As fun as it is galivanting around the world with a significant other, family member or friend, not all good travel companions have to be human. Pets of all sizes and species can be the perfect reminder of home and are often the missing piece for a successful trip. While some travelers may not choose this method of vacationing, a recent Allianz survey found that 24% of travelers ages 55 and older prefer to bring their pet along, a four-point increase from last year. For the adventurers who are considering making their furry friend a plus-one this upcoming trip, here’s a guide with everything from government regulations and airline rules to travel tips and tricks.
Regulations
Typically, using the word “pet” to describe an animal is associated with dogs and cats. However, it’s no secret that some people have allowed outlandish animals to live in-house and break all those norms. For the sake of traveling, it’s critical to understand that not all pets are qualified for transport. Dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, rodents, hedgehogs/tenrecs, reptiles and amphibians are permitted. Birds tend to be a gray area, with chickens, doves, ducks and geese failing to qualify due to their ability to transmit diseases to the U.S. poultry industry.
Depending on how a traveler is moving their pet, there are certain regulations in place that need to be followed. When moving a pet from the U.S. to another country, travelers need to first schedule a visit with their vet to obtain the appropriate vaccines, tests and treatments prior to departure. Some destinations require an endorsed USDA health certificate and customs clearance, both of which the vet should be able to assist with. When transporting a pet from another country into the U.S., it’s harder to define clear and specific directions as it depends on what state the traveler is arriving in. Not only are there federal requirements to consider in this instance, but state ones as well.
In the event a traveler plans to bring their pet from one U.S. state to another using the interstate, this is unregulated and ultimately up to the owner to determine necessary vaccines and treatments. For any of the above instances, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is a great resource to refer to, as the site provides case-by-case instructions so that visitors are equipped to handle every scenario, both domestically and internationally.
Airline Rules
While driving with a pet may be more convenient, sometimes flying is unavoidable. And naturally, each airline follows a slightly different procedure, making it somewhat difficult to keep the guidelines straight. Here’s an overview of some common airlines’ pet policies.
United Airlines
Unless the passenger is traveling as active-duty military or with the State Department, pets cannot fly in cargo. Therefore, passengers are only permitted to bring cats or dogs onboard (if there is space available). There are no limits on weight or breed, but the pet must travel in a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier that fits under the traveler’s seat. Passengers must pay a $150 fee each way for the pet. To book, simply select “travel with a pet” when purchasing tickets. More information can be found on United’s Traveling With Pets guide.
Delta Air Lines
On Delta, small dogs, cats and household birds can travel in the cabin. The pet must fit in a soft-sided carrier that fits underneath the seat and does count as a passenger’s carry-on item. Travelers can bring a personal item onboard in addition to the carrier. There is a one-way fee collected at check-in (dependent on destination and type of pet), and to book, travelers should call the Delta Reservations number. It’s important to note that some arrival destinations, such as Australia, Barbados, Brazil/Colombia, Dubai, Hawai’i and more, require pets to travel as cargo. More information can be located on Delta’s Pet Travel Overview.
American Airlines
Cats and dogs that meet the specified size, age and destination requirements are allowed to travel in the cabin. There is a $150 carry-on fee, though this is subject to change based on the arrival destination. Travelers can add their pet under the “Special Services” section online by selecting “add carry-on pets.” Active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel are the only travelers allowed to check their pets. Find pricing information and other regulations on American’s pet travel guide.
Southwest Airlines
Travelers flying Southwest can bring small, vaccinated cats and dogs in the cabin on domestic flights. The pet must be at least eight weeks old to travel and is limited to a carrier that fits under the seat. Southwest’s pet fee is $125 each way. A passenger is allowed one pet carrier and cannot have more than two of the same species in it at one time, meaning they can have two cats or two dogs, but not one of each in the same carrier. Customers can make a reservation for their pet by calling Southwest. Passengers can refer to the airline’s pet FAQ for more information.
Tips and Tricks
Whether travelers choose to fly or drive with their pets, the reality is these furry friends need to be handled with extra care and caution. With some guidance from ASPCA and The Humane Society of the United States, here are some tips and tricks for travelers to implement.
When flying with a pet, it’s important to book a direct flight whenever possible. Not only does this decrease the chances of mishandling, but it is also less stressful on the pet overall. Additionally, travelers should make sure their pet has had a proper checkup with the vet prior to departure so the partnership can travel confidently, knowing the pet is in good health. Some species with brachycephalic faces, or pushed in snouts, have higher health risks than other types of pets, and it’s one worth considering. Bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats are more likely to suffer from oxygen deprivation and heat stroke because of their short nasal passages, so it’s an important conversation to discuss with the vet first.
A USDA-approved crate is also recommended for flights, as it tends to be the most comfortable option. Ideally, the pet should be able to stand, sit and turn around easily. Lastly, don’t forget to properly identify the crate. Mark it as “live animal,” adding the traveler’s name, cell number and photograph of the pet as well.
Driving with a pet may seem more cut and dry than flying with one, though this option requires special attention too. Travelers taking their pets long distances need to first ensure that the pet is equipped to handle extended periods of time in a vehicle. It’s always recommended to adjust a pet gradually, starting with small trips to longer distances prior to leaving.
Arguably, the most important component of driving with a pet is how to secure them. Similar to flying, dogs and cats should be kept in a crate that allows them to comfortably sit, stand and turn. The crate should be stabilized so that it doesn’t slide in case of an abrupt stop. Travelers are encouraged to keep their pet in the back seat of the vehicle, as the passenger seat has a higher risk of injury if the airbag deploys. Of course, there is the option of putting the pet in a harness attached to a seat buckle, and while this is certainly a realistic choice, this method hasn’t been reliably shown to protect the pet during a crash. The last piece may be hard to resist, but dogs should not be able to push their heads out the window. As much joy as it can bring to see a cute dog driving by, the reality is this is extremely unsafe, and they could potentially get hurt by flying debris or sick from cold air in their lungs.
It goes without saying, but travelers need to ensure they are stopping regularly for their pet and are prepped with food, water, a leash, poop bags, toys, grooming supplies, medication, a first aid kit and any necessary documentation.
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