Updated for 2026 with current airline policies and product recommendations.

Small Dog Travel Guide: Tips for Tiny Travelers

There is a running joke among small dog owners that our dogs do not know they are small. My 9-pound chihuahua mix, Pepper, approaches every new city, every airport, every hiking trail with the confidence of a German shepherd. But the reality is that small dogs face unique challenges during travel that their larger counterparts simply do not — from temperature sensitivity and predator awareness to the very real risk of being stepped on in crowded airports.

I have traveled with small dogs for over eight years now, logging flights on 15 different airlines, road trips across 30 states, and hotel stays at everything from Motel 6 to the Ritz-Carlton. This guide covers the specific challenges and advantages of traveling with dogs under 25 pounds, with actionable solutions for each.

The Advantages of Traveling With a Small Dog

Before we dive into challenges, let us acknowledge the enormous advantages small dogs have over large breeds when it comes to travel:

In-cabin airline access. This is the single biggest advantage. Dogs under approximately 20 pounds (including carrier weight) can fly in the cabin on most airlines for $75 to $200 per flight segment. Large dogs must fly cargo or drive. In-cabin travel is safer, less stressful, and dramatically cheaper than cargo.

More hotel options. Many hotels that advertise as “pet-friendly” have weight limits — commonly 25, 50, or 75 pounds. With a small dog, you will virtually never be turned away for size.

Restaurant and cafe access. Small dogs in carriers are often welcome in establishments that would not allow a larger dog, particularly in Europe where dogs in bags or on laps are commonplace.

Portability. You can carry your small dog through crowded areas, over rough terrain, and through situations that might be overwhelming at ground level. A 10-pound dog in a carrier is easy to manage in ways a 70-pound dog simply is not.

Lower costs. Smaller crates, smaller carriers, less food, lower medication doses — everything costs less at scale.

Airline Travel With Small Dogs

Carrier Selection

The right carrier makes the difference between a miserable flight and a comfortable one. For small dogs, you want a carrier that:

• Fits under the airline seat (typically 17x12x8 to 19x13x9 inches)
• Has mesh ventilation on at least two sides
• Has a rigid enough frame to maintain shape under the seat
• Has a leak-proof bottom (accidents happen)
• Is comfortable enough that your dog can lie down and turn around

Top airline carriers for small dogs in 2026:

Carrier	Dimensions	Max Dog Weight	Price	Best Feature
Sherpa Original Deluxe	17x11x10.5”	16 lbs	$55-75	Spring-wire frame compresses to fit
Sleepypod Air	21x10x9”	15 lbs	$180	Crash-tested for car use too
Away Pet Carrier	17x10.5x11”	18 lbs	$195	Premium materials and design
Roverlund Airline	18x11x11”	20 lbs	$145	Expandable for post-flight use
SturdiBag Large	18x12x12”	18 lbs	$70	Lightest weight at 2 lbs

Pro tip: The carrier dimensions listed by airlines are the maximum for the under-seat space. In practice, seat dimensions vary by aircraft type. Bulkhead rows have no under-seat space at all. Always book a standard economy seat and avoid bulkhead, exit row, and slim-seat aircraft like some regional jets.

Airline Fees and Policies for Small Dogs (2026)

Airline	In-Cabin Fee	Weight Limit	Carrier Size Limit
Delta	$150 each way	20 lbs with carrier	18x11x11”
United	$150 each way	20 lbs with carrier	18x11x11”
American	$150 each way	20 lbs with carrier	19x13x9”
Southwest	$125 each way	No official limit (must fit under seat)	18.5x8.5x13.5”
JetBlue	$150 each way	20 lbs with carrier	17x12.5x8.5”
Alaska	$100 each way	20 lbs with carrier	17x11x7.5”
Spirit	$125 each way	18 lbs with carrier	18x14x9”

Important notes:

• These fees are per flight segment, not round trip
• Most airlines limit 2-4 pets per cabin per flight — book early
• International flights may have different fees and requirements
• Hawaiian Airlines does not allow in-cabin pets on inter-island flights

Airport Navigation Tips

Airports are overwhelming for small dogs. Here is how to navigate them safely:

1. Use the pet relief areas. All US airports with more than 10,000 passengers are required to have indoor pet relief areas post-security. The quality varies wildly. Dallas-Fort Worth has beautifully maintained grass areas. LaGuardia has a patch of artificial turf next to a trash can. Check airport maps before you fly.

2. Keep your dog in the carrier through the terminal. The floor of an airport terminal is a minefield of rolling suitcases, heavy boots, and distracted travelers. A small dog on a leash at floor level is at serious risk of being stepped on or kicked. Keep them in the carrier until you reach a designated pet area.

