by Vinny Knowles

Created on: October 24, 2008   Last Updated: May 28, 2009

Travel by air with pets can be a bit complicated. For those who might be considering this option there are several air travel tips that you need to consider.

If you are considering traveling with your pet, check with your airline to see if your pet can travel in the cabin with you. If they are a small animal that can fit in an airline approved carrier under the seat in front of you, this may be permissible. You must check with the airline you are flying ahead of time, because generally airlines will only allow so many pets in a cabin. There will also be extra fees you need to pay.

Other options for traveling with your pet are checking them as excess baggage, or as accompanied baggage. These are the least desirable methods because of the temperature extremes that can occur in the baggage hold. If you must use this method, travel at cooler times (evening or early morning) and avoid flights with lots of changes or layovers.

Before your flight, take a trip to the vet and make sure your pets' vaccinations are up to date and that your pet is in good health. You will need to get a certificate of good health and a vaccination certificate to show to the airlines. Experts recommend that you do not sedate your animal during flight. Animals have not responded well to sedation with the increased altitude which seems to intensify the affect of the medication. Research has shown that pug nosed animal breeds, whether dog or cat, do not travel well in airplane holds. They experience breathing problems.

To prepare your friend for their journey, let them become familiar with the kennel they will be using for air travel. Leave it open somewhere in your house so they can become comfortable in it at their leisure. On the day of the trip, arrive no earlier than three hours at the airport to check your pet. Feed your animal no later than 6 hours before the flight and make sure you walk them just before checking them in for the flight. Check with you airlines for kennel standards, labeling information, and extra fees. Make sure you have food and drink attached to the outside of the kennel in case the animal needs to be fed in flight. Also make sure that bedding is available to absorb any accidents.

http://www.airlines.org/customerservice/passengers/A ir+Travel+for+Your+Pet.htm

http://www.sfspca.org/advocacy/pdf/pdf_airplanes/air plane.pdf

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