Air Travel Tips
Top 10 Tips for Safe Air Travel with Your Pet
Traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and the four-legged members of
your family. But with thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and
comfortable trip for everyone.
The ASPCA urges pet owners to think twice about flying their pets on commercial
airlines, especially if they plan on checking them in as cargo.
Unless your animal is small enough to fit under your seat and you can bring him
or her in the cabin, the ASPCA recommends pet owners to not fly their animal. If
pet owners have already committed to transporting their pets on commercial
airlines, the ASPCA is offering the following top ten tips for safe air travel
with your pet:
- Make an appointment with your pet's veterinarian for a checkup, and make sure
all vaccinations are up-to-date. Obtain a health certificate from your
veterinarian dated within 10 days of departure. For travel outside of the
continental United States, additional planning and health care requirements may
be necessary. Contact the foreign office of the country you are traveling to for
more information.
- Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and is wearing a collar
and ID tag. The collar should also include destination information in case your
pet escapes.
- Book a direct flight whenever possible. This will decrease the chances that your
pet is left on the tarmac during extreme weather conditions or mishandled by
baggage personnel.
- Purchase a USDA-approved shipping crate that is large enough for your pet to
stand, sit and turn around in comfortably. Shipping crates can be purchased from
many pet supply stores and airlines.
- Write the words "Live Animal" in letters at least one inch tall on top of and at
least one side of the crate. Use arrows to prominently indicate the upright
position of the crate. On the top of the crate, write the name, address and
telephone number of your pet's destination point, and whether you will be
accompanying him or if someone else is picking him up. Make sure that the door
is securely closed, but not locked, so that airline personnel can open it in
case of an emergency. Line the crate bottom with some type of bedding—shredded
paper or towels—to absorb accidents.
- Affix a current photograph of your pet to the top of the crate for
identification purposes. Should your pet escape from the carrier, this could be
a lifesaver. You should also carry a photograph of your pet.
- The night before you leave, make sure you've frozen a small dish or tray of
water for your pet. This way, it can't spill during loading, and will melt by
the time he's thirsty. Tape a small pouch, preferably cloth, of dried food
outside the crate. Airline personnel will be able to feed your pet in case he
gets hungry on long-distance flights or a layover.
- Tranquilizing your pet is generally not recommended, as it could hamper his
breathing. Check with your veterinarian first.
- Tell every airline employee you encounter, on the ground and in the air, that
you are traveling with a pet in the cargo hold. This way, they'll be ready if
any additional considerations or attention is needed.
- If the plane is delayed, or if you have any concerns about the welfare of your
pet, insist that airline personnel check the animal whenever feasible. In
certain situations, removing the animal from the cargo hold and deplaning may be
warranted.