| If you are planning to fly with your pet, you are part | | | | I.D. tag on your pet as well as attaching the new tag. |
| of a growing trend that has been increasing for the | | | | That way you have all bases covered and stand a |
| last number of years. Most airlines, for a nominal fee, | | | | better chance of being reunited with your pet. |
| will allow your small pet to fly with you if it will fit in a | | | | You should carry a photo of you pet with you when |
| FAA approved pet carrier that can be stowed under | | | | you're traveling. It will help you prove that you are |
| your seat. The following important information can | | | | the rightful owner if any problems of ownership |
| help you keep your pet safe, healthy, and happy on | | | | occur. Also, the photo can be used to make up flyers |
| airline flights. | | | | to post in the area where your pet was lost. |
| When booking a flight, it is a good idea to make | | | | Flying with pets that are too large to fit into a FAA |
| reservations for yourself and your pet as early as | | | | approved pet carrier is not advisable as they will |
| possible. You must let the airline know that you want | | | | have to be stowed in the cargo hold. Putting your |
| to bring your pet with you. It is very important to tell | | | | pet in the cargo hold can be traumatic and dangerous |
| them, as they will only allow a limited number of pets | | | | to your pet's health. It would make far more sense |
| on each flight. Some airlines do not allow pets at all, | | | | to leave your pet with friends,or a pet sitting service |
| especially on international flights. Always confirm your | | | | for the duration of your vacation. |
| flight the day before you leave on your trip. If you | | | | The American Veterinary Medical Association advises |
| are traveling internationally you need to confirm your | | | | against sedating or tranquilizing your pet when flying, |
| reservation seventy-two hours before you go. | | | | especially dogs. Dogs regulate their body temperature |
| Before you fly into the wide blue yonder with your | | | | by panting, so if they are tranquilized, they may not |
| furry travel companion, you need to take him or her | | | | be able to pant. If this happens, it can leave them |
| to the veterinarian for a checkup, to make sure he | | | | defenseless against the fluctuation of temperature |
| or she is healthy enough to travel. You will also need | | | | and air pressure that occurs in the cargo hold of |
| to take its health certificate with you, showing that | | | | every flight. Also, keep in mind that pets don't enjoy |
| your pet is up-to-date on all its vaccinations, including | | | | flying, or being stuffed into a cramped kennel and left |
| rabies. Your pet must wear its current vaccination | | | | alone in a dark and desolate cargo hold. It must be |
| tag when traveling. As well, your pet must meet the | | | | terrifying for them. |
| health regulations of every country that you will be | | | | There are a number of websites that give additional |
| traveling to. Bring along a copy of your pet's medical | | | | valuable information regarding traveling with your pet. |
| records listing its allergies, chronic medical conditions, | | | | Two outstanding sites are the American Society for |
| and medications. | | | | the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) at |
| If you haven't done this already, you should get your | | | | aspca.org, and the Federal Government's Department |
| pet micro-chipped. That way, if your pet gets lost | | | | of Agriculture at aphis.usda.gov, which has an |
| and is taken to an animal shelter or vet, where its | | | | excellent article entitled, Traveling With Your Pet. |
| chip can be scanned, you both can be reunited. Keep | | | | If you want a great travel carrier for your small pet, |
| in mind that your pet's identification tag will have your | | | | you may want to consider the popular, FAA |
| home address and phone number on it. That won't | | | | approved pet carrier, Sherpa On Wheels. This Cadillac |
| be of much help if your pet is lost while you are on | | | | of pet carriers can be a luxurious and comfortable |
| vacation. It may be a good idea to get another tag | | | | home for your pet while flying. It has the |
| made up with your destination address and phone | | | | convenience of a front and top entry, mesh |
| number on it. What happens if you pet isn't found | | | | ventilation panels, recessed wheels, as well as a |
| until after you have returned from your vacation? It | | | | detachable pull handle and a shoulder strap. |
| makes sense that you should leave both your home | | | | |