Read About Pet Air Travel Safety

Pet air travel safety is an important topic for anyone considering flying with their companion animals. Airlines may have different policies regarding approved carriers, small pets in the cabin, or other important issues. Be sure to verify all arrangements with your air carrier to avoid any last minute surprises.

Be sure the carrier you are using to transport your pet is approved by all airlines involved in your trip. Many small airlines are owned or operated by larger airlines, so be sure to verify all policies when planning your trip. When choosing a carrier, making sure that is the proper size for your pet is critical. The pet should have enough room to stand, turn, and lie down. Be sure that her collar and ID tags cannot become accidentally hooked on the carrier door.

If your pet is small enough and your airline will allow it, you may be able to bring the carrier onto the plane with you. Do not assume this will be allowed based simply on the size of your pet; be sure to verify it with the airlines. Whether your pet is in the cabin with you or must be loaded into the cargo hold, be sure that his ID tags are securely attached. For pet air travel safety, your pet should have two ID tags: one with your home address or contact info and one with your contact info at your destination. Many pet owners now opt to put their cell phone numbers on their pets' ID tags, rather than or in addition to a home number, which can make an extra tag unnecessary. The important thing is that your pet can be easily returned to you if he gets away while you are traveling.

If your pet's carrier must be loaded into the cargo hold of the plane, be sure your contact information is written on the carrier as well as on the pet's tags. Place absorbent materials like old towels on the bottom of the carrier, to absorb any waste during the flight. An important facet of pet air travel safety is marking your pet's carrier properly. Use a wide permanent marker to clearly note which direction is "UP" and to write "LIVE ANIMAL" in letters at least 1" high. Booking direct flights whenever possible will minimize the number of times your pet gets moved and the amount of time he may spend on the tarmac being loaded or unloaded. This is especially important during very hot or very cold times of the year, and can be a big factor in pet air travel safety.

Be sure to carry your pet's leash with you at all times, rather than leaving it attached to the carrier. This will prevent the leash from getting lost and ensure you are ready to walk your pet as soon as you are reunited with him. Carry a recent picture of your pet, and consider attaching one to the outside of the carrier, in the unfortunate event the pet gets loose from the carrier.

Pet air travel safety requires advance planning, as well as research on your part to learn airline policies. The rewards are a safe trip and a healthy pet, which is certainly worth the effort.