Are you traveling internationally and don’t want to leave your pet behind? You might not have to.
When I relocated from Israel to New Orleans I had to figure out how to bring my small dog with me. I ended up traveling from Israel to the US with my dog in the cabin — and then returned to Israel with a different small dog as an emotional support animal. Two very different experiences, both incredibly educational. Hopefully everything I learned can save you some stress.
Choosing the Right Airline for Your Pet
When selecting an airline, pet policies can make a huge difference. Here’s a quick look at the main options:
- Delta Airlines: Allows small pets in the cabin if they fit in a carrier under the seat. Their Pet Cargo service handles larger pets. Note: Delta no longer accepts ESA letters as of 2021 — your pet travels as a standard carry-on pet regardless.
- United Airlines: PetSafe program for cargo pets. In-cabin for small pets that fit under the seat.
- El Al: For flights from Israel, El Al permits pets in the cabin — but their policies can vary, so always confirm before booking.
Always check the airline’s specific carrier dimensions, fees, and documentation requirements before booking.
Understanding Country-Specific Pet Regulations
Before flying you need to be aware of your destination country’s pet import requirements. These usually include:
- Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip
- Rabies vaccination: Valid certificate required; some countries require a titer test
- Health certificate: From a licensed vet, issued within 5–10 days of travel
- Quarantine: Countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the UK have strict quarantine requirements — avoid these at all costs and do your research early
Plan well in advance. The one thing that’s non-negotiable is time.
Flying Israel ↔ USA: Specific Requirements
Israel to the USA: Allow at least 3 weeks. You’ll need a health certificate issued no more than 10 days before the flight, and you’ll need to see the municipal vet — these vets typically only work one day per week per city (in Jerusalem, for example), so plan around that.
USA to Israel: Allow at least 5 weeks because of the titer test requirement. This test is only done at one location in the US and is sent via snail mail, so even if you rush it, count on at least 2 weeks. If your pet has been abroad with you for over 90 days, you don’t need approval from the Israeli municipal vet — but you do need a passport and vaccination certificate showing the rabies vaccine was given no more than 1 year and no less than 1 month before arrival in Israel.
Flying with a Small Pet in the Cabin
- Weight limit: Generally 17 lb / 8 kg including the carrier. From my experience no one I know ever actually had to weigh their pet with the bag — if you’re half a kilo over, you’ll likely be fine.
- Carrier size: Must fit under the seat. In reality you’ll probably end up with your legs on either side of it or both to one side — no one said it was going to be a comfortable flight.
- Cost: Around $100 USD each way internationally.
- Sedation: Do NOT sedate your pet with chemical medication — vets and airlines both advise against it. Instead, I used Valerian drops (a natural herbal extract available on iHerb or Amazon), which genuinely helped calm my dog.
My Flight from Israel to the US with Rio
My first flight with a dog was rough — I’ll be honest.
Rio was a mini pinscher — skinny but long, so she didn’t fit comfortably in the carrier (which was already bigger than allowed). She was an anxious dog with aggression issues; our vet actually recommended shipping her as cargo just because of how difficult she was. But I couldn’t do that to her, so in the cabin she came.
We got through the airport — she barked in her kennel and generally went a bit crazy — but once the plane took off I managed to put her on my lap under a blanket. This is technically not allowed, but many flight attendants turn a blind eye. Rio slept most of the flight, but I was so worried about her I couldn’t sleep or move for the entire 12 hours.
After landing in NYC we were detained (not because of Rio — my student visa) and I barely made my connection. The 4-hour domestic flight was even harder. The person next to me asked to move, which was actually a blessing — I ended up with the whole row to myself. Still, Rio was up the entire flight, more anxious than ever. I gave her water in a collapsible bowl (a must-pack item) and used treats to keep her calm. By the time we landed she drank three full bowls of water at home.
We made it to New Orleans. Rio peed at the airport the moment we stepped off the plane — have toilet paper and wet wipes ready.
