How to Travel with Pets

When considering traveling by air with your pet(s), there are a few key things to remember before boarding the plane.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patience

1. Consider the strong (very strong) possibility that your pet will get sick. Especially if the flight lasts more than 5 hours. If you are considering international travel, prepare for it. Make sure to place familiar items in the carrier with the pet. He/she will recognize your smells and it will cause less stress then the smell of brand new carrier and strangers.

2. Decide: Carry on or cargo? If you plan to fly your pet via cargo, make sure that they have enough water and a few treats available to them in the carrier. Remember this: No one will take as good care of your pets as you do. You want to make the ride as smooth as possible and less traumatic for your pet.
   
   If you plan to fly your pet as carry on (I highly suggest this if they are small enough), this will keep them close to you, you can check on them frequently, place your hand by the carrier to bring a familiar scent to them and likely help calm them down a bit. When I flew from Frankfurt, Germany to Atlanta, Georgia I wanted my two cats to be on board with me. I purchased two excellent soft sided carriers and my husband and I each placed one cat under the seat in front of us. It was a 14 hour flight, and every few minutes, I would reach down and pet them through the mesh or let them smell my scent to calm them. And yes, they did get sick. However, after the flight was over, and we passed through customs (least bit of fun ever in an airport with pets) they were just fine.

3. If flying internationally, prepare for customs. If you do encounter the "shoes off, socks off, cats out of the bag" guy, then beware. He will make you take your pet out of the carrier and hold it (or them) in the middle of a busy airport until the carrier (and your shoes) pass through the x-ray machine. Not a smart idea for a pet with claws as sharp as razors. Did I mention a terrified pet with claws? Not a bit of fun.

4. Research your airline. Make sure you choose an airline without limitations on taking pets aboard the plane. Some airlines approve, some will give you a firm "No".

5. Remember to pay attention to their actions. I do not suggest giving them medicine unless absolutely necessary. If you take care of them prior to the flight, they will be happier to see you then ever when you land.

[Oktobers]

on 1/6/2009 Great tips on taking your pet on a trip!

[paint-it]

on 12/30/2008 Thanks for the tips. Well written.

[mpodlesny]

on 12/30/2008 I couldn't imagine taking my dog with me...he runs from loud noises.