Airline Pet Carrier

 

We do our best to keep you informed regarding the best pet travel tips and the newest trends, but it never hurts to check in with others in the field to see what they have to say. Today we're featuring a guest post from our friends at CheapOair, an online travel company that keeps your budget in mind.

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Air travel with pets requires lots of research to make the trip hassle-free. If you’re traveling for the first time with your pet on a flight, you need to put some extra effort not only to make the reservation and get the documents completed, but also to train your pet physically and psychologically. Here are a few tips that might help you in making your pet travel unperturbed.

Air Travel Policies for Pets 

The first and the foremost thing when planning to travel with your pet is to check the airline policies. Pet air travel policies vary from one airline to the next depending upon in-flight and cargo space and other factors. Therefore, it’s important to check with the airline for the latest pet flight regulations regarding carrier sizes, health documents, and other things required for pet travel. For example, as per the latest travel updates, AirTran Airways no longer accepts birds for travel on any flight.

Cargo or Cabin

It is crucial to select what is the best mode of travel for your pet. No doubt, pets too large to fit in cabin carriers have no other option than to fly in the cargo area, but certain snub nosed breeds and pets with medical issues should not fly in cargo. That doesn't mean it's unsafe to fly in the cargo area, though. It's advised that you choose a pet-friendly airline with safe pet practices as you plan your trip, and also discuss your options with your vet and a pet travel specialist before you fly.

Say No to Sedatives

Sedating animals before flights is prohibited. Sedation may affect the pet’s abilities to regulate his/her body temperature, your pet may become confused or even aggressive once the tranquilizer begins to wear off, and most airlines do not allow pets to fly if they’ve been sedated.

Overall, the best way to make pet air travel cozy and comfortable is to enlist the help of a pet relocation service provider.  They take care of each and every aspect related to pet relocation, including completion of documentation, vaccinations, and flight arrangements.

Author Bio:
Rachna works for CheapOair, an online travel company that is committed to provide cheap airline tickets along with hotel reservations and car rental services.
 

Name: Rob
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
From: Northern Ireland
To: Frankfurt, Germany

 

I'm looking to move my cat from Northern Ireland to Frankfurt and keep reading contradictory info. I'm just looking for some help on the best airline to travel with and what my cat should have as far as passports or vaccinations.

Thanks,

Rob
 

 

Hi Rob,

These are the pet import requirements for Germany. You'll need to visit the vet and secure a few basic documents, and as far as airlines we recommend a pet-friendly carrier like KLM or Lufthansa.

Please let us know if you're interested in a free quote or simply more information -- we'd be happy to help. Good luck!

Name: K.
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Rat
Pet Breed: Dumbo Rat
From: Japan
To: Maryland (though Washington, Dulles airport)

I am leaving Japan in the summer (expecting to leave in the last week of July) and want to take my two fancy rats home to the US with me. I have contacted the CDC in both countries and they have said there are no specific regulations for pet rats, however I am having a difficult time just getting a list together of everything that I am going to need at the airport. As time starts to run out I am getting very stressed that there will be some sort of last minute thing that I forget!

Also, as I have never shipped a pet before, I am a little confused about how the whole process works. Do I just walk in the airport with the carrier and hand them over when I check my bags? I worry that with the stigma most people have of rats that they won't be treated as well as a larger companion animal would, but I haven't been able to find any airline that will let me take them as carry on (I'd even be willing to buy a second seat!).

I guess what I am asking is just for some idea of what to expect and what forms/ vet information I will need to have for them. Using a service such as your own also isn't out of the question. More than cost, I am just concerned about my (clearly very spoiled) rats getting home safely.

Thank you so much for your informative site. Any information that you can give me will be most appreciated.

Thanks,
K



Hello,

Thanks for your question about traveling with your rats; your concerns are certainly understandable! First of all, you're right that it's important to start the process early in order to avoid being surprised about anything.

Here is some information from our site about obtaining customized rodent crates as well as how to travel with an exotic pet, and we also recommend contacting your airline directly in order to find out about their most up-to-date regulations. The good news is that the United States allows rats to be imported without much fanfare (here's a document from the Official U.S. Customs and Border Protection site that may be helpful).

Hopefully this information is helpful to you, and please let us know if you have any more questions or if you'd like a free quote for our services. Good luck with the move!

Wondering how many people are flying with their pets these days? Let these statistics recently released by Virgin Atlantic give you an idea. Since 2003, this British airline has seen a 1500% increase in the number of dogs flying out of the UK and a 325% increase in the  number of cats doing the same.

