How to Travel With a Small Dog — What Worked and What Didn’t

The first time Georgie flew, she howled like a banshee trapped in a designer carry-on. Not during the flight, mind you. Oh no, that would have been too predictable. She waited until we were settled in the rental car, a Honda CR-V that suddenly felt incredibly small, and then she let loose a guttural wail usually reserved for horror movie soundtracks. The kind that makes you question your life choices and whether a dog really *needed* to see the Grand Canyon.

My grand plan for that trip involved Georgie tucked neatly under the seat, a silent, furry accessory. What I failed to account for was Georgie’s innate ability to channel the energy of a thousand sugar-crazed toddlers after an hour of confinement. The airline-approved carrier, while meeting all the specs, was clearly designed by someone who’d never actually met a Morkie. It was just big enough for her to turn around, which she did approximately 3,472 times, making it a canine treadmill of anxiety. The point is, just because it fits doesn’t mean it works. My biggest lesson in traveling with a small dog is that comfort isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for everyone’s sanity. (Check out our top pick: airline-approved dog carrier.)

What worked much better on subsequent trips was a slightly larger soft-sided carrier, one where she could actually stretch out a bit, even if it meant a bit more maneuvering under the seat. We also started a pre-travel ritual of carrier-time at home, complete with treats and positive reinforcement, so the carrier became less a prison and more a mobile den. And here’s a tip I wish someone had given me: a Lickimat smeared with peanut butter is a godsend for takeoff and landing. It’s distracting, calming, and keeps their little mouths busy, preventing the dreaded ear-popping discomfort that often leads to said banshee wails. Seriously, the difference was night and day. She still whines a little, because she’s Georgie, but it’s a gentle, “are we there yet?” whine, not a “my soul is being ripped from my body” shriek. (Check out our top pick: training treats.)

What absolutely did not work, ever, was assuming she’d just “deal with it.” Small dogs, despite their size, often have enormous personalities and anxieties. Ignoring those will only lead to misery for both of you. Another epic fail was overpacking her toys. She only ever needed one or two beloved items; the rest just added bulk and stress to an already tight packing situation. Keep it simple, keep it comfortable, and keep it consistent.

Before your next trip, invest in a carrier that prioritizes your dog’s actual comfort, not just airline regulations.

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