Traveling with your pet
Going on a trip and taking your pet with you? Do not arrive at the airport with your pet in tow and expect everything to go smoothly. Air travel with pets is a complicated business. The first thing to know is that the US Department of Agriculture is responsible for regulations related to transporting live animals. That includes taking your dog with you when you fly off on vacation.
Naturally, your first stop for information should be the US Department of Agriculture.
The next thing you should do is contact your airline and find out what their regulations are for traveling with your pet. If you are changing airlines, make sure you understand the rules and regulations related to each airline as they will most likely differ.
Just as with humans, you need to make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel. An appointment at the vet before you travel should establish that requirement. Make sure you tell your vet how far you are traveling and be specific about mentioning yo will be going by air.
While you are there, ask your vet for advice about a pet carrier. You will need a carrier suitable for the size of your pet. Don't skimp on size, your pet will be very uncomfortable if it has to travel for a long period of time in a carrier that provides no room for movement.
You may also want to check with the American Society for the Protection of Animals. They also have guidelines and it will be better to make sure you conform to all of them, rather than get sent back from the airport because your pet is denied travel.
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