Contact your airline. and tell them you will be traveling with a puppy. All U.S. airlines let you carry small dogs in the cabin with you for a fee. Some airlines, such as Delta, require you to make an advance reservation for your dog. Other airlines, such as American Airlines, do not require reservations but only allow a certain number of pets on each flight, typically on a first-come, first-served basis.
Purchase a carrier for your puppy that can fit underneath your seat. Ask the airline for carrier recommendations. The majority of airlines count this carrier as your one piece of carry-on luggage. Most airlines require your puppy to be no more than 15 or 20 pounds and at least eight weeks of age.
Take your puppy to the veterinarian for a check-up. Most airlines require your dog to have a health certificate signed by a veterinarian within 10 days of your flight. You also must have proof of rabies vaccination. If your dog is a short-nosed dog, special care should be taken to make sure the temperature on the plane and outside of the plane is within a comfortable range for the dog. Your vet also can prescribe anti-anxiety medicine if you feel your puppy needs it for the flight.
Feed your puppy and give him water within four hours of travel time on the day of the flight. Federal regulations require you to sign a confirmation-of-feeding document certifying that you gave your dog food and water within four hours of boarding. Let the flight attendant know you are traveling with a pet, and make sure the temperature is comfortable at your seat.
