THE PET HEALTH LIBRARY By Wendy C. Brooks, DVM, DipABVP Educational Director, VeterinaryPartner.com

Summer and holiday seasons turn into USDA health certificate seasons at animal hospitals across America. If you are planning air travel with your pet, keep the following information in mind.

Travel is stressful enough without having to worry about how the pet will fare in a carrier surrounded by noise and unfamiliar people. Horror stories abound. Still, most travel disasters stem from one of three issues, all of which are readily preventable.

1. Do not open the carrier for a final pet or hug before travel as the pet can escape. 
2. Do not use a low quality carrier that can open or break. 
3. Do get your pet used to being inside the carrier prior to travel so as to minimize anxiety.

Keep in mind that brachycephalic (short-faced) dog breeds may have difficulty breathing when agitated. Proper planning makes for a fun excursion for every member of the family, even the furry ones.

Flying with your Pet in the Cabin with you

• Most domestic airlines require pets to be 15 pounds or less to fly in the cabin with their owners (this weight includes the pet and the carrier). This also means the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Check with the airline about the carrier size and dimensions. Most airlines sell carriers or you can buy one from a pet supply store.
• Be sure to confirm with the airline the day before travel that your pet is coming with you.
• You will need a USDA health certificate in most cases. Check with the airline as to how many days before travel the certificate must be issued. The USDA considers a health certificate to be valid for 30 days, but many airlines and states have their own ideas about how long a health certificate should be valid and 10 days is typical for domestic travel. Some states require specific vaccinations. Foreign countries often require special notarization of the certificate beyond the veterinarian’s signature, so be sure to check with the appropriate consulate regarding what you need.
• Some animals may be stressed or frightened by travel. Consider tranquilizers. If your pet is traveling in the cabin with you, you may just want to have some on hand in case of unexpected anxiety.

Your Pet as Checked Luggage

Some airlines have maximum weight requirements. Be sure to check, particularly if you have a big dog.

Most states will not accept animals younger than 8 weeks of age. Such youngsters will not be allowed to travel by air.

Federal regulations require that each kennel be properly marked as follows:

• Display a "Live Animals" label with letters at least 1 inch high, on top and on at least one side of the kennel.
• Indicate the top with arrows or "This End Up" markings on at least two sides. 
• Feeding instructions label: If food is necessary, it must be attached to the outside of the kennel.
• Feeding certification attached: Certification must be attached to the kennel stating that the animal has been offered food and water within four hours prior to drop off at the airline. IMPORTANT: Do not feed your animal in the two (2) hours prior to departure, as a full stomach can cause discomfort for a traveling pet.
• Contact information label: On a label, write your name, address and phone number at origin and destination cities. It is also a good idea to include your pet's name on the label (in case of escape, it may help to call the animal by name).
  

Include two empty dishes: One for food and one for water, securely attached to the container and accessible from the outside.

The kennel must contain absorbent material or litter. (Black and white printed newspaper is a good choice.) Please note that the use of straw, hay or wood shavings is prohibited for international shipments.

According to the Animal Welfare Act, there are specific temperature guidelines to which airlines must adhere.

Ambient temperatures in holding areas for cats and dogs must not fall below 45° F for more than 4 consecutive hours.

Dogs and cats must not be exposed to temperatures below 45° F for more than 45 minutes when being moved to or from holding areas.

Animals transported in a carry-on are not protected under the Animal Welfare Act, so it is up to the person carrying them to see that they do not become too cold or overheated.

Consider a microchip ID for any pet that travels.

For international destinations, each country has its own requirements for animal travel. To see international requirements, check with the USDA database.

See domestic requirements. 

Find a dog park in the area where you are traveling.

For pet friendly lodging and / or recreational activities, visit:  www.petswelcome.com or www.dogfriendly.com

Please contact us if you need further information in preparation for travel.

We wish easy travel and a pleasant journey to everyone transporting their pets.

Date Published: 11/25/2002 1:31:00 PM
Date Reviewed/Revised: 12/12/2007