It is time to travel, and you want your pet to go along.  You are planning to travel by air, and have seen pets in the cabin before.  Unfortunately, your pet is not the size of a purse, so he cannot be carried on the plane.  So, what are you going to do?  Why not check him like you do your luggage?  Most airlines allow you to check your pets, though each has its own rules and fees for checking your pet.

The first thing you should do is research the airline’s pet policies.  There are basic rules to follow, but there are differences among each airline.  Once you have an airline in mind, just visit its Web site to find everything you need to know.  Until then, there are transporting guidelines to consider.

Unlike carrying on your pet, if you decide to check you pet as luggage, most airlines do not require an advanced notice.  However, you must arrive earlier than normal to fill out required forms and pay the extra fee.  The fee usually runs upward of $100.  Arriving early also helps get your pet a spot on the plane (in case a dog show is in town!).  The USDA requires that your pet be fed and watered within four hours of checking in.  It’s a good idea to take your pet for a nice, long walk (with potty breaks) to get him ready to calm down for the trip.  Airlines recommend that you do not sedate your pet.  When mixed with high altitudes, sedation may cause your animal discomfort.

The carrier is one of the most important things to consider when transporting your pet by air.  Carriers must be made of hard material and large enough for your pet to lie down and turn or move around.  At least two sides of the carrier must be properly ventilated.  There are size and weight limits on the carrier (your pet included), but it varies with the airline and size of the plane.  Most airlines do not allow collapsible carriers, because of the danger of the carrier collapsing in flight.  Some airlines require a water bottle be placed inside the carrier.  The water bottle must be able to be accessed from the outside, just in case of delays. If you do not follow the airline’s guidelines on pet carriers, then they will refuse to transport your pet for safety reasons. 

Check with the airline on how many pets or carriers you can check.  For the most part, you can have two animals per carrier as long as they are the same species and close to the same size.  If you are transporting a dog, then it must be at least eight weeks old.  There are also breed restrictions on many airlines.  Aggressive breeds are often not allowed on planes.  If you need to transport your pet but you will not be present on the plane, then consider transporting your pet as cargo.  Many airlines offer cargo options where you can transport a greater number or different species of pets.

Temperature is a huge determinant of whether or not your will be able to check your pet.  Your pet will not be allowed on the plane if there are high ground temperatures (above 85 degrees Fahrenheit) or low ground temperatures (below 45 degrees Fahrenheit).  This applies to any destination on your itinerary.  Before you finalize your plans, check with any pet policies your destination area may have.  Each state and country has its own rules regarding pets.  Some require proof of vaccinations while others need a recent record of health.  There are places that do not even accept pets by air travel. 

If your pet is larger than a handbag, then checking him as luggage on a plane is a good idea to get him to where you are going.  Each airline has its own specific rules and regulations regarding pet travel.  Make sure you check with the airline and follow the guidelines closely to ensure that your pet gets a spot on the plane.  Check with your destination on any additional rules to follow.  Wherever you go, you know it will be better with the accompaniment of your pet!

Article provided by Pet Super Store a site featuring dog beds, dog car seat covers and dog crates.