This is just one airline, but clearly these numbers are worth noting and this growth trend can most likely be reflected by the industry as a whole. More and more people are traveling with their pets, and air carriers are taking notice. We look forward to watching the industry develop even further, and will report the inevitable exciting changes to you as they emerge.

For example, a smaller airline that you may or may not have reason to do business with, Air Malta, has just announced that it will be implementing a new pet policy beginning Jan. 1, 2012.

Air Malta  has been allowing guide dogs to ride in the airplane cabin for the last two years, but beginning in January, small pets (cats and dogs) will also be allowed to travel with their owners in the cabin. These new policies are based on customer and employee suggestions, and include the following:

-Small pets will be allowed in the cabin during all Air Malta flights, with the exception of those flying to and from the UK.

-Pets should be in a carrier no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. The carrier should meet all air travel requirements (it should have a leak-proof bottom, allow proper ventilation, etc.).

-The pet and the carrier cannot exceed a combined weight of 10 kg.

-Only three pets, including guide dogs, can fly on one airplane.

-Pets must remain in their carrier throughout the flight, and the carrier must remain stowed beneath the seat throughout the flight.

-Pets must be at least eight weeks old to fly.

-Pets must still meet all import requirements for the destination country and must have a valid health certificate and should have seen a vet within three days before the flight.

These rules seem pretty standard but can make all the difference to pet travelers, so hopefully more airlines out there will soon be following suit. At any rate, we'll keep you updated!

Name: Karla
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed:
From: Mexico
To: US

I'm going for a short stay for a vacation only, and I want to know whether my 3 3/4 years-old cat can go with me or not and what do I need to take her with me.

Thanks,
Karla


Hi Karla,

Thank you for your question. It would be possible to bring your cat on vacation with you -- these are the pet import requirements for the United States and the pet import requirements for Mexico.

We advise that you choose a pet-friendly airline when you fly; also it's important to take some care in selecting the proper travel carrier and try to work to help your cat get used to the crate, as well.

Good luck with your trip, and please contact us if you have any more questions!

Thanks to an increase in pet-friendly amenities and the ever-growing population of devoted pet owners, pet travel is on the upswing. That doesn't mean it's always stress free, but it's possible to navigate foreign countries with relative ease (and style, even), as you can see if you've taken a look at Dog Trots Globe, a book chronicling the international adventures of Chula the Sheltie.

The author of the book, Sheron Long, was kind enough to answer a few of our questions recently; read on to find out more about Chula, pet travel tips, and bringing dogs to France.

Had you ever traveled with pets before this?

Car trips, of course, but never by plane. When we decided to take Chula to France, we took a big step into pet travel!
 
How and when did you decide to bring Chula with you to France?

We have been to France before on shorter trips and always left Chula at home. This time we were able to stay for two months, and it was unthinkable to be away from her for that long. Still, we wanted to do what was best for her, and that's how our research began, including consulting the expert advice on the PetRelocation.com site.

We learned the importance of selecting a properly sized travel carrier, choosing a good time of year to travel (not too hot and not too cold), avoiding sedation, and making sure Chula would have food and water throughout the trip. We talked with several airlines about their "accommodations" in the hold. We became comfortable that Chula could travel safely and settled on a non-stop flight to keep her travel time as short as possible. We first traveled with Chula in 2010 and then again last spring. She loved it!
 
What was the most difficult part of preparing for international pet travel?

The paperwork. Now that we know what needs to be done, it's easy, but figuring it out the first time was a challenge. We appreciated how PetRelocation.com organized the regulations by country, because they vary.
 
How did you find France to be in terms of pet-friendly amenities?

The best part is that you can take your pup almost anywhere--certainly to just about any restaurant where the dogs have developed excellent under-the-table manners and the waiters bring a water bowl without you asking! More than half the hotels accept pets, and most stores either consider them as part of the customer team or provide a hook-up outside where the dog can safely wait. Despite the more than 200,000 dogs in Paris, the City of Light is a little less dog-friendly--you'll find those dreaded "No Dogs" signs on the gate of just about every park. In both Paris and Provence, those same signs appear on the door of every museum. Dogs are valued, but creative and historical works are even more valued!

We found recommended vets online and then visited three of them as soon as we arrived in Provence. We wanted to establish a relationship with a vet just in case Chula needed any help while we were there. She didn't.
 
What were your biggest surprises, and what advice do you have for pet travelers?

