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You’ll find less restrictions by the airlines when traveling with car as opposed to air travel with dogs. It’s a bit ironic since most people don’t consider traveling with their cats but it’s surprisingly easy and cats can do well on flights. Almost all cats can meet the weight requirements set by airlines and ride with you in the cabin. You’ll of course have to call ahead to let the airline know and book a spot since almost all of them restrict the number of pets in the cabin to a total of 2. Once you do that and find out the appropriate crate requirements, you can get your cat prepared for the flight in much the same way as you would a dog.

Getting Your Cat Ready

Probably the most difficult obstacle to overcome when traveling with a cat is getting them used to the crate. Cats don’t like to be confined and aren’t as easily calmed by your presence as dogs are. You’ll need to begin early getting your cat accustomed to the cat by placing treats and possibly their bed in there weeks prior to any travel. The car is a good place to get your cat ready after they are comfortable with the carrier in the house. You should be able to close the lid of the carrier in your home and have your cat remain calm for at least 5-10 minutes before moving out for some starter travel.

Once your cat is completely comfortable with the carrier, take them out on short car rides, each one getting longer. A good 15 minute drive at first, then building up to 1 hour will give your cat the sensation of air travel which won’t be as jarring for them when the actual flight comes around. You may also want to get your cat used to a leash – and while you may scoff – it’s a good way to give your cat a chance to stretch its legs on layovers. Also, like with dog crates, you’ll have to remove your cat from the carrier during security checks so if your cat is agitated or your are anxious holding on to them, the leash may be a good alternative. We’ve also noticed it helps to calm most cats who like to sniff around when outside of their carriers.

Breed Restrictions

Unlike with dogs, there aren’t man breed restrictions with cats. The only time it may come into play is if you get a rare cat from a country that prohibits their export. Check with the breeder before purchasing and call the airline to confirm your cat is good to go.

Don’t be afraid to fly with your cat, most of them adjust very quickly to the experience and take a day or so to get back into sorts once they arrive at their final destination. Much like dogs, cats, even the most finicky of them, adapt quickly. Set them up with litter box, food, and water once your get home; let them explore, and in a day or two it will be like they never flew at all.

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It’s easy to assume that air travel with dogs is much easier than with cats. The truth is that is really depends on the temperament of your pet and how well you’ve prepared them for the journey. You need to get your dog ready for a long plane ride in unfamiliar conditions by acclimating them to frequent travel. It is critical to take them for long car rides, and even walks around the airport terminal to get them used to the commotion and sheer number of people. Once your dog has gotten a good feel for traveling with you in the car, the next step is to get them ready for their crate. The crate should be a fun, relaxing place for them. Don’t force your dog into the crate but rather leave treats and toys in there so they begin to associate the crate with all the things they love. So much of air travel with dogs begins before you ever get on the plane.

The Requirements

Many airlines, cities, and hotels place certain restrictions that don’t apply to cats. For example, many airlines restriction dogs to weights below 25lbs in the cabin to under 75lbs as luggage. Also, you need to beware of airline breed restrictions since several domestic and international carriers don’t allow pit bulls, some shepherds breeds, and others due to their poor reputations (which we don’t support at all – dogs are as good or bad as they are trained, irregardless of breed). Speaking of breeds, many of those lacking a snout, like pugs and bulldogs aren’t allowed by airlines due to the risk they present. These breeds tend to have breathing trouble and the dry air and high altitude of the airplane can be especially uncomfortable for them. When calling airlines about flying with your dog, be sure to mention the breed as well and find out if there are any specific restrictions.

While it is no necessary in most cases, be sure to have all of your dog’s health and shot certificates handy as staff may ask you for them when booking or picking up your dog. Bring a leash as well since you’ll have to remove your dog from his or her crate so it can go through the X-ray machine as part of the routine security check. Depending on how restless or anxious your dog is, you are allowed to leave a toy or bone in the crate so your dog can keep busy during the flight.

