See what the new policies are for pet airlines and read top tips for smoother travels!

In every domestic animal’s life comes one unusually stressful situation: travel. Travel is more important and popular than ever, for both business and personal reasons. A serious consideration for anyone looking to add a pet to their family is what, exactly, to do with that pet when the need for travel arises.

Most Americans fly or drive two to three times a year. This can be for the winter holidays, summer vacations, business conferences, long weekends, and so on. While it is popular to leave the pets at home, sometimes it simply isn’t feasible. If there are no trustworthy neighbors, or allergy-free friends to take in your beloved animal, you may have to take him to a boarding kennel. While great for some animals, not all of them thrive in kennels.

More and more research shows us that animals are as individualized in their needs and sensitivities as humans. For some animals, it is simply impossible for to be without their owners. For these people, travel can become more complicated, especially if they have to fly to their destination. These people need to find pet airlines.

If you have never flown with a pet before, the process of finding pet airlines to accommodate you can seem overwhelming. Keep reading to see the top tips for choosing an airline, preparing yourself and your pet, and making the process as smooth as possible.

How Big Is Your Dog?

Different airlines have different pet policies, but as a general rule, toy breeds that can fit inside a hand-bag type carrier can be allowed on the cabin. You will be required to stow your pet beneath your seat for the duration of the flight, but having him with you makes it easy to keep track of his mood and ease his fears.

A larger animal, starting with terriers, will likely have to be stowed as cargo. To keep your pet as calm as possible, line his crate with old sheets and blankets from home (the smell will comfort him) and add his favorite toys.

Small Meals

To avoid motion sickness and accidents while in transit, do not feed your dog any later than two hours before your flight. Water is more important than food, so keep him hydrated and make letting him out to do his business one of the last steps before leaving for the airport.

Leave a Large Margin of Error

Make sure you add an extra forty-five minutes to an hour to your check-in timeline when traveling with pets. This is especially important the first time around, in the event that some pet airlines policy was overlooked, paperwork isn’t in complete order, and so on. Leaving plenty of time to sort things out will keep you, and therefore, you pet, more calm.

Finally, make sure to reward your animal once landed in your destination! Favorite treats and a good rub will ease any of the unease from the flight.

Read to find the right airline for you? We have up-to-date information on pet airlines operating in the US, complete with links to their pages for you to easily research their policies, prices and serviced airports.

Happy travels!