Taking your pet with you by air also requires some additional planning and extra time when you travel. Airlines allow you to take a cat, dog or bird with you and there is usually a charge to do this. Your pet can go on the plane with you, if the container it is in can comfortably fit under the seat in front of you. If you want your pet in the cabin with you, make sure you inform your airline as there is only room for a limited number of cabin pets and the space must be reserved. If your pet is too large for the cabin, it will have to be in the cargo hold of the aircraft, usually on a first come, first served basis. Make sure your pet container meets airline guidelines, as far as the size and materials go, most containers purchased in pet stores are usually adequate. A hard sided container lined with soft material or newspaper is recommended by most vets.
If you take your pet in the cargo hold, check with your airline as to the exact rules and requirements. The outside of your container should be labeled “live animal” and be sure to put your name and address and flight itinerary on the outside of the container. You may be asked to verify that you have given the animal food and water immediately before the flight, and you may also need a recent health certificate or rabies vaccination certificate. Some airlines have an embargo during the hotter summer months, prohibiting animals from being transported in the cargo hold.
Make sure you check in with your airline in plenty of time when traveling with your pet. If you have your pet in the cabin with you, it must remain in the container at all times and under the seat in front of you – some people are upset when they find out they can’t take their cat or dog out! If you travel with a Seeing Eye dog, by the way, that is allowed for no additional charge as long as your animal does not block the aisle or emergency exits.