Getting Fido Ready To Go, Go, Go!
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
July 1, 2003
Summer is a tough time to travel with your pets--and the airlines know it. Most carriers have strict policies designed to protect our non-human friends from temperature extremes. If you're introducing your cat, dog, or even your housetrained pet bird (yes, most airlines permit them too) to the joys of air travel, be sure you know the rules first. And, think long and hard about whether or not Fido, Felix, or Tweetie really need to make the trip. As any pet-parent knows, bringing them along can potentially turn a fun getaway into a stressful ordeal for you and your pet.
If you're committed to the idea of bringing your pet, you'll be required to have reservations and should know the pet protocol. For starters, your animal must be at least eight weeks old to travel. Be prepared to pay a "pet fee" (usually about $85-$100 each way) and make sure your pet's inoculations are in order and it's health is up to snuff. Most importantly, you'll need the paperwork to prove it. Without the proper paperwork in hand, your pet's journey may be over before it starts--and that's just the beginning.
Use the following list as a guide before attempting to travel with your precious pet.
- Call your airline before booking. Find out if the desired flight has room for your pet, as airlines have limits on the number of pets permitted in the cabin or stowed as checked baggage. (This is a good time to inquire about any other rules and regulations you'll need to know.)
- Reserve a place for your pet on the aircraft. There is a one-way fee associated with transporting your animal--it generally ranges from $80-$100.
- Visit the vet and get a certificate of health for your animal. Many airlines require the certificate be obtained within 10 days of your travel date. It should state that your pet is up-to-date on all inoculations and is in overall good health. Also, ask about sedatives--some vets are in favor, others are not.
- Put your pet at ease. The noise and motion of traveling can be agitating for animals. Do what you can to make the surroundings feel more familiar. Try putting a blanket, towel, or t-shirt from home in it's case so it will smell familiar to your pet. If you can, try putting the carrying case out a few days before you travel, so your pet can become used to it.
- Avoid over-feeding before traveling. Most airlines suggest not feeding the animal four hours before transporting it. Consult your vet for individual advice. Consider carrying a small snack or treat for the journey. Also, ice cubes and water bottles are good sources of hydration with little mess.
- Arrive early. Pets are allowed on a first come first serve basis. While reservations are necessary based on the other baggage and cargo, there can be changes the day of the flight that would limit the number of animals allowed. It may take longer than normal to get through security. (Expect to take your pet out of the carrier if you are traveling with it on board.)
- Remember, size matters. Be sure your pet and carrier are within the size and weight specifications of the airlines. Many smaller pets can fit in a soft carrier designed to fit underneath airline seats. If your case or crate isn't the right size, you may be turned away or forced to buy one at the airport. If checking your pet underneath the plane, label the top and sides of the container clearly with the words "LIVE ANIMAL." If you want to purchase a crate from the airport, you should pick one up for purchase a few days prior to traveling, as they are not always available.
I should mention that some animals are allowed to break the rules. Of course, animals trained to help the disabled are permitted in the cabin. A ruling from the DOT now makes it possible for non-traditional house-pets that provide "emotional support" to fearful travelers to be given special consideration for travel. However, this is decided on a case-by-case basis and is not an absolute.
If you're reading this column during the summer, my advice is to wait until September to revisit your pet-travel plan. If you absolutely must transport Mittens now, your best bet would be to try a pet cargo specialist. Woof-woof!
If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at askamy@travelocity.com And remember to look here for your topic each week!
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