How to air travel with a dog? Tips from a shih tzu puppy!

International flight with a little Shih Tzu puppy? Flying with a pet during pandemic? Going from San Francisco to Mexico with your dog? We did it! Our little Shih Tzu, Kika loved being on a plane, going somewhere different. She was born to go on vacations! In this short video, we wanted to share with you how Kika went through the check in process at the airport and how she travelled in a plane. Tune in for the next part where Kika will be sharing bits and pieces of her adventures in Mexico!
Kika's travel favorite:
Pet travel bag 👜 OKMEE Soft Pet Carrier - amzn.to/39QNVbl​​
Kika's other favorite items:
For grooming ✂ : OMORC Dog Clippers: amzn.to/3qPb7fB​

[@pixelandlibby3697]

Hahaha, Kika looks pretty funny all squished into her travel bags like that!! She's remarkably calm despite the noise and crowds of an airport and airplane, even with the pandemic going on. Great video, thanks for sharing!! Greetings from my kitties Pixel and Libby! 😻😊💜💛

[@kikashihtzu]

Thank you for your lovely comment! Sending the cute kitties Pixel and Libby so much love from us 💜💜

[@noralivingston2374]

Oh how I love Kikas Mexican hat!!!

[@beatrixalvey9517]

No doubt in my mind that you had to have been the cutest passenger on board that flight

[@memes9924]

I am your new subscriber

[@lucythegoldenretriever]

Woof! So cute with the Mexican hat!! 💖

[@user-mk1gf5pv9p]

How did you manage to go on the plane with Kika, I thought they didn't allow Shih Tzu's on the planes, because I want to take my Shih Tzu with me but I'm not sure how to do that due to Shih Tzu's have problems on planes.

[@xoxolucythemaltese1046]

Kika you are so cute! I'm super jealous you got to travel 🤣 new friend here, Lucy

[@kikashihtzu]

Thank you for your message, Lucy!! Happy to be friends!! 💜💜

[@paquia3479]

Kika es lo más.... Qué perrita más preciosa !!!❤❤❤❤

[@reajaral3559]

I love watching kika's wonderful vacation..she really love travelling , i really love this cutie furbaby.

[@geumi1405]

키카 너무너무 예뻐요.멕시코 여행 어땠어?물론 좋았겠지🤩👍👍

[@jessicaromero9726]

Trying to fly to Mexico with my cat on cabin but idk where to even start or how this would be my first time taking my cat with me and I need help :(

[@kikashihtzu]

Hi Jessica! First off, make sure to call the airlines to let them know that your cat will be traveling with you and also make sure that you have some up to date records with regards to your cat’s vaccinations. You dont need a international health certificate for Mexico so hopefully this should make things easier for you! Good luck!

[@krishandsandy9700]

Love from Kerala,India❤️❤️

[@ianjeon110]

Did she have any breathing difficulties?

[@kikashihtzu]

Hi Ian, no she was totally fine actually.

[@Cooltrane92]

What airlines accept Shih Tzus?United no longer does. I am flying 9hours +. Help!

[@kikashihtzu]

We flew with Turkish airlines for the long trip. And just recently with Alaska to Mexico

[@Cooltrane92]

@@kikashihtzu thank you 😇

[@Kat-n-Ollie]

Kika, as always, steals the show! She’s so mellow and adorable. I’m in love, for sure. ❤❤❤

[@kikashihtzu]

Thank you Kat, Kika and I are sending our love to you and your shih tzu baby 💜💜

[@cheriwasano7833]

Mahalo nui loa. My shih tzu is named Kika = tiger.

[@shirkerashirkera9057]

Omg my winter would act a fool on the flight lol kika is so calm and relaxed

[@kikashihtzu]

you can try some herbal calming oils for your baby if you'd like. for some dogs, it works

[@PETEL페텔]

Hi kika, this is PETEL! I would like to invite my country in Korea, we are the best company for dog trip! Hope to reply me! Thanks Petel

[@roserosales4704]

Hi ! im planning on traveling with my shiz tzu but shes on the bigger side what size is kika and which carrier did you use ?

[@kikashihtzu]

hi there, Kika is around 12-13 pounds (not super small, a bit on the chubbier side even maybe :)). As for the carrier, i’ll check the brand and will get back to you on that! Hope you get to travel with your shih tzu! 💜

[@djrayray126]

Omg she looks EXACTLY LIKE MY KASHA BABY I saved 12 years ago! Aweee so precious

[@kirkmarshall7033]

Hi, do you recommend CBD for the dog since they panic?

