10 Air Travel Tips for You and Your Pomeranian

There is nothing more stressful for a Pommy Mommy and her furkid(s) than traveling on an airplane. Most of the airlines make you jump through hoops just to safely board your Pomeranian. I have had to experience air travel with both Little Sophia as well as Yoki and both trips went fairly well but there are many caveats that you need to understand before taking your Pom on an Airplane.

Almost every airline has a different policy regarding your Pomeranian. Some allow small dogs not more than 25 lbs to travel with you in the cabin as extra carry-on luggage, provided you have an appropriate sized crate. You really need to check with the airline because some of them will only allow you to put your furry baby in the cargo hold… and that’s no place for a pampered Pomeranian. If you are like me I would be freaking out the whole trip. Most likely I’d be sneaking down into the cargo hold and getting arrested by some air marshal for visiting my baby.   One of the biggest problems I found when trying to book my flight was that most airlines only allow two dogs on each flight… so it’s imperative that you find out if the Airline has a ticket for your Pomeranian before you book your ticket. 

Here’s 10 Tips that I recommend you follow when bringing your furry baby with you on any airline: 

1. BOOK EARLY: As soon as you know that you will be traveling with your Pomeranian make sure you call the airline and ask them if there is room on the aircraft for your precious cargo. Never, and I mean, never book your ticket until you know and have it confirmed that your Pom has a ticket. Airline representatives become very annoyed when they have to undo an airline reservation.

2. AVOID LAYOVERS: When it is possible fly direct. Carrying your furry baby around an airport during a layover can cause more stress than you want your baby to go through. A direct flight will cut down on the amount of stress your Pomeranian is exposed to. When you are booking your flight see if you can travel during the week because airports are usually less crowded than the weekends.

3. CALL YOUR VET: Make sure that all your Pom’s shots are up to date. Explain to your Vet that you will be traveling with your Pomeranian an ask if they believe it’s safe for him/her to travel. Poms with respiratory problems can have a hard time with the pressurization in the cabin of an aircraft. Also, if your furry baby is older it can cause more stress than he/she needs to be exposed to. When you are speaking to the airline representative ask them if you need a “health certificate”… if you do, this would be the time to get one from your Vet.

4. GET A SUITABLE CARRIER: The best carriers are the ones that are soft-sided and appropriately sized for your Pomeranian. Manufacturers make them so they can fit snugly under the seat in front of you. I always keep the little window open so that my babies can see me and know I’m right there. Most of the time it keeps them from barking the whole flight. I also put a favorite blanky in the carrier so they have a familiar scent that makes them feel a little more comfortable.

5. I.D. TAGS: Now that you have the appropriate carrier make sure you put your furry baby’s name all over it. Tape a card with your Pom’s name, your name, telephone number, email and another individual’s name and phone number in case you can’t be notified that is at the destination where you are traveling. Take a photo of your Pomeranian just before you leave with your smartphone and email it to yourself. If your baby get’s lost you will have a very current photo that is easily accessible if you lose your phone. You can retrieve it from any computer.   

6. GO FOR A TRAVEL TEST DRIVE: One thing that many Pommy Mommy’s forget to do is get their Pom accustomed to traveling in their carrier. A few weeks prior to the big trip take your furry baby every where in his new carrier. Give him/her treats for being good and see how he/she handles the movement in the new traveling home. Some of the things you want to look for is if they eat after being in the carrier, if they vomit or have motion sickness or start chewing on or licking themselves incessantly.

7. FEEDING AND WALKING BEFORE BOARDING: I try very hard not to feed my babies their breakfast or dinner less than four hours before the flight. A stomach full of food will generally be uncomfortable and if the flight is a longer than an hour you may have a bit of a mess on your hands… literally. I carry “pee pee” pads with me so I can give my babies water right up until the flight. Sometimes nervousness can make them become dehydrated… so I always keep water on me when I cross through the TSA.

8. BE THE EARLY POMMY MOMMY: Like with any child a hundred things could and will go wrong, so I recommend that you get to the airport at least an hour earlier than you would normally get there just in case anything happens that might create time delays and your and your Pomeranian getting to your flight. All Pomeranian parents need to check in at the counter. You will not be allowed to use the curbside or self-service check-in… so don’t even try.

9. PET TRANQUALIZERS: It is not advised by most Veterinarians and especially the American Veterinary Medical Association to give your Pomeranian sedatives or tranquilizers before your flight because the increased altitude pressures can create a problem with your Pom’s respiratory are cardiovascular systems. Some actually say that it can prohibit their ability to maintain their balance and equilibrium naturally. This can be very dangerous if you have to move the carrier for any reason. Any decision to use sedatives or tranquilizers should be discussed with and prescribed by your Veterinarian. If it is absolutely necessary than please write the medication and dosage on the carrier. 

10. TAKE A LONG WALK: When you arrive at your destination… take your pom for a long walk before you check in to your hotel.  They will be less stressed when they get to smell and see their new environment. As with us Pommy Mommy’s they like to orientate themselves with their new surroundings. Just make sure that all the parameters and rules that they have at home apply to the new destination. 

TRAVEL CHECKLIST

• Make copies of health certificates and medical files and bring with you
• Emergency contact at your destination and a referral Vet information
• Grooming supplies and especially flea products
• Spare collar, ID Tags and leash
• Pet wipes, poop bags and travel size stain remover
• Food, treats and water  for the entire trip
• Food and water dishes (I always bring my collapsible dishes)
• Your Pomeranian’s favorite toys
• Any special medication or supplements your Pom may need
• A list of Pomeranian Friendly hotels, restaurants and attractions