Is my pet healthy enough to travel?  return to Top

This is the most important question for you to consider.  Some reasons that might make it unsafe for your pet to travel include pregnancy, a recent illness or injury, or a recent surgery.  It is also important to take into account the age of your pet.  Both very young pets and pets that are up in years may experience difficulties when traveling.  Does your pet have the correct temperament for traveling, or is your pet easily excitable, experiencing dangerous levels of anxiety when traveling?  In certain situations, it may be safer for your pet to remain at home with a pet-sitter or at a well-managed local boarding facility.

Before bringing your pet with you on a trip, it is important to take your four-footed friend to a licensed veterinarian for a check-up to ensure that your pet is well enough to travel.  Make your pet's physician aware of how long your travel plans are and where you are going.  Because certain locations are more at risk for ticks, fleas, worms, and other parasites, various precautions may be in order.  Make sure that all of your pet's vaccinations are up to date.  Also obtain recent (within 10 days of travel) copies of your pet's health and rabies certificates.  Plan ahead to know what certificates are required for the state or country you are traveling to.

Also, it is important to routinely check your pet's health during your trip.  Take note of unusual changes in your pet's eyes, nose, and fur.  Has there been a change in your pet's appetite?  Is your pet scratching more than usual?   Has there been any changes in your pet's gait (i.e. limping), or in your pet's disposition?  Take your pet to a veterinarian during your travels if necessary.

Do I have a suitable pet carrier?  return to Top

In this day and age, there are a wide variety of pet carriers to select from.  Be sure to choose one that is the correct size for your companion.  Ideally, the carrier should be spacious enough for the animal to turn around and lie comfortably inside, without it being so large as to cause your pet to become anxious.  The carrier should be sturdy, well ventilated, and free of sharp edges, with a door that latches securely.  It's bottom should be made of leak-proof material.

Include your pet's name, your name, and your contact information on a visible place on the outside of the carrier.  Also, give your pet time to become accustomed to the carrier before embarking on your travels.

Does my pet have proper identification?  return to Top

With today's advanced technology, many people are opting to have their pets microchipped.  The procedure is a rather simple one; a tiny transponder (approximately the size of a grain of rice) is injected beneath the surface of the pet's skin.  It only takes a minute or two to insert the chip.  This device is then registered into a central database which can be accessed by animal hospitals and shelters. For more information on having your pet microchipped, contact your local veterinarian.

Another means of permanent identification is tattooing.  A tattoo can be etched into one of your pet's ears.  Your animal must be put under anesthesia for this procedure.

The most common form of pet identification is the license tag.  In this case, your pet is assigned a number which corresponds to identification information in a central database.  However, the tag may become unattached from the collar, the collar itself may fall off, or the tag may become illegible.  So if your pet does rely on a license and collar for identification, make sure that the collar is worn at all times during your trip.

Does my pet meet the legal requirements for pet travel?  return to Top

If you are from the United States and your pet is traveling from one state to another, you must obtain from your veterinarian a recent health certificate and a certificate of rabies vaccination.

If you are from the United States and your pet is traveling to another country, please contact the Veterinary Services Area Office in your state.  Some countries require a veterinary certificate that is specific to their country.  Others require that the certificate should be translated into the language of that Country. For additional information, contact that country's consulate or embassy for information.  A listing of consulates can be found at: http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco/ (US Department of State website).

What are the pet regulations for airlines?  return to Top

While we cannot list the regulations and guidelines for each and every airline, we can provide you with some helpful information in general.  We always try to use airlines that are pet-friendly.  Once you select a specific trip or travel package, you will know what airline and country to contact for more detailed information.

As a general rule of thumb, small pets can be placed in carriers and taken aboard with you, provided the carrier meets the minimum safety requirements.  Larger animals must remain in the cargo area.  Before flying, your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and weaned at least 5 days.  Your pet cannot travel while ill.  For most airlines, pets traveling with passengers must check in at the ticket counter. Typically, no curbside or self-service check-in is allowed.  Airlines also reserve the right not to transport a pet which appears to be violent or dangerous.

For additional information on pet-friendly airlines, visit Cruise Cat's pet flight information section.

Information on summer embargoes and breed restrictions  return to Top

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds not travel during adverse weather conditions which include high temperatures and humidity levels because the stress of travel might exacerbate an animal's respiratory difficulties.  For this reason, some airlines will not accept short-nosed dogs (which may include Boston Terriers, Boxers, Bulldogs, Chow Chows, King Charles Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, Pekinese, Pugs, Shar-Peis, Shih Tzus, and others) or short-nosed cats (which may include Burmese, Himalayans, Persians, and others).

Various airlines impose general embargoes on shipping pets during the hottest months of the year. Some United States carriers permit pet shipments during this time, but only as air cargo arranged through a licensed shipper.  Also note that restrictions imposed by United States carriers are not uniform from carrier to carrier.  Therefore, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of the carrier you will use well in advance of travel. Check also to see whether your flight will be on a code share foreign carrier, as the restrictions might be different than with the United States carrier.

Disclaimer
Although helpful, the above information may not be complete or may change with time.  We attempt to provide the latest information, however, sometimes a country or an airline will change their guidelines without notifying us.  Be sure to check with your airline before you leave.