Traveling With a Shih Tzu: Car, Plane, and Hotel Tips (2026)
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How we researched this guide: This article is based on the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) guidance on air travel for short-nosed dogs and warm weather safety and U.S. Department of Transportation service animal rules. Last reviewed: September 2026.
Shih Tzus are small enough to travel easily, but their short faces mean they need extra care, especially on planes and in hot weather. This guide covers car trips, flying, and what to pack.
Know the risk: The AVMA lists Shih Tzus among the short-nosed breeds that are especially vulnerable during air travel. Their airways can collapse under stress or heat. The AVMA recommends in-cabin travel for small short-nosed dogs and warns against the cargo hold, where no one can monitor your pet. Many airlines also restrict short-nosed breeds from flying as cargo.
Before Any Trip
- Visit your vet. The AVMA suggests a vet visit within 10 days of air travel. Ask whether your dog is healthy enough to fly and whether you need a health certificate.
- Check ID. Make sure your dog wears a collar and ID tag and that the microchip registration is up to date. See our collar and ID guide.
- Crate or carrier training. The AVMA recommends getting your dog used to the travel crate ahead of time. See our crate training guide.
- Do not sedate without your vet. The AVMA warns that sedation can increase the risk of injury during air travel.
Traveling by Car
- Secure your dog. Use a sturdy carrier or crate secured with a seat belt, or a crash-tested travel harness. Keep your dog out of the front seat.
- Keep the car cool. Short-nosed dogs overheat easily.
- Never leave your dog in a parked car. The AVMA warns that the temperature inside a parked car can rise quickly, even on a mild day, with the windows cracked.
- Take breaks every few hours for water and a potty stop, always on a leash.
- Pack familiar items such as a blanket and toy.
Flying With a Shih Tzu
Most airlines allow small dogs in the cabin in a carrier that fits under the seat. Rules, fees, and carrier sizes vary by airline, so check before you book.
- Book in-cabin travel early. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight.
- Choose a soft-sided, airline-approved carrier. The Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier (Medium) is marketed as airline approved and has a spring wire frame that compresses to fit under seats. Always check your airline’s size limits.
- Pick direct flights and cooler times. The AVMA recommends minimizing layovers and avoiding temperature extremes.
- Keep the carrier well ventilated. The AVMA advises against thick blankets that block airflow.
- Offer water before the flight and during layovers.
Emotional support animals are treated as pets under U.S. Department of Transportation rules. Only trained service dogs are covered as service animals. Read our service dog guide for details.
Staying at Hotels and Rentals
- Confirm the pet policy and fees before booking.
- Bring your dog’s bed, bowls, and regular food.
- Keep the same feeding and potty schedule as at home.
- Use a crate or carrier when you leave the room, if allowed, so your dog is safe and quiet.
Travel Packing Checklist
- Food, treats, and bottled water
- Bowls and a travel water bottle
- Leash, harness, collar, and ID tag
- Carrier or crate
- Poop bags and cleaning wipes
- Any medicines and a copy of vaccine records
- A brush and comb for the coat
- A familiar blanket or toy
Watch for heat stress. Heavy panting, noisy breathing, drooling, weakness, or collapse are warning signs. Move your dog somewhere cool and contact a vet right away. Read our Shih Tzu heat safety guide and breathing problems guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Shih Tzus fly on planes?
Yes, most can fly in the cabin in an airline-approved carrier. The AVMA lists Shih Tzus among short-nosed breeds at higher risk during air travel and advises against the cargo hold.
Can a Shih Tzu fly in cargo?
It is not recommended. The AVMA warns that short-nosed dogs are vulnerable to breathing problems under stress and heat, and no one can monitor pets in the cargo hold. Many airlines also restrict short-nosed breeds from cargo.
Should I sedate my Shih Tzu for travel?
Not without your vet’s advice. The AVMA warns that sedation can increase the risk of injury during air travel.
How do I keep my Shih Tzu safe in the car?
Use a secured carrier or crash-tested harness, keep the car cool, take regular breaks, and never leave your dog alone in a parked car.
What should I pack for a trip with my Shih Tzu?
Pack food, water, bowls, leash, harness, ID, carrier, poop bags, medicines, vaccine records, grooming tools, and a familiar blanket or toy.
Sources
- American Veterinary Medical Association: Air travel and short-nosed dogs FAQ
- American Veterinary Medical Association: Warm weather pet safety
- U.S. Department of Transportation: Service animals
- Amazon.com product listing, checked September 2026
This article is for general information. It is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Read our medical disclaimer.
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