by Danielle Sheffler

Created on: October 24, 2008   Last Updated: October 30, 2008

Air travel can be incredibly uncomfortable for us humans, imagine how our pets can feel! There are things you may not have thought about, and things the airline may not inform you of ahead of time. This article will guide you through flying with your pet.

You need to decide which airline you want to fly on. This makes a difference in rules, costs, and other areas. Some airlines will not allow your pet to travel in the cabin with you,they will need to be checked in as cargo. Other airlines have certain restrictions and the best advice is to call the airline and speak with a representative. Make sure you are 100% clear on their rules and what you will need ahead of time. It is important to call the airline as soon as possible because some are only able to take a certain number of animals per flight.

Take your pet to the veterinarian for a complete check-up. Make sure your pet is current on all all her vaccinations and is healthy for travel. Obtain a written, signed document from your vet stating your pet is in good health. This document should be dated and done 10 days before your flight (check with your airline for a specific date). If you are traveling outside the United States, additional documents may be required, check with the foreign office of the country you are traveling to, make sure you have all necessary paperwork completed before.

Proper identification is a must when traveling with your pet. Consider having your pet microchipped before your trip. At the very least, she should have a collar with an ID tag stating your home information as well as contact information once you arrive at your destination. Include your cell phone number (most people always travel with theirs) so you can be reached any time.

Book a direct flight whenever possible. Flights with layovers increase the risk of your pet being misplaced. Direct flights will be more comfortable for your pet because they will be spending little time on the plane.

You will also need a USDA-approved shipping crate for your pet. This needs to be large enough for her to stand up, sit down, and turn around. These can be purchased from many pet supply stores. In large letters (at least one inch tall) write "LIVE ANIMAL" on the top. This will alert airline personnel of the contents, and an arrow should be placed on the crate indicating the upright position. Write the name, address, and telephone number of your pet's destination on the side and if you are accompanying your pet or if someone else is picking her up. The door should be closed, not locked. It needs to be left unlocked in case of an emergency, and you should line the bottom of the crate with blankets, old towels, or newspapers in case of accidents and to ensure your pet is comfortable.

Tell every airline personnel you see (both on the ground and in the air) that you are traveling with your pet in the cargo hold. If any extra considerations are necessary for your pet, someone will know who to talk to. If at any time during the flight you become concerned for the safety of your pet, ask the airline personnel to check on the welfare of your animal.

Traveling with your pet can be a great experience. If you are unsure about anything do not hesitate to contact your airline and get the answers you need. Following the tips outlined above will ensure your trip great!

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