Top Ten Tips for Flying Internationally with Pets
1. Decide how you want your pet to travel- cargo or in-cabin. Going cargo will allow you to travel on a larger number of airlines, but if you're going to spend the entire flight wondering if your baby is well cared for, it might not be the right choice for you. Most airlines that provide pressurized cargo sections for animals are quite good, but I personally can't be separated from my cat so he always flies in the cabin with me. It does wind up being more expensive, but the peace of mind is worth it.
2. If you choose to fly with your pet in the cabin, be sure to contact the airline well in advance. Many airlines have restrictions on the number of animals allowed on a given flight and you will need to make a reservation for your pet. Be prepared to pay an extra fee for this. Also confirm the maximum size of the carrier to ensure your animal will fit under the seat. Most airlines require that the animal can stand comfortably in their carrier and may deny boarding if the carrier is too small for the pet or the pet is over their weight limit (20 pounds is average). I recommend soft-sided carriers as they will smoosh to fit under the seat and then expand to give the animal more room if you luck out and have an empty seat next to you. It doesn't hurt to request a seat without a neighbor at check in- most ticketing agents are willing to help you out if the flight isn't full. Another option is to purchase a separate ticket for your pet so they are guaranteed their own seat. They will be required to go under the seat for take off and landing, but will be able to see you and be more comfortable during the rest of the flight.
3. Be sure to pack small, plastic containers for food and water in your pet's carry case or your carry-on. I usually fill one with dry food and stack the other over it to save space. Once on the plane, you can get water from the flight attendants (and sometimes they bring extra goodies for your pet, too). If your pet is going cargo, you will need to provide enough food and water for the journey, and give the airline a feeding/watering schedule to follow.
4. The rules for animal passage vary based on the time of year, so be sure to plan accordingly. Often airlines refuse to fly pets in cargo during the summer months as the temperature on the tarmac and in the holding area becomes dangerously high. Each airline can give you a breakdown of their policies, so be sure to call ahead. This does not usually apply to pets in the cabin.
5. Be sure to contact the embassy of your destination country for immigration and quarantine requirements. Usually a recent health certificate and proof of rabies vaccine is enough. Distemper is a bonus but doesn't tend to be required. However, not all countries adhere to the same regulations and it's better to be prepared, so always verify with the local consulate. Hawaii (though not international) has extremely strict policies on pet immigration, even from the mainland U.S., that require you start vaccinations and testing at least four months in advance. Plan well ahead.
6. While on the phone with the consulate, ask about ease of access to necessities such as food, litter, and veterinarians. Most first world countries and many developing countries will have everything you need. However, my cat lived on a diet of dog food and boiled chicken for a year while I stole sand for his litter box from the kindergarten playground. Not every culture understands or appreciates the concept of having a pet. Along this same line, find out if a lay-over will cause issues at your final destination. Give the consulate your entire itinerary and confirm that all cities on your route are approved for pet travel by their immigration policies. A friend was flying to South Africