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Having your pet along may add enjoyment to your trip. It's important to keep your pet's health and safety in mind when traveling, so be sure to check with the airline well in advance of your trip. Familiarize yourself with the airline's pet requirements so that you can avoid any last minute problems. Here are some basic tips for airline travel with your pet:
1. Avoid the busiest travel times, such as holidays and weekends. And take direct flights, avoiding connections and layovers. This can help prevent missed baggage connections and the chance that your pet will be left in extreme weather.
2. Determine whether the airline has requirements for “acclimation.” In the event that you are unable to secure a direct flight, the pet carrier may be left outside the plane for a period of time. To avoid liability, the airline may require a letter from your veterinarian stating that the pet is acclimated to a minimum and maximum temperature (stated in precise degrees) for a defined period of time.
3. Many airlines will allow one pet in coach and one in first class, with some provisions. Some airlines limit the number of pets traveling within the cabin area so be sure to notify the airline that your pet will be traveling with you. Obviously, only pets small enough to fit under the seat qualify for this type of accommodation.
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4. Seek the advice of your veterinarian before traveling. Update all vaccinations and take all necessary health papers with you. A health certificate for your pet will be required for all interstate, and many intrastate flights. If you are traveling to a foreign country, be aware that many countries require a specific health certificate and/or additional tests or vaccines. It may take several weeks or even months to complete all the paperwork and requirements, so plan ahead. Some countries require a quarantine period, so inquire about that as well.
5. If possible, use airlines that hand carry your pet (inside the cage) to and from aircraft. Otherwise, the cage could simply be placed on a conveyor belt.
6. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) requires your pet to be offered food and water within 4 hrs of airline check-in. Do not overfeed your pet because your pet will not be let out to eliminate until you get the pet after the flight. Do not leave food or water in the kennel because it will spill during the flight and make your pet uncomfortable. Most animals do not eat when stressed anyway.
7. Do not tranquilize your pet without first discussing it with your veterinarian.
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8. Make sure the cage has specific feeding and identification labels permanently attached. Include your name, phone number, flight schedule, destination, and destination contact phone number just in case.
9. Baggage liability limitations apply to your pet. Check your ticket for liability limits and speak directly with the airline. If you are sending an economically valuable pet, you may want to purchase additional liability insurance.
10. Be aware that airline travel may pose a risk for pets with a pre-existing medical problem. For example, you should give serious thought to traveling by plane with a pet that has kidney disease or heart disease. Also, one study has shown that short-faced breeds of dogs (English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pekinese) and cats (Persians and Exotic Shorthairs) do not travel well in certain situations. Discuss these issues with your veterinarian prior to travel.
11. APHIS requires that your pet must be at least 8 weeks of age and fully weaned before flying on a plane.
12. Consider in advance all medications that you may need for your pet. These may include heartworm preventative, flea and tick prevention, long-term medication, and/or special diets. These items may not be available at your destination.
**There is a new airline carrier called PetAirways that flies pets in the cabin (not the cargo hold). For more information, visit them at www.petairways.com.
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