even at the last minute.
🐾 Is my dog old or very young, is it risky?
Yes, and some airlines refuse dogs:
- Under 3 months old
- Over 10 years old, or deemed fragile by a veterinarian
🛃 How to prepare well for the journey (cabin or hold)
✔️ In the cabin
- Soft, ventilated, IATA-approved carrier (often < 45x35x20 cm)
- Absorbent pad, comforter to reassure them
- Small fast 4 hours before the flight to avoid nausea/digestive stress
- Weloca anti-stress supplement
✔️ In the hold
- Rigid crate with ventilation + secure metal latch
- Absorbent mat + fixed water bowl
- Prior identification of the animal terminal and specific check-in formalities
🛫 Which airlines accept dogs?
| Airline | Cabin allowed? | Hold allowed? | Restrictions |
| Air France | Yes (<8kg) | Yes | No bulldogs in hold |
| Transavia | Yes (<8kg) | No | Hold prohibited |
| Lufthansa | Yes | Yes | Freight for > 75kg |
| Ryanair / EasyJet | ❌ No | ❌ No | No acceptance |
| KLM | Yes | Yes | Dog in freight if > 75kg |
🧠 Weloca Tip
Don't go in blind. Call the airline, the vet, and even the airport at least 10 days beforehand. These are the 3 pillars for a stress-free flight.
📦 Criteria for an accepted airline travel crate
- ✅ IATA approval (mandatory in hold)
- 📀 Dimensions adapted to the dog (standing + sitting without head touching the ceiling)
- 🔐 Solid metal latch (no plastic lock)
- 🌬️ Ventilation on at least 3 sides
- 🧽 Waterproof floor + absorbent mat
- 🦚 Identification tag (dog's name, contact)
- ❌ No wheels allowed in hold
💡 Where to buy? Amazon (Ferplast, Trixie, Skykennel), pet stores or airlines.
💸 Taking your dog on a plane, what are the costs?
| Type of transport | Average price |
| Cabin (<8 kg) | €40 to €125 |
| Hold (8–75 kg) | €75 to €300 |
| Freight / Cargo | €250 to €1000+ |
✈️ Assistance dogs: travel free in the cabin, with no weight limit, with a certificate.
❌ Dogs prohibited in certain countries
Canada:
- Pitbull Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Rottweiler
- Mastiff
→ Prohibited from entry into certain provinces.
United States:
- Brachycephalic breeds often prohibited in hold
- Age limits for puppies and seniors
United Kingdom:
- No cabin or hold transport: freight mandatory
Dubai / Abu Dhabi:
- Certain breeds prohibited
- Strict documents + possible quarantine
Moscow–Paris flights:
- Fluctuating rules → check before each flight
❓ FAQ: most frequently asked questions
My dog weighs 12 kg, can he travel in the cabin if he's a puppy?
No. The weight including the carrier exceeds 8 kg. He must travel in the hold.
Can you give your dog a tranquilizer before the flight?
Not recommended. Sedatives can pose cardio-respiratory risks. Use mild remedies such as Weloca's anti-stress supplement.
What is the best breed for frequent plane travel?
Dogs that are small, calm and non-brachycephalic: Bichon, Toy Poodle, Yorkshire...
What if my dog is very old?
Ask for a written veterinary opinion. Otherwise, prefer home care.
Can a dog be refused boarding?
Yes: excessive weight, non-compliant crate, extreme temperature, missing documents.
