What steps should I take prior to a flight to make sure my pets trip goes smoothly and safely?
There are many things you must and can do to keep your pet safe. Here are the basics. Have your pet examined by a veterinarian. Most airlines require that you provide a health certificate from a veterinarian stating that he or she has examined your pet and approved the animal for the flight. Usually, the certificate must be issued within ten days of the plane trip. Communicate with your airline. Each airline handles animal travel differently, so you should make sure you know what your airline will expect of you, the pet owner. If your pet is traveling to an international destination, be sure to tell the airline that fact when you call for information about pet travel. Some airlines have additional and more stringent requirements for international travel. These rules may require additional ventilation and labeling, and a shipper’s certification. Plan your trip with your pet in mind. In the summer, choose early morning or evening flights to avoid extremely hot temperatures. In the winter