Dog Air Travel Restrictions

You won’t be allowed to leave food or water for your pet as staff won’t be allowed to feed your dog anything. Save yourself the time and effort of packing anything extra for your dog – in fact it’s best not to feed them 6-12 hours in advance of a flight so they board with an empty bladder and stomach. A good long walk of an hour or more is also a good idea so your dog will be tired and sleep throughout the entire trip.

Copyright @2012 Air Travel With Pets

There are three basic ways you can fly with your pets and depending on your situation may have to use one or some of them. These different modes of transportation each have different costs and preparation requirements so we’d like to break them down for you. Knowing about the different methods of air travel with pets will make the planning process much easier and help you save money as well. It boils down to understanding how the airlines view your pets in transit – either as carry-ons, luggage, or cargo. The difference between each of these is comfort and cost for you and your pet.

Pets As Carry On

When flying with pets one of your options if your cat or dog is less than usually) 25lbs is to have them in the cabin with you. You’ll need the proper carrier and pet that can handle air travel in general. The cost is usually a bit cheaper than for larger animals who have to be checked in as special luggage. You can usually get a spot for $150-250 in the cabin but must remember to call ahead. Almost all of the airlines limit the total number of pets allowed in the cabin to 2 so notify them as early as you can.

Pets As “Luggage”

Don’t worry, your pets aren’t going to be placed in a suitcase but they will be considered by the airline to be luggage. This will be for any pet that’s over 25lbs or whatever the specific cabin weight limit is for dogs and cats. For flights that already have 2 pets booked for the cabin you’d need to have your pets placed as luggage as well. Basically you’ll check in your pet and crate at the checkout counter where you’ll have to take them out of their crate as it’s inspected for security. Once that process is done, they’ll be taken care of by airline staff. You’ll have to pick up your pets upon arrival near the baggage claim area. Typically this costs more than the cabin option and runs about $250.

Pets As Cargo

This is probably the least attractive option for a number of reasons. For one it means that you’ll be sending your pets on their travels without you on the same flights. You’d likely do this to send your pets to relatives or for whenever you would not be able to take the exact same route as your dog or cat. They’ll still go through the airline to make the journey except that being considered as cargo, you’ll be charge shipping rates accordingly. To say it will be expensive is an understatement. Based on the weight and size of your pet, as well as the total distance to be traveled, you could end up paying well over $1,500. We’d recommend you avoid this route if at all possible and make every attempt to travel with your pets. This will also make the customs process much easier and give you less paperwork to fill out prior to the trip.

Copyright @2012 Air Travel With Pets

There are several ways your pets can travel with you internationally from one destination to the other. The first, and most common way, is in a special crate, checked in as luggage and placed at the bottom of the plane. For pets that are less than 25lbs (most airlines), then you can consider taking your dog or cat with you in the cabin. You’ll need an appropriate carrier for both; that means the pet carrier must meet the airline’s requirements for size, weight, and exterior material. These are the most common ways to bring your dog or cat along for international pet travel and consequently the cheapest. When you bring your pet along with you they are considered ‘luggage’ by the airline and charge you special rates around $200 for a single flight. It will also give you more peace of mind as you can see your pets immediately after landing, which reduces stress for you and your pets as well. When flying domestically you should see if Pet Airways flies anywhere along your route, it’s a great pet travel alternative.

Pets As Cargo

It is also possible to send your pets ahead of you or have a friend or family member send them to you after you’ve arrived at your destination. While many airlines offer this service, it is much more cumbersome and expensive. There are several things to consider, first of all, most airlines will charge you live cargo shipping rates, meaning each pet traveling will cost around $1,300-2,500, depending on the size and distance traveled. It is also much more complicated to ship pets as cargo internationally since any layovers may require additional paperwork and customs red tape.

Finally, when shipping your pets as cargo, you’re trusting the person dropping the pets off at the airport, the airline and staff the entire way, and won’t be able to track any problems or noticed them until the final destination. That said, sometimes shipping pets are cargo is the most logical choice in a given set of circumstances so know that it is an option in many cases.

