After countless flights to the furthest-flung destinations, you might think you’re a bonafide professional sky traveler. But once you add Fido or Fluffy to the jetsetting mix, you’ll quickly realize there’s an entire segment of travel you likely never even considered.
That was me about a year ago, right before I took my two youngish kitties on a cross-country journey from Phoenix to New York City, and then back again a couple months later.
The steep learning curve required tons of research on everything from airline protocols to animal anatomy, plenty of read-throughs on others’ anecdotal experiences, and—most illuminating—the travel experience itself. Here’s a dense brief on what you need to know about flying with pets from someone who’s been there, done that.
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Familiarize Yourself with the Airline’s Rules
Adding a pet to the mix requires more pre-planning than a regular trip requires. Not all airlines allow pets, for example, so the first step is finding a pet-approved carrier for the route you need. Next, you’ll need to understand the individual airline’s protocols inside and out. Each airline is different.
“One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming they can just show up at the airport with their pet and add them to the flight. You must book your pet at the same time as your ticket and confirm availability with the airline in advance,” says Prairie Conlon, LPC, NCC, clinical director of CertaPet. “Pets are subject to airline-specific rules, fees, and capacity limits.”
For example, many airlines have unique pet carrier size regulations for both hard and soft shells (each type differs), and many require you to call or go online to “add a pet” to your travel plans in advance. Some airlines also have regulations around how many pets are allowed on the entire flight, and require an early, special airport check-in with your pet in tow.
There are also certain animals that airlines won’t permit to fly with at all, including flat-faced breeds or animals above a certain weight limit. For the latter, they may be moved to the underbelly of the plane or require cargo shipment.
Hit Up Your Veterinarian
Depending on your destination, some airlines and countries require proof of vaccinations. In some cases, these vaccines must be administered within a certain timeframe before the trip, and you’ll need to carry papers that prove their medical history. Though, generally speaking, up-to-date vaccines are wise across the board, even if the airline doesn’t require it.
Even domestic flights with certain airlines may require a “safe to fly” note from a veterinarian before the flight itself. Again, this is airline and destination specific, so make sure you’re dotting all your i’s.
“Other preparations include making sure your pet has proper identification, like a microchip and collar with an ID tag or smart tag with your contact information on it,” says Jennifer Bruns, DVM, MPVM, veterinarian at PetSmart. She adds, “Some pets may need medication to help reduce the stress of air travel. Talk with your vet to see if medications may help reduce stress for them.” Just note—and this is counterintuitive— that full pet sedation isn’t allowed on most airlines.
Get Ready for Travel Day
Now that you’ve figured out the airline stuff and have the greenlight from your vet, it’s time to prep for all the day-of logistical parts of traveling with a pet. We’re talking fully-prepped carriers, food and water, and consideration for going to the bathroom.
“Make a packing list and ensure you bring the right supplies with you, including food, water, a harness, waste bags, medications, a travel bowl and a comforting blanket or toy,” Dr. Bruns advises. “Bring enough of those items in your carry-on so you have supplies when you arrive and in case your checked luggage is lost.”
For the carrier itself, choose a quality, airline-approved pet carrier that your pet can stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in. I left my carriers out a couple weeks before the trip so my pets acclimated to them. On the day-of, I also lined them with a pee pad. One cat did pee on the journey, but the other didn’t. Neither wanted to eat or drink, and that’s normal, too.
Be Prepared for TSA
Pets cannot go through the normal TSA scanner, but their carriers must. That means they need to come out of the carrier for the process. You have two options here. You may hold them as you walk through the detector, or request a private holding room while the carriers are scanned.
When I first flew with my cats, I opted for a private room where I held them while harnessed. On the way back, I knew my pets well enough in that environment to know they’d be OK with my holding them while walking through the detector. To me, this actually felt less stressful than walking to an entirely different room and waiting 10 to 15 minutes.
Admittedly, TSA was one of the trickiest aspects of traveling with pets, largely because I’d never done it before, and also because cats can be unpredictable. However, this is a sticking point for any type of pet since it puts them in a new environment with lots of noises and tons of other people, so proceed with patience.
Give Yourself Extra Time (Even More Than You Think You'll Need)
Give yourself lots of grace and extra time on travel day. Get to the airport early so you can calmly deal with any natural hiccups that may occur while traveling with pets.
Dr. Bruns adds, “For dogs, it’s important to locate pet relief areas and make sure they have a bathroom break before your flight. You can also take them for a nice long walk ahead of time or throughout the airport to get their energy out, so they hopefully take a nap during travel.”
Cats tend to hold it and prefer to remain in their carrier, but you know your pet best. As for the in-flight travel time, never put them in the overhead compartment. Instead, they should always remain under the seat in front of you. Make sure to check on your pets routinely and give them lots of love, care, and attention. A treat and head scratch can go a long way.
The Shortcut
Flying with pets requires more planning than standard travel, including understanding airline-specific rules and booking procedures.
Following veterinary prep and thoughtful packing will ensure safety, comfort, and compliance.
Remember that travel days will involve extra logistics and maybe a few hiccups, from TSA handling to in-flight care.
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