Be sure to have your pet examined by a veterinarian to ensure that they are healthy enough to travel. Airlines and state health officials generally require health certificates for all pets transported by air. Health certificates must be issued by a licensed veterinarian who examined the pet within ten (10) days of travel. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with the required vaccinations or treatments needed to satisfy government requirements.

Dogs and cats must be at least eight (8) weeks old and must have been weaned before traveling by air or ground.

Travel kennels must be enclosed and allow room for your pet to stand, sit, and lie in a natural position. They must be easy to open and strong enough to withstand the normal rigors of transportation.

Kennels must have three sides of ventilation for domestic travel and four sides for international travel.

Kennels must have two water dishes that can attach to the kennel door and have absorbent lining and adequate bedding to accommodate your pet’s comfort.

We recommend that you purchase your pet’s travel kennel well in advance in order for your pet to gradually acclimate to it. We can provide an airline compliant travel kennel if you request it on the quote.

No airline will guarantee acceptance of a pet it has not seen. Important considerations for acceptance of pets include the health and disposition of the pet, proper health certificates, and kennel marking and sizing. Airlines also require that, if wheels are installed as part of a kennel, they be removed or rendered inoperable prior to transport. This prevents kennels from rolling, protecting both the pet and airline employees.

The USDA assigns airlines the final responsibility for determining the safety and compliance of the kennels they accept.

Airlines generally transport animals in the cargo department of a plane. In doing so, the airlines advise the flight crew that animals are onboard the aircraft. Some airlines allow passengers to carry their pets in the cabin of the plane if the pets are capable of fitting under the passenger’s seat. Carry on pets are not protected under the AWA.

Airlines must comply with USDA APHIS guidelines on allowable temperature limits for animal-holding areas. Furthermore, airlines are not required to carry live animals and they reserve the right to refuse to carry a pet for any reason.

Instructions for feeding and watering your pet over a 24-hour period must be attached to the kennel. The 24-hour schedule will assist the airline in providing care for your pet in case it is diverted from its original destination. Pet shippers and pet owners are required to document that the pet was offered food and water within 4 hours of transport and the documentation must include the time and date of feeding.

Food and water dishes must be securely attached and be accessible to caretakers without opening the kennel. Food and water must be provided to puppies and kittens every 12 hours if they are 8 to 16 weeks old. Mature pets must be fed every 24 hours and given water every 12 hours.

Information courtesy of the USDA-APHIS.