[@kikashihtzu]

Hi Kirk! Kika is usually very calm but yes I do make sure to give her a bit of the cbd oil to ensure that she’s relaxed and in a good mood to sleep well :) that really helps us!

[@untoldfilms4808]

Hi, I’m really struggling with proper information. I wish to fly from Mumbai india to Melbourne Australia with my 9 month old Shih Tzu. I really want to know if this long a flight is ok for the little boy and would I need to sedate him ? Did you face any challenges?

[@kikashihtzu]

Hi there, im currently working on a video where we traveled from SF to Turkey with Kika and it was 13-14 hours and there were really no problems at all. And we did that trip twice already. So I would really not worry about it. Just make sure that your shih tzu is good with and accustomed to his carrier ( maybe make him spend some time there on and off) and it should be fine! :)

[@lyn6117]

Thank you I’m looking forward to the video ur doing on the 15 hr flight cus I also have a shihtzu around a year old and we’re going to travel on a 15 hr flight from Guam to Seattle . Can you also explain how you checked your pet in before boarding too/ and if for connecting flights Thank u !

[@kikashihtzu]

@@lyn6117 ahh ok let me work on that in the next few weeks then! i have all the footage of us flying to Turkey :)

[@lyn6117]

@@kikashihtzu thank you I’m so excited!❤️

[@FelipeChampzz]

Super! Estou totalmente inseguro com as diversas informações entre ser seguro ou não viajar com o Shitzu na cabine, despressurização etc etc. Tenho uma de 5 anos, super saudável e é acostumada a viajar por longas horas de carro conosco. Vi num de seus comentários abaixo que vocês inclusive viajaram para Turquia, mais de 12h com certeza de Vôo! Estou um pouco aflito, confesso! rs

[@kikashihtzu]

Muito obrigado pela sua mensagem, Felipe! Sim, postarei um vídeo sobre nossa viagem à Turquia e talvez isso possa dar a vocês mais confiança sobre como voar com um shih tzu!

[@mics4521]

Can shih tzu really air travel? Or there r some restrictions based on the breed?

[@kikashihtzu]

Great question! nope, you can travel with your shih tzu to wherever you want, just like any other dog 💗🎈

[@gabrielapereira1862]

This was the same question I had since a lot of airlines are against it!

[@ricklinz6746]

What's news? I hope everything is fine out there.

[@analuciamagalhaes5194]

How long the flight to Vallarta? Kika looked very well during the flight! Great girl!!! A nice vacation family! Sending love and kisses❤️😘❤️😘❤️😘

[@kassandracolon]

How do you get a passport for a dog i have a dog and I want to take her with me but I’m not sure how to get a passport for her

[@thomasarcher4034]

What a little beauty! Thanks for sharing.

[@elcr1990]

hi i want to travel with my female shi tzu puppy.. but im not sure abput the carrier size.. can you please help me telling me what size of traveling carrier you used..? my shi tzu is the same size as yours 🙂👍🙏

[@kikashihtzu]

the carrier sizes are standard and you can find them online if you search for “travel bag for dogs”

[@rneupane]

My kutu

[@moodchangemusic3405]

Hi they put kika on the scale?

[@naina6487]

I love kika ...and the way u take care ...excellent work...I have a 3 months old shihtzu...i m frm INDIA

[@kikashihtzu]

aww this is so nice to hear… thank you so much for your love 💜

[@pikininhovovozinho]

Quê belezinha seu cachorrinho

[@pa209]

Absolutely adorable I love that little hat!!

[@vandanachandel9389]

Kika is soooooo cutie pie 😘🥰😍💖❤️

[@raquelrenteria9518]

Wow she did great!! She’s a cutie😍 my male shitzu did poorly in carrier😟

[@kikashihtzu]

oh sorry to hear that :( some do feel concerned when they hear the airplane starting to work..

[@mayralopez8597]

Hi there, quick question, how was the process flying with united? I'm planning a trip to mexico with my shih tzu but am worried they wont allow snub nosed pets to fly in cabin. Please help! We are leaving from Chicago if it matters. :)

[@kikashihtzu]

hello! it was super easy! just make sure that your shih tzu’s vaccinations are up to date. Other than that you don’t need much to worry about. Oh also, make sure that you make a reservation for your dog on the flight in advance :) hope all goes well!! 💜

[@mayralopez8597]

@@kikashihtzu appreciate the reply! one last question, what documents did you need to enter and exit Mexico? I think I have it all down after researching but would love to know from someone who's been there first hand!

