Taking your pet on even a short trip can present a some unique challenges. At PetTuff.com, we are dedicated to helping you anticipate and overcome these issues with the latest information, tips & advice from travel experts and other pet owners.
The best thing you can do for your pet is be prepared! Please check with your vet and the particular airline(s) and hotel or campground to be sure you are prepared. Check out the American Vetrinary Medical Association at www.AVMA.org for additional information about traveling and general pet care.
You can share your own traveling tips and experiences by emailing Rick@PetTuff.com. Remember to bookmark us and checking back often for more exciting stuff!
Thanks & Happy Travels!
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Airline Travel
Most of the sources we consulted recommend avoiding exposing your pet to the stress of airline travel if possible. Most pet professionals recommend only taking pets on airlines if they can be in the cabin. Airline travel usually requires your pet, especially larger animals to be separated from you, in the cargo area of the plane.
Pets, like people do get stressed when traveling and look to you for comfort. Every pet handles stress differently. You know your pet's personality and should make your travel decisions based upon their individual temperment .
Unfortunately pets are sometimes injured, escape or die during airline travel. Injuries to paws, teeth and gums are most common and can result from chewing at the kennel. If they are able to chew through or if the door latch is not strong enough or if the kennel is not securely assembled they could escape. For additional information about travel related pet injuries click here . Scroll to the last page of animal incidents.
Each airline has their own rules and regulations regarding pet travel. Some carriers do not accept pets, or may limit pets to service animals only. Some may allow dogs, cats and birds in the cabin, but typically limit the number of pets per passenger and additional fees may apply. Click on an airline below for their most up to date pet travel regulations.
Keep in mind that having your pet in the cabin will usually count as one bag of the carry-on baggage allowance. Pets are not usually permitted outside of their containers which must be stowed in under the seat in front of you.
Transporting large animals as cargo should only be used as a last resort and under extenuating circumstances. This is extremely stressful, dangerous and unsafe way for pets to travel. Some airlines will not permit animals in cargo areas in destinations with extreme tempratures such as Phoenix and Las Vegas. Please remember to factor the climate of your destination into your travel plans.
Hawaii is considered an international destination and usually only service animals are permitted in the cabin when traveling overseas. Hawaii is also a rabies-free state and requires that all carnivores complete a rabies quarantine period. As with all other international travel, we recommend contacting the Hawaiian authorities at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to your trip. Click on the link for the latest information about pet travel to and from Hawaii.
Also, don't assume that smaller regional carriers have the same policies regarding pets as a larger airline. If your trip involves both a national and regional airline, contact both providers to avoid any problems mid-travel.
TSA Security Screening:
TSA security procedures don't prohibit you from taking a pet on a flight. However, you will need to present the animal to the Security Officers at the airport checkpoint and may be asked to walk your animal through the metal detector. If this is not possible, your animal will undergo a secondary screening, including a visual and physical inspection by our Security Officers.
Pets are NEVER placed through an X-ray machine. However, you may be asked to remove the animal from its carrier so that the carrier can be placed on the X-Ray machine. To read further TSA details about pet travel click here.
Selecting a carrier for your pet *Airlines do NOT certify pet containers or kennels. The statement "Air Line Accepted" is misleading* Acclimate your pet... Sedation... Whether flying in the cabin or with cargo, animals are exposed to increased altitude pressures of approximately 8,000 feet. Increased altitude, according to Olson, can create respiratory and cardiovascular problems for dogs and cats who are sedated or tranquilized. "Brachycephalic (short-faced) dogs and cats are especially affected," noted Olson. "Although thousands of pets are transported uneventfully by air, airline officials believe that when deaths do occur they often result from the use of sedation."
Look for overall strength of a container. It should NOT be flimsy, all bolts should be fastened tightly and the container should be size appropriate for your pet. Airlines that do permit pet travel may have specific size regulations. Most airlines will typically accept 17"L x 16"W x 8"H hard-sided carriers and 17"L x 16"W x 10"H soft-sided carriers. Again check with the airline for specific requirements.
Another important step in traveling with your pet is to be sure to acclimate them to the carrier or kennel. Allow your pet to spend varying lengths of time in the kennel for several days prior to traveling so they become familiar with it. Pets can become severely stressed being placed in a strange cage. It's also a good idea to place a familiar toy, blanket or article of your clothing inside the kennel during the trip to help ease the stress.
Contrary to what you may have heard, sedating your pet is generally NOT recommended for air travel. This could put your pet's safety at risk. A recommendation from The American Veterinary Medical Association website states, "An animal's natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation," ...Dr. Patricia Olson, DVM, Ph.D., director of veterinary affairs and studies for the American Humane Association. "When the kennel is moved, a sedated animal may not be able to brace and prevent injury."
Thinking about a Cruise...?
While most cruise lines can accomodate your wildest dreams, unfortunately none permit pets. Service and special assistance animals are permitted by most cruise lines but like the airlines, each carrier has their own rules regarding animals. Advance written notice and approval is almost always required as well as documentation regarding the animal. Most cruise lines will also help you plan a trip considering any special needs and assistance animals. Your travel agent should be able to assist you in making these arrangements. For additional information on specific cruise lines and service animals, click the links below.
International travel with your pet is an endeavour that requires some research and preparation. We recommend that one of the first steps you take is visiting the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service webisite. They will have the latest information that could impact your trip. To visit their website click here
Some questions you may want to make sure you get answers for include:
- Does your pet need any special vaccinations or tests for travel to this country?
- Are there any age restrictions? Sometimes very young or old pets are prohibited.
- What is involved in clearing my pet through customs?
- Where are the quarantine sites located and are prior arrangements required?
- What paperwork / documentation is required?
It is also very important that you check with the particular Embassy or Consulate of that country(s) you'll be visiting for additional information. Some countries require a quarantine period, which means you will be separated from your pet. (This process may require prior arrangements). Please click Embassy or International Travel for more information.
Many countries also require specific health certificates, signed by that country's health department, and/or a licensed veterinarian within a set timeframe prior to your trip and often times they must be in that country's native language. Often times these forms are available on the Interent but sometimes they will need to be mailed to you and may need to be completed by an accredited vet.
Air & Sea Ports:
- Los Angeles, CA
- Miami, FL
- Newburgh, NY
Canadian Border Ports: Mexican Border Ports:
Limited Ports:
Be prepared if you’re taking a pet to
Bringing pets to
Taking pets to
Bringing a dog or a cat into
In some of
If your pet is a fussy eater it can be a good idea to bring along enough food for the duration of your trip. The big supermarkets in most of
Bringing along enough water for the pet to drink on the trip is another good idea. Although most pets have a hearty intestinal system and can handle foreign bacteria found in some of the water, some animals can catch a bit of the 'touristas'. Play it safe.
Coming back into the
If your pet is an important part of your family don't let the guidebooks talk you into leaving the animal at home. Yes, it's a lot more work to bring 'em along but most pet owners agree it's worth the trouble!
Article above edited from Carlos Fiesta’s Mexico Expo, www.MEXICOEXPO.com
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