Tips for Safe Pet Air Travel

Name: Janeth
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Labrador Retriever
From: Tampa, FL
To: Los Angeles, CA

Hi PetRelocation,

I've been reading some horrible stories about animals dying when they fly, and it doesn't give me any peace of mind about flying anywhere with my pet. I have to fly to California because I'm moving there, but I want to find at least five top airlines that I can trust with my pet. She will be in the cargo area since she is 60 pounds.

What airlines are the best? What things could I do so my dog gets there safely with me?

Thanks,

Janeth

Hi Janeth,

Excellent questions! First of all, read this. Though it's common to come across news stories about pet travel mistakes and mishaps, the fact of the matter is that most pets fly safely. When you look at the numbers and realize that there are things you can do to minimize the risks of pet travel, hopefully you'll begin to see the situation a little differently (which will help you start to breathe a little easier).

What are the things you can do to help your dog travel safely? First, work on crate-training. If your dog is comfortable with her crate and even enjoys spending time in it, you'll be off to a great start. Here are a few tips for helping this to become a reality (they apply to both dogs and cats). Second, it's important to choose a pet-friendly airline. We have helped thousands of pets fly safely, and our most frequently-selected airlines include United, KLM and Lufthansa.

It usually helps to read the stories of pet travelers who have gone through this all before, so we recommend taking a look at these PetRelocation client experiences for some insight and education. Finally, here are a few frequently asked pet travel questions that might help you pick up a few tips, as well.

If you think you'd like some expert help carrying out your move, feel free to fill out our online consultation form. We'd be happy to assist you!

Thanks again for reaching out. Hopefully this information sheds light on the more positive realities of pet travel and helps you to plan a safe and low-stress trip. Good luck with everything and let us know if we can be of further assistance!