Pet Travel Crates

Before you make any international travel arrangements with your pet, be sure to call all of the airlines you’ll be flying with and find out their pet crate and carrier requirements. All of them have minimum and maximum dimensions and often will require the bottom to have some absorbent or soft material on the inside, in case your dog or cat goes to the bathroom during flight. Finding crates that meet most airlines’ requirements is pretty easy and you can find them or order them online almost anywhere in the world.

Keep in mind once you’ve bought your crate that you need to verify it with the airlines you’ll be flying. Call them and give them the size, weight, and build information so they know well in advance and can tell you if something is missing or a crate is or isn’t acceptable. You don’t want to find out at the airport or during a layover on your way to your final destination.

Copyright @2012 Air Travel With Pets

Get started as early as you can preparing your cat for traveling even if you aren’t a frequent traveler. By beginning early in their lives (as kittens is best) or soon after adopting an older cat you can start to slowly accustom them to their carrier, the car, and perhaps eventually a flight. Cats are territorial animals that find comfort in their familiar surroundings and by making the key elements of travel familiar to them you’ll reduce their anxiety. As we both know that when your pets re relaxed during travel you the owner will be too.

Carrier Training

The cat carrier is the first place to begin teaching your cat that they own that particular space. Most cats won’t like their carriers at first so place treats and catnip there for your pet to discover on their own. After a few days your curious cat will begin to check out the treats and feel more and more comfortable in the carrier. Once they become more relaxed in the carrier, try closing it up for a few minutes at a time occasionally when they walk in. You don’t want to do it every time so they don’t fear the carrier. Your goal should be able to keep your cat in the carrier starting at about 3 minutes to around 15 minutes at a time in your home. After your cat can handle the 15 minute mark, try walking them around the house so they get used to movement in the carrier. Remember, once these little training sessions are done, reward your cat with a treat or some dinner so both going in the carrier and coming out are fun activities they associate with positive things.

Proper carrier training won’t just help you on a trip to the airport for on long haul flights, but for more routine trips like going to the vet. You’ll make the experience much easier on both yourself and your cat.

Your cat will also appreciate it if the carrier doesn’t smell like any other pets you may have so don’t let the family dog use it as their second home. A nice blanket that is clean and fresh smelling will also make the environment that much more inviting. Some carriers also come with floral fragrances designed to calm pets but cats don’t really like the smell of citrus and nothing will work as well as good carrier training.

Training Tips

During the training process, don’t hover over the carrier, obsessing over every single sound your cat makes. That creates a tense environment and will make your animal feel like there is something wrong. Keep in mind that being in the carrier is completely normal and you must act like that. Give your cat a chance to adjust and if you do it slowly enough and over enough time, they eventually will. The one mistake you can make is not sticking with the process and trying to take a flight with a cat that is a complete ball of stress in their carrier – making the flight miserable for everyone involved.

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Bringing your pets to the US with you on your next trip isn’t much more complicated or time consuming than learning how to fly with your pets from the US to Europe. As with the former, you’ve got to start the process early – a month in advance is usually enough time to get all of the tests, paperwork, and send of for stamps. The US will also want proof of rabies vaccination which must be administered 10 days prior to any travel, otherwise you risk quarantine. It should be noted that this guide only applies to dogs and cats, as well as to only the mainland United States and Canada. The state of Hawaii has different requirements and also implements a 5 day quarantine (you can speed this up by with extra paperwork and paying a $150 fee to expedite).

Nation Of Origin

For the United States, so long as you have the proper paperwork filled out and meet all of the import requirements for your nation of origin, where you’re coming from isn’t a major factor. You’ll need a valid visa too but otherwise this makes figuring out the requirements for wherever you’re from much easier. The difference is that you’ll need to know the US federal requirements as well as the requirements for the US state of first entry. So if you’re landing in Newark, New Jersey to make a connection to fly out to Kansas, you’ll need to know what New Jersey requires for pets at customs as well. You can find the specific information for each US state on this government directory. One thing the United States is particularly careful about is screwworm and if you’re coming from any of the countries on this list you’ll have some extra tests and paperwork done 5 days before arriving.

