Flying with a pug is often easier than you'd think! Many pugs are fantastic little travelers and snooze their way through the flight. But it really is pug-dependent, and a little preparation goes a long way.
First things first: check your airline's pet carrier requirements.
Every airline has different allowable dimensions, so don't assume a carrier labeled "airline approved" will work everywhere. Check your specific airline before buying your carrier or booking your trip.
We do have a favorite carrier that's worked really well for us. It has a pop up top that many pugs benefit from!
We've flown with dogs on Alaska, Southwest, and Delta, and with a little preparation, it's been pretty easy-breezy.
This part matters!
Don't let travel day be the first time your pug gets zipped into their carrier. Leave it out at home, toss treats inside, practice going in and out, and gradually practice having them stay inside with it closed.
You want the carrier to become a safe, familiar little pug cave where they know how to settle and relax.
A strategically packed bag of pug goodies can go a long way.
Bring high-value treats for the busy or stressful moments and a favorite long-lasting chew to keep them occupied and help them settle.
If you're offering a chew that could become a choking risk as it gets smaller, use an appropriate no-choke holder/protector as you can't supervise like you would at home.
You absolutely need a good water dispenser. It's also a good idea to have some poop bags and some pet-friendly wipes just in case.
When we talk about flying with pugs, we mean in the cabin with you.
Pugs are brachycephalic (short-nosed), and many airlines don't permit them in cargo. More importantly, we would never recommend or condone putting a pug in an airplane's cargo hold.
Keep an eye on your pug's breathing and temperature throughout your travel day, particularly in warm weather.
Check your airline's current pet policy before every trip. Beyond carrier dimensions, airlines can have different pet fees, reservation procedures, paperwork requirements, and limits on the number of pets allowed on each flight.
And don't forget to check the requirements of your destination.
Then grab the good treats, tuck your pug under the seat and go.
You might be surprised just how easy flying with a pug can be.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means Evergreen Pug Rescue may receive a small commission when you shop through them—at no extra cost to you. You get the pug goodies, and the rescue gets a little something back. Win-win!
