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