It’s time for the annual summer vacation. A week on the beach sounds heavenly, but what do you do about your four-legged family member? Family trips by plane can be fun for everyone with a little planning and forethought.
The first thing you need to do is check with us to make sure your pet is fit to fly. Most airlines require some sort of verification, no more than 10 days old, that pets are in good health before boarding a plane. Our checkup will include a general preventive care exam to check for illness, like coughing or diarrhea. We will also make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.
The next step is to book that flight! If possible, book a nonstop flight to avoid plane changes. Also try to find out if all legs of your itinerary will be operated by the same carrier or codeshare partner. Don’t risk the potential for mistakes to be made during airline transfers or possible delays in getting your pet off the plane.
Try to book your pet into the cabin of the plane, if size allows. Check with the carrier you’re considering for size guidelines and requirements and to see if they have room for your four-legged friend (many have restrictions on how many pets they allow per flight).
If your pet would have to fly in the cargo hold, we actually recommend boarding or finding a pet sitter instead. If you just can’t leave your pet behind, follow these tips for cargo flight.
– Always travel on the same flight as your pet.
– When you board the plane, notify the captain and at least one other flight attendant that your pet is traveling in the cargo hold.
– Fit your pet with a collar that can’t get caught in carrier doors.
– Don’t give your pet tranquilizers unless they are prescribed by us.
– Don’t feed your pet for four to six hours before the trip.
If you will be traveling to a foreign country, there may be specific requirements regarding bringing pets in country. Check with the International Air Transport Association for a listing of country-by-country regulations.
By planning ahead and knowing the rules and regulations, you can have a successful vacation away with all of your family members–even the furry ones.
