As our pets have become more and more a part of our lives, an increasing number of airlines have begun to allow pets to travel in the cabin with their owners.
Although pets traveling as cargo are generally safe, knowing you are close by will reduce the stress of flying for your pet, and allows you to attend to their physical needs.
Here are some tips for flying with a pet.
Keep in mind that every airline sets their own standards for when and how a pet may be brought into the cabin.
The guidelines offered here are only examples- you should check with the airline you are flying with to be sure you meet all requirements.
First, make sure that pets are eligible to fly on the specific flight you are taking.
Even airlines that allow pets in the cabin, or as cargo, may forbid their presence on flights during certain seasons or to certain locations.
This is mainly in regard to flights in which the pet will be housed in the cargo area, since temperatures in the cargo hold may reach levels that are dangerous for pets.
Certain breeds of dogs, such as pugs, bulldogs, and other breeds with short noses may also be forbidden, since they are less able to cool themselves than other breeds.
Remember, though, that pets may also be forbidden from the cabin of the plane for some airlines on certain routes.
Hawaii, for example, has stringent regulations regarding the transportation of pets, due to it's long-standing status as a rabies-free zone.
You will most likely have to pay an extra fee to take your pet on the plane, whether it stays with you in the cabin, or flies as cargo.
Fees vary, but domestic flights generally charge between $100 and $250.
On international flights, these fees can go as high as $500.
Also, many airlines limit the number of pets in their cabin at any one time.
You must make a reservation for your pet on these airlines, and you'll want to do so as soon as possible to avoid being "overbooked".
Also, the pet itself must meet certain requirements.
Aside from breed considerations mentioned above, most airlines require that pets be at least 8 weeks of age to travel.
They must be fully vaccinated, licensed, and be in good health- you may need to prove this with a bill of health from a veterinarian.
Also, pets that behave aggressively may be turned away, even if all other requirements have been met.
If you are not confident that your pet is sufficiently mature and well-trained to behave well on a plane trip, make other arrangements! Once you've fully understood and met all the requirements to bring your pet on board a plane, you can begin preparing for your flight.
Pets who fly as checked luggage or as cargo must be housed in carriers meeting specific requirements, which can be found at the IATA website.
In short, however, pets traveling as cargo must be in a hard pet crate with ventilation on at least two sides, large enough for the pet to turn around and stand up in, and must have food and water bowls attached to the interior in such a way that they can be refilled from the outside if necessary.
Requirements for carriers for pets traveling in the cabin are less restrictive.
They only require that the pet be fully enclosed- no purses that let the pet's head poke out- and that the carrier fit under the seat, as normal for carry-on luggage.
For this purpose, a soft dog crate is ideal, as it will flex somewhat to fit better under the seat.
Soft dog crates are also collapsible, lighter, and more convenient to travel with in general.
Once the takeoff has been completed, you may remove the carrier from under the seat, but pets must remain inside the carrier at all times.
Some pet owners believe that the compassionate thing to do for a pet who may be stressed or scared by the experience of flight is to administer sedative prior to the flight.
This is a bad idea for several reasons.
First off, it won't be terribly effective.
Taking a bit of Nyquil isn't going to keep you relaxed in the middle of a burning building- the adrenaline overpowers the sedative.
The same applies to your dog.
All sedatives will do is disorient your pet, causing it to lose its balance and possibly injure itself.
On top of that, the combination of sedatives and pressure changes can cause potentially fatal respiratory malfunctions, especially in snub-nosed breeds of dogs and cats.
A better way to prepare your pet is to take it for a good long exercise beforehand.
Not only will this leave it exhausted, and less likely to become stressed in-flight, but it'll help make sure the pet eliminates waste before getting on the plane.
In any case, being prepared for an "accident" is important.
Make sure your carrier is waterproof, and lay a disposable "puppy pad" or the like inside, with extras to spare, in case the pet loses bowel or bladder control.
Being prepared to take care of a mess your pet creates is only the considerate, responsible thing to do.
By the same token, make certain that your pet is as well-groomed and clean as possible before boarding.
Not only will this spare other passengers from dealing with an unpleasant odor, but it may help those with allergies from become affected by your pet.
Being a considerate and responsible pet passenger isn't only the right thing to do, but a constructive step toward more tolerant airline policies toward pets.
As pet owners show that they are able to travel with pets without causing harm or discomfort to their pets, themselves, or other passengers, airlines will most likely reduce or eliminate fees for pets.
These fees are there in large part to offset the costs of legal fees, upholstery cleaning, and flight delays caused by careless pet owners.
By observing the rules and practicing good common sense, we may one day live in a world where Fido can fly for free.