Flying can be tricky if you take your pet with you. After all, airlines tend to charge extra for the additional pieces of baggage that come with your pet. And then there are the limitations you have with flying as a pet owner – it’s difficult or impossible to pass on certain airlines, and you never seem to know if your animal can ride in cargo…
We’ve come up with a list of tips to help you learn how to fly with pets without breaking the bank or putting your precious puppy at risk. Safe travels, Fido!
Go to the Vet Before You Fly
Lastly, to make sure your pet is fit to fly on those cheap flights you managed to snag, you should get a checkup done before leaving in order to get the desired — and signed — Health Certificate. Start preparing much earlier than planned if you’re traveling during a busy season such as summer vacation. You may want to ask your vet about recommended vaccines for your pet and get them done before your flight, giving you more peace of mind in case there are problems.
Research Your Airline’s Specific Requirements
First of all, you’ll need to consider what kind of trip you intend to do. If your destination is within Canada, your pet can travel by air and on cargo. In the United States, your pet can ride in an airline’s cabin as cargo or sit with a passenger. If you’re flying internationally, you’ll need to arrange for your local veterinarian. Most airlines will only board animals that are properly vaccinated and processed with a letter from your veterinarian.
Decide Between Cabin or Cargo 
If you want your pet to be in the cabin with you, it’s important to remember that your pet will probably have to be small enough to fit into a carrier. Most airlines require dogs and cats to weigh less than 15 pounds in order to fly with you. A few airlines will allow larger pets if you’re traveling internationally, but not all of them do.
However, if you’re traveling within the US, you can put anything you want in your carrier. If your pet is traveling in the cargo area, there will be restrictions on the kind of pets that can travel with you. The following airlines allow pets in the airplane cabin: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines.
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Get the Proper Documents Ready
You’ll need to get a Health Certificate issued by your veterinarian within 10 days of your trip. You may also get a microchip implanted in your pet to be identified if they get lost. Most airlines require this, but you should check with them before getting the implant done. It’s also recommended that you have a stay kennel made for your pet and make reservations for boarding them at the airport on either end of your flight. Also, make sure you have a few extra bags of food and water for your four-legged friend!
Check Your Pet’s Carrier (at Least Once) Before Boarding
Don’t underestimate the importance of checking your pet’s carrier, even if it seems like they haven’t been moved since they left the vet. Many airlines will not allow pets in their cabin if there’s a chance they could escape, so keep that in mind!
Pack a Distraction to Keep Your Pet Calm
If you’re traveling with a small pet, bring along toys, a blanket, or chew toys to keep your little buddy busy during the long flight. You can also use treats or peanut butter to entertain your dog for a short time, but you shouldn’t rely on this too heavily. When flying internationally, you’ll need to ensure your airline will allow it first.
Do you have any more tips for traveling with your pet? Give us some advice in the comments below!
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