Air Travel and Pets

Do you have to travel by air in the near future? If you do, are you a
pet owner who needs to bring your pet along with you? Although most of
us leave our pets at home, you may not want to do so or your purpose for
travel may be to move, as opposed to taking a fun filled vacation.
Regardless of your reasons for wanting or needing to travel with your
pet or pets, there are a number of important points that you will need
to keep in mind.

 

The first step in traveling with a pet is to make sure that you can do
so. Although a good number of airlines will allow pets on their planes,
not all will. You may be in a predicament if you plan to depart from a
small airport with only one or two airlines. If they do not accept pets
or if their rules and restrictions are too much for you to handle, you
will want to examine other nearby airports, especially those that are
larger in size.

When traveling by air with your pet or pets, it is important to remember
that you will be charged an additional fee. Unfortunately, many first
time pet travelers believe that they can use their pets and their pet
carriers to count towards as a carry-on bag or a checked bag. This
isn't how it works though. You will, almost always, be charged an extra
fee for traveling with a pet. This extra fee will likely depend on the
airline in question and well as your pet's location, such as in the
cabin or in the baggage compartment.

That leads to another important point. Even with some of the airlines
that allow pets, like cats and dogs, aboard their flights, not all allow
pets to be in the cabin with other passengers. This is particularly
common on small planes where allergies may be a big concern. If you
cannot part with your pet, be sure to search for an airline that will
allow you to keep him or her in the cabin with you. With that said,
remember that the size of your pet will also play a huge factor in your
options.

Regardless of where your pet is stored for the plane ride, you will need
to have a pet carrier or crate for them. Many airlines have specific
rules and restrictions on what type can be used. Resections often
include materials used, as well as size. Most will provide you with
that information when asked. Speaking of pet crates and carriers, it is
important to make sure that you give your pet enough room to stand and
move around a little bit. In fact, most airlines will refuse to
transport pets that they feel are unsafe from small pet crates and
carriers.

It is also important to make sure that you get your pet checked by their
vet. You will want to make sure that your pet has all required
vaccinations and that they are fit for travel. Also, all airlines
require that you receive a health certificate, which will state that
your pet is healthy and safe for travel.

The above mentioned points are just a few of the many that you will want
to take into consideration when traveling with a pet. Added tips
include booking direct flights, making sure your pet's collar is marked
with the proper identification, as well as their pet carrier.

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