Safe Pet Air Travel Tips

Pet air travel is not recommeded by the Humane Society of the United States, unless absolutely necessary. The reports they receive from pet owners show animals continue to be killed, injured, or lost on commercial flights each year. Our beloved pets can face risks including excessively hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation, scarcity of oxygen, and rough handling when flown in the "cargo" area of a plane. The airline industry treats live animals as mere baggage, transporting them in cargo holds not designed for life support. In the past, airlines have neither responded appropriately to reports of animal injuries during pet air travel, nor provided accurate information to the flying public.

In response to the problems associated with pet air travel, and lack of good data on those problems, Congress passed the Safe Air Travel for Animals Act in April 2000, for which The HSUS and its members lobbied extensively. The U.S. Department of Transportation adopted regulations for this law in 2003. Many airlines have responded to this law by implementing restrictions on accepting pets as cargo.

Before you make plans for your pet air travel, follow these suggestions:

If you plan to bring your pet on vacation, consider driving instead of flying. Neither Amtrak nor Greyhound allows pets. If this isn't possible, consider leaving your pet behind under the care of a pet sitter or boarding kennel. If you are relocating across the country, consider using a pet air travel company whose primary business is to transport animals.

Remember, any inconvenience you might experience while researching and looking for safe travel options for your pet is minor when weighed against the risk of losing your companion forever. Above all, when making pet travel decisions, please consider what is best for your pet.

If you must use pet air travel, your first decision is whether you can take him or her on board with you, which is your best option. If your pet is a cat or small dog, most airlines will allow you to take the animal on board for an additional fee. 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.

When you contact the airline, be sure to find answers to these questions:

Does the airline allow you to take your cat or small dog on board with you?

If that option isn't available to you, does the airline have any restrictions on transporting your pet as cargo?

Does the airline have any special pet health and immunization requirements?

Does the airline require a specific type of carrier? Most airlines will accept either hard-sided carriers or soft-sided carriers, which may be more comfortable for your pet, but only certain brands of soft-sided carriers are acceptable to certain airlines.

If you must use pet air travel, you can increase the chances of a safe and happy flight for your pet by following these important tips:

Before you begin your trip, be sure that your pet is "up" for the journey. This means a visit to the vet for a medical checkup and to ensure that your pet is up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations. Be sure to tell your vet about your pet air travel plans. Your vet can recommend to you whether your pet is suitable for pet air travel.

Ask your vet to issue a health certificate for your pet. This typically needs to be dated within ten days of departure. Carry this with you while traveling with your pet, as it may be required at different points throughout your travel.

Try not to fly with your pet during busy travel times such as holidays and the summer. Your pet is more likely to undergo rough handling during hectic travel periods.

Consider booking a non-peak flight, which typically means less passengers and more cabin room. This will help ease potential stress for your pet.

Pet air travel during the summer or winter months, you will need to choose flights that will accommodate the temperature extremes. Early morning or late evening flights are better in the summer; afternoon flights are better in the winter.

Use direct flights. Changing planes with your pet may cause undue stress on your pet, particularly if layover time is not adequate for a pet walk and bathroom break. If your pet is in the cargo hold, you are typically not able to "oversee" your pet's successful flight change.

Always travel on the same flight as your pet. Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded and unloaded into the cargo hold.

When you board the plane, notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your pet is traveling in the cargo hold. If the captain knows that pets are on board, he or she may take special precautions.

Do not ship pug-nosed dogs or cats such as Pekingese, Chow Chows, and Persians in the cargo hold. These breeds have short nasal passages that leave them especially vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heat stroke in the cargo holds.

Have everything packed early and leave early to allow plenty of time to deal with normal air travel as well as your pet's needs. Keep yourself calm before the flight as pets sense your stress and anxiety.

Bring along a current photograph of your pet. If your pet is lost during the trip, a photograph will make it much easier for airline employees to search effectively.

Fit your pet with a collar that can't get caught in carrier doors. Attach two pieces of identification to your pet's collar, a permanent Personalized Solid Brass ID Tag and a temporary ID tag. The permanent ID tag should include your name, home address, and home & cell phone numbers. The temporary ID tag should include the name of your final destination or contact person name, your name, address and phone number of your final destination, as well as your cell phone number.

Select the right pet carrier. Pet carriers are available in both hard-sided and soft-sided. Soft-sided carriers are more suitable for carry-on and tend to fit better under the seat. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations as far as the appropriate size carrier for your pet. The proper sized carrier should allow your pet to be able to lie down comfortably, stand up and turn around. Ensure for proper ventilation and comfort during your pet air travel.

Affix a pet air travel label to the carrier with your name, the name of your final destination or contact person, home and final destination addresses, as well as your home, cell, and final destination phone numbers.

Include a favorite toy or item with your scent in the carrier with your pet for comfort.

Give your pet at least a month before your flight to become familiar with their pet travel carrier. This will minimize his or her stress during your pet air travel.

Make sure that your pet's nails have been clipped to protect against their hooking in the carrier's door, holes, and other crevices.

Do not feed your pet for four to six hours prior to air travel. Small amounts of water can be given before the trip. If possible, put ice cubes in the water tray attached to the inside of your pet's carrier. A full water bowl will only spill and cause discomfort.

Do not give your pet tranquilizers unless your veterinarian prescribes them. Make sure your veterinarian understands that the prescription is for air travel.

Carry a leash with you so that you may walk your pet before check-in and after arrival. Do not place the leash inside the carrier or attach it to the outside of the kennel.

When you arrive at your destination, open your pet carrier as soon as you are in a safe place and examine your pet. If anything seems wrong, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. Get the results of the examination in writing, including the date and time.

Do not hesitate to complain if you ever witness the mishandling of an animal—either yours or someone else's—at any airport.