We have a small 14 lb. dog. Greatest dog ever frankly Trying to figure out the best way to take him out on a trip in a couple of months.

I haven’t, but I’ve been seated near plenty of them in carriers on Southwest. Most of the time, I didn’t realize they were there until I saw them exiting the plane. But I will say that you need a plan for cleanup....the worst dog owner behaviors I’ve witnessed have been in terminals, not on flights. Bring pee pads, have a roll of paper towels, be prepared to clean up messes yourself. Terminals are busy places, and the cleaning crews can’t immediately respond to poop/pee. By the time cleanup arrives, many people may have encountered your pet’s mess.

Know if your dog is a compulsive “marker”......I saw a dog “marking” several sets of luggage as his oblivious owner bought a coffee and had the animal on a too-long lead. Be considerate and know that while ppl may find your dog cute, no one likes dog pee.

Yes. Get a carrier from Amazon that you are certain will fit under the seat in front of you. Be sure to bring vet records showing the dog is up to date on all vaccines. You have to take dog out of the carrier and hold it as you walk through metal detector. So be sure to take collar off unless it has no metal on it. Make sure dog has pottied before you check in and don’t give him much to drink. My dog did not like take off or landing but was perfectly fine during flight. Also, get the carrier now and start training the dog to get in it with treats. My dog is a 13 lb yorkie poo. And make a reservation for the dog as soon as you know you are taking it. Some airlines limit the number of dogs on board.

Agree with everything TigerAlum1982 said. I've flown with my small dog numerous times and paid the dog fee every time. Call the airline ASAP to make sure you it's on your reservation. I would also suggest talking with your vet about a script for some doggie valium. Some may be against drugging their animal but it works for me. The dose is just enough to calm them down but not knock them out.

Try to limit your time past security unless you get the dog to do all of their business. And technically the dog need to be in their carrier the entire time; the people walking their non-servicr animals are breaking airport policy but no one stops them.

If you have a long layover consider leaving the terminal area to let the dog outside for a bit. If you are travelling with someone leave everything with them except the travel crate + your boarding ticket.

Thanks for all the advice!

The only dogs that should be allowed in an airplane cabin are service dogs (seeing eye dogs, epilepsy dogs, etc.).

No "therapy dogs". No dogs in a carrier or purse/tote bag.

PERIOD.