| A pet owner must research the many | | | | you plan on taking next week. |
| requirements before taking a dog on an airplane. | | | | Also, be aware of weather restrictions. These |
| Different airlines have slightly different regulations, | | | | might be a big inconvenience, but they are in |
| but most airlines follow the same basic set of | | | | place to ensure the safety of your pet. The |
| rules in regards to flying with a dog. | | | | cargo area on an airplane can be incredibly hot. |
| One universal rule is that dogs cannot fly on a | | | | Because of this, there are restrictions on what |
| plane without the owner on board. Each airline that | | | | times of the year dogs are allowed to travel to |
| was contacted for this article has a rule that | | | | and from certain regions. Virtually all airlines will as |
| outlaws flying unaccompanied dogs from one point | | | | well enforce weather and temperature related |
| to another. Realize that the airline considers dogs | | | | restrictions. For instance, if the temperature in the |
| to be cargo. Just as you are not allowed to send | | | | arrival or departure city is hotter than 85 degrees |
| your luggage across the country without also | | | | Fahrenheit, pets will not be permitted on the plane. |
| being present, same thing goes when it comes to | | | | Do not argue with the airline staff, because this is |
| your dog. The intent of each rule is slightly | | | | for your dog's safety. |
| different (it's unlikely that a bomb would be inside | | | | Many airlines are currently allowing pets to be |
| of a dog), but the bottom line is that the airlines | | | | transported in the cabin of the plane, as long as |
| to not want to be responsible for your dog. | | | | they can comfortably fit into the in-cabin kennel |
| However, if you absolutely must transport your | | | | cage (usually 22" long by 9"). The price of this |
| dog without being present, you can contact a | | | | service varies by airline but is usually under |
| licensed and approved pet transportation | | | | $100.00. This is considerably cheaper in |
| company to get the job done for you. | | | | comparison to the pets flying in the cargo hold |
| Before you even go to the airport, you need to | | | | which is not as safe and which can cost upwards |
| make an appointment with your veterinarian. All | | | | of $300.00 on some airlines. |
| airlines mandate that every dog that boards the | | | | When flying internationally, be aware that the |
| plane must receive a full physical examination and | | | | customs laws of many countries prohibit the |
| be tested for various diseases (rabies is their | | | | entrance of dogs across their borders. Airlines are |
| main concern) prior to boarding. Usually the airline | | | | required to comply with these laws, and in many |
| will want the exam certificate be dated within 30 | | | | cases your dog will not be able to join you on an |
| to 60 days prior to the date of the flight, so the | | | | international flight at all. |
| exam you had last year will not work for a flight | | | | |