Travelling Internationally with a Fearful or Anxious Dog

Some dogs find the world fundamentally alarming. Loud noises, strangers, unfamiliar environments, being alone – the list of triggers varies, but the outcome is the same: travel is harder for these dogs than for a confident, adaptable animal. Harder, but not impossible.

Many anxious dogs travel internationally successfully every year. The difference between a traumatic experience and a manageable one comes down almost entirely to preparation.

The First Conversation: Talk to Your Vet

Before any planning, have a frank conversation with your vet about your dog’s anxiety. Be specific:

• What are the main triggers?
• How does your dog respond when stressed (vocalisation, elimination, destructive behaviour, freezing, panting)?
• Has your vet seen any signs that might indicate a medical component to the anxiety?
• Is there any reason this dog should not fly?

Your vet may recommend a behaviour consultant for dogs with severe anxiety, particularly if the anxiety relates specifically to confinement or noise. A six-month behaviour programme before a major international move is not excessive for a severely anxious dog.

Sedation: The Evidence

Most vets advise against sedating dogs for air travel. The reasons are:

• Sedated dogs cannot regulate their body temperature effectively
• Pressure changes at altitude affect sedated dogs differently from alert dogs
• The altered state can increase confusion and anxiety rather than reduce it in some dogs
• Most airlines will not accept visibly sedated animals

For dogs with moderate anxiety, pheromone products (DAP diffusers, Adaptil collars) and anxiety wraps (Thundershirt equivalents) are low-risk options worth trying during crate training. These have evidence behind them and are safe for flight.

Some vets prescribe anti-anxiety medication (such as trazodone or gabapentin) that reduces anxiety without full sedation. These are better options than benzodiazepines or heavy sedatives. Discuss with your vet and trial any medication before travel day – you do not want to discover an adverse reaction on departure morning.

Crate Training for Anxious Dogs

For an anxious dog, the crate needs to be genuinely safe before travel day. This takes longer than for a confident dog.

Start with the crate in the room where your dog spends most time. Do not close the door. Let the dog investigate and ignore it. Over weeks:

• Place food near the crate, then at the entrance, then inside
• Use your most high-value treats for crate entry
• Never force entry or close the door until the dog enters voluntarily
• When you do close the door, open it before any signs of distress begin
• Build duration very gradually – one minute, then five, then fifteen, over weeks

A fearful dog may need several months to be genuinely comfortable with a closed crate. If time allows, this investment is worth it.

What to Tell the Airline

Airlines cannot accommodate special welfare requests for individual animals in the hold, but you can note any sensitivities in your booking and in the documentation attached to the crate. Some owners attach a card to the crate explaining the dog’s anxiety and requesting calm handling. While this is not a guarantee, most cargo handlers respond well to personalised information.

On Travel Day

• Exercise thoroughly in the morning (not vigorously, but enough to be tired)
• Keep the pre-travel environment as calm as possible
• Do not display your own anxiety in front of the dog – they read your state
• Place a recently worn garment inside the crate (unwashed) for scent comfort
• Attach a note to the crate with the dog’s name and a brief description of their personality