Flying with Your Dog: Everything You Need to Know

Vacations, business trips or new adventures to share: today, traveling with your dog is no longer an exception, but a natural choice. In fact, more and more people are choosing to bring their dog on the plane, whether for a weekend getaway or a longer trip.
As air travel with pets becomes increasingly common, regulations have started to adapt as well: in recent months, the Italian regulatory framework has been updated with new guidelines. The goal? Making it possible to travel with your four-legged friend in the cabin, with greater attention to their wellbeing.
After covering how to travel by car with your dog, today we’ll take a closer look at what you need to know to fly together: from the new regulations to health requirements, plus helpful tips to prepare your dog for the journey.

The new ENAC regulation: what's changing

In recent months, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) has revised the rules for transporting pets by air, introducing an update designed to support those traveling with a dog. A significant change aimed at safeguarding the animal’s wellbeing during the flight and addressing a real need expressed by travelers and industry associations: the ability to share the journey with a pet, considered a true member of the family.
The new ruling, which applies to all carriers departing from Italian airports regardless of nationality, introduces more transparency and increased focus on pet rights, especially for in-cabin travel.
Here's a summary of the key updates:

• Cabin access for dogs over 8–10 kg: the new rules allow dogs to travel in the cabin regardless of size and weight, provided they don’t exceed the average weight of a typical passenger. This is conditional on compliance with safety measures designed to protect the animal’s wellbeing throughout the flight.
• Airlines are not required to adopt the new rules, but may choose to do so. Where in-cabin travel is allowed, dogs must be transported in approved and secure carriers that are fastened to the seat (overhead or under, depending on aircraft model) and preferably placed near the window, but never near emergency exits. Dogs must remain inside the carrier for the entire flight, which must allow freedom of movement, a natural posture and proper ventilation.
• Stronger protections for guide and assistance dogs, who may travel for free next to their handler, with simplified procedures and no weight limits or need for a carrier. Airlines cannot deny boarding to guide dogs, except in specific, documented safety cases. The dog must also be well-trained, clean, and remain leashed, without blocking aisles or passenger space.
• Additional provisions include:
  - Airlines must provide clear and accessible information on pet travel options.
  - A maximum number of animals per flight must be set, and “buffer zones” may be created for passengers with allergies or concerns.
  - Always respect the total weight limit (animal + carrier).

In short, the focus shifts from "tolerance" to "right": bringing a dog along is no longer an exception, but a regulated opportunity, balancing the needs of pets, their owners and fellow passengers.

Requirements for flying with your dog: documents, age, vaccinations

Knowing the new regulations is crucial, but because each airline may apply different policies (and may also limit the number of pets per flight), it’s essential to check in advance, read all conditions carefully, and contact customer service directly if anything is unclear.
Once your chosen airline confirms the procedures, there are a few standard requirements that must always be met to ensure a smooth and safe journey. Here are the key documents and conditions to check:

• European Pet Passport: mandatory for all international flights within the EU. Issued by a veterinarian, it includes microchip details (required for identification) and vaccination records.
• Updated health booklet: useful for domestic flights and generally required to confirm your dog’s health status.
• Rabies vaccination: required for international travel, and must be administered at least 21 days before departure.
• Minimum age for travel: most airlines require dogs to be at least 12 weeks old, but some may have stricter age requirements.

Each airline may have additional requirements, so our advice remains the same: always double-check!

When flying isn’t the right choice: dogs that should avoid air travel

Not all dogs are suited for air travel, and recognizing that in advance is an act of care and responsibility. Certain breeds, for instance, have physical characteristics that make flying especially risky. This is true for brachycephalic dogs (like bulldogs, pugs, and boxers), whose short muzzles can cause breathing issues in closed or pressurized environments. Very young, elderly, or easily stressed dogs may also not be ideal air travelers. Each case is unique, and it’s essential to consult your trusted veterinarian to determine whether flying is a safe option for your dog. Sometimes, the best solution is choosing another form of transportation or avoiding travel altogether. Because your pet’s wellbeing always comes first.

How to prepare your dog for the flight: training, accessories and routine

Flying isn’t a natural experience for a dog. Noises, movements, waiting times, unfamiliar environments—all can cause stress if not handled with care.
That’s why, even before thinking about logistics, you should ask yourself whether your dog is truly fit for air travel. If your vet agrees and the trip is manageable, then it’s a good idea to start preparing a few weeks in advance, creating a routine that helps your dog feel calmer on the day of the flight. The goal is to offer familiar reference points in an unfamiliar setting. Here’s what can really make a difference:

• Introduce the carrier gradually: leave it open in the house with a soft blanket or favorite toy inside. Let your dog explore it freely. Once they see it as a safe space, you’ve already made great progress.
• Simulate travel: take short car trips with your dog in the carrier, to help them get used to the motion and confined space. This reduces anxiety later on.
• Maintain a consistent routine: in the days leading up to departure, try not to change your dog’s schedule too much. Mealtimes, walks, play sessions—anything familiar will help keep them grounded.
• Ensure exercise before the flight: a long, calming walk on departure day can help your dog burn off energy and relax for the journey.
• Pack their “suitcase”: bring food, a water bowl, waste bags, muzzle, and familiar items like a blanket or a toy with your dog’s scent. And don’t forget their favorite treats—familiar comforts can be very reassuring when traveling.
• Mind the meal: avoid heavy meals before the flight. A light snack a few hours before take-off is usually enough and helps prevent nausea.
• Never improvise with medication: don’t give sedatives without veterinary advice. If you think your dog might struggle during the trip, speak to your vet well in advance.

Flying with your dog requires planning and preparation, but it’s absolutely possible with the right care. What matters most is ensuring your travel companion feels safe, comfortable and, above all, loved. Because love travels too—at 30,000 feet.