US Pet Requirements

Avoid putting any natural materials like bedding or straw in your pets crate. Doing so will significantly increase the amount of time you spend in customs and could cause real problems for you and your pet. Use a blanket, or pillow made of all synthetic material and don’t place real animal bones in the crate for your dog. Buy plastic chew toys instead and purchase bones when you arrive in the US. Bones showing up on luggage X-rays aren’t the best thing when you’re trying to get through security quickly.

You’ll need to show proof of rabies vaccination – the shot must have been administered 30 days prior to your arrival in the US. While we recommend waiting, if your dog is less than 3 months old you’ll need to fill out this confinement agreement (PDF download). If you arrive in the US without meeting these requirements you pet will be given the shots and returned to you after 30 days or quarantine.

Cats - They don’t require any specific shots, just a form from a vet stating they are in good health.

Since requirements may change due to a variety of circumstances it’s always best to get the latest requirements from the Centers of Disease Control and call them if you have any questions.

Copyright @2012 Air Travel With Pets

Western Europe is the most popular international destination for American travelers so it makes sense that it’s also the number one destination for pets traveling abroad as well. The European Union (EU) requirements for the import of pets are fairly straightforward with some slight variation between EU nations. We can help you prepare by giving you the basics on international pet travel to the EU.

Map Your Route

In addition to your final European destination, you’ll need to note all of the layover stops along the way. The airline will want to know this information as will the customs officer at your final destination. Generally this won’t add any additional requirements to your veterinary paperwork but call each embassy or check out their website to be sure. Also, don’t make any travel plans less than 10 business days in advance and ideally give yourself 30 days to prepare.

European Requirements

The EU generally requires 3 things for the successful acceptance of your pet. You’ll need a valid visa unless you’re a US citizen or from another country part of the visa waiver program. You’ll also need to microchip your cat or dog and have the chip number handy with you when arriving at your final destination in Europe. Once you’ve got the microchip implanted and the information on you, go to the embassy website of the final destination country. Download their ‘pet passport’ which is easily found on EU nation embassy websites. Fill out the form which mainly consists of pet description, microchip information, rabies certificate, and a letter from the vet stating overall good health. After all of the necessary paperwork is filled out, you’ll need to send it to your home state’s agriculture department to have it stamped for approval. This process usually takes about 2 weeks and costs around $150. Before sending out any of the original paperwork, be sure to make copies in case anything gets lost along the way.

Estimated Costs

You’ll need to consider in the following costs prior to traveling with your pets from the US to Europe. First the added airfare of traveling with your pets is usually around $200-300 per pet one way. This is a fee that you’ll pay upon check-in and not when you book so be sure to set aside that money for when you arrive at the airport. Getting the required veterinary checkups and paperwork will cost another $50-300 depending on what shots may need updating and it will cost an additional $75-100 to get those forms stamps by your state government.

One top of that you’ll need to factor in postage costs as well as tracking numbers and miscellaneous fees (i.e. chew toys) that will no doubt pop up. Crates aren’t cheap either – a carrier is less but a large crate can cost upwards of $400 and you may end up having to replace your current one if it doesn’t meet the airline specs. There is a lot of work involved but if you start early and save up it should be much easier, especially the second time around.

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At the end of any air travel with your pets is a destination and where you go can make or break your entire trip experience. There are many pet friendly cities around the world and these are some of the best. We define pet friendly cities as those with great hotels that cater to all sizes and manner of dog and cat, a large number of restaurants that allow dogs, and those with large green parks for walking. Many of these pet friendly international cities also have wonderful off-leash parks and have local communities that are very inviting to pets outdoors and in stores and shops as well.

