Navigating the Skies: Tips for Flying With Your Dog For The First Time

Embarking on a journey with your furry friend can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially when it involves flying for the first time. Recently, I had the pleasure of flying with my dog Cooper for the first time, and it was an adventure filled with valuable lessons and essential steps to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for both of us. Cooper is a rescue dog from India, so he's used to flying. However, it was my first time going through the process of flying with a dog. Here are some insights I gained and steps I took along the way:

1. Researching Pet Policies: Researching various airlines' pet policies was an eye-opening experience that taught me the importance of thorough investigation. I ran into a problem when I originally booked my flight because on WestJet's page with all of the information about flight restrictions when it comes to pets, Belize wasn't mentioned. It wasn't until after I booked my flight and called to book Cooper on the flight that we learned that dogs can't fly to Belize with WestJet. I Googled "WestJet flying with dog" and found another page (that I missed originally) stating that dogs can't fly to Belize. However, it ended up working out, and we were able to change the flight for a small fee and fly to Cancun instead. This experience emphasized the importance of double-checking information and being prepared to adapt plans if necessary.

2. Selecting the Perfect Carrier/Crate: Finding the right crate for Cooper was extremely important. After careful consideration and lots of Facebook Marketplace hunting, I was able to get my hands on a sturdy, airline-approved crate that provided ample space for Cooper to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Introducing Cooper to the carrier well in advance of our trip helped acclimate him to this new environment and alleviated any potential anxiety. During this crate introduction period, I followed the steps laid out in this free Six Week Crate Training Schedule. If your dog has severe anxiety, please consult a local reputable dog trainer a few months prior to your departure.

3. Prepping with a Vet Visit: Ensure you check the requirements of your current country (for export), your future destination (for import), and the specific airline regulations. For Cooper's departure from Canada, I arranged for Cooper's vet to complete a form for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and provided the necessary documentation for his arrival in both Mexico and Belize. Bringing a dog into Mexico from Canada or the USA only requires a Rabies Vaccine. However, for entry into Belize, it's necessary to apply for an import permit through the Belize Agricultural Health Authorities (BAHA) about a month before arrival. Additionally, Cooper's vet had to issue a Health Certificate confirming his health status according to BAHA's guidelines. Begin researching this process well in advance, as each location has specific timelines that must be adhered to.

4. Exercising Before Departure: On the day of our flight, I made sure to give Cooper plenty of exercise to help him burn off excess energy. A long walk and some playtime not only tired him out but also helped him relax before our journey.

5. Packing Essentials: Just like packing for myself, I made sure to gather all the essential items my dog would need for the big move. This included food, water, treats, a leash, waste bags, medication (if applicable), and a familiar blanket or toy for comfort. Additionally, I ensured all identification tags were up-to-date with my contact information. When flying into Mexico, anything in the dog's crate may be thrown out, so I kept it minimal. I put puppy pads on the bottom and put a towel (that I didn't care about being thrown out) that I slept with for a few days, so it smells like me. They didn’t end up throwing anything out, but I’ve heard of multiple people’s crates being completely emptied and the contents being disposed of.

6. Planning and Preventing Accidents: To ensure that Cooper didn't have an accident in his crate, I fasted him the night before and we stopped at a park near the airport to give Cooper one last chance to relieve himself before our flight. As soon as we landed and retrieved Cooper from the baggage area, I immediately took him to the closest grassy/dirt patch I could find. This worked well and he didn’t have any accidents.

   

7. Maintaining Calmness and Positivity: As we embarked on our journey, I made a conscious effort to remain calm and positive. Dogs are incredibly perceptive to their owner's emotions, so maintaining a reassuring demeanour helped alleviate any anxiety my dog may have felt building up the flight. Once I got on board, then all of my axienty was released. I also attached an AirTag to Cooper's crate to give myself some peace of mind in case his crate were to get lost (which is extremely rare). It was nice to be able to see his crate moving and on board with us before we took off. The flight attendants also gave me a little paper to let me know that Cooper made it onto the flight.

8. Practising Patience: Flying with a dog requires patience and flexibility, as unexpected delays or disruptions can occur. Throughout our journey, I remained patient and adaptable, prepared to handle any challenges that arose along the way and ready to pay whatever additional fees I had to.

   

9. Follow Along With Our Adventure: Follow along with the rest of our journey by following me at @meg.in.belize and Cooper at @adoptable.adventures. This allows us to connect with fellow pet owners and Belize lovers and share our travels all while inspiring others to embark on their own pet-friendly adventures.

Flying with Cooper for the first time was a memorable experience filled with valuable lessons learned. By taking the time to research, prepare, and prioritize Cooper's comfort and safety, we were able to enjoy a smooth and stress-free journey together. As we settle into life in Belize, I eagerly anticipate embarking on more adventures with my beloved furry companion, Cooper, by my side.