Bringing a miniature schnauzer on any trip can be demanding – whether it’s just a walk or a car ride, however when it comes to some trips, like the ones involving planes, then a lot of planning is needed.
While some people that own a miniature schnauzer can go everywhere with their owner, there are other cases where the vet needs to if their health can take it. So, can miniature schnauzers go on planes with you?
To Fly Or Not To Fly?
Before bringing your miniature schnauzer on the plane with you, you’ll need to do some checks first. Unfortunately, many airlines simply don’t allow any animals on their aircraft. In other situations, there’s a limited number of countries you can fly them to, and some can be quite strict about small-size dogs like miniature schnauzers flying anywhere.
The good news is that there’re some airlines that allow your miniature schnauzer to fly with you, although you will have to do some digging first.
If you’re taking a long trip, make sure that there’re not many stops as your miniature schnauzer could become very exhausting. Before travelling, you should call the airline company 72 hours before the flight to double-check that your miniature schnauzer is still going with you.
When it comes to the cost, a one-way ticket for your miniature schnauzer goes from $20-$60. Bear in mind that the fees for this kind of travel aren’t cheap at all, and they could quickly go from $50-$100.
Before heading to the airport, you’ll need to take a trip to the vet to get your miniature schnauzer checked over. You’ll often need to bring a health certificate with you, and for your miniature schnauzer to travel in the hold, you’ll need to get your miniature schnauzer an IATA-certified travel crate.
Other than all the documents your schnauzer requires, you should make your dog feel as comfortable as possible. Buying a cage that’s comfortable and large enough is vital. After all, they’ll be spending some time in there. Also, be sure to bring water along with a cosy blanket for your miniature schnauzer.
What You Should Know About Flying With Your Miniature Schnauzer
As airlines have changed so much over the past, there are many regulations that have changed as well. While there’re some things that remain the same, others are strictly forbidden.
Let’s begin by listing them.
You can take two checked pets at the most, for this, you’ll need:
- Contact reservation (48h before the flight)
- Extra check-in time
- A filled checklist with an agent
- A healthcare certificate needs to be issued 10 days before travelling.
- Your dog isn’t allowed to travel if the ground temperature is lower than 7.2 degrees C.
Can Your Miniature Schnauzer Fit Under An Airplane Seat?
There are certain American airlines where you can bring a carry-on dog. For this, you’ll need to pay a carry-on charge, and your miniature schnauzer must stay in the kennel under your seat the entire flight.
Pet-Friendly Airlines
As previously mentioned, while some airlines don’t allow pets to fly, others are pet-friendly and will gladly accept you and your miniature schnauzer.
The best dog-friendly airlines:
- American Airlines – for flights that are shorter, dogs are allowed in the cabin, and for long flights, they must be ensured as cargo.
- JetBlue – this airline offers a great pet-parent program that is hard for many pet parents to resist.
- Air Canada – this airline offers flights for a dog to go all around the world. Air Canada is very comfortable and affordable.
- Swiss International Airlines – this European airline allows you to fly with two dogs to any destination worldwide.
- Scandinavian Airlines – if you check in with your dog 24h before the flight, you’re safe to go.
- Aer Lingus – while this airline is smaller compared to others, it still allows a dog to travel with you, in a lot of cases.
ESA-s
You may or may not know this, but dogs are being increasingly used for emotional support during aeroplane trips. These pets are commonly referred to as “emotional support animals” – ESAs.
In order for your miniature schnauzer to have this title, you’ll need to have a letter from a health professional – preferably a psychologist – that your miniature schnauzer performs a necessary function.
This became so frequent that, believe it or not, at one stage it was possible to witness pets such as pigs and ducks flying with their owners because of ESA letters.
Since January 2018, ESAs were restricted to only cats and dogs that are above four months of age and as long as it’s no longer than a flight of 8 hours between cities.
Conclusion
While your miniature schnauzer can go everywhere with you, when it comes to flying, you may need to check with the vet first and see if their health can take it.
So, can a miniature schnauzer go on a plane with you? This totally depends on the airline you choose, along with the overall health of your schnauzer. There are indeed some airlines that allow your miniature schnauzer to fly with you, but you’ll need to do some digging first.
Today, some of the best dog-friendly airlines are Airline Canada, American Airlines, SAD, and Swiss International Airlines.
“Emotional support animals” – ESAs are pets that can accompany you on your journey, although you’ll need to have a special letter from a health professional first.
All in all, if you decide to take your miniature schnauzer on a plane with you, then you’re in luck, as travelling with your dog has become more and more popular. The more challenging part of the process is the paperwork.
