Greenbriar Animal Hospital

All pets flying on commercial airlines must have a health certificate and be current on their rabies vaccine. The health certificate is usually good for 10 days, so if this is a longer trip, you may need to get another health certificate later on. Check with your airlines to find out their specific requirements. The health certificate is a legal document stating that the doctor examined your pet on the date of the certificate, so we cannot issue a certificate without an exam on that same date. Airlines don’t always ask for the certificates, but if they ask and you don’t have it, your pet won’t be allowed to fly.

Major tips for your domestic air travel with your pet:

Is the pet going in cargo or in the cabin? Airlines charge extra for both in-cabin and cargo; reservations are required. In-cabin slots are limited and not all airlines accept pets in-cabin. Many airlines do not allow pets on airplanes at all. Most airlines limit in-cargo pets to 1 or 2 per flight.

Pets in cargo cannot fly if the outside temperature is over 80 degrees, so at certain times of the year, you should make alternate arrangements in case your flight is significantly delayed or there is a major weather change (even if you always schedule early morning or red-eye flights). Do your best to schedule non-stop flights only.

In-cabin pets must fit, inside their carriers, under the seat in front of you (in place of a regular carry-on). Flexible carriers with mesh on 2-4 sides and at least one zippered pocket are best. Put a copy of your pet’s rabies certificate, health certificate, and contact info in the zippered pocket. Have the pet’s name, your name, and contact phone numbers on an easily seen luggage tag on the carrier, too. Also put a ziplock bag of food and any daily medication in the zippered pocket (in case of delays). If your pet is on medication, it needs to be in the original container with the original prescription label. Take enough for several extra days in case of delays.

If your pet is going in cargo, make sure the carrier is appropriate in size and type, and familiar to the pet. Don’t buy it at the last minute. Add something soft and absorbent (shredded paper, bathroom carpet, or a comforter folded in quarters, for example). Write pet’s name, your name, and a contact phone number in BIG letters on the outside of the crate. Don’t put food or water in the crate ahead of time, but do have the clip-on dish hooked to the inside of the door. Add some ice cubes or a small amount of water as you leave your pet. Bring food and water with you in your carry-on (in case of cancelled flights and/or long delays). Bring regular medication and a leash in your carry-on. If your pet has a favorite toy, put it in the carrrier. Put a piece of your clothing in the crate (worn and not washed so it has your scent).

Miscellaneous helpful things to know about litter boxes:

Does your pet get carsick, upset, vocal (whining, barking, meowing) when in the car or in the carrier? Tranquilizers are usually NOT recommended for in-cargo transport. If your pet is hyper, anxious, or noisy, tranquilizers will be needed for in-cabin travel. Motion sickness medication can be prescribed. Make sure to bring this medication with you as additional doses may be needed! Talk to your vet about medication.

Don’t feed your pet for 12 hours before travel. Bring food with you for the first few days. Bring water with you. Offer your pet water when you reach your destination, but not en route unless travel time exceeds 8 hours.