Traveling with Your Pet by Air

Many airlines will let you bring a small animal on board as a carry-on and place it beneath the seat in front of you. Since restrictions can vary, however, make sure you look into the requirements that the airline you are flying with has regarding animals. There are also many standard rules that you'll need to follow regardless of what airline you are flying with. If you are going to travel with your pet, the following guidelines will ensure a stress-free trip for all involved.

Before you travel:

Make sure your pet is healthy. To travel by air, your pet must be in good health. Not all airlines ask that you produce a health certificate, but many states and countries do require that you carry one. Set up a vet appointment within 30 days of traveling to ensure that your pet has the required documentation and is in good health. Airlines have the right to refuse travel to an animal if it appears to be ill, aggressive, or in obvious distress. Make sure that your pet is good to go before coming to the airport.

Does the airline accommodate your pet? Not all airlines will allow your pet onboard with you as a carry-on. Make sure that your animal is allowed on board before booking your tickets. Also, if you are connecting to multiple airlines make sure each airline's policies will accommodate your pet.

Make reservations for you animal. Airlines limit the number of animals they allow in each cabin and reservations are made on a first-come first-served basis. Once you've decided on the flight you're going to take, call the airline to make the reservation. Once you know that there is space available for you pet, book your flight.

Purchase a pet carrier. You'll need to purchase a pet carrier that conforms to the airline's size requirements. Your pet should fit comfortably in his carrier, meaning he can stand up, lay down, and turn around with any problems. The carrier should also be leak proof in case you pet has an accident. In may pet stores, carriers will have information as to what airlines they are approved for and the dimensions.

Make your pet comfortable with the carrier. Whenever possible, purchase the carrier a few weeks before your trip. Allow your animal to become familiar with the carrier himself before placing him in it for short durations to get him comfortable.

Day of travel:

Exercise your animal. Your animal will be less stressed if they are tired on the day of travel.

Are you sedating your pet? In most cases, vets believe that sedating your pet prior to flying is not necessary. In some cases it can actually be dangerous by hindering your pet's ability to maintain equilibrium. However, if you pet is highly agitated and stressed while flying it might benefit the animal to be sedated. Consult your vet before giving your animal any medications.

Place food and water in the carrier. Depending how long your flight is you may want to supply food and water to your pet. Your animal should be in the carrier at all times while in the airport except for the security check in which case you will need to walk through the metal detector with your animal in hand.

Place your pet beneath the seat in front of you while in flight. Most airlines require you keep your pet underneath the seat in front of you at all times on the plane. Some will let you take the carrier out, but none are going to let you take your pet out of the carrier.