Compare airline pet policies, check entry rules for every country, find the right gear and avoid bad surprises — wherever you fly from.
Destinations
Many beaches welcome dogs off-season or in designated areas: always check the local rules first. Once there, think shade, fresh water, a rinse after every swim, and constant vigilance against …
Verified requirements for bringing your dog to Japan: a very demanding process, with a lead time of about 7 months (180-day wait).
Of 62 airlines reviewed, 46 accept small dogs in the cabin and 48 accept dogs in the hold as accompanied baggage. This comparison details, airline by airline, …
Verified requirements for taking your dog to Canada: difficulty level easy, lead time a few days.
Verified requirements for bringing your dog to the United States: easy level, lead time a few days (online form).
Verified requirements for taking your dog to Tunisia: moderate difficulty, allow a few weeks.
Verified requirements for taking your dog to Thailand: demanding level, allow 1 to 2 months (import permit).
Verified entry requirements for taking your dog to the United Arab Emirates: demanding level, allow 1 to 2 months.
Verified requirements for taking your dog to Turkey: demanding level, allow about 4 months (rabies titer test + 3-month wait).
A car harness must be crash-tested, correctly sized and connected to the seat belt with a short tether. Along with a travel crate, it’s the only reliable way to …
Every country sets its own entry requirements for a dog. This hub recaps, country by country and from official sources, the microchip, vaccine, travel …
Verified requirements for taking your dog to Morocco: moderate difficulty, allow a few weeks (certificates tied to precise dates).
Verified requirements for taking your dog to Switzerland: easy level, allow 21 days minimum (for a first rabies vaccination).
Many airlines accept a small dog in the cabin, usually up to 8 kg / 17–20 lb including the carrier. In North America: Delta, United, American, Alaska, JetBlue, Air Canada and WestJet. In Europe: Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, Iberia, ITA Airways, SWISS or TAP Air Portugal. Above the weight limit, dogs travel in the hold in an IATA-compliant crate.
Weight decides. Under roughly 8 kg / 17–20 lb (dog + carrier), the cabin is possible on most airlines; above that, the dog flies in the hold in an IATA-compliant crate. Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are often banned from the hold for health reasons, and heat embargoes apply in summer. Our flight checker shows cabin, hold and fees for each airline.
At minimum: an ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and a health certificate issued shortly before departure. Depending on the destination, you may also need a rabies titer test, an import permit, tapeworm treatment or quarantine. Requirements depend on both your destination and your country of origin — check them early, as some lead times run 3 to 7 months.
Always secure your dog with a crate, a crash-tested harness or a cargo barrier. Take a break every two hours, offer water, and never leave a dog alone in the car in warm weather. Good preparation limits motion sickness and makes the ride safer and calmer for everyone.
Yes. Dogs too big for the cabin can fly in the pressurized, temperature-controlled hold of many airlines — often up to 32–75 kg (70–165 lb) including the crate — or as manifest cargo with specialist carriers. The crate must meet IATA standards, and snub-nosed breeds are usually excluded. Our checker lists every airline's limits and fees.
It depends on distance and your dog's size. For short trips, the car offers the most freedom; trains are ideal for city breaks and low stress where dogs are allowed on board; flying is the answer for long distances — cabin for small dogs, hold for large ones. In every case, compare airlines and check the rules before booking.
