The holidays are quickly approaching. Very soon it will be Thanksgiving, and Christmas always seems to appear out of nowhere. For many families, the holiday season means plenty of travel to see family or close friends. If you are uncomfortable with leaving your pet in a kennel, and all of your friends and neighbors are going out of town, go ahead and bring Fido with you! Traveling by air? Not a problem. Here are a few helpful hints to taking your pet on a sky-high flight.

The first thing you will need to do is find out whether or not the airline you plan on traveling with allows pets. Also, airlines that permit pets usually have specific guidelines; however, they are not unreasonable and they are for the ultimate safety of your precious pet.

For travel by air, a customer generally has three options for their pet. First, some airlines will allow you to carry on your pet if they are small enough to fit comfortably into an approved kennel or pet carrier bag. The pet in the carrier bag or kennel will slide in under the passenger’s seat and remain there for the entire flight. The second option that is presented by most airlines is that your pet accompanies the baggage; this means your pet will travel in the cargo hold next to your checked luggage. However, airlines will only permit you to check you pet as “accompanied luggage” if you, personally, are on the same flight. The third air travel option is most airlines will permit your pet to be termed as “live animal” and they will travel with the cargo shipment. In the cargo system, your pet can either travel with the regular cargo shipments, or they can be transported with the special expedited delivery services. All of these options are completely safe and humane for your pet; if you have any questions or concerns, contact your airline directly.

Also, when traveling by air, there are a few things you may need to consider. First, you will need to clearly display your name, address, and phone number on the carrier in case of a rare mix-up. Second, make sure you distinctly label with arrows (tape works nicely) to indicate the top of the kennel or carrier. Third, make sure your pet has both their water and food dishes securely fastened to the interior of the kennel, yet accessible from the outside. If necessary, provide enough food in a bag attached to the exterior of the kennel alongside a clear food and water schedule if your pet must be fed during travel. Fourthly, be sure to place absorbent materials such as newspaper, puppy pads, or carrier bag liners on the bottom of the carrier. Finally, don’t forget to mark on the carrier or kennel “live animal” in distinct large letters.

Traveling by air during the holidays can be a harrowing experience. However, if you plan ahead and remember to call your airline directly to make the right travel arrangements for you and your pet, everything should be fine. Happy holidays, and have a safe trip!

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