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Flying the Fur-Friendly Skies
When you are planning a plane trip with your pet, it is crucial to first check your destination's requirements for bringing pets, especially if you are going to another country. Make sure that there is not a quarantine required. Preparations for international travel (the process of vaccinations, microchipping, obtaining health certificates from the required agencies) can take up to six months so you must realize this before you make airline reservations. Most airlines provide information about bringing pets onboard. Some airlines will not take pets at all and some will allow pets only when they are brought into the cabin. There are also rules about when pets are allowed in cargo depending upon the Season (the cargo hold is too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer.) LetsGoPets has a general guideline listing airline requirements.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Does the airline allow pets? Can you to take your dog or cat on board with you?
Will the airline take your pet as cargo? Are there seasonal restrictions?
Does the airline require a specific type of carrier? The following are official websites offering information on airplane pet travel
FAA: http://www.faa.gov/avr/afs/cabinsafety/pets/pets.htm
DOT: http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publications/animals.htm
HOW TO SHIP A PET BY AIR
Does the airline have any health and immunization requirements beyond that of your destination? Often a Health certificate needs to be issued within 10 days of travel.
Be sure your pet is wearing a collar with an identification tag listing home address and phone number as well as a temporary tag that includes your cell phone number and your destination phone number, just in case your pet "takes off". Cats should have breakaway collars
Rules change frequently so it is best to call the airline or check their website at the links provided below.
Often there is a limited number of pets allowed in the cabin on any given flight so book as soon as you can to assure your pet will be accepted.
Remember that the USDA says that your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned before traveling on an airplane.
Be sure to check with your veterinarian to make sure that your pet is capable of traveling well. Pug nosed dogs or cats (e.g. Boston Terriers, Boxers, Chow Chows, Pekinese and Persians...) do not fly well because they are more apt to have trouble breathing due to their short nasal passages
Make sure your pet's Health Certificate is up to date and you meet all of the requirements of your destination country.
Using tranquilizers to sedate your pet is not advised because at higher altitudes, their effects on animals are unpredictable. If you think your pet needs sedation, tell your veterinarian where you will be flying to and then follow his recommendation.
Pets allowed in the cabin are usually 10 lbs. Of under and their carrier can fit under the seat
If your pet will be going in cargo, try to book a direct, nonstop flight so your pet will not have to be transferred to another plane risking mistakes or uncomfortable waiting periods. If the airlines don't restrict passage during extreme hot or cold periods, do restrict your pet yourself to less extreme weather and even consider early morning or late afternoon flights in the summer to avoid the heat.
Always travel on the same flight as your pet. Tell the captain and your flight attendant that your pet is in cargo. That way, they will consider your pet if special circumstances arise.
There are companies specializing in the relocation of pets that may be helpful in certain situations like when you are moving.
Clip your pet's nails before the trip so they won't get caught in the carrier's doors or sides.
The USDA requires you to give your pet food and water within 4 hours of check-in. At check-in you will be asked to certify the time at which your pet was last fed. Do not overfeed your pet as it is not good for your pet to travel on a full stomach. Do not leave food or water in the kennel. However, frozen ice cubes are often used during air travel as there is not the spillage problem and your pet can drink incrementally. It helps to fasten the bowl to the carrier's floor. You may also tape a packet of food on top of the kennel in case of emergency or during a layover.
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