Article about Tips on Traveling with Pets

If you're planning to travel by air with your pet, there are some considerations that you should first take into account. To begin with, be aware of the risks involved. Regardless of how careful and cautious you and the airline carrier are, there are always significant risks that can occur anytime you decide to transport your pet by air, such as safety and health issues. Due to the number of risks involved, it's usually recommended that you seek other alternate means of transportation if possible. If air transportation is your only option, however, there are some things that you can do to help make the process safer and easier.

Some breeds should not be transported by air because of a susceptibility to breathing difficulties caused by thin air at high altitudes. These include Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, Boxers, Chow Chows and other dogs, as well as Himalayan and Persian cats. Sick, nervous, pregnant or older pets should also not travel by air. Be sure to first check with your veterinarian as to whether or not air travel is safe for your pet.

There are certain regulations imposed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requiring that all pets be at least 8 weeks old, or two months, and weaned at least five days prior to flying in order to be transported by air. We strongly advise that you err on the side of caution and not transport any pet under 12 weeks of age. The USDA also prohibits the shipment of animals where temperatures at either the origin or destination are below 45 degrees or above 85 degrees. A number of airlines employ further temperature-related limitations. If you would like to obtain more information on the USDA Pet Travel regulations, you can visit their website here.

When considering your flight options, it's strongly discouraged that you anything other than nonstop flights, especially for pets that will not be traveling in the cabin. Avoid weekend or holiday traveling periods. The high volume of travelers during these periods may prevent your pet from receiving as much attention as it should. If your pet will not be traveling in the cabin with you, restrain from traveling during very cold or hot times of the year and make sure that flights are early morning or late night if during the summer season and midday if during the winter. If you will not be traveling with your pet, there exist a number of pet travel services that can arrange for the shipment and transportation, including pick-up and delivery.

Rules and regulations on pets traveling by air vary from airline to airline. This can relate to the type of pet they will transport and the means by which they will transport them, all of which you will need to discuss with them. The charges for pet transportation also depend on the airline, although they usually range anywhere between fifty and one hundred dollars one way. Travel reservations should be placed well in advance. The most important reason is because the amount of pets allowed on a flight is very limited, and also because pet approval is generally given on a first-come-first-served basis.

Inform the airline carrier of the expected weather at your origin, destination, and any transferring cities, as well as the type of pet that will be traveling, including his size, weight, temperament, and any health issues and the type and size of his crate. Some airlines may decline to transport a pet for any reason, including any of the above or poor health or violent disposition. Make sure to bring copies of your pet's health and rabies certificates and pertinent documentation before you part for the airport. It is always advisable to contact the airline within a day or two before departure to reconfirm that your pet will be traveling either with you or unaccompanied. Verify the check-in and arrival locations as well as any cutoff times for acceptance of your pet on the flight.

Always remember that for any option chosen for transporting your pet by air, reservations are required and recommended well ahead of the scheduled departure. While the availability of options varies from airline to airline, they usually will notify you of three forms of transporting your pet: in cabin, as checked baggage, or as freight or cargo. Smaller pets are usually allowed to travel in the cabin, however larger pets must be sent as cargo.

In cabin. You or the person traveling with your pet will be on the same flight as your pet. You pet must be secured inside of a pet carrier and stowed under the seat in front of you. Some airlines permit pets in passenger cabins only if they are small enough to be kept within the designated space. The size limitation does vary by aircraft and airline. Certain carrier types, sizes and weight restrictions may apply. When taking your pet with you in the cabin, keep in mind that most airports will require that the pet be removed from the carrier at the security screening checkpoint so that the carrier may be sent through the x-ray machine. Be sure that you have a leash or harness with you for your pet to use when necessary. At no point during the flight will your pet be allowed to be taken outside of the carrier.

Checked baggage: You must be on the same flight as your pet, and the crate and pet combined must weigh no more than one hundred pounds. Additional information and tips on this alternative are listed below. Remember that for specific instructions contact the airline carrier and make sure to get all relevant information possible.

Cargo: If the pet does not qualify for either of the previous options, the last option is to travel as cargo. There are certain disadvantages to using this alternative, such as a lack of guarantee as to the particular flight your pet will be on. However, you can select priority or "counter-to-counter" shipping, an option that we strongly recommend under these circumstances. Find out with the airline carrier about other cargo on the flight to make certain that there are no substances that would be dangerous to your pet.

