Hi Jen, Usually the dogs are last on and first off. In warm climates like Italy in the summer the dogs are kept in an airconditioned or shaded space. They are then loaded on the plance shortly before take off - they they are the first off upon landing. Take off and landing is the most traumatic for the dogs - acceleration and incline - deceleration and noises. But if you use the self feeding bottles and train the dog how to drink from it you should not have any major spills. Use good aborbent material, trim the dogs nails to keep the pads on the surface for gripping. Do not put food - they dont need it and it only make poop. Should be all good. I put the calming meds in the water.