Air Travel With Pets

What are restrictions on air travel with dogs and cats?

No airline will guarantee acceptance of an animal it has not seen. Important considerations for acceptance of animals include the health and disposition of the animal, proper health certificates, and kennel markings and sizing. Airlines also require that wheels installed as part of a kennel be removed or rendered inoperable prior to transport. This action prevents kennels from rolling, protecting both the animals and the airline employees. USDA assigns airlines the final responsibility for determining the safety and compliance of the kennels they accept.

Airlines generally transport animals in the cargo compartment 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 a plane if the animals are capable of fitting under the passenger’s seat. Carry-on pets are not protected under the Animal Welfare Act.

Certain animals are accepted as baggage at passenger check-in locations, and others are accepted as cargo at the airline cargo facilities. For the specific requirements pertaining to your animal, make advance arrangements with the airline you are using.

Airlines must ensure that they have facilities to handle animals at the airports of transfer and final destination. Airlines must comply with USDA-APHIS guidelines on allowable temperature limits for animal-holding areas.

Finally, airlines are not required to carry live animals, and they reserve the right to refuse to carry an animal for any reason.

How can I ensure a safe airline trip for my animal?

Here are some good air travel tips courtesy of Purina:

Try to avoid peak travel periods when delays and stopovers are longer. Plan a trip with as few stops and transfers as possible. Avoid traveling in extremely hot or cold weather to avoid dangerous loading and unloading periods for your pet.
When you make your reservation, tell the airline directly that you will have an animal with you. Be sure to reconfirm with the airline 24 to 48 hours before departure that you will bring your pet. Advance arrangements are not a guarantee that your animal will travel on a specific flight.
Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. If your animal is traveling as a carry-on pet or by the special expedited delivery service, check-in will typically be at the passenger terminal.
If you are sending your pet through the cargo system, you’ll need to go to the cargo terminal, usually located in a separate part of the airport. Note that by regulation an animal may be presented for transport no more than four hours before flight time.
Some airlines allow cats and small dogs to travel (generally for an additional charge) with their owner if the carrier fits under the passenger seat. Otherwise, rent or purchase a carrier or crate that meets airline regulations and affix a LIVE ANIMAL sticker. Mark it with your name and address and the name of a person who can be contacted about your pet at your destination, if necessary.
Put a cushion or blanket on the crate floor. Attach a water cup to the crate door. The cup should be deep, but not too full of water to avoid spilling.
On the day of the flight, take your dog for a long walk before leaving for the airport.
At the end of your trip, pick up your pet promptly.

Certain countries and island destinations require a quarantine period for animals at the owner’s expense. Ask your travel agent or the consul of the country you plan to visit about quarantines.

What if my pet gets lost during a move aboard a plane?

If your pet should turn up missing during transport, immediately speak to airline personnel. Many airlines have computer tracking systems that can trace a pet transferred to an incorrect flight. If there is no report of your animal, proceed with these steps:

Contact animal control agencies and humane societies in the local and surrounding areas. Check with them daily.
Contact the APHIS-Animal Care regional office closest to where your pet was lost. Eastern Region: (301) 734-4981, Central Region: (817) 885-6910, Western Region: (916) 857-6205. For further information, call 1-800-545-USDA.
Provide descriptions and photographs to the airline, local animal control agencies and humane societies. Help can also be sought from radio stations. Leave telephone numbers and addresses with all these locations should you have to return home.
You can also contact the Missing Pet Network (http://www.missingpet.net). Follow the advice on “How to post a listing.” The MPN is a group of volunteers sponsored by the USDA Animal Care Office.

Tips on feeding for air travel

Instructions for feeding and watering your pet over a 24-hour period must be attached to the kennel. This 24-hour schedule will assist the airline in providing care for your animal in case it is diverted from its original destination.

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