The Ultimate Packing Checklist for Flying with Your Dog

I’ve packed for 20+ flights with Sami, and I still run through the same checklist every single time. Not because I don’t remember what to bring, but because forgetting one thing at home can turn a smooth trip into a stressful one. Forgot the poop bags? Minor inconvenience. Forgot the passport? Major problem.

Here’s everything I pack when we fly with Sami. Nothing extra, nothing missing. I’ve refined this list over years and dozens of flights, and at this point it’s dialed in.

Documents

The documents are the one thing you absolutely cannot fix at the airport. Everything else on this list can be bought in a shop if you forget it. Documents can’t.

EU pet passport (if flying within Europe) — with current rabies vaccine recorded inside. I check the vaccine date a month before every trip.

CDC Dog Import Form receipt (if flying to the US) — printed, two copies. The CDC recommends two because they may keep one. For the full breakdown on CDC requirements, see our guide.

Health certificate (if required by your destination) — this applies to certain international routes. Check our documents checklist for your specific situation.

Airline confirmation — printed copy of your booking, including the pet reservation. I also keep a note of the airline’s pet policy phone number, in case I need to call from the airport.

I keep all documents in a clear plastic folder in my carry-on’s front pocket. Accessible within seconds. The agent at check-in shouldn’t have to wait while I dig through bags.

The Carrier Bag

Obviously you need the carrier bag itself. But it’s what goes inside that matters just as much.

Your dog’s favorite blanket. This is non-negotiable for us. Sami’s blanket goes in the carrier for every flight. It smells like home, it’s soft, and he immediately settles down when he lies on it.

A comfort toy. Sami has a little froggy pillow he’s obsessed with. It goes in the carrier. If your dog has a favorite chew toy or comfort item, bring it. Something familiar that they can focus on instead of the chaos around them.

A worn t-shirt. This one sounds weird but it works. I sometimes wear a t-shirt the day before the flight and put it in the bottom of the carrier. It smells like me. When Sami’s under the seat and can’t see us, having that scent nearby seems to keep him relaxed.

Training pads. One or two puppy training pads. They go on the bottom of the carrier as a precaution. If your dog has an accident during the flight, the pad absorbs everything and saves the carrier (and the airplane carpet). We’ve never needed one, but I bring them every time. They weigh almost nothing and the peace of mind is worth it.

Dog Essentials

Harness and short leash. The harness is for walking through the airport. Use a short, non-retractable leash. You’ll be in crowded spaces and you want your dog right beside you, not wandering 3 meters ahead tripping strangers. The harness also needs to come off easily at security, so look for quick-release buckles.

Dog ID tag. Make sure your dog’s collar or harness has an ID tag with your phone number. Important tip if you’re flying internationally: include your country’s phone prefix. If your dog somehow got lost in another country, a local number without a prefix is useless to whoever finds them.

Travel water bottle. Get one of those dog-specific water bottles with a built-in bowl. They’re a lifesaver. Your dog needs to hydrate before, during, and after the flight, and these bottles let you offer water without making a mess. The one we use has a button that saves the water your dog doesn’t drink — so nothing goes to waste.

Poop bags. You probably already have these in every jacket pocket. Bring extras anyway. Airport walks, layovers, arrival — your dog will need to go at some point.

Treats. High-value treats. The kind your dog will do anything for. Not their regular kibble — something special. We use small training treats that Sami loves. They’re useful for keeping your dog calm during boarding and takeoff, rewarding good behavior in the carrier, and generally making the whole experience more positive.

Wet wipes. In case of accidents, muddy paws, or general cleanup. I keep a small pack in the front pocket of the carrier. They’ve come in handy more times than I expected.

The Night Before

I don’t pack this stuff an hour before leaving. I lay it all out the night before the flight and go through it once. Documents in the folder. Carrier prepped with blanket and toy. Leash and harness by the door. Water bottle filled. Treats in a ziplock.

Then in the morning (or evening, for night flights), I do one final check: documents, carrier, leash, water, treats, poop bags. Takes 30 seconds. And I haven’t forgotten anything in years.

What NOT to Pack

A few things people bring that they don’t need — or shouldn’t bring.

A full meal for your dog. Don’t feed your dog a big meal before or during the flight. Feed them 4-6 hours before departure so they’re not flying on a full stomach. A full belly means a higher chance of needing to go to the bathroom (or worse, getting sick) during the flight. Treats are fine. A full meal is not.

Sedatives. Unless specifically prescribed by your vet for your dog’s individual situation, don’t sedate your dog for a flight. Some airlines actually prohibit it, and there are real respiratory and cardiovascular risks at high altitudes. If your dog is anxious, talk to your vet about natural calming options like CBD oil, which our vet has recommended. But never tranquilize without veterinary guidance.

Too much stuff. You’re already carrying your own luggage, a carrier bag with a dog in it, and your carry-on. Every extra item makes the airport harder. Pack what you need and nothing more.

That’s the whole list. Documents, carrier with comfort items, leash and harness, water bottle, treats, poop bags, wet wipes, training pads. Print it, stick it on the fridge, and check it off the night before every flight. Future you will be grateful.