Traveling with Pets

Earlier this week, I provided some useful tips to make traveling with children a little easier. Today, the focus is on traveling with pets. While it is difficult to travel with a very large pet, smaller dogs and cats (and other little critters) are widely permitted with an extra fee.

There are some details that you should know so that you’re not stuck having to leave your pet behind at the airport:

1. Check with your specific airlines to see if they allow pets on the flight. If they do, see what their restrictions and limitations are about bringing your pets as carry-on. For most airlines, the largest cage allowed in the cabin has dimensions of 40 in. x27 in. x30 in. Animals exceeding 70 pounds are required to be checked-in.

2. Dogs under 8 months old are not allowed to fly; however, if you have a relatively young pet, make sure to take them to the “Pet Parks” offered at some of the larger airports (i.e. Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Minneapolis)for a potty break before the flight. Unless designated pet areas are clearly defined, pets are not allowed to be outside of their kennels in the airport.

**If your dog is not used to being placed in a kennel, start to train them a few weeks before the flight so that they are comfortable staying in a kennel for a long period of time.

3. Bring all health certificates and veterinary documents with you in case requested. If traveling internationally, be aware of the specific examinations and health requirements of the country you are entering; as well as those of your returning country. For American regulations, check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Bringing your pet along for your vacation can reduce the stress of having to leave them at home, but make sure that you have fully prepared for the trip as issues can come up along the way that lead to traveling difficulties.

For more information, visit:

Real Travel Flights
Bringing dogs to New York
www.petflight.com

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