Crate Instructions: Since crate specifications vary among airlines and plane types, call the airline beforehand and find out as many instructions as you possibly can regarding your pet's crate. Find out if there are any particular instructions as to the size, crate locks, weight, etc. The airlines have the final decision on acceptance of a particular crate, so make sure you have their most current regulations on this subject. The crate should not be too large for your pet as this can involve the risk of injury during a bumpy portion of the flight. The bottom of the crate should contain absorbent material such as bedding or newspaper and should not contain litter. Secure a leash to the outside of the crate. No more than one adult dog or adult cat or no more than two puppies or kittens younger than 6 months old and less than 20 pound should be placed in the same crate.

Label the Crate: Attach a label to the crate with all pertinent information including your flight information, destination, arrival contact name and number, as well as any special instructions for handlers. Add your contact information or, if your pet is traveling alone, clearly specify the recipient's information. This will ensure that either you or the person waiting for your pet will be promptly informed should any event happen. Place labels with the words "LIVE ANIMAL" in letters at least one inch high with arrows pointing upright on all sides and an additional label without arrows on the top.

Pet Supplies: Your pet might need a few supplies during the flight. Make sure to include an empty food and water dish secured inside the kennel, and see to it that they can be reached from the outside. Attach extra food, water in small containers, and any required medication to the outside of the crate along with all specific instructions for these items and a twenty-four hour history of feeding, watering, and medication. We suggest that you also include a small bowl with frozen water inside the crate that your pet can lick in case it feels thirsty and needs to drink some water. Do not use ice cubes as they can pose a choking hazard. For the same reason, do not include any toys or any other objects that your pet might accidentally swallow.

Insurance: If you are considering insuring your pet, it is advisable that you do so for an amount of $10,000. The amount of this coverage to you is minimal and it will mean that greater attention will be given to your pet. This will give you a greater sense of safety with the handling of your pet.

Tendering and Feeding Your Pet: USDA regulations provide that your pet may be tendered no more than four hours before flight time - six hours by special arrangement. Before tendering your pet for the flight, the USDA requires that you have provided your pet with an adequate amount of food and water within the last four hours. We suggest that you offer water to your pet as close to two hours before the flight as possible. It is very likely that the airline will require you to sign a certification to this effect. To avoid making the flight uncomfortable for your pet, try not to feed it a full meal within a few hours before departure.

When Boarding the Aircraft: Remain in the boarding area to confirm that your pet has been loaded into the aircraft. When you board the plane, let the captain and flight attendant know that your pet is on board and require them to confirm you that your pet has been loaded. If you do not have access to the captain, give the flight attendant a note for the captain in which you ask that he or she assure you that your pet has been loaded and is, in fact, on board.

Layovers, Transfers and Arrivals: If your flight is not a non-stop flight, leave the aircraft and check on your pet during the layover. If, for any reason, taxiing becomes extended or the aircraft experiences ventilation problems, let a flight attendant know that you are concerned about your pet and request to have the captain check the temperature in the cargo hold where your pet is traveling. If the delay is long, it will be extremely important to insist that your pet be removed. Many pets have died due to suffocation. If the layover is long enough, consult if you would be able to claim your pet, take it for a walk, and give it water before you board the plane again. Plane connections can involve claiming and rechecking your pet at the connecting location, a process that could take about two to three hours.

We suggest that you never change planes without claiming and rechecking your pet, even if the airline carrier offers you this option. Claim your pet as soon as possible after you reach your destination or if you are not traveling with your pet, make sure that the person receiving him has the complete flight schedule and name of the airport where your pet will arrive.

Tips on Preparing Your Pet For His Flight:

Obtain the shipping container or carrier (for a dog or cat) a week or two prior to the departure date. Accustom your pet to it progressively, perhaps a few minutes to begin and then gradually increase the amount of time. Some suggest that the best time to start is during your pet's nap time, and others will suggest that you place one of your pet's favorite blankets in the carrier. It is not often recommended to use a toy to help him adapt to his crate as toys should not accompany your pet on his flight.

Exercise your pet before you place him in his carrier or crate so that he may relieve himself. This will also help to ear him out and may even allow him to sleep during the flight. Keep in mind, though, that over exercising him may alter his ability to breathe or regulate his temperature by panting.

Make certain that your pet is wearing a collar with identification. The safest type of collar for air travel is a breakaway collar if you have a cat or, for dogs, a paper collar you make yourself from a strip of paper and tape with identification written on the paper. This will prevent the collar from becoming caught on anything.

For additional information on pets and travel, read our tips on Traveling With Your Pet.

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