| The process is different for small dogs than it is for | | | | crate, while others do not. Always make sure you |
| larger ones, but the first tip applies to both. All dogs | | | | clearly label the crate with live animal stickers, your |
| flying by commercial airline will be required to have a | | | | address, phone number and destination city and |
| heath certificate completed by your veterinarian | | | | stickers indicating which end is up. Kennels should also |
| within 10 days of the flight. This is mandatory for all | | | | be equipped with food or water bowls that clip to |
| dogs whether they ride with you or in the cargo hold. | | | | the door and are not loose in the kennel. You are |
| If you have a small do the process is fairly simple. | | | | responsible for food and water for your dog. If you |
| Most airlines will allow you to travel with your small | | | | freeze the water beforehand then it will not spill |
| dog if he is in a proper carrier that fits under the | | | | during the boarding process and provide lasting |
| seat in front of you. They require the crate to allow | | | | hydration for your best friend. |
| room for your pet to stand up and turn around while | | | | Airlines can charge anywhere between $150 and $350 |
| inside. If your dog and his carrier fit this description | | | | to transport your dog in the cargo hold and there are |
| then you will most likely be subjected to a fee | | | | restrictions on what days your pet is permitted to |
| between $50 and $75. You should also call the airline | | | | fly. Generally speaking airlines will not transport live |
| to find out the exact dimensions of the seats in the | | | | animals between May 15^th and September 15^th |
| plane you will fly on to make sure that the crate fits | | | | because temperatures reach unsafe levels within the |
| when you arrive on the date of travel. Most airlines | | | | cargo hold. You should check the weather before |
| require you to call to check in 3 days before the | | | | you fly because the airline will not board your dog if |
| flight to ensure there will be room. If you are | | | | the temperature is over 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This |
| traveling with a larger dog the process is more | | | | is an important safety precaution because dogs are |
| complicated. | | | | prone to heat strokes when confined in |
| Larger dogs must ride in the cargo hold and are | | | | non-ventilated areas at these temperatures. If you |
| subjected to shifting luggage, uncomfortable | | | | must fly during the summer, book an overnight flight |
| surroundings, loud noises and changes in air pressure. | | | | when temperatures are much lower. There are also |
| This can be extremely stressful for your dog and | | | | space limitations for live cargo so you should always |
| you should discuss the option of tranquilizers with | | | | make plans in advance by calling the airline to find out |
| your vet. If possible you should test the tranquilizer | | | | what the requirements are for your pooches travel |
| dose at some point before the trip to see how your | | | | day. |
| pet responds. If he responds well then you should | | | | Preparation is key when flying with your pooch. |
| consider tranquilizing him for the trip. You should also | | | | Some airlines have additional fees, breed and size |
| consider filling the bottom of the crate with shredded | | | | limitations or other policies that could affect your |
| newspaper. Even potty-trained dogs can have | | | | travel plans. Always call ahead to get a clear |
| accidents in this type of environment and the | | | | explanation of the policies in place and follow the |
| newspaper will help to absorb any unintentional leaks. | | | | directions to the letter. Do not assume that you will |
| You are responsible for securing the proper crate and | | | | be accommodated upon arrival if you did not follow |
| transporting it to check in. All kennels should be plastic | | | | the directions. Since the terrorist attacks of |
| hard-side kennels with wire doors. Varikennels are the | | | | September 11, 2001 airlines have tightened |
| most popular choice among people who travel by air | | | | restrictions on all travelers and four legged ones are |
| with their dogs. Some airlines require a lock on the | | | | no exception. |