Published on March 23, 2026
If your dog has a layover during air travel, what happens next depends on how your dog is flying. Dogs traveling in the cabin usually stay with their pet parent between flights, while dogs traveling as checked pets or cargo are typically transferred by trained airline staff to a secure holding or transit area until the next flight. In some major hubs, pets may be cared for in dedicated animal facilities during transit.
For many pet parents, layovers sound stressful at first. That is completely understandable. The good news is that pet travel is not handled the same way as standard baggage. Airline pet transport follows specific welfare and handling standards, and industry guidance is built around moving animals in safe and humane conditions.
What happens to dogs on layovers if they are flying in the cabin?
If your dog is flying in the cabin, your dog stays with you during the layover. You would usually deplane together, wait in the terminal, and then board your connecting flight together. Airlines commonly require pets to remain in their carrier in the airport and on the aircraft, so your dog is typically not walking freely through the terminal.
What happens to dogs on layovers if they are traveling as checked pets or cargo?
If your dog is not flying in the cabin, the process is more behind the scenes. After landing, airline or cargo staff usually move your dog in their carrier through secure handling areas, not through the public terminal. From there, your dog is staged for the next leg of the trip and monitored according to the airline’s transit procedures.
At some major transit hubs, dogs may stay in specialized animal facilities during a layover. Lufthansa Cargo, for example, states that animals in transit are cared for according to their needs, examined, fed, and watered, and its pet transit area includes dog kennels and separate quiet zones for cats.
Do dogs get taken out of their crates during layovers?
For cargo or checked pet travel, the goal is often to keep the dog secure, reduce unnecessary handling, and avoid the risk of escape or added stress. According to IATA guidance, sufficient water must be provided for the journey. If food may be needed during transport, include enough dry food for each day of travel in a clear, sealable plastic bag so it can travel with your pet without requiring the container to be opened.
That said, handling can vary by airline, airport, route, and facility. Some specialized transit programs may provide extra care during longer connections.
Do dogs get water or food during a layover?
Under IATA transport guidance, dogs should have access to sufficient water for the duration of the journey. Feeding is more situational and often depends on the wait time before the next flight, the airline’s procedures, and the specific transit facility involved.
For example, once pets are transferred from the plane to the Air France KLM Schiphol Animal Hotel, dogs are able to eat, drink, exercise, and rest before continuing their journey.
Are layovers stressful for dogs?
They can be. A layover adds more time, more handling, and more moving parts to the journey. That does not automatically make it unsafe, but it can make the trip more complex than a direct flight. This is why animal lounges can play such an important role for dogs in transit. These facilities are designed to give pets a chance to rest, and the staff are trained to care for them during their stay. For example, ARK Pet Oasis at JFK offers 24/7 animal care, staffed kennels, feeding and watering, travel crate cleaning, and pet updates.
Many pet parents prefer the simplest route possible for exactly that reason. Fewer transfers usually mean fewer unknowns, which can understandably make pet parents anxious. When working with pet travel professionals, they will usually try to arrange a direct flight whenever possible. However, that is not always feasible, and sometimes a layover is necessary.
What about international layovers?
International layovers are fairly common. When they are well planned, they can actually benefit your dog by giving them time to rest, have water, and receive care before the next part of the journey.
During an international layover, the requirements can become more complex. If your pet is changing airlines at the layover airport, they may need to clear customs and be re-checked with the second airline. In some cases, additional paperwork may also be required depending on the country of transit, the country of origin, and whether your dog is formally entering the transit country during the layover. For example, the EU has specific entry rules for pets arriving from non-EU countries, including animal health documentation requirements.
It is also important to remember that transit requirements can change and may depend on the exact routing, airline procedures, and transit facility involved. For that reason, it is always best to confirm the requirements for your dog’s specific itinerary in advance.
Is a direct flight better than a layover for a dog?
In many cases, yes. A direct flight often reduces total travel time, limits transfers, and lowers the chance of delays or routing complications. But a layover is not automatically a bad option. Sometimes it is simply the only workable route, especially for international relocations or less common destinations.
How to make a layover easier on your dog
Choose the simplest route you can. Confirm with the airline how dogs are handled in transit. Make sure your dog’s crate meets airline and IATA requirements. And avoid sedating your dog because IATA guidance says sedation is generally not recommended.
For international trips, also make sure the layover country does not trigger extra import or re-entry requirements. This is especially important for U.S.-bound dogs and for routes involving countries with stricter rabies-related rules.
Final thoughts
So, what happens to dogs on layovers? If your dog is flying in the cabin, your dog usually stays with you. If your dog is traveling as checked baggage or cargo, trained staff typically transfer your dog through secure handling areas and, in some airports, care for them in dedicated animal transit facilities until the next flight.
The most important thing to remember is that layovers are not all the same. The airline, airport, route, season, and destination country can all affect what happens during that stop. That is why planning ahead is one of the best ways to reduce stress for both you and your dog.
Need help planning your dog’s trip with a connection? WorldCare Pet Transport can help you think through routing, documentation, crate requirements, and the safest travel options for your pet. Fill out our free request a quote form to get started.
Valerie Neyra is the Marketing Coordinator at WorldCare Pet and a proud cat mom to Lucky. She is dedicated to creating resources that simplify domestic & international pet transport. Valerie understands how important pets are to our lives and works to help pet parents feel supported and confident every step of the way during their global moves.