Travel can be a big deal for your pets, especially when it involves air travel. It’s essential to plan ahead so you and your pet will be prepared for the entire process, from booking the flight to arriving at your destination!
In this post, we’ll cover:
-
- Preparing Your Pet to Travel by Plane
- Checking With Your Veterinarian Before Traveling
- Keeping Your Pet Comfortable During the Flight
- Which Airline is the Most Pet Friendly?
- How Much Does it Cost to Fly a Pet on a Plane?
- Tips for Traveling with a Dog
- Tips for Traveling with a Cat
- Additional Help from Trusted Organizations
Preparing Your Pet to Travel by Plane
To make traveling with your pet run smoothly, prepping your pet for the journey is essential.
For dogs, one of the best tricks is to get them comfortable with their travel carrier well ahead of time. Think of it like letting them explore a new toy! Let them sniff around it, maybe even sleep in it a few times before the flight. This makes all the difference when the actual travel day comes around.
You can find some airline-approved dog travel carriers here.
Dogs are known to benefit from getting a good bit of exercise before heading to the airport. A solid game of fetch or a brisk walk can tire them out in a good way, helping them settle down when it’s time to board.
You know what they say, a tired dog is a good dog!
For specific tips for traveling with your dog, read my post, Tips for Traveling with Dogs (includes video!)
Cats, being the independent souls they are, might need a little extra patience. Familiarization with a carrier is still key, but with cats, it helps to slowly introduce them to it.
Use treats and gentle encouragement. You want the space to feel like a cozy hideout rather than a scary trap.
You can find some airline-approved cat carriers here.
Cats can also benefit from exercise prior to the flight. Try engaging them with feather toys or interactive toys to burn off a little energy!
For specific tips for traveling with your cat, read my post, Tips for Traveling with Cats (includes video!)
Check With Your Vet Before Traveling With Your Pet
Before setting off on a plane adventure, it’s vital to check in with your vet. Airlines often require health certificates proving vaccinations are up to date, and your pet’s in shape to fly. Plus, a vet can offer advice on calming your pet’s nerves.
Keeping anxiety at bay for both dogs and cats can be as simple as packing their favorite blanket or toy. A familiar scent goes a long way. For those with an extra-nervous pet, herbal calming supplements might be worth considering, though it’s always smart to seek advice from your vet before trying new products.
If you and your vet determine that it’s probably not smart for your pet to fly, check out my posts for making arrangements for your pet while you’re away:
How to Find a Good Dog Sitter (includes video!)
How to Find a Good Cat Sitter (includes video!)
Keeping Your Pet Comfortable During the Flight
Handling your pet during a flight can be a breeze with some prep work. Imagine the stress-free feeling of knowing exactly what to do. Choosing the right pet carrier makes a big difference. It should be airline-approved, cozy, and have enough ventilation to keep your pet cool.
Once on board, make sure the carrier is securely placed under the seat in front of you. It’s like setting up a safe little personal cabin for them.
Keeping your pet comfortable in-flight includes a few simple steps. Hydration is key, even in the sky. Airline cabins can get dry, so offering small amounts of water when allowed ensures they stay hydrated.
As for food, avoid heavy feeding pre-flight. Instead, light snacks during the journey work best to prevent discomfort. Bringing along a familiar blanket or toy can help soothe anxiety and keep them calm.
You never know when unexpected situations might pop up. It’s reassuring to have a basic plan for emergencies in place. Whether it’s a little turbulence upsetting your pet or an unexpected delay, having a pet travel kit equipped with wipes, treats, and trash/poop bags makes handling mishaps easier.
Understanding cabin versus cargo policies is crucial too. Most pets prefer and are safer in cabins close to their owners, but if your pet needs to travel in cargo, being aware of temperature control features and handling ensures peace of mind.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. This is your pet! And you’ve paid for their ticket. You’re entitled to know exactly how your pet will be handled.
Packing smart can save the day. An organized checklist including essentials like ID tags, medical records, and emergency contact information might seem basic, but can be a lifesaver.
Another tip I’d like to offer is to remain calm. Pets can easily sense if you’re not ok – if you’re scared, nervous, etc. So even if you are, try not to let your pet see that! Remain as calm as possibly and speak softly to your pet, if at all.
Seriously, you screeching smoochie-woochie-kins stuff into their carrier will probably just make them more nervous! Not to mention stuff like, “Don’t worry honey! It’s ok! You’re going to be ok!”
Don’t make a big deal out of things. Whenever I’m in a stressful situation involving my pets (like traveling to the vet, for example), I try to act super chill in hopes they’ll think, “Well, if it’s ok with Mommy, then it must be ok!” ‘Know what I mean? They’ll take their cue from you.
Which Airline is the Most Pet Friendly?
When it comes to flying with pets, not all airlines roll out the red carpet for your four-legged companions. Air travel policies for pets can feel like a puzzle, but some airlines are known for making this process a lot less stressful.
Brands like Delta, JetBlue, and Air Canada often get high marks for accommodating pets comfortably in the cabin or offer hassle-free experiences if your pet’s flying in cargo. Click on each of them for their individual pet policies.
How Much Does It Cost to Fly With a Pet on a Plane?
The cost to fly your pet varies widely depending on the airline, the size of your pet, and the flight’s length. Cabin fees usually range from $50 to $200 per pet, which covers those sitting under the seat in pet carriers.
If your pet can’t fly cabin class due to size or breed restrictions, cargo travel might be the only option. This can get pricier, sometimes several hundred dollars, especially for international flights.
Booking the reservation isn’t just about dialing in your credit card. Make sure to lock down your pet’s spot well in advance. A lot of airlines have a first-come, first-served policy with limited availability for in-cabin pets.
Checking online booking tools can provide availability insights and help you snag that spot before it’s too late.
Size and breed restrictions can complicate things too. Some airlines won’t allow certain breeds like snub-nosed dogs in cabin or cargo because of breathing concerns. Checking airline-specific regulations beforehand saves you from any unpleasant surprises.
Extra perks might sway your decision too. Some airlines offer pet-friendly lounges or allow for in-flight pet meals, adding a bit of comfort to your pet’s journey. It pays to research these benefits ahead of time, especially if you want your furry pal to travel as comfortably as possible.
I Hope This Helped!
For more detailed strategies for traveling safely with pets, checking out resources from trusted organizations like the ASPCA and the American Humane Society can provide invaluable insight. They offer comprehensive tips to tackle any pet-related travel challenges.
Other trustworthy resources like PetTravel.com and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA.org) offer detailed guidelines. They can help you make an informed decision and keep you up to speed with the latest travel requirements.
I Donate to Animal Charities
Thank you for visiting my website! You should know I receive a small commission for some of the products and services I recommend in my posts. I donate 10% of my earnings to the animal charities listed here.
Please share my site with fellow pet lovers! Thanks so much. Debra
Flying with pets can definitely be stressful, both for the animal and the owner. I’ve flown with my small dog a couple of times, and I’ve learned how important it is to get them familiar with the travel carrier well in advance. One challenge I faced was finding reliable airline staff who understood pet protocols. Do you think certain airlines are more pet-friendly than others? Also, I’d love to hear your thoughts on using calming aids. Are they safe and truly effective during long flights? This topic is so important for pet lovers who want to travel without compromising their pet’s well-being.
I’ve been told that Delta, Air Canada and JetBlue get good reviews for accommodating pets. There are a lot of calming aids available on Amazon which are likely safe, but I’d definitely check with the vet before using them as to their safety, effectiveness and how long they last. Thanks for visiting! Debra