Can you fly pets by themselves

It is certainly better to ship them when conditions permit it as opposed to putting them up for adoption in a local shelter or giving them to the pound where they may be considered as not adoptable. If you need to move your pet within your country, then, if possible, try to arrange for ground transportation for your pet.

In the United States, this means private automobile transportation. Ask friends or relatives if they can help, and be sure and put them up in pet friendly hotels along the way. Ground transportation is ideal, especially when the airlines are exercising the summer heat embargo. The cost of a return airline ticket is small compared to your peace of mind. If you need to ship your pet internationally or you can't arrange for ground transportation, then you must prepare in advance, especially if your destination is a rabies free country.

When you are faced with the complexities of shipping a pet, how do you know if you need a pet transporter? If you have someone who will take your pet to the departure airport and check them in at the air cargo department, and you have someone to pick the pet up at the arrival airport, then you are all set. If veterinary certificates and other paperwork is required for international travel, those papers must also be presented to air cargo officials.

If you cannot arrange for your pet's drop off and pick up, you will need to use the resources of a pet transportation company pet transporter. These companies can make all of the arrangements, or just the portion that you cannot handle on your own. Of course, there is a fee for their services. Assuming that you have made arrangements for your pet's drop off and pick up, in almost all instances, you will need to move your pet using an airline, and your pet will be sent as air cargo.

Virtually all airlines accept pets in cargo except for Southwest Airlines, JetBlue and the smaller commuter airlines that do not have facilities for them. Today's modern airliners have special compartments for live animals where the temperature and pressure is the same as in the cabin. Most airlines even have special programs to take care of your pet and some even offer frequent flyer miles.

Hundreds of pets travel alone every day and arrive safely at their destination. Steps to follow: Have your veterinarian prepare the APHIS form stating that your pet is healthy enough to travel and is free of parasites. You can also get a Airline Veterinary Certificate in our store. Acquire an IATA compliant pet crate large enough for your pet to stand up in and turn around. If possible, purchase the kennel well in advance of the trip to allow your pet a chance to get used to the kennel before the travel date.

Contact your cruise line in advance to find out its policies and which of its ships have kennel facilities. If you must use the ship's kennel, make sure it is protected from the elements and check on your pet frequently. Amtrak now allows some pets on select trains and service animals are allowed on all lines. Some smaller U. Many trains in European countries allow pets. Generally, it's the passengers' responsibility to feed and exercise their pets at station stops.

Travel safely with your pet by car, airplane, ship or train. By car Do you know the best place for your dog or cat in your car? Dogs shouldn't roam in the car The safest way for your dog to travel in the car is in a crate that has been anchored to the vehicle using a seat belt or other secure means. Leave the front seat for humans Keep your pet in the back seat of the car. Keep those heads inside! Give your pet plenty of rest stops Stop frequently to allow your pet to exercise and eliminate.

Bring along a human buddy Whenever possible, share the driving and pet care-taking duties with a friend or family member. Don't ever leave your pet alone in a car A quick pit stop may feel like no time at all to you, but it's too long to leave your pet alone in a car.

Top 10 tips. Get Your Copy. Air travel can be risky for pets We recommend that you weigh all the risks when deciding whether to transport your pet by airplane.

If you decide to fly with your pet, choose the cabin when possible If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you.

Does the airline have any special pet health and immunization requirements? Does the airline require a specific type of carrier? Most airlines will accept either hard-sided carriers or soft-sided carriers which may be more comfortable for your pet , but only certain brands of soft-sided carriers are acceptable to certain airlines. If you can't take your pet in the cabin, does the airline have any restrictions on transporting your pet in the cargo hold?

Take precautions when bringing your pet through airport security Your pet's carrier will have to pass through the security screening along with you. Be aware of the dangers of flying your pet in a cargo hold While most animals flown in the cargo area of airplanes are fine, you should be aware that some animals are killed, injured or lost on commercial flights each year.

Follow these tips if your pet must fly in the cargo hold If your pet must travel in the cargo hold, you can increase the chances of a safe flight for your pet by following these tips.

Use direct flights. You will avoid the mistakes that occur during airline transfers and possible delays in getting your pet off the plane. Travel on the same flight as your pet when possible. Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded into the cargo hold and unloaded. When you board the plane, notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your pet is traveling in the cargo hold.

If the captain knows that pets are on board, they may take special precautions. Don't ever ship brachycephalic animals such as Pekingese dogs, bulldogs or Persian cats in the cargo holds. If traveling during the summer or winter months, choose flights that will accommodate the temperature extremes. Early morning or late evening flights are better in the summer; afternoon flights are better in the winter.

Fit your pet with a collar that can't get caught in carrier doors. Affix two pieces of identification on the collar: a permanent ID with your name and home address and telephone number, and a temporary travel ID with the address and telephone number where you or a contact person can be reached. Affix a travel label to the carrier on which you've written your name, permanent address and telephone number, final destination and where you or a contact person can be reached as soon as the flight arrives.

Make sure that your pet's nails have been clipped to protect against them getting hooked in the carrier's door, holes and other crevices. Give your pet at least a month before your flight to become familiar with the travel carrier.

This will minimize their stress during travel. Do not give your pet tranquilizers unless they are prescribed by your veterinarian. Make sure your veterinarian understands that the prescription is for air travel.

Do not feed your pet for four to six hours before the trip. However, you can give them small amounts of water. If possible, put ice cubes in the water tray attached to the inside of your pet's crate or kennel. A full water bowl will only spill and cause discomfort. Try not to fly with your pet during busy travel times such as holidays and the summer.

Your pet is more likely to undergo rough handling during hectic travel periods. Carry a current photograph of your pet.

If your pet is lost during the trip, a photograph will make it much easier for airline employees to search effectively. When you arrive at your destination, open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place and examine your pet. If anything seems wrong, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately.