Air Travel With Pets

The Humane Society of the United States recommends that you do not transport your pet by air unless absolutely necessary. If you must transport your pet by air, your best option is to take your pet in the aircraft cabin with you. As long as your pet is a cat or small dog, some airlines will allow you to take the animal on board for an additional fee.

Each airline decides if they will allow you to travel with your pet in the passenger cabin. If the airline does allow you to bring your pet into the cabin, your pet container is considered to be carry-on baggage and must be small enough to fit underneath the seat. To find out about this option, call the airline well in advance of your flight, because there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin area.

Another option available for pet owners is flying with your pet on a chartered plane. Many charter services allow animals, regardless of size, to fly in the cabin as passengers close to their owners.

Visit your veterinarian to be sure your pet is fit to fly

Just about every airline in the world requires documentation from a veterinarian that your pet is in good health before it can board a flight. A veterinarian's checkup should include a general physical examination to check for signs of illness, like coughing or diarrhea. The vet will also make sure your pet's rabies vaccinations and other shots are up to date. Don't visit the vet too early, however. Most airlines require that your pet's clean bill of health be no more than 10 days old.

Tranquilizing Your Pet

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), in most cases cats and dogs should not be given sedatives or tranquilizers prior to flying. An animal's natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation, which can be dangerous when the kennel is moved. Whether flying as a cabin or checked pet, animals are exposed to increased altitude pressures, which can create respiratory and cardiovascular problems for dogs and cats which are sedated or tranquilized.

Book a Direct Flight and Other Tips For Pet Air Travel

Book a non-stop flight whenever possible to avoid plane changes; you will avoid the mistakes that occur during airline transfers and possible delays in getting your pet off the plane. Reservations should be made for you and your pet at the same time because airlines often limit how many pets are allowed on each flight.