The Responsibility of Flying with a Dog

1. Taking Consideration

    When flying with a dog (in a carrier or not), it is important to be considerate of other people. Some people love dogs and will come over and say hi. Some people detest the idea of dogs being allowed to fly. Some people are allergic to animals. Some people have a severe fear of dogs. Sympathizing with different people will help you to be successful when flying with a pup. The skill of perception comes in handy. For example, as Bee and I walk through the terminal, I look at people’s reactions to him. If someone gives subtle hints of fear like distancing themselves from him or a scared facial expression, I keep him extra close to my legs. If possible, I will switch his stride to the other side of my body, so the person has me as a barrier. I know that Bee is friendly and loving, he would never act aggressively. But, if that person has a previous experience making them fearful, I never want to make that harder for them. Sometimes the act of perception works in the opposite function. For example, once Bee and I were walking to our gate and a toddler was crying to our side. I looked at the parent’s face, and she said: “look honey a puppy.” This was a cue for me to go over and let Bee show his friendliness. The toddler pet Bee and stopped having a tantrum. I also used this moment as a way to show any on-lookers that Bee is well trained. To entertain the toddler, I had Bee perform his tricks. The toddler laughed and anyone watching saw his training. It may seem silly, but being perceptive in these ways helps you to be considerate. Making these small efforts also helps diminish the stigma around dogs flying.

2. De-Stigmatizing

    Your dog must be well-behaved: I think of it as Bee is an ambassador. I want him to be a good boy during travel because his good behavior will help de-stigmatize dogs flying. For example, a man on our flight from LA-to-Chicago sat behind us on the plane. As we de-planed, he looked at Bee in surprise and said, “I didn’t even know there was a dog in here. What a well-behaved puppy.” I was so happy because this validated that Bee had been good; but also, I was happy because that man will approach any other dog on a plane better because of the experience. If Bee had been loud, trying to get away and generally bad, that man would likely build a distaste for having dogs on a plane. One of the hardest parts of traveling with a dog is the judgment. Some people are nice and welcoming, but there are many more that give rude looks or make mean comments. The best thing Bee and I can do is to be on our best behavior. In this way, those people can see that he is a dog that can handle the responsibility of flying. Every time Bee behaves in the airport and on a plane, he demonstrates to others that dogs can do well in that type of travel.