Air Travel

Check with your airline before making reservations!

Traveling by air with your pet is not as easy as by car, but with enough forethought and planning, the stress and risks of pet airline travel can be minimized.

If you are thinking about travel plans with your pets, make sure you check with the airlines about their policies that are in effect during your planned travel time.

We've searched out the links to many of the major airlines' pet policies to assist you in finding the latest information. Just click on "Links to airline web site Pet travel program information " for the airline your are interested in below.

And, we offer a full line of Airline Approved Soft Sided Carriers for In-Cabin use and Foldable Hard Sided Carriers for Checked Baggage Passage.

You may want to check out several airlines before making your travel plans and reservations.

While we don't encourage taking your pet with you when you fly, or shipping your pet by plane, we know that in many circumstances there is no alternative. We hope the following suggestions answer many of your questions and help to minimize the risk of air travel for your pet.

Travel Considerations

Airline Considerations

Airline Contact Information

 

TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS

You should always check with your veterinarian prior to making reservations for your pet to make sure he is "air worthy", and has his shots up-to-date. Some smaller breeds are susceptible to breathing difficulties and should not fly. In addition, you should get updated health and vaccination certificates. Most countries require rabies shots.

Contact the Consulate of the country you are planning to visit, some require extensive quarantine periods, or may not allow your pet at all! If traveling in the US, you may want to check with the State(s) you will be visiting for their requirements for shots or quarantines.

And remember to always carry a copy of your pets latest health and vaccination records when ever you travel, you never know when you may need it.

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AIRLINE CONSIDERATIONS

While the overall regulations for air transportation of pets is set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), each airline has its' own rules and regulations over and above that of the USDA. In addition some airlines are more "pet friendly" than others.

You should contact various airlines to find out exactly what they offer during the period in which you want to travel. Airline accommodations for pets and their specific requirements vary by aircraft and time of year.

Make sure you write down their requirements, or get it in writing from the carrier. It is also a good idea to get the name of the person you talk to, in fact, you may want to call a couple of times and speak to different individuals.

All pets must be transported in an airline approved carrier or crate.

Reservations are always required. You should make reservations as early as possible as there are restrictions as to the number of pets allowed on an aircraft.

Charges for your pet vary by airline, and normally run between $50.00 and $100.00 one way.

Many airlines offer three travel options for your pet, depending on his size and weight.