BLOG: Traveling with Your Pet

Many people enjoy taking their dog, cat, bird or other animal with them on vacation. Some people have to relocate and must fly their pets with them to their new residence across the country.  I am asked frequently to help owners with this adventure.

The first thing I recommend to owners is to check with the proper authorities in the location of their destination to see if they have special requirements for the importation of pets. Most foreign countries and some states like Hawaii have very specific rules, tests and timetables that must be followed to import your pet with minimal quarantine time.

I also recommend checking with your airline regarding the need for a health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate prior to leaving for the airport for interstate travel.  Most airlines require a health certificate be issued by an accredited veterinarian that states that your pet is free of obvious contagious diseases. This health certificate and physical examination must be written within 10 days of the flight.

Airlines often will ask that the veterinarian write a letter of acclimation, so that the airline will not be responsible for the health and safety of your pet if temperatures are too hot or too cold. I will not write such a letter as I have no way of knowing what your pets can tolerate nor do I want to risk the safety of my client’s pets. I usually respond by saying that the pets should be kept within their thermal neutral zone and in accordance with the guidelines established by the federal animal welfare act. I always recommend checking the temperatures of the departing and arriving and lay over airports.

It is important to remember that your pets are treated by the airlines as baggage. They are put in the hold of the plane. If your pet is small enough, it is recommended that the pet travel in the cabin with you if possible. There is no air conditioning or heating until the plane takes off. 

If your plane  is on the tarmac for any period of time it is essential that you notify the crew that a pet is on board so they can take them off and place them  in a heated or cooled environment until the plane is ready to take off.  If your pet is to be placed in the baggage area make sure you provide them with a sturdy plastic carrier of appropriate size so they are protected. 

If you are traveling with your pet in the cabin a soft sided carrier works fine. For most flights providing food and water is unnecessary and usually spills and makes a mess. Make sure you have allowed your pet to use the bathroom right before your flight.

Another question I am asked frequently is whether one should tranquilize a pet for the flight. There is no correct answer for this as each pet is an individual.  You know your pet best.  If you think your pet will be very upset or agitated, then light tranquilization may be appropriate.

I strongly urge all my clients to plan ahead. I just had a client call me last week and tell me that they were at the airport with their pet and the airlines would not allow their pet on the plane because they had no health certificate or rabies vaccination certificate. The owners took the flight but had to leave the pet with friends who had dropped them at the airport. The dog then came to me for the proper certifications and had to be flown alone on a separate flight.

If you have any questions talk to your veterinarian; they would be able to guide you through the process. Above all have a great vacation.