Bringing your dog on any trip can be demanding – whether it is just a walk or a car ride. And some trips, like the ones that involve planes, need a lot of planning.
While some dogs can go everywhere with you, others have to check with the vet first and see if their health can take it. So, can corgis go on planes with you? Or is this a journey you will have to face alone?
Stay with us, and we will reveal to you whether your corgi can sit on a plane with you, what it takes for a dog to fly, and some other interesting facts as well.
To Fly Or Not To Fly?
Before bringing a corgi on the plane with you, there is some checking you have to do. Unfortunately, many airlines do not allow animals at all. Others have a limited number of countries you can fly them too, and some are strict about small-size dogs like corgis flying anywhere.
Lucky for you, there are indeed some airlines that allow your corgi to fly with you, but you will have to do some digging first.
If you are headed for a long trip, make sure that there are not many stops because your corgi will be exhausted. Know that you should call the airplane company 72 hours before the flight to confirm that your dog is still going with you.
A one-way ticket for your corgi goes from 20$ to 60$. Bear in mind that the fees for this kind of travel are not cheap at all, and they can go from 50$-100$ – so prepare your wallet.
Before boarding, a little trip to the vet with your corgi is necessary. You will have to bring a health certificate with you, and for your corgi to travel in the hold, you will need an IATA certified travel crate.
Of course, apart from all the documents your dog might require, you should make him feel comfortable. Buying a cage that is large enough and comfortable is crucial – he is going to spend some time in there. Also, be sure to bring some water and a cozy blanket for your corgi.
Learn More: How Much Is A Corgi Certificate?
Pet Flight 101
Airlines have changed so much in the past time, and therefore, many regulations have changed as well. While some things remain allowed, others are strictly forbidden.
Let’s begin by listing them.
First and foremost, brachycephalic and snub-nosed dogs are NOT accepted on airplanes.
Such pets include Boston Terrier, Boxer, Cane Corso, Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, Pit Bull, Pug, Shar Pei, etc.
Your dog must be at least eight weeks old before going for any flight-approved documents. You might even be required to vaccinate him, depending on the country of origin and the destination you are traveling to.
On the bright side, the destinations you are allowed to take your pet to are the following:
- The U.S.
- Canada
- Alaska
- St. Thomas
- Mexico
- Puerto Rico
These flights will last up to 11h and 30 minutes.
Also, you can take two checked pets maximum, and for this, you will need:
- Contact reservation (48h before the flight)
- Extra check-in time
- A filled checklist with an agent
- A healthcare certificate is issued ten days before they travel.
Your pet is not allowed to travel if the ground temperature is below 7.2 degrees C. If the situation is urgent, you will have to enclose a document from a vet stating the following:
- Your name and address
- Your pet’s name
- The vet’s signature
- The temperature your pet is acclaimed to
This document must be dated ten days before boarding. For a lengthy trip, you may need some additional documentation.
Do Corgis Fit Under Airplane Seats?
Yes, on certain American airlines, you can bring a carry-on pet. For this, you will have to pay a carry-on charge, and your pet must stay in the kennel under your seat the entire flight.
However, only two carry-on pets are accepted on one flight.
Pet-Friendly Airlines
Like we said earlier, while some airlines don’t allow pets to fly, others are pet-friendly and will gladly accept you and your corgi.
Here are the best pet-friendly airlines ranked.
- American Airlines – for shorter flights, pets are allowed in the cabin, and for long flights, they must be ensured as cargo. The prices range from $1205-$250.
- JetBlue – this airline offers a pet-parent program that you can’t resist. This option will cost you anywhere from $100.
- Air Canada – this airline offers flights for a pet all around the world. This airline is very comfortable and affordable. The trip ranges from $50-$100.
- Delta – if you choose this airline, you can also bring your birds apart from your furry friends. Smaller passengers can stay with you in the cabin, while those larger must go with cargo.
- Swiss International Airlines – this European airline allows you to fly with your two pets to any destination worldwide (dogs, rabbits, birds, cats).
- SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) – if you check in with your pet 24h before the flight, you are safe to go. This airline is affordable, and the tickets range from $60-$140, depending on the destination.
- Aer Lingus – although this is a smaller airline compared to others, it still allows your furry friend to travel with you. The best thing is you can book your flight online. The prices also work for you – €40 for regional and €160 flights.
- OpenSkies (British Airways) – this airline will allow your pets to fly with you but only if they don’t weigh above 13.2 pounds.
ESA-s
You may or may not know this, but pets can be your emotional support during airplane trips. These pets are referred to as “emotional support animals” – ESAs.
In order for your corgi to have this title, you will need a letter from a mental health professional – preferably your psychologist that your pet performs a necessary function for its owner.
Nowadays, many airlines sell these ESAs letters online.
Learn More: Are Corgis Good Emotional Support Dog?
This has become so frequent that you might witness pets such as pigs and ducks flying with their owners because of ESA letters. This has provoked a lot of attention, simply because, in the past, this opportunity was granted merely to life-saving animals such as trained service dogs.
Because of everything that has been going around, in January 2018, ESAs were restricted to dogs and cats above four months of age and a flight no longer than 8 hours between cities.
