Flying with Dogs

[TAILspin38]

Good morning, is anyone Flying with their dogs? If so anyadvice.

[georgebabu]

I’ve flown a few times with our puppy (maybe 6 months when we first went up?)

The advice in this AOPA article was very helpful: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all ... -and-plane

First time in the plane was just to get used to the airport noises. Then we taxied around a bit (with his doggie headset on). Then some time later, a family trip and puppy test flight (2h each way). It went great!

[waynemcc999]

Anthony, if your dog(s) like riding in the car, then 95%+ probable they'll also like riding in your aircraft. We've flown our DA40 across the US with our 3 greyhounds, and transported 100+ PilotsNPaws dogs... once the engine starts the vast majority chill out and go to sleep. If they will tolerate it (our skinny-head greyhounds don't), MuttMuffs are a good idea.
Enjoy traveling with your furry companions!
Wayne

P.S. OK, I couldn't resist adding a photo ...

[Leesommer]

Aero the FAA ADSB dog

[TAILspin38]

Hi Ya'll, this is Leilani, Tony's wife. We were flying with our CATAHOULA CURR pups, in the 172. Since purchasing the Diamond DA40 my eldest Pup Splotch, has gotten sick.

A photo of Splotch & Bunga Tuffy. ThickHeaded CATAHOULA CURR pups!

[Chris]

I fly with dogs quite a bit. I agree with Wayne's assessment that if they like to ride in the car they will probably be fine in the plane. We just completed a long trip from Oregon to Illinois and Colorado and our dog, Kate, took it all in stride. Occasionally she would watch from the back (photo) but usually she just curled up and slept. She invariably pulls the mutt-muffs off, so I've given up on those until I find a better solution.

I've had some Pilots-n-Paws experiences with a dog really freaking out and trying to jump over the seat into the front (and also into the cargo space). Obviously that can be quite dangerous. If you don't know how the dog will react, then get a seatbelt attachment and strap them in, or crate if they are small enough.

Another thing to consider is how long you're going to spend at high altitudes. As hard as I try, I can not get the dog to keep a nose cannula on.

[TAILspin38]

Hi Chris, thanks girls were use to flying in the 172R. Splotch the eldest now gets sick? Also how can we put a photo instead of the generic? Thanks Leilani Rosenbaum

[Chris]

Hi Chris, thanks girls were use to flying in the 172R. Splotch the eldest now gets sick?

Intersting that the DA40 would make the dog more prone to getting sick than a 172R. Any idea if the noise level is what is bothering her? Did she have any bad experiences getting loaded in/out of the plane? My old golden slid off of the wing once and was pretty skittish about getting back in after that.
I would probably try some things like:

• Eliminate feeding withing 6-8 hours of flying
• Get her used to just hanging out in the back seat while you do some "hangar flying".
• If she has a favorite blanket or dog bed, use that on the seat.
• Try some acclimation taxi / short flights like George suggested.
• Try to mitigate the noise with mutt-muffs or dog-compatible earplugs.

Also how can we put a photo instead of the generic? Thanks Leilani Rosenbaum

To upload an image for your "avatar" you can use the User Control Panel.

[TAILspin38]

Hi Chris, thanks. We do bring her bed. I think feeding her & me flying from the right side ascending & descending 500' was part of her issue. Both pups luv 2 go bye bye & fly. Thanks for ya'lls help. Leilani

[CBeak]

Made me remember to change my avatar. My baby girl, Tess. Wondering why she's not in first class, and where the flight attendant is with the snack tray. She doesn't mind flying at all. She liked the 172 better--I think it was less noisy. Mostly lays down all the way across the back seat.