Flying With A Dog in Cargo (In This Case a French Bulldog)

We got Chucky over 10 years ago in Berlin, Germany. Back then we thought we are going to stay in Berlin for a long long time. When we went on vacation there we asked our friends to take care of our dog. She loved, they loved, we loved it. And we knew she was in good hands.

Now life is unpredictable and things changed. We moved to a small town in Ireland. Back then none of the airlines would accept dogs to Ireland. Neither in cabin or cargo due to the very strict laws of importing animals to Ireland. It seems like the laws have changed now and it looks like it's much easier now.

She got lucky and didn't have to fly and we opted to drive with her and taking the ferry.

1 1/2 years later we moved from Ireland to Valencia, Spain. Again all in driving.

Some of you already might know that we decided to become digital nomads where we stay in one spot for 91 days for our Travel Blog and we decided to take our dog with us as much as we can.

These are all the flights she took so far:

• Madrid to Chicago
• Miami to Buenos Aires
• Buenos Aires to Frankfurt
• Frankfurt to Madrid
• Valencia to Rome
• Palermo to New York

Before I continue here a picture of Mike and Chucky in Miami

When we started flying with Chucky we were convinced that she could fly with us in cabin. She is pretty small but as you know Bullies are heave boned and they weigh a lot. Chucky ways 12 kg which is way over the allowance of all Airlines (I've checked).

That means for our dog that she had to go as Cargo. Just that word will let a lot of dog owners transformed in a state of shock. Us included. CARGO! And especially for French Bulldogs this can come with extra danger. A lot of US airlines refuse to transport French Bulldogs due to their breathing problems.

If your French Bulldog has breathing problems I would probably not have my Bully flown. So I would maybe ask your Vet to get a professional opinion.

Chucky snores but has no problem breathing. We reserved her a spot in cargo when flying for the first time, even though we have been very nervous.

There are a couple of things you have to pay attention to before flying with your dog.

Make sure that you read about the import regulations of animals of the country you are planning to visit. Most of the time they will ask that the dog is up to date with rabies shots. Or you need a note from a vet that the dog is fit for flying, etc.

Then before you book your own flight call the airline to make sure that there are still spots available on the selected flight for your pet. There are limited spots to transport animals!

If you got the ok book your flight, then call the airline again and reserve a spot for your pet. Do call back after a couple of days double checking that the reservations for cargo is confirmed.

Prepare your dog for the flight by getting them used to their transport kennel. Make sure that you by one which is approved by airlines and that the dog can comfortably stand and turn around. Rather buy a bigger one. I have seen dog owners in deep trouble one time when the cargo animal inspector said the box is too small for that dog.

We got told not to feed the dog right before a flight. Make sure that the dog had enough to drink before the flight. Some airlines will require some kind bowl, drinking device in the kennel. Our dog never touched the water though.

Now you have arrived at the airport. This is the procedure most of the times. First you check in yourself and point out that your dog is flying with you. There you will pay the fee for transporting the dog (we paid fees from 50 Euros to 250 depending on the airline and distance.) Once you have your boarding passes set a time with the friendly personal to agree on a time when to come back. So you have some more time with your dog and maybe you can let him or her out again one more time before the trip to do that certain business or two.

Then go back to the check-in. They will call personal to pick you and your pet up. They mostly want you around when they check the kennel for security. Then you can say good-bye and proceed with your way to your gate.

Try not too worry too much! I know it's easier said but honestly try not to!

The best check-in we had was in Frankfurt. There they have a special counter for passengers traveling with animals. There they will take care of you and your pet at the same time but you must have booked a Star Alliance flight.

When you landed the personal will first unload the dog. That means your dog will be waiting for your at the baggage claim.

We never had any problems and besides the first flight she is enjoying it now. The moment we step in an airport and sees her kennel she knows what's coming and she even walks into the kennel without any force.

We find that a lot of kennels are not made from the best quality and we are nervous that somehow the box snaps open when it gets lifted. So we decided to get a luggage belt just to make sure. Find a selection here: Luggage Belts

Please share your stories, tips and tricks! Everything what has to do with flying with your pet. Please leave a comment!