3. TSA screening process. You must remove your dog from the carrier and carry them through the metal detector while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine. For small dogs, hold them securely against your chest. Use a slip lead as backup in case they squirm — a dropped chihuahua in a TSA checkpoint is a nightmare scenario. Ask for a private screening room if your dog is extremely nervous.

4. Board early when possible. Some airlines offer pre-boarding for passengers with pets. This gives you time to set up the carrier under the seat and get your dog settled before the chaos of general boarding.

Temperature Sensitivity

Small dogs lose body heat faster than large dogs due to their higher surface-area-to-body-mass ratio. This is basic physics, and it has real implications for travel.

Cold Weather Concerns

Dogs under 20 pounds are significantly more vulnerable to hypothermia and cold stress than larger breeds. The American Kennel Club advises that small and toy breeds should not be exposed to temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods.

Cold weather travel gear for small dogs:

• Insulated jacket or coat — The Hurtta Body Warmer is my top pick. It covers the chest and belly where heat loss is greatest. Measure carefully — small dog sizing varies dramatically between brands.
• Booties — The Muttluks Fleece-Lined Dog Boots protect paws from cold pavement, ice, and road salt. Most small dogs need size XXS or XS.
• Heated car pad — The K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft plugs into your car’s 12V outlet and maintains a gentle warmth.
• Insulated carrier — The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed has an insulated base that retains body heat.

Hot Weather Concerns

Conversely, small dogs overheat faster than you might expect. Brachycephalic small breeds — French bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, Pekingese, and shih tzus — are at especially high risk because their shortened airways make panting less efficient.

Hot weather precautions:

• Avoid walking on hot pavement (touch test: if it is too hot for your palm for 5 seconds, it is too hot for paws)
• Carry water and offer it every 30 minutes in temperatures above 80 degrees
• Use a cooling vest — the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler comes in sizes starting at XS
• Never leave a small dog in a parked car, even for 5 minutes
• Schedule outdoor activities for early morning or evening

Safety Concerns Unique to Small Dogs

Predator Awareness

This is an uncomfortable topic, but it is essential for small dog owners who travel to rural or wilderness areas. Dogs under 15 pounds can be targets for birds of prey (hawks, eagles, owls), coyotes, and even large off-leash dogs. In 2024, the ASPCA documented over 600 reported cases of small dogs being targeted by predators in urban and suburban settings across the US.

Mitigation strategies:

• Never leave your small dog unattended outdoors in unfamiliar areas
• Use a short leash (6 feet or less) rather than a retractable leash in open areas
• Be vigilant at dawn and dusk when predators are most active
• Consider a CoyoteVest — a Kevlar vest with spikes and reflective strips designed specifically to protect small dogs from predator attacks
• Avoid carrying your dog in open-top carriers or bags outdoors

Injury from Falls and Drops

Small dogs have more fragile bones than larger breeds, and the distance from your arms to the ground can be significant relative to their body size. A dropped small dog can suffer fractures, especially of the legs and skull.

• Always use two hands when carrying your dog in crowded areas
• Secure the carrier’s zippers and latches before lifting
• Use carriers with internal leash attachments so your dog cannot jump out when you open the carrier
• In hotels, keep your dog off high beds — a fall from a king-size bed can break a toy breed’s leg. Use a pet ramp or stairs.

Getting Stepped On

In crowded environments — airports, hotel lobbies, festivals, city sidewalks — small dogs on leashes at ground level are nearly invisible to people looking at their phones. I have had Pepper’s paw stepped on twice in airports, and both times the person genuinely did not see her.

Solutions:

• Keep your dog in a carrier in all crowded environments
• Use a brightly colored leash and collar (neon yellow or orange) when walking
• Walk your dog along walls rather than through the center of pathways
• Attach a small bell to the collar so people can hear your dog approaching

Road Trip Considerations for Small Dogs

Car Safety

A small dog sliding around the back seat during a sudden stop is at high risk of injury. Crash-tested restraint options for small dogs include:

• Sleepypod Clickit Sport — Crash-tested harness available in sizes for dogs as small as 12 pounds. This is the best crash-tested option for small dogs.
• Carrier secured with seatbelt — Place the carrier on the seat and thread the seatbelt through the carrier’s strap loops. Not crash-tested, but better than a loose carrier.
• Small dog car seat — Elevated booster seats like the Kurgo Skybox allow your dog to see out the window, which reduces car sickness. Not crash-tested but includes a tether attachment.

Rest Stops

Small dogs have smaller bladders and may need more frequent stops than large dogs. Plan for bathroom breaks every 1.5 to 2 hours. At rest stops:

• Carry your dog from the car to the grass area to avoid hot pavement or ice
• Stay close — rest stops attract wildlife, and a small dog on a retractable leash in a wooded rest area is vulnerable
• Carry your own water — shared water bowls at rest stops are germ factories

Feeding on the Road

Small dogs have faster metabolisms and are more prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) than larger breeds, especially toy breeds under 5 pounds. Puppies of toy breeds are particularly vulnerable.