We were most surprised by how flexible Chula was. The first day, she traveled by car and plane, slept in a hotel, and figured out the elevator right away. The next day, she hopped on the train to Provence and settled in at Bob's feet just like a seasoned traveler. And then we had another surprise--the conductor came by and asked for Chula's train ticket. We had no idea we needed to buy her one, and fortunately the conductor gave her a pass.

Chula's biggest surprise was the day of the Transhumance in the village of Saint-Remy-de-Provence. That's the day the shepherds take their sheep from the lowlands to the lusher pastures in the highlands. Along the way, they circle the village twice. Now, Chula is a Shetland Sheepdog, but not one who is actively working at the present time. When she saw those 3,000 sheep headed her way, she didn't herd, she didn't nip at anybody's heels. She ran for cover under the nearest cafe table and knocked over the water bowl!
 
What made you decide to write the book, and do you have any future projects in mind?

France has been a passion of mine for many years. I wrote the book to share the joie de vivre I experience whenever we are there. Since the best trip was with Chula, I decided to show France from the dog's eye view and included over 150 color photos and four videos that capture Paris and Provence. Along the way, Chula became a chien savant and was therefore able to share a wealth of fascinating information on everything from French cheeses to how the Eiffel Tower gets painted!

I plan to do more multi-sensory books on a variety of cross-cultural topics and publish them with OIC Books. Say the publisher's name out loud and you'll hear, "Oh, I see." Their enhanced books give new views into the world, and that's what I want to do as well.

 
How has Chula adjusted to living abroad and then coming back? (Many people worry their pets will have trouble with so much change.)

Chula misses the baguettes and the big outdoor markets in Provence, where the sausage table was her favorite. She misses sniffing around the lavender fields and catching flakes of falling croissants from under her bistro table. But other than that, she's adjusted just fine. Her life in California is good, too.
 
What’s your opinion about the future of pet travel?

Seriously, the bonds we have formed with our pets are so strong that we want to share the world with them. Pet travel makes that possible. As long as you look out for your pet's well-being, you can continue the good times together far away from home. "Have dog, will travel," became our motto.
 
Anything else you care to add?

OIC Books, the publisher of Dog Trots Globe, includes a wealth of book-related information and inspiration on its web site where you can find out more on Paris, Provence, Pet Travel, and Dogs. Go to http://www.oic-books.com/books and click the Extras button.
 
 

Name: Katie
Number of Pets: 5
Pet Type: Cats
Pet Breed: Domestic Cat
From: Samoa (Western)
To: Texas, USA

Can you answer a question for us? My friend is returning to the States with her cats and we're wondering if two or three cats can travel together in the same pet carrier.

Thanks,
Katie


Hi Katie,

Great question. Since our pets can often be found cuddling up close to one another it makes sense that you'd consider letting them travel in the same crate, but generally we avoid doing this for a few reasons. One, many airlines do not allow it, and two, it's not always the safest thing to do for the pets. It may seem easier, but it's important to make your pets' well-being the biggest priority.

Take a look at our blog for a deeper discussion of pets and travel crates as well as the pet import requirements for the US, and please contact us if you have any more questions!

Name: Shelley
Number of Pets: 6
Pet Type: 4 cats, 2 dogs
Pet Breed: German Shepherd, Golden, 3 Domestic short hair, 2 Domestic longhair
From: Arizona
To: NY



Should we use our kennels and litter pans for our cats, or are cat carriers a better choice? Two are used to kennels and two used to be in them but haven't been for quite a while. I want to make this as stress free as possible for them. It's going to be at least 12 hours a day driving for four days. Any advice would be appreciated. I have never traveled with cats before, I take them to the vet in the carrier but that is it.

Thanks,
Shelley


Hi Shelley,

Thanks for your question! It sounds like you have quite an endeavor ahead of you. Luckily there are a few things you can do to make this cross-country pet move a little bit easier.

Since you're in control of this trip (and don't have to meet any airline requirements, for example) it's really up to you to decide what kind of travel carrier you use. For long journeys we suggest roomy travel crates with an absorbent material in the bottom, and to prepare the cats who haven't spent much time in the car, try going on a few short trips in the weeks preceding the move.

Be sure to bring plenty of food and water as well as any necessary medications, and it's smart to have current vet records and recent pictures of the pets, as well. Finally, your demeanor will rub off on them, so do your best to breathe deeply and stay calm.

Good luck with this trip, and please contact us if you have any more questions!

Traveling with pets, whether you're handling it yourself or hiring specialists to help you, can sometimes be an overwhelming experience for many reasons. The fact is, though, there are many misconceptions about pet travel, and clearing them up will make life much easier. Read about a few common misapprehensions below, take a moment to adjust your point of view accordingly, and travel well, everyone!
  

