Is it safe for my pug to fly to Australia? Cargo vs. in-cabin travel.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Congrats! It is MUCH safer to have the puppy with you under the seat. I do not recommend a bully breed, especially a puppy to be checked in the cargo area. As soon as the breeder deems him weaned and ready then he can fly with you. Good luck!

Usually the short nose will affect the pet in extreme temperatures. Flying in the cabin with you is the safest route as the temperatures are generally well regulated. You are correct that giving certain tranquilizers that affect the blood pressure is not recommended. I recommend to have Troy visit his veterinarian for a general exam prior to the flight. The doctor will give him an overall exam and check for any problems that should be addressed prior to the flight. At that time, you can also discuss any sedatives or other concerns. Some airlines also require a health certificate and proof of vaccination so make sure you understand your airline requirements. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions!

The safety of flying with pets varies widely depending on an individual pet’s temperament, anxiety level and underlying health issues, as well as the duration of the flight and temperature both at the destination and departure location. Generally speaking, most pets do not make the best travel companions while flying, as they can become very anxious with the hustle and bustle of the terminal, loud noises on the airplane and handling during security checkpoints. Anxious pets are more likely to become destructive, vocal or have accidents. Larger pets need to travel in crates in the baggage compartment of the plane, where they are unsupervised and may be exposed to extreme temperatures for potentially prolonged periods of time while waiting to be loaded or unloaded from the plane. In addition, most airlines require a veterinarian to sign off on the health of the pet before they can fly in cargo. When possible, most pets will be more comfortable and safer if left at home with a trusted friend or pet sitter or may travel better by car. If you must travel with your pet, be sure to pack a travel water bowl, extra food, a leash, travel litter pan, supply of medication and bags for cleanup. Always discuss the safety of flying with your individual pet with your veterinarian.

Many dogs suffer from anxiety when travelling, acclimatizing them to a safe crate now before the journey home, which can be used in the car can help as can calming supplements, pheromone sprays and magnetic collars. In severe cases, a vet may prescribe mild tranquilizer medications but these are not without risks outside of the supervision of trained veterinary staff, especially on a long journey and with an older pug. Keep safe and good luck

This is a great question! Yes dogs can fly by plane; in fact, when I moved from the USA to New Zealand, I shipped out two dogs and two cats with me. They made that trip just fine. Airlines typically require a health certificate from a vet before the dog is allowed to fly, and I would check with the airlines as to their requirements for transporting pets. Again in my experience, the airlines have treated my animals well, and I would expect that of any airline :-)

You will need to check with the airline to see if they will allow Sam to travel in the cabin with you. Given he is 8 pounds, this may be ok but I cannot say for certain. Give the airline a call. Good luck with your move! I moved from the US to New Zealand, and I took my dogs and cats with me when I did this 12 years ago. One of my dogs had separation anxiety, and he did great. I didn't have to sedate him, but that's not recommended when a dog travels cargo because there is no one to monitor him. He was in his crate, which was his safe space and made him relax. I hope this helps!

If you would like to bring Pika to you, that is certainly ok! I moved from American to New Zealand, and shipped two dogs and two cats with me. They were able to make the move without problems. If you feel that she is missing you a lot and want her with you, certainly do it. I would speak with a pet transporter company about shipping her, as they can help with you any tests required to bring her into the UK.