If you're preparing to fly with your pet, you're probably asking questions like: Which airline should I choose?Does my pet need a health certificate?What size travel crate should I buy?What paperwork do I need? These are all excellent questions. But after years of working in veterinary medicine and the airline industry, I've learned that the most i...
The Mistake: Flying a pet that is not medically fit — because the paperwork was approved. This is the most dangerous error in pet air travel. And it happens every single week. A signed health certificate does not mean a pet is fit to fly. Why This Mistake Is So Risky Air travel places unique stress on animals, including: Confinement for extended pe...
Traveling with pets can be emotional and stressful. For many families, pets are not just companions — they're family — and the pressure to "get it right" can feel overwhelming. It's completely natural to turn to social media for reassurance, advice, or examples from people who seem to have done it successfully. But this is where many well-intention...
Flying with your pet isn't as simple as buying a ticket, crate, and obtaining a health certificate. Every safe journey requires preparation, compliance with regulations, and putting your pet's welfare first. Let me be your HITL (Human in The Loop)for Pet Travel. As a veterinarian with airline industry experience, I bridge the gap between pet parent...
Have you noticed crates or carriers being advertised as "TSA-approved"? Let me clear the air: this is nothing more than a marketing gimmick. There is no such thing as TSA approval for pet carriers, and falling for this label could leave you with a carrier that doesn't meet airline or international transport standards—putting your pet (and your trip...
A travel crate is not just a box; it's your pet's safety zone and shelter during air travel. Choosing the right travel crate is critical to protecting your pet's health, welfare, and ensures compliance with airline and transportation regulations. Many pet owners assume all travel crates are the same simply because they look alike. Most crates are m...
Guest Writer: Dr. Karyn Collier, Medical Director at Hillside Veterinary Clinic, Dallas, TX When preparing to travel with your pets, the best piece of advice I can give is to start your preparations as early as possible. Starting early, especially for international travel, provides the best opportunity for a smooth and stress-free trip. Let's look ...
Great question, the vaccinations needed depend upon the entry requirements destination state.So, when traveling between states and territories in the US, you must research the dog/cat entry requirements of the destination, for the requirements can vary.Please never assume that the requirements are the same in each US state. A prime example is Hawai...
Depending upon the airline and their pet travel policies, the Shar Pei breed might be on their restricted breed list for transport via cargo.You might wonder, why?Well, the Shar Pei is a unique breed, famous for wrinkly skin and their unique appearance.Their facial features externally and internally are slightly compressed; unfortunately, their fea...
According to the CDC's New Dog Importation Regulations-effective on 8/1/2024, all dogs (including service dogs) must meet a set of criteria to be allowed to enter/return the US. All dogs must be healthy, at least 6 months of age, and microchipped. Pet owners must apply for a CDC Import Form and obtain the forms' receipt prior to traveling. Addition...
There is a lot to do preparing for a trip with your pet and we want to provide you with some tips to ensure their safety! Tip #1: Know Your Pet’s Health If you are making plans to travel with your cat, dog or any other pet that can fit in a crate/carrier, it is important to make sure that you get their health checked ...
By Sonia Ben Hamida, PhD, Head of IATA Special Cargo, Operations, Safety and Security – Cargo Ensuring the safety and comfort of your pet during air travel requires careful planning and adherence to guidelines. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) provides essential guidance to make this process smoother for dogs and cats travel...
When transporting reptiles via cargo, you must determine the following: What are the reptile transportation regulations for the destination state or country?What airlines allow the transport of reptiles via cargo?What are the shipping container requirements for your reptile? Reptiles are fairly easy to maintain as pets, thus pet owners often obtain...
A great example of a dog with a long body is the Basset Hound and as you can imagine, you have to pay attention to make sure you have the correct size crate for them. Basset Hounds are NOT on the list of restricted breeds (i.e., brachycephalic breeds) for transport via cargo and are not listed by DOT as being prone to death during transport via car...