1. Pets should travel the way humans do

Example: many air travelers have trouble with the idea of separating from their pets and placing them in the cargo area, when in fact this part of the plane is actually preferable in many ways. Temperature and pressure-controlled and offering less commotion and confusing noise than the cabin, the cargo hold of a plane that's operated by a pet-friendly airline generally offers a better flying experience for pets.

This is one illustration of why it's necessary to consult the experts before you make your plans -- your first instincts ("my cat should be next to me the whole time"), don't always ring true when it comes to high-flying pet travel.



2. Direct flights are better

Booking one direct flight may seem better than choosing a multi-leg trip with one or more stopovers, but in fact it's easier on the pet when they're able to take a break from their travel crate in the middle of a long journey.

Top-notch facilities like the Lufthansa Animal Lounge in Frankfurt, for example, are designed to provide a safer and happier travel experience for all kinds of animals. It may mean adding a few hours to your total travel time, but if they could, your pets would thank you for keeping their comfort in mind.


3. The experience of traveling will leave pets forever changed 

It's true that the travel day can be stressful for everyone, and pets may seem a little dazed or dehydrated after a very long journey, but it's amazing how often we hear that pets bounce back to their normal selves in just a few hours. Take a look at a few of our recent Customer Testimonials for stories that will put your mind at ease.

Pets don't hold grudges and they love to be wherever you are, so as long as you resume your usual schedule as soon as you can upon arrival and show your furry travelers plenty of love, the spring will be back in their step in no time.



4. Airlines are prone to mistakes and don't seem to care about pets

The key to this one is simple: choose a pet-friendly airline. Not all carriers devote the same attention to flying animals, and PetRelocation.com has a short list of pet-friendly carriers that we will do business with. Look for established pet programs and good safety records when making flight reservations -- Continental, KLM, and Lufthansa are a few of our top picks.

5. Pets "want" things a certain way

When it comes to travel, trying to guess what your pet would like to do (which often means projecting your own preferences upon them -- see Misconception #1), is simply a waste of time. As a pet owner, it's your responsibility to make the right decision on your pet's behalf.

Do the research, talk to the experts, and then plan a course of action that makes logical sense. This means being honest and deciding if it's safe to relocate your pet in the first place, as well as putting in the time and energy into crate training, etc.

Will you receive looks of confusion from your pets during all of this? Very likely. Will they get over it in the moment it takes to start a game of fetch or give them a good belly scratch? No doubt about it.

As Hurricane Irene heads straight for the densely populated eastern coast of the United States, millions of people are preparing for whatever may come. Storm watches have currently been posted in seven northeastern states, and everyone from your local meteorologist to the President has instructed citizens to be smart, safe, and to heed evacuation warnings.

As far as travel is concerned, several airports will obviously be affected this weekend. Here's what we know (particularly about Continental Airlines' activities, but other carriers are probably following similar courses of action):

-Dulles (IAD) is scheduled to maintain operations but will probably experience flight delays on Saturday when the storm reaches them. They're expected to see up to five inches of rain and wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour. 

-Other D.C. airports (DCA/BWI) may be more greatly impacted by wind and rain, so expect delays here, too.

-Irene is expected to hit Philadelphia (PHL) on Saturday afternoon/evening and Boston on Sunday, affecting flights at these times.

-Continental Airlines will begin canceling regional jets and commuter flights beginning on Saturday afternoon, and will announce more cancellations as the storm draws near. They're planning to remove all aircraft from their Newark hub by Saturday evening in order to prevent damage.

-Continental officials state that they should be in "recovery operation" by Monday morning and hope to be operating regularly by noon.


In terms of pet travel, pet flights are being canceled to and from Newark (EWR) on Saturday and to and from cities northeast of that area on Sunday. If you have a pet flying through this region and for some reason they end up being held there longer than anticipated, take comfort in knowing that Continental PetSafe agents are prepared. They have stocked up on food and water and have ensured that enough staff will be on hand to take care of any animals that end up stuck due to the weather.

Keep yourselves informed with with this Hurricane Irene tracking map and double check our pet hurricane preparedness tips and pet disaster preparedness tips. Hopefully Irene will pass quickly without causing too much damage... Stay well, everyone!

