7 Tips for Airline Pet Travel

by Dr. Chris

February 15, 2010 Airline pet travel can be very difficult if you're not prepared. But even if you are fully prepared things can and do go wrong. Flights are canceled, there can be long delays, and of course plane mechanical problems. All of the things can add stress to your pet when traveling with them.

Here are 7 tips for airline pet travel. These are things to think about well in advance of any pet air travel.

1. Planned Far in Advance

Airline pet travel can be very complicated and there can be numerous extra forms to fill out and phone calls to make. If you do choose to travel with your pet you need to start planning at least eight weeks in advance, further out if you plan to international travel.

2. Get Your Pet Used to the Carrier

Airline pet carriers must meet certain regulations. Be sure you buy one that meets these regulations and have your pet sit in it for a couple hours every day so it gets used to being in the bag and realizes that it is a comfortable place to stay.

3. See Your Veterinarian

It's a good idea before you travel to see your veterinarian to make sure your pet is healthy, and is able to withstand the rigors of travel and high altitude. Just like with humans, traveling can add a great deal of stress to their lives.

4 Follow Airline Regulations

Many airlines have pretty strict regulations when it comes to traveling with pets. It's best to go to the airline's website and find the most up to date regulations. Also it might be a good idea to read up on other airline's regulations in case you're bumped to another airline.

5. Book the Easiest Flights

If you're going to do airline pet travel, try and book a nonstop flight or a fight with only one layover. Flights with multiple stops can be very stressful to pets, and you also have a greater chance of missing your connection, which results in longer stays in the airport.

6. Sedating Your Pet

Some people choose to sedate their pets when flying. This is something that you should talk about with your veterinarian. Most commonly, if pets are sedated it is with a drug called Acepromazine.

7. International Travel

Some countries like Great Britain have very strict quarantine standards for pets coming into the country. Also if you travel to some third world countries with your pet, they might even be quarantined when they come back into the United States which can often be several weeks. If you do plan to leave the United States with your pet contact USDA APHIS.

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