It took Rio a few days to understand where she was. And then, 5 days after we arrived, she was hit by a car. A month later, still devastated, I decided to rescue a sick 9-year-old epileptic dog named Tiny. That dog changed everything.
Traveling with a Large Pet as Cargo
If your pet weighs more than 17 lb / 8 kg, they’ll need to travel as cargo. This is hard on both the animal and the owner — dogs don’t understand what’s happening, and there are horror stories. That said, it’s very common and airlines have protocols in place.
- The kennel must have a hard bottom and be locked
- Must comply with IATA regulations and be large enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down
- Can cost several hundred dollars depending on pet size and weight
There’s a way around this for small and large dogs — keep reading.
Emotional Support Animals (ESA) — What Changed in 2021
Important update: When I flew back to Israel with Tiny, I used an ESA certificate — and at the time it meant he could sit on my lap in the cabin for free. That was before January 2021, when the US Department of Transportation changed the rules and allowed airlines to treat ESAs the same as regular pets. Since then, Delta, United, American, and most major US airlines no longer accept ESA letters for in-cabin travel without a fee or size restriction.
So if someone tells you to get a quick ESA certificate online and bring your dog for free — that advice is outdated. It worked when I did it; it doesn’t work the same way now.
My Flight Back to Israel with Tiny
After Rio, I wasn’t going through the same experience. Tiny was epileptic and I was not putting him in cargo. At the time I got an ESA certificate (through an online service), and on the domestic leg from New Orleans to New York he walked around freely and sat on my lap. On the long flight back to Israel things got complicated when he was injured during the connection at JFK — I ended up carrying him in his kennel the whole way. But the certificate helped at the time.
What Are Your Options in 2026?
- Small dogs in the cabin: Still the most straightforward option — pay the pet fee (~$100–$150 each way) and keep them under the seat.
- Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD): Unlike ESAs, trained psychiatric service dogs are still protected under the Air Carrier Access Act and must be accommodated in the cabin. This requires real, documented training and legitimate medical need — not a quick online form. If you genuinely qualify, look into this properly.
- Non-US airlines: Policies vary. El Al and some European carriers may still have their own ESA or assistance animal policies — always check directly with the airline before booking.
- Large dogs: Cargo remains the main option unless you qualify for a PSD. If you must use cargo, choose the most direct route possible and research the airline’s specific cargo pet program carefully.
Pro tip for anyone traveling with a dog in cargo or larger size: If you can travel with another person, do it — you’ll need someone to stay with the dog if you use the restroom, and it makes the whole journey less stressful for both of you.
Preparing Your Pet for the Flight
Start at least a month in advance. The goal is to make the carrier feel safe and familiar — not a punishment.
- Carrier training: I hired a trainer to work with Rio using treats and patience — luring her in, keeping the bag open at first, gradually closing it while still feeding treats through the opening. The whole point is to build a positive association with the carrier.
- Exposure: Take your dog in the carrier on car rides and walks in busy areas so they get used to being around noise and movement.
- Food and water: Feed your pet no more than 4 hours before the flight. Give as much water as possible beforehand.
- Exercise: Take the longest walk possible before you leave for the airport. A tired dog is a calmer dog.
What to Pack
- Pee pads (just in case)
- Collapsible water bowl — essential
- Treats to keep your dog calm throughout the flight
- A piece of your clothing — familiar smell helps them relax
- Valerian drops (natural, safe, effective)
- Toilet paper and wet wipes for the airport landing
Quick Tips Summary
- Small pets: max 17 lb / 8 kg including carrier for in-cabin travel
- Plan at least a month in advance (longer for Israel ↔ USA)
- Book the shortest, most direct flight you can
- ESA certificates no longer work on most US airlines (since 2021) — check your airline’s current policy before relying on this
- Never sedate with chemical medication — use Valerian drops instead
- Travel with another person if possible
- Train your pet for the carrier at least a month before the flight
Have questions? Drop them in the comments or reach out — I’ve been through pretty much every scenario and I’m happy to help.
