Flying with, or shipping your pet

In the event your pet is small enough to travel with you in the airplane's passenger cabin, the ASPCA recommends the following:

• Make an appointment with your pet's veterinarian for a check-up prior to travel.
  
• Make sure you have the necessary documentation: health certificates, international permits, etc.
  
• You must make a reservation for your pet! Most airlines limit the number of animals allowed per cabin.
  
• For your pet's safety and the safety of the passengers, make sure the crate is secure under the seat in front of you.
  
• Make sure the crate is big enough for your pet to be comfortable.
  
• Line the bottom of the crate with a towel to absorb any accidents.
  
• Exercise the animal prior to putting him or her in the crate.
  
• Let the person sitting next to you know that you have a pet. (They may be allergic and want to switch seats with someone else.)
  
• Do not take the pet out of the carrier. This is federal law.
  
• Bring food and water for the pet for long trips and offer only after the airline food service is over.
  
• Please respect fellow passengers.
  
• Tranquilization is not recommended.

• Check temperatures carefully. Do not fly your dog in extreme heat or cold.
  
• Try to find a direct flight if all possible. Many dogs are lost or injured during transfer from one plane to another.
  
• Fly with your pet if you can. On many airlines, small dogs that will fit into an under the seat size crate (8" high, and dog must be able to stand up in it) may be carried on for a fee of around $25.
  
• Make sure that your dog is loaded last, especially during extreme weather conditions. This will also insure that he is taken off the plane first.
• Be sure that the captain and crew of the plane are aware that there is a dog on board.
  
• Be very alert as to how your dog is being handled -- and don't be afraid to say something if you are not comfortable with something that is being done.
• If you can't fly with your dog -- if, for example, you are buying a new puppy or adult or shipping a rescue dog -- the next best alternative is to fly the dog counter-to-counter, priority parcel or "Delta Dash."
  
• Be sure to get there to pick up the dog on time, even before the plane lands. Make sure that the airline personnel know that you are there to pick up a dog.
  
• If you find that the airplane that your dog is arriving on has had problems, find a sympathetic person who wants to help you.
  
• Be sure that your crates are marked with contact persons on both sides and if possible at any connection. Also, make your dog "personal" to handlers as possible. Put signs on the crate saying, "Hi! I am a Belgian Sheepdog girl puppy. This is my first time away from my brothers and sisters. Please treat me kindly." or "Hi! My name is Patches. I am on my way to Florida for the first time. Please handle me gently."
  
• Make sure the airline is not carrying dry ice. Dry ice is deadly if your dog is crated near it.