Air Travel With Your Pet

Tips To Make A Pet's Flight Safer

• Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and an identification tag with destination information. Breakaway collars are best for cats.
• Book a direct flight and avoid weekends and holidays, which are more heavily traveled.
• Purchase a U.S. Department of Agriculture-approved shipping crate that is large enough for your pet to stand, sit and change position regularly.
• Write "Live Animal" in large letters on the top and sides of the crate. Use arrows to show the upright position of the crate.
• Write the name, address and telephone number of your pet's destination on the top of the crate.
• Affix a photograph of your pet to the top of the crate for identification purposes. Also carry a photograph of your pet.
• Provide food and water, attached to the outside of the crate, so airline personnel can feed the animal during long-distance flights.
• Securely close your crate, but don't lock the door so airline personnel can open it in an emergency.
• Tell every airline employee you encounter - on the ground and in the air - that you are traveling witha pet in the cargo hold.
• Before booking a flight for your pet, call the airline and check requirements and availability.

Source: ASPCA and the Airline Transport Association

Air Travel Consumer Report