Rome

Pets, especially small dogs, are welcome most everywhere in Rome. You can even bring your pet along free of charge on the city’s public transportation system. Larger dogs will need a ticket but the option is there. You’ll see many people walking around with their little dogs peeking out of backpacks and carriers all around town.

Paris

The city of Paris is famous for it’s dogs, especially the poodle, and a large number of Parisians are pet owners. The restaurants, stores, and plenty of hotel booking Paris all cater to this clientele and you can bring your dog to malls and even the bank! The only requirement is that your dog be well behaved and you clean up after them – a rule not strongly enforced however.

Toronto

A great pet friendly city, Toronto offers free emergency pet and veterinary services and has several large off leash dog parks. There are also a number of restaurants and hotels in the heart of downtown that will let you and your dog enjoy together.

Hamburg

The wide sideways and disciplined dogs of Germany have many this city and the entire country very dog friendly. Most of the hotels allow you to bring pets with you as well as restaurants and malls as well. Just don’t think about bringing your dog to church or inside any of the museums but otherwise you’ve got a great selection.

Amsterdam

This Dutch city, one of the top vacation spots in Europe, has some of the most liberal pet policies in the world making it very easy to travel with your furry friend. So long as you’ve got your dog on a leash, there aren’t too many places you can go without your pooch. On top of that you’ll find clean up bags at many parks and dog treats at many of the cafes along Amsterdam’s famous canals.

Vancouver

Another Canadian city to add to the list, it’s surrounded by some of the most beautiful hiking terrain and parks around. The city is a great place to visit if you and your dog are the active type. After a few days out enjoying the wilderness you can head back into town and stay at some of the most pet accommodating hotels in the world.

As more and more people travel with their pets, the realm of pet friendly cities is expanding all over the world to include more of South America, Australia, and parts of Central America (i.e. Costa Rica) as well.

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A big part of flying with your pets takes place on the ground many months before your actual flight. It comes down to preparation and taking shorter road trips to make sure your dog and cat are accustomed to their crates and moving in vehicles. Start in your home with a crate that allows your pet to stand up and turn around, but not take more than a step or two inside. This may seem small but the restrictiveness is actually better for your pet when flying so they have less room to move and get bumped around. Of course before selecting a crate, but sure to follow our guide on international pet transportation to make sure you’ve got the right crate for your flight.

Airport Preparation

Approximately 6-12 hours before your first flight you should restrict food and water to your dog or cat. While it will make them slightly hungry and thirsty, it will help them be more comfortable in the long run as their bowels and bladders won’t be full. You want to prevent your pet from having to hold in urine too long and make it as easy as possible to hold in their pee, especially for longer flights. It is also a good idea to have a blanket or Velcro lining at the bottom of the crate or carrier in case they do have an accident. The soft material will absorb a bit of any accidents and are generally just more comfortable for your pet to sit and lay down on.

In addition to getting your pet ready, you’ll also want to make sure you are prepared as well. Keep a well organized folder with all of your pet’s information, as well as microchip number, and their latest vaccination records. Don’t pack this in your luggage, it’s essential to keep it with you in your carry on as it will be needed several times throughout your trip. Payment for your pet will also be taken when you check it, not when you book, so have your credit card handy to make the process go much smoother.

Get Them Tired

Your pet should ideally be tired when flying. You can do this by scheduling the flight around their circadian rhythms if possible. Dogs are diurnal like humans, meaning they’re more active during the day so flights at night will coincide when they are likely to be sleepy anyway. The opposite is true of cats, nocturnal animals, so if your can try and schedule flights during the day. Either way, don’t be surprised if your pet seems out of sorts at your vacation destination, they suffer from jet lag too.

A good long walk with your dog of up to an hour or a long play session with some catnip for your feline companion will also help reduce flight anxiety. You want to channel your pet’s energy so they can relax in the unfamiliar situation of flying. You’ll need to assess your pet – if you don’t feel they’ll cope well, don’t have them in the cabin as it can result in a very long flight for you and the other passengers.

Copyright @2012 Air Travel With Pets