To help you understand this better, here are some of the most commonly asked questions:
- Does my emotional support animal need a leash, tag, collar?
Although this is not necessarily a requirement, it is advisable to prevent any incidents on board.
- What is the Fair Housing Act?
According to this, housing providers are obligated to permit the use of animals that perform tasks to benefit their owners.
- What is the ADA?
American Disability Act provides necessary goods and services for people with disabilities.
- Are mental health professionals allowed to give ESA permission?
Yes, every mental health professional is licensed to issue permission.
- Can I register my pet online?
Yes, many websites allow you to register for ESA online.
Causing Incidents?
When you are considering a trip, you might start to wonder – can a small dog-like corgi cause incidents on a plane? This depends on how well you have trained them and their nature.
Although they appear small and cute, they can develop aggression. And with a problem like this, it is always better to deal with it sooner than later.
It is very important that you notice it on time.
Aggression is often a sign that there is something that is upsetting your corgi. It doesn’t have to mean that he is just angry with you. The Pembroke breed will show aggression signs more openly than the Cardigan one.
So, what triggers this kind of behavior?
Leashes are often the cause of aggression among corgis. It can take a lot of time for a corgi to get used to a new leash, especially if it’s too tight and uncomfortable.
Also, when a corgi is on the leash, and he meets another dog on the leash, they cannot greet and smell each other – this is where all hell breaks loose. The next thing you know, your dog is causing a scene in the middle of the park.
So, in order to avoid these situations, keep your eyes open and watch out for other dogs.
Apart from showing aggression towards another human being or a dog, the one thing that sticks is their loud bark – it can be pretty irritating, especially if it happens on the plane.
This will drive the other passengers crazy. So, how do you fix this? Well, you shouldn’t bring your corgi on the plane if he hasn’t been appropriately trained when he was little.
They are happy and playful dogs, but they can turn out to be really stubborn when something doesn’t please them. To prevent this inconvenience from happening, you should show your corgi who is the boss before embarking on any journey together – that way, you will make it easier both for you and the passengers around you.
Corgi Health Precautions
Since this breed is prone to many health issues, you should take all the necessary tests in time as a responsible and loving owner.
Some of the most common corgi health issues and their symptoms are:
| Health Problems: | Symptoms: |
|---|---|
| Degenerative myelopathy (D.M.) – affects the dog’s spine. Sadly, this cannot be treated or stopped. All you can do is take tests and determine it while your corgi is still young. | Loss of coordination, Wobbling, Inability to walk |
| Von Willebrand’s Disease – this is a blood-clotting disease, but it’s not life-threatening. | Bloody stool, Nose and gum bleeding |
| Hip dysplasia – the most common inability that affects many dogs, not just corgis. This can severely damage their cartilage. | Decreased range of motion”bunny hopping“, Loss of thigh muscle mass |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – this reduces your dog’s vision to a minimum. Sadly, there is still no definite cure for this disease, but at least it doesn’t hurt the dog in any way. | Color changes within the eye, Being clumsy, Bumping into objects |
You will have to prove to the airline that your corgi is ready to fly with you, and in order to do that, you will have to take some tests:
- OFA or PennHip test for hip dysplasia
- Genetic test for detecting a PRA carrier
- The genetic test that identifies an increased risk of developing degenerative myelopathy (D.M.)
The Big Three
After everything you have read in this article, here are the three most important facts concerning airlines and pets.
- Pet travel is becoming more and more popular – more and more airlines are pet-friendly and will gladly accept your dog on board.
- There is a lot of paperwork – unfortunately, you will have to read and sign a lot of documents before bringing your dog on the plane.
- Others are watching – of course, all eyes are going to be on the person with a dog in their cabin.
Conclusion
While some dogs can go everywhere with you, others have to check with the vet first and see if their health can take it.
So, can corgis go on planes with you? This depends on the airline you choose and the overall health of your dog. There are indeed some airlines that allow your corgi to fly with you, but you will have to do some digging first.
A one-way ticket for your corgi goes from 20 to 60$. Bear in mind that the fees for this kind of travel are not cheap at all, and they can go from 50-100$ – so prepare your wallet.
Unfortunately, some breeds like Cane Corso, Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel are not allowed on planes.
Today, some of the most famous pet-friendly airlines are American Airlines, Airline Canada, SAD, Swiss International Airline, etc.
“Emotional support animals” – ESAs are animals that can accompany you on your journey, but you will have to get a special letter from a mental health professional first.
Although they appear small and cute, they can develop aggression. And with a problem like this, it is always better to deal with it sooner than later, especially if there is a trip involved. Aggression is often caused by the dog not being accustomed to the leash.
Corgis are prone to many health issues, and some of the most common ones are his dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, Von Willebrand’s Disease, etc. So, before boarding, some medical tests will be necessary.
All in all, if you decide to take your corgi on a plane with you, you are lucky because pet travel is becoming more popular. The more challenging part is the paperwork and the fact that you might be at the center of attention.
Learn More: Are Corgis Good Travel Dogs? Do Corgis Travel Well?