It use to be the case that pets were only allowed to travel on airplanes if they were in secured, sometimes windowless cages stored beneath the plane with the luggage. Over the years though the extreme changes in cabin pressure and temperature have made airlines (as well as pet owners) re-think how they handle pets during long flights. For some airlines that meant insulating the storage area beneath the plane to properly shield extreme cases of cold or heat due to traveling at 30,000 feet, others that meant training both flight attendant as well as baggage crews on how to handle both well-behaved and ill-behaved pets. Most of the major airlines won't even let you fly with animals if its during the more hotter months in the summer for fear that the animal may be aversely affected by it.
If your traveling companion is a small dog then you most likely will be able to them them with you onboard the plane just so long as they meet the requirements put forth by the airline. Most airlines will let you travel with a small pet as long as the pet and carrier have a combined weight of less than 40 pounds and can fit securely underneath the seat in front of you. Due to passenger discomfort and allergies there usually is a limit to the number of animals allowed on each flight so make sure to contact your airline early on so that you can be sure to get one of those pet-friendly spots.
Before booking any flight you should call your airline and discuss with them what their policies are for traveling with pets. Each airline is different in their policies towards pets both traveling in the cabin as well as stored underneath the plane. Airline personnel can also help owners choose a flight that will be most comfortable for their pet. Try to aim for a flight in the early morning or late evening during the summertime as it'll be the coolest during those hours. Any airline representative should be able to assist you in picking a flight that is right for your animal/situation so contacting them should be one of the first steps in your travel preparations.
In order to safeguard the health of your pet, there are various precautions you need to take before leaving for the airport. The AAHA suggests that you have your pet examined by a veterinarian no more than ten days before you first round of travel plans. It's also good to note that you will be required by law to provide proof that your pet has all the necessary rabies vaccines/shots when you first arrive at the airport, so don't forget your paperwork! Federal Law also prohibits any animals younger than eight weeks old to fly in an airplane, regardless of whether they're in the cabin or not. Don't forget now, there are no late pickups when it comes to traveling with your pet.
As for what type of carrying case or crate you should secure them in for traveling on a plane that all will be determined by the size and breed of your pet. You can't go wrong with any of the sturdy pet carrier most commonly found at any pet store but just make sure that they have all-hard sides and at least two ventilation ducts on opposite sides of each other. If you have a small pet then you should look into getting a soft leather dog carrier to keep your four-legged friend happy and content for the duration of the flight. Whether it's a dog kennel or pet carrier, it's important that you make sure it has a water resistant floor as well as soft objects all over the place to help pad any turbulence. All kennels should have the proper large signs attached to them that read "Live Animal" complete with a copy of your travel itinerary, contact info and way to reach you while on your trip.
Just always keep in mind that you know your pet better than anyone so it will be up to you as to whether or not your pet is right for air-travel. Some dogs that are perfectly healthy in any other situation end up becoming traumatized due to the environmental changes that takes place during flight from the varying degree switches in temperature to the changes in cabin pressure. - 29895
If your traveling companion is a small dog then you most likely will be able to them them with you onboard the plane just so long as they meet the requirements put forth by the airline. Most airlines will let you travel with a small pet as long as the pet and carrier have a combined weight of less than 40 pounds and can fit securely underneath the seat in front of you. Due to passenger discomfort and allergies there usually is a limit to the number of animals allowed on each flight so make sure to contact your airline early on so that you can be sure to get one of those pet-friendly spots.
Before booking any flight you should call your airline and discuss with them what their policies are for traveling with pets. Each airline is different in their policies towards pets both traveling in the cabin as well as stored underneath the plane. Airline personnel can also help owners choose a flight that will be most comfortable for their pet. Try to aim for a flight in the early morning or late evening during the summertime as it'll be the coolest during those hours. Any airline representative should be able to assist you in picking a flight that is right for your animal/situation so contacting them should be one of the first steps in your travel preparations.
In order to safeguard the health of your pet, there are various precautions you need to take before leaving for the airport. The AAHA suggests that you have your pet examined by a veterinarian no more than ten days before you first round of travel plans. It's also good to note that you will be required by law to provide proof that your pet has all the necessary rabies vaccines/shots when you first arrive at the airport, so don't forget your paperwork! Federal Law also prohibits any animals younger than eight weeks old to fly in an airplane, regardless of whether they're in the cabin or not. Don't forget now, there are no late pickups when it comes to traveling with your pet.
As for what type of carrying case or crate you should secure them in for traveling on a plane that all will be determined by the size and breed of your pet. You can't go wrong with any of the sturdy pet carrier most commonly found at any pet store but just make sure that they have all-hard sides and at least two ventilation ducts on opposite sides of each other. If you have a small pet then you should look into getting a soft leather dog carrier to keep your four-legged friend happy and content for the duration of the flight. Whether it's a dog kennel or pet carrier, it's important that you make sure it has a water resistant floor as well as soft objects all over the place to help pad any turbulence. All kennels should have the proper large signs attached to them that read "Live Animal" complete with a copy of your travel itinerary, contact info and way to reach you while on your trip.
Just always keep in mind that you know your pet better than anyone so it will be up to you as to whether or not your pet is right for air-travel. Some dogs that are perfectly healthy in any other situation end up becoming traumatized due to the environmental changes that takes place during flight from the varying degree switches in temperature to the changes in cabin pressure. - 29895
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