Travelling Internationally with a Dalmatian: What to Know Before You Fly

Dalmatians are energetic, intelligent dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. When relocation comes, most Dalmatian owners want their dog with them – and while the process is manageable, there are specific considerations for this breed that are worth understanding before you book.

Size and Crate Requirements

Adult Dalmatians typically weigh between 23 and 32 kg and stand around 56 to 61 cm at the shoulder. This puts them in the large dog category for most airlines, which means cargo hold only for virtually every international flight.

The IATA standard for crate sizing requires that your dog can:

Stand upright without the head touching the roof
Turn around comfortably
Lie down in a natural position

For a standard adult Dalmatian, an IATA-approved Kennel 500 or Kennel 700 crate is usually appropriate. Measure your dog carefully – don’t assume. See the full crate sizing guide for the formula.

Deafness and Stress Considerations

An important health fact for Dalmatian owners: the breed has a higher incidence of congenital deafness than most other dogs. The Dalmatian Club of America estimates that around 8% of Dalmatians are bilaterally deaf (deaf in both ears) and approximately 22% are unilaterally deaf (deaf in one ear).

A deaf or partially deaf Dalmatian in a cargo hold may have a different experience to a hearing dog because the absence of sound cues changes how they process the environment. Discuss this with your veterinarian before flying. Your vet may recommend a BAER test (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) if you are uncertain of your dog’s hearing status.

For deaf Dalmatians, crate familiarity is particularly important. A dog that cannot hear reassuring sounds needs a crate that feels like a safe, known space. Begin crate training several weeks before the flight.

Breed Restrictions by Country

Dalmatians are not on any national breed restriction or ban list in the UK, USA, EU countries, Australia, Canada, or most other destinations. Unlike pit bull-type breeds, Rottweilers or Dobermans, Dalmatians are not categorised as dangerous dogs under most national legislation.

That said, always verify local rules for your specific destination municipality. Some local councils in various countries have their own bylaws on dogs of certain sizes.

Temperature Embargoes

Dalmatians have a short single coat that provides little insulation in cold weather but also means they can overheat more quickly than double-coated breeds. Most airlines apply a live animal embargo when temperatures at origin, destination or transit fall outside a safe range (typically 10 to 29 degrees Celsius, though limits vary by airline).

If you are flying during summer months to destinations with high temperatures, plan your flight timing carefully. Early morning or late evening departures often have lower tarmac temperatures.

Health Certification and Documentation

The documentation requirements for a Dalmatian are the same as for any other dog. You will need:

ISO microchip
Current vaccinations (rabies mandatory for almost all international routes)
Health certificate from an accredited vet
Government endorsement where required
Import permit where required by the destination country

If you are moving to a rabies-free country such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan or the UK (from outside the UK), allow 5 to 9 months for the full titre test and waiting period protocol.

See the pet health certificate guide for a country-by-country document breakdown.