Here are tips to help your pet fly safely
- Fit to fly. Consider leaving your pet at home, if they are very young, very old or not in good health.
- Do your research. Regulations and fees vary depending on airlines and whether your pet flies in the cabin or as checked baggage. Be sure to check an airline's history of flying animals. Certain breeds can also have more breathing difficulties and airlines may have restrictions (may not be able to fly in cargo hold). These breeds include pets with short snouts ( ie. pugs, and Persian cats) Incidents of pets being lost, injured or dying have increased in recent years.
- Consider a pets-only airline. Pet Airways offers climate-controlled cabins outfitted with individual crates, and a flight attendant checks on the animals every 15 minutes. After landing, pets are given a bathroom break, and can be picked up by their owners at the airline’s Pet Lounge at participating airports.
- Prepare the carrier. Make sure your kennel has room for your pet to turn around and stand without hitting its head. Check with your airline to determine any crate dimension requirements. The USDA requires the following: food and water dishes, "Live Animal" stickers, upright arrows and bedding.
- ID tags. Attach contact information to both your pet's collar and its carrier.
- Exercise. Before the flight, play with your cat or take your dog for a walk.
- Relax. Cesar Millan recommends using lavender oil as an "association scent" to help your pet relaxed while flying. In the weeks before the flight, he suggests putting a drop of oil on your hands at feeding times or before walks. Once onboard, “the positive association will allow him to calm down and remain relaxed.”