Get a Health Certificate

If your dog will be traveling by plane, train, or ship — or crossing into another state or country — you will most likely need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), commonly called a health certificate. This is an official document signed by a licensed veterinarian certifying that your dog has been examined and is healthy enough to travel, free from contagious disease, and up to date on required vaccinations.

Here's what to know:

• Most airlines require a health certificate issued within 10 days of your departure date — not your return date, so if you're on a longer trip, you may need a certificate for the return journey as well. Check your airline's specific requirement before scheduling your vet appointment.

• For interstate travel (traveling between U.S. states), a health certificate is required in many states. Some states are stricter than others, and requirements can vary, so it's worth confirming the rules for any state you'll be entering — especially if you're road-tripping across multiple states.

• For international travel, requirements are significantly more involved. Many countries require an official USDA-endorsed health certificate, which must be signed by an accredited veterinarian and then endorsed by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This process can take several weeks, so begin researching and preparing well in advance of your trip. Some countries also require additional testing, treatments (such as tick treatments), or import permits before your dog can enter.

• For cruises and train travel, check directly with the carrier. Some cruise lines require a health certificate for dogs traveling in onboard kennels, and requirements vary by ship and destination.

Important: Health certificates have a short validity window — typically 10 days for most domestic air travel. Make sure you're scheduling your vet visit close enough to your departure that the certificate will still be valid when you travel, but not so close that you're scrambling at the last minute.

Research Your Airline's Pet Policy

Every airline handles pets differently, and policies change frequently — always confirm directly with your airline before booking. Key things to ask:

• Does the airline allow dogs in the cabin? Generally, only small dogs who fit in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you are eligible for cabin travel. Larger dogs typically must fly as checked baggage in the cargo hold, or may need to be shipped as cargo through the airline's freight division.

• What are the carrier size and type requirements? Most airlines accept hard-sided or soft-sided carriers, but only certain brands of soft-sided carriers are accepted by certain airlines.

• Are there breed restrictions? Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers face extra restrictions or bans on many airlines due to the health risks associated with air travel for these dogs.

• What are the pet fees?

• What documentation is required?

Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Dogs

Under U.S. Department of Transportation rules, trained service animals — dogs individually trained to do specific work for a person with a disability — are required to be allowed in the cabin at no charge. Emotional support animals do not have the same protections and are treated as pets under most current airline policies. If you have a service animal, contact the airline in advance and be prepared to provide documentation.

Flying in the Cabin

If your dog is small enough to fly in the cabin, they must remain in their carrier under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. Get your dog acclimated to the carrier well before the trip — place it in your home with the door open, add a familiar blanket, and encourage them to nap in it. The more comfortable they are in their carrier, the easier the flight will be.

When going through airport security, your carrier will go through the X-ray machine. You'll need to remove your dog and carry them through the metal detector with you while their carrier goes through the conveyor. Make sure your dog is wearing a properly fitted harness or collar they can't slip out of, and keep a firm hold on them the entire time. Airports are loud, crowded, stimulating environments and even calm dogs can be startled.

Flying in the Cargo Hold

Cargo travel carries more risk than cabin travel, and it's not recommended unless it's truly your only option. If your dog must fly in cargo:

• Book direct flights whenever possible to minimize handling.

• Choose flights timed to avoid temperature extremes — early morning or late evening flights in summer; afternoon flights in winter.

• Give your dog at least a month to get comfortable with the travel crate before the flight.

• Attach two forms of ID to your dog's collar: a permanent tag with your home information and a temporary travel tag with contact info at your destination.

• Affix a clearly labeled travel tag to the outside of the crate with your name, address, final destination, and an emergency contact number.

• Make sure your dog's nails are clipped so they can't get snagged in the carrier's hardware.

• Do not sedate your dog without consulting your vet — sedation can be dangerous in pressurized cargo environments.

• Do not fly during busy travel periods like major holidays when rough handling is more likely.

• Put ice cubes in the water tray attached to the inside of the crate — a full bowl will spill.

• Carry a current photo of your dog with you.

• When you arrive, open the carrier as soon as you're in a safe area and check your dog. If anything seems wrong, seek veterinary attention immediately and document everything in writing.

If you witness any mishandling of an animal at an airport, speak to a manager and report the incident in person and in writing.

Traveling Internationally or to Hawaii

If you're flying internationally — or even to Hawaii — your dog may require quarantine upon arrival and specific import paperwork that can take weeks to process. Research the destination's requirements well in advance and consult the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure you and your dog have everything needed.