• Feed small meals every 4-6 hours rather than one or two large meals
• Always carry emergency glucose gel or honey for hypoglycemia episodes
• Symptoms of hypoglycemia: weakness, trembling, stumbling, seizures
• If you suspect hypoglycemia, rub a small amount of honey or Karo syrup on the gums and seek veterinary care immediately

Accommodation Tips for Small Dogs

Small dogs have enormous advantages when it comes to hotels and rentals:

No weight limit worries. Even the strictest “small pets only” policies rarely exclude any dog under 20 pounds.

Lower pet fees. Some hotels charge tiered pet fees based on weight. The Kimpton chain charges no pet fees at all, regardless of size.

More rental options. Many Airbnb and Vrbo hosts who allow “small dogs” define small as under 25 pounds. This opens up properties that exclude larger dogs.

Hotel Room Setup for Small Dogs

• Request a ground-floor room to avoid carrying your dog up and down stairs or elevators
• Place the water bowl on a towel to prevent spills on carpet (small dogs often splash)
• Use a pet ramp or stairs for high beds — even if your dog can jump up, the repeated jumping down stresses small joints
• Bring a portable exercise pen for dogs that are not crate-trained — the Carlson Portable Pet Pen is lightweight and sets up in seconds
• Close toilet lids — a small dog can fall into a toilet and be unable to get out

Dining Out With a Small Dog

Outdoor dining patios are generally dog-friendly by law in most US states, but small dogs have an additional advantage: many restaurants, particularly in major cities and European countries, allow well-behaved small dogs in carriers inside the restaurant.

Tips for restaurant dining:

• Feed your dog before the meal so they are not begging
• Bring a portable water dish and a chew toy
• Place the carrier under your chair or on the seat beside you
• Request a table away from the kitchen and high-traffic areas
• Tip generously — restaurant staff who accommodate your dog deserve extra appreciation

Health Considerations for Traveling Small Dogs

Dental Health

Small dogs are prone to dental disease — by age 3, approximately 80% of small breed dogs show signs of periodontal disease, compared to 60% of large breeds. Dental infections can flare up during travel stress.

• Schedule a dental check before a big trip
• Pack dental chews appropriate for small jaws
• Carry pain medication prescribed by your vet in case of dental pain

Joint and Spine Health

Many small breeds (dachshunds, Pekingese, corgis, French bulldogs) are prone to intervertebral disc disease and other spinal conditions. Travel activities that involve jumping, rough terrain, or heavy impacts can trigger episodes.

• Use ramps for getting in and out of vehicles
• Avoid activities that involve jumping from heights
• Carry your dog over rough terrain when possible
• Pack prescribed anti-inflammatory medication

Tracheal Collapse

Toy breeds are predisposed to tracheal collapse, a condition where the cartilage rings of the trachea weaken and the airway partially closes. Pulling on a leash attached to a collar can worsen this condition.

• Always use a harness, never a collar, for leash attachment
• The Puppia Soft Harness is gentle on small tracheas
• Avoid situations that cause excessive excitement or panting
• Carry any prescribed cough suppressant medication

Packing List: Small Dog Travel Essentials

• Under-seat carrier (airline approved)
• Crash-tested harness or secured carrier for car
• Harness (not collar) for walks
• Retractable leash for safe open areas, 6-foot leash for all other situations
• Food for trip plus 2 extra days
• Collapsible water bowl
• Treats (small size appropriate for small jaws)
• Pet ramp or stairs for hotel beds
• Warm jacket or coat (for dogs under 20 lbs in any weather below 60 degrees)
• Cooling vest (for summer travel)
• Brightly colored collar or bandana for visibility
• Vaccination records and health certificate
• All medications plus extras
• Emergency glucose gel
• Puppy pads (for carrier lining)
• Enzymatic cleaner
• Poop bags
• Familiar blanket or toy
• First aid kit (small dog specific)

Final Thoughts

Traveling with a small dog is, in many ways, easier than traveling with a large one. You have more airline options, more hotel options, more restaurant options, and the physical logistics of carrying a 10-pound dog are infinitely simpler than managing an 80-pound one. But the unique vulnerabilities of small dogs — temperature sensitivity, predator risk, fragile bones, breed-specific health conditions — require specific preparation and awareness.

Pepper has been my travel companion through 30 states, 5 countries, and more flights than I can count. Her size has never been a limitation — it has been a superpower. She goes places large dogs cannot, fits in spaces they never would, and brings smiles to everyone she meets along the way. The key is understanding the differences, preparing for them, and never treating your small dog as a large dog that happens to be smaller.

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