Name: Jessica
Number of Pets: Two
Pet Type: Dogs
Pet Breed: Great Danes
From: Hawaii
To: Tennessee

We will be PCS due to army orders from Hawaii to Tennessee in 2-3 months. We have two Great Danes that we are taking with us and are trying to figure out the best airline to take and who can accommodate the size of their crates. I have had some airlines turn me down because the crates won't fit in the doorways, and some tell me that they can't get them anywhere close to Tennessee. Please give me any information you can.

Thank You,
Jessica

Hi Jessica,

Hopefully we can help you sort out your move! Custom crates definitely make things more interesting, but it sounds like you're on the right track by calling ahead to discuss your options with the airlines. We advise choosing a pet-friendly carrier such as Continental, so give them a call if you have yet to do so.

If you're unable to fly directly into your desired destination, it will be necessary to find a way to transport your pets on the ground. If you decide to hire PetRelocation.com we would arrange for the dogs to be picked up at the airport and then driven to your home. For a complimentary consultation, please visit our site.

Please give us a call if you have any more questions or concerns, and good luck with the move!

Name: Stacey
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Dog and Cat
Pet Breed: Domestic Short Hair and Mini-Pinscher
From: Cape Town, South Africa
To: San Diego, USA

Hi, I have two extremely nervous small animals and we are taking them to the USA on a multiple-stop long-haul flight. I hear tranquilizers are no longer the norm (deaths due to breathing difficulties?) but I am very concerned about both of them surviving the trip unscathed - the cat hates being boxed and the dog hyperventilates when away from me and frightened. The dog is 9 (ish) and the cat is 3/4 years old. My vet recommended flying KLM as they have a vet check at Schiphol airport? is this good advice? The problem is our flights will be paid for by University California and we may have to fly a US carrier. If so, will stopping over in New York be a problem for the pets? I've heard it may. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Stacey


Hello Stacey,
Pet travel can certainly be stressful, and we totally understand your concerns. Tranquilizers are NOT recommended (or even allowed, really). Rather, it's best to try to acclimate your pets to their travel crates in the weeks and months before the trip, and also you should try to keep life as calm, stable, and filled with exercise/playtime as possible.

We often fly pets using KLM because they have a pet-friendly travel program in place. Traveling through Amsterdam means your pets will be able to visit the KLM Animal Hotel, where pets can take a break from their travel crates and stretch their legs in a safe environment. The bottom line is this: whatever airline you end up choosing, just try to find one that does have a pet program. Continental and Lufthansa are also carriers we frequently use. Take a look at our blog for more information about pet-friendly airlines, and don't hesitate to contact us if you have more questions.

Good luck!

Name: Justin
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Shih Tzu Mix
From: Vietnam
To: United States

Hello, how are you? I bought a pet while I was on vacation and I wanted to transport him to the United States. Can you tell me what steps I need to take to do this?

Thanks,
Justin



Hi Justin,

We're doing well, thanks for asking! To move a pet to the United States, you'll need to meet a few basic requirements. Check out the US pet import rules here, and start looking into acquiring an approved travel carrier and researching pet-friendly airlines.

Please let us know if you have any more questions about your pet move, and congratulations on the new dog!

Name: Chris
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: German Shepherd
From: Bucharest, Romania
To: JFK, United States

My wife and I are considering purchasing a dog while here on vacation here in Romania. The dog is currently nine weeks old and we will be leaving Bucharest on the 27th of July. We have to spend one night in Kiev and then will be catching a flight out of Kiev to JFK on the morning of the 28th. We are concerned that 1) we will have to take the dog out of the airport and re check/cargo the dog and its cage the following day. 2) that we will have to meet Ukraine's requirements about which I've read multiple different requirements depending on the webpage I'm using. And 3) We have emailed the port authority at JFK and the airline we will be flying (Aerosvit), but they have not contacted us back. If the dog needs any additional vaccinations, by the time they give us confirmation of what's needed, there may not be enough time for us to get the vaccinations required for entry into either Ukraine or the United States.

Thank you,
Chris


Hi Chris,

Thanks for your question! It sounds like you have an interesting situation here, and we'd be happy to help you sort it all out. First of all, be aware that flying such a young dog can have risks, so be sure to talk to your vet and consider the situation carefully before you make your decision.

As for the import requirements, it sounds like you'll need to meet the import requirements for the Ukraine as well as the import requirements for the US. Luckily the United States is actually one of the easier places to fly into, but in terms of making it there it's important that you're choosing a pet-friendly airline that makes pets' safety a priority. We recommend some of the larger and more established carriers like Lufthansa, KLM and Continental.

Please contact us if you have any more questions or concern, Chris. Good luck!