Updated 3/30/23

We’ve been successfully flying puppies since 2013! I wanted to share some of the things that have helped us with air travel for our beautiful puppies. Most airlines will allow pets 20 pounds and under to travel accompanied in the cabin of the plane. Be sure to check with the rules for each airline as they can differ.

Here are two of our puppy families that flew into Salt Lake City Airport to pick up their new Taylormade Puppy.

Here are links to our favorite airlines that allow pets:

Choose a comfortable Pet carrier
When flying with your puppy its important to have the right carrier and follow the guidelines of the specific airline you are flying with. You also want to make sure your puppy can fit comfortably, so practice with the puppy in the bag prior to leaving on the flight. We put our puppies in the flight bags to eat a meal, have a treat, or even go on a walk before traveling. We find young puppies generally sleep during the flight because of the vibration of the plane. If your puppy isn’t sleeping very well stay confident because puppies mirror our energy and can pick up on nervousness. Say “you got this” and double check to make sure all her needs have been met. A small drink of water might help calm her nerves, or a give her a few bites of her food. Just a little though, because too much can upset her tummy.
Bring the right Supplies
Bring food that your puppy is used to eating. Never make dietary changes or feed the puppy something he has never eaten before during the trip. This can cause digestive upset and lead to dehydration, so always bring food and snacks the puppy is accustom to. Probiotics are a good idea because sometime the stress of travel can cause digestive discomfort.
Bring collapsible travel bowls we send these convenient bowls with our puppy nannies (people who fly in cabin with our pups) these bowls are nice because they attach to the carrier for easy transport.
Bring Potty Pads since new puppies are susceptible to picking up an illness, we do not recommend taking your puppy to the pet relief area at the airport. We recommend taking puppy to the bathroom with you or the family bathroom and put a potty pad on the ground for the puppy to use. You can also use the potty pad to line the pet carrier just in case of an potty accident, then if puppy goes potty in the carrier you can easily clean up!
Getting through the airport
You need to check in with your puppy 2 hours before your departure time. Most airlines require check in at the counter with your puppy. Because of this some airlines will not allow you to check in online so check your specific airline pet policy when planning the trip.
Once you are checked in you must go through the security checkpoint. Everything will go through the scanner including your pet carrier. The puppy will be held by you while you go through the metal detector. You will seriously think you have reached celebrity status at this point because everyone will be overjoyed to see a puppy coming through with you. Remember those potty pads and take a potty break before getting on the airplane.
Helping your puppy during the duration of the flight
Most of the time our puppies relax and fall asleep during the duration of the flight. Some puppies may need more care during the flight. Since your puppy will be riding at your feet in the pet carrier (pictured above), you can easily comfort your puppy by petting and using a comforting voice “we’re doing good, Jack!” to reassure him that everything is fine. Try not to coddle or feel sorry for your puppy they can pick up on this energy and become more fearful. Providing something for your puppy to chew can relieve any ear discomfort from cabin pressure. Stay confident and be the strong pack leader for your puppy during the flight and always.