[@kikashihtzu]

@@mayralopez8597 no worries! Mexico does not need an international health certificate from visitors. They used to, but not anymore. So you can just fly in with your dog without a worry. Make sure that your shih tzu has the most recent rabies shot done in at least 60 days in advance

[@Abcccdwe]

@@kikashihtzu hi! Did you choose United airlines because American Airlines doesn’t accept shitzus?

[@kikashihtzu]

@@Abcccdwe hi there! i didnt know that AA didnt accept shih tzus but thank you for the info 💜

[@shihtzuworld3473]

So cute❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@jerbear6365]

Its a lie-rus

[@annisaimut141]

Hai Kika sayang 😘😘😘😘😘 cantik dan lucu ya kamu Kika comelll sehat terus ya Kika❤️❤️❤️

[@buddystar1036]

Awww my friend. Great video. LIKE 👍🐾😀✨👏🐾👍🥰🐾✨❤️😍

[@Alicja-s9k6n]

😂❤

[@kimmathis694]

I think I love Kika as much as you do!❤

[@kikashihtzu]

thank you for your loving heart, Kim 💜

[@mararosanesouzasoares645]

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@NeoTesla]

Hello. I subbed to you. I want you know. I have a shih-tzu puppy that is 6 months old but he's bigger than an average shitzu, plus he weighs 20 pounds, but he's not like a super giant. I want to know if there are any airlines that allow shih - tzus for international flights. Im a Canadian living abroad in Europe. I'm planning on flying back to Canada in mid January. Let me know when you have any answers. Thank you.

[@kikashihtzu]

hi there! sure, so far we’ve used Turkish airlines, american airlines, united and alaska and Kika was able to fly without any problems. Your shih tzu should be fine. I also have a video where Kika flew to Turkey for 13-14 hours straight with Turkish airlines and it was a smooth flight. Hope that helps!

[@NeoTesla]

@@kikashihtzu Thank you very much. I thought I lost hope because there is certain airlines that don't accept shih - tzus , which i find that rule ridiculous. Hopefully things go well

[@kikashihtzu]

@@NeoTesla don’t worry about it, i think it is more of a myth than anything else :)

[@fernandalacerdadesousa4484]

Fofura 🐶💕😍

[@Renachannel3643]

Good evening🍀Enjoy your trip💕kika is very cute❤️🥰🙆💕

[@sandhyadadannagari9014]

upload more videos of kika please

[@kikashihtzu]

thank you! ok i will :)

[@jesscasero1467]

Hi, did United require a health certificate for Kika to travel to Mexico? I will be traveling with my dog in December. I have my dog’s vaccine records but just wondering if I have to go to my vet and get an actual certificate. Loved Kika’s video :)

[@kikashihtzu]

Hello, are you going to be traveling abroad? For international flights, it’s good to have the certificate but if you’re asking specifically about Mexico, no you don’t need a certificate for that. Rabies shot certificate would be eniugh

[@jesscasero1467]

@@kikashihtzu yes, sorry, i should’ve specified. We are traveling to Mexico from SFO as well. Thanks for the response! I’ll have her vaccine records with me then!

[@kikashihtzu]

@@jesscasero1467 you should be all set! Mexico used to require health certificate for pets traveling from the US till last year. They just lifted the rule. Hope you guys have a fun trip 💜💜 We had so much fun there!

[@marzenaczaja4144]

Mexican styling wonderfully Kika 🏖🍹🐶🤠👒☀️✈️💗🥰

[@queenie8301]

Nice boarding woof fwen in Mexico😊happy to see you all safe and sound's😍enjoy your vacation my dearly love lovely cute Kika😚😚😚🤗🤗🤗❤❤❤

[@faryalkhan2008]

Awwwwwww 😍 please tell what carrier have you used?

[@reve1er382]

How heavy is your shih? My pet now is 7.5kgs we are afraid we will not meet the 8kgs requirement plus the carrier

[@arkichannel0119]

your shih tzu is so behave.

[@kikashihtzu]

Thank you, yes Kika is always very calm and mature :)

[@heyall6752]

is shih tzu doggos are banned in domestic airplnae in USA? Can someone confirm it

[@jvc7244]

I'm pretty sure when they put Kika on the scale, it showed cuteness overload :)

[@amandabrowne4934]

Wow Kika you are so cute and so good my word you are amazing...♡♡

[@meekatheshihtzu8408]

Hello Kika Fun Fun going on a trip.🙂 Enjoyed your video.

[@dreamtrue987]

Love your video Pls refer from where u got the puppy We have been looking for good shih tzu jnn bay area much appreciated if u cN help us with details which breeder or craigslist u got the little angel

[@Sai-ug7zz]

So cute ❤️ did Kika travel in flight for more than 20hours any time?

[@heenakaushal171]

She is so pretty

[@kikashihtzu]

Aww thank you for the love ❤️

[@youtubesucks2322]

Can a shih Tzu survive on an airplane for 32 hours? I rlly wanna know ❤ (With a potty pad!)

[@nilsacardona2454]

Kika....enjoy your vacation....you cute....lovable furbaby.....❤

[@lisamartin3734]

Kika's pineapple doo is just the cutest thing to arrive in Mexico.

[@blancagarrido2282]

TE AMO.TE ABRAZO DESDE CHILE.

[@OurCrazyCats]

Kika is one jet set shih tzu!!! LOL

[@ishantsharma1846]

Kika is sooo cuteee By the way ! How old is she....

[@cmnt64]

Why don't you show your face ?

[@gabrielapereira1862]

I have a shitzu and saw many companies do allow them on planes. How was his flight?

[@kikashihtzu]

Thanks for asking! The flight was great and she was as calm as a cucumber 🥒

[@gabrielapereira1862]

@@kikashihtzu did the airlines ask for any specific documents ? Or looked at the “snub nose”?

[@kikashihtzu]

@@gabrielapereira1862 we got a letter from our vet stating that Kika is healthy to travel. For international flights you have to check if the destination country requires a health certificate. Some countries don’t. But the nose was never the problem. And she was doing totally fine during the flight. She has been on many flights including the long ones like 13-14 hours. No problems at all.

[@gabrielapereira1862]

I’m traveling with my shitzu on Friday and am nervous they will not allow it since he is a shitzu ☹️ But seeing this video calms me down. If you don’t mind me asking was she a esa or a service dog?

[@kikashihtzu]

@@gabrielapereira1862 hope your trip goes smoothly! no she was not a service dog or an esa. the trip went very well. there’s also another video from a recent trip that we took to LA. Check it out if that helps! Good luck with everything!

[@staceyteeelle3602]

Why are you travelling..? We are all stuck at home trying to contain this fungalitis....shame

[@kikashihtzu]

Hi Stacey, we’re vaccinated.

[@chitraphalnikar8680]

Kika...u r so cute❤

[@TheZerious]

Hello.. Did your Shihtzu handle the flight well?? I am kind of scared to fly my Shihtzu since they have a flat nose. They said Shihtzu’s can have a hard time with flying

[@kikashihtzu]

Hi Joanna! All went really well, she handled the flight like a pro! Thank you ❤️

[@tuktukbeagle9187]

Kika kika 😍😍

[@heylunagoldenretriever]

take care ❤️

[@verenaoliveira4321]

Congratualions

[@verenaoliveira4321]

Oh! What nice !

[@anamikabanerjeebiswas3185]

Love you kika

[@archananavale5519]

So cute kika

[@naminhabolsamala3062]

Cutie 😘

[@karencamburn6773]

So cute !!!❤

[@c.m2790]

กิก้า❤

[@fernandamartins1668]

Ooo so cute. Thank you from Portugal😃

[@kikashihtzu]

Thank you ❤️ Greeting to Portugal!

[@cleliabronze3492]

😆😆❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🖒🖒🖒

[@sugasuga3254]

😙😙😙😙

[@marcmg4234]

I wish I can fly with my baby.

[@kikashihtzu]

Hope one day you can, Marc! But if you baby is a nervous one, it’s better not to put her/him through this experience. Sending your baby my love 🎈🌸

[@LaceyShihTzu]

Oh you are so good Kika 👌🏻 Enjoy your vacation in Mexico!! 💖🐾👍🏻 🏝 ☀️

[@kikashihtzu]

Thank you my beautiful friend! Dogs need vacations too, don’t you think? 💜😋

[@michellem3389]

I just came across Kika. She’s sooooo adorable 💕 I had a shih Tzu and I miss her so much. Rest in peace my baby. She was my little girl. Shih Tzu are the best. 💕

[@ericajacobs3302]

I love you kika. I hope her on next video

[@SukhdeepSingh-iz1hu]

Hi your nice video

[@Sommerfrische.1144]

Kika in der Reisetasche 😍😍😍😍 so süß 😍😍😍😍 Sie ist total entspannt! Ihr macht das einfach toll. Super gefilmt. Bekomme auch bald einen Shihtzu. Wir können es kaum erwarten 😁😁😁. Ich wünsche euch einen wunderschönen Urlaub 🍀🌴🍹☀️⛱

[@Sungoddessz]

She’s too cute! I have a boy shih tzu. He’s 10 weeks 🐾 @olivertheepup on insta 😊