So, you want your pet bird(s) to travel in cargo? Well, believe it or not, the process and procedures are like preparing a pet dog or cat for transport in cargo. The pet owner must ensure that their pet bird meets the entry requirements of the destination state/country AND comply with the live animal policies of the airline. If traveling in cargo d...
Do you have a Chinese Crested, Sphinx, Mexican Hairless Dog, American Hairless Terrier or any of the other hairless breeds?Let me share tips to prepare them for air travel via cargo. No matter what breed of dog or cat you may have, making efforts to ensure your pet is prepared and safe during air travel are paramount. Each breed will have commonali...
There are several natural disaster seasons that are scary and dangerous for man and beasts. But as long as we make plans and prepare for them, we all can make it to safety. Whether you live in an area that is prone to floods, fire, hurricanes or tornados, 1) create an Emergency Kit, 2) Make a plan of Evacuation and 3) Be Informed as to what is avai...
Anxiety is a reaction to stressful, or unfamiliar situations which occurs in people and pets (dogs/cats). We all experience anxiety from time to time, in response to anything new or unfamiliar. During air travel, dogs and cats are exposed to an unfamiliar environment with new people, unusual sounds and smells, and varying temperatures and lighting....
When Pets Fly often receives questions regarding traveling with cats. There are multiple steps, however in this article we will focus on getting your cat acclimated to confinement in its travel crate or soft-sided carrier. Cats are very sensitive. Any changes to the normal home environment can cause stress.The simple act of putting out their travel...
Unlike people, dogs and cats breathe with open mouth when overheated, because they can't sweat like humans. Snub-nosed dogs or cats have condensed facial structures which impacts their ability to breathe normally, and during air travel these features impairs their ability to cool themselves off and makes them vulnerable to heat stroke. The Embargoe...
Did you know if a dog or cat can't stand-up and turn-around, their travel crate is too small. During shipping, the animals are to be confined in containers that must allow for normal habits and freedom of movement. The animal must be able to sit and stand up in a natural position with its head erect, have enough space to turn about normally while s...
You've seen the pet crates. They're used to house train dogs, or for quick trips to the veterinary hospital or clinic for cats. Some are made for quick assembly or to be able to get your pet inside without too much of a fight. Are all crates the same? No! Crates used for air travel as checked baggage or via cargo must be made of a rigid material (p...
Not a good thought to consider, but you don't want to wait until something happens and then search for a local veterinarian. Just in case, it's better to be prepared prior to leaving for vacation. Locally in the US, you could search for veterinarians via sites, such as: AAHA-accredited hospital locatorFind Local VeterinariansFind a Veterinarian Nea...
Your pet has basic needs, just like you. We all require food, water, and shelter. When traveling in the US or internationally, we have the expectation that we, as people, will have our needs met at the destination. There will be hotel accommodations, plenty of restaurants to choose, and you can have your beverage of choice. However, when traveling ...
You love your dog or cat and cannot imagine being without them. So, when you travel for vacation, to visit family, or just because, you want them to be with you. Now that you have decided on the destination and that you want your dog or cat to travel with you, lets discuss how to prepare your pet for travel.
Do you know, if you do not meet the requirements for travel by the airline, your pet may not be able to go with you. Also, if you do not meet the pet entry requirements of the destination state (i.e., Hawaii) or country, your pet could be denied entry and required to be returned to the state/country of origin or placed into mandatory quarantine. Be aware, this will be at your expense!
Don't risk it, here are steps to prepare:
Well, we discussed the pet entry requirements of the destination country and the need to comply. However, we didn't address the significance. When you travel with your dog or cat to a different state or country, be aware that you are travelling to a "new land". This "new land" is governed by another state or country. Each will have their own regulations in place to prevent the entry of infectious diseases transmitted by dogs or cats. The entry requirements will vary-some will be lax, and others will be extremely detailed. So…never assume that the requirements are the same.
Something else to consider when you travel to a "new land". You are potentially exposing your dog or cat to "new" infectious diseases that are not common in your origin state or country. Unfortunately, data is not available regarding the common diseases of dogs or cats by state or country. However, let's consider how diseases are transmitted to dogs or cats. The most common diseases are transmitted via:
