Shawna LevetA guide to traveling with pets
We love our furry family members and want to include them in all of our life’s happiest moments: evening trips to the park, weekend campouts and long summer days at the lake. If your dog loves to do everything you do, you may have wondered if they are ready to travel by plane. Traveling with pets requires a lot of careful research and preparation. As you consider whether or not bringing a pet is a viable option, these are a few important tips to help you get your pet ready for travel.
Be mindful of your pet’s personality
Some pets, dogs especially, live for any adventure with their favorite humans. They love meeting new people and do not get nervous when they are out of their element. For other pets, however, the travel experience can be incredibly stressful and may cause the pet to get sick or refuse to eat. If you want to bring your pet, consider whether they have the right personality for travel or if it would be better for them to stay home. If you’re unsure, test things out by taking your pets on a weekend trip in the car before trying a longer trip by plane.
Get your pet’s vaccines up-to-date
Before you travel, schedule a wellness visit for your pet, and make sure they have a clean bill of health, are fit to fly, and have all the vaccines required by the carrier. Your airline may require documentation demonstrating proof of immunizations and vet’s approval.
Fly with an IATA-approved carrier
Your everyday pet carrier may not be compliant with IATA regulations, which include specific requirements for ventilation, size, stability, access to food and water and absorbent lining. You should always check with your airline to see if they impose additional crate regulations, keeping in mind that international flights will have stricter rules than domestic flights. Let your pet get acclimated and comfortable with the carrier several weeks before you depart.
Book a nonstop flight
If you choose to bring a pet on the plane, their safety, health, and comfort should be your top priority. The longer the trip, the more taxing it will be on your furry friend. It’s best to opt for the shortest flight possible, avoiding stops and transfers altogether. Even for a short, simple itinerary, traveling with pets is a challenge, but an airport transfer can get really complicated if there is any sudden change in plans.
Get a pet tracker
Don’t leave home without a pet tracker! If your dog gets lost in an unfamiliar place, he probably won’t know where to start looking for you. A little device like one of these can help you locate your pet if lost and give you peace of mind as you travel.
Make sure your accommodations are pet-friendly
As you plan your vacation, be sure to select hotels that allow pets. A great resource for this is Bring Fido, which allows you to search hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, hiking trails, and other activities that allow pets.
Know your airline’s policy
Rules for traveling with pets differ greatly depending on the airline and destination. Many have restrictions on the breeds you may bring on board. Check out your airline’s pet policy long before you book your trip. Some airlines have a maximum limit for pets on board, so you will also want to register your pet to fly at the same time you book your tickets to ensure there is enough space.
Airline Pet Policies
Above all else, check with the airline you’re flying with. They will be the best source for your furry accommodations:
Korean (Call Korean Air)
SHawna,
May I have your permission to reprint your article in our local paper?
We submit an article each week for the Sunday travel page and think your
article would be a very good fit.
Let me know,
Jane Green
Mgr
Fly Away Travel
Roseburg OR
Thank you, Jane! We are so excited you found this article useful! You are absolutely welcome to share – we just ask that you reference Centrav!
This article is so great!! Thank you for posting
We are so glad you enjoyed!
Hi Shawna,
Great article! It would’ve come in handy when I took my Pit Bull on a flight about 4 years ago.
I am an IC , and I write a blog about trip tips. I would love to include this article sometime, with your permission of course, and give you full credit as the author.
I haven’t got a fan base yet because I’ve only been at it a short time, but perhaps your article will draw some attention.
Please feel free to check it out at my website under Kathy’s Trip Tips tab.
Thank you for your time in reading this.
Kathy Gossett
That is great to hear! Yes, you may absolutely share as long as you can reference Centrav!
Yes, please, may I utilize this article, with full acknowledgement of its source and author? great information. Thank you!
Thank you, Allison! Yes, you may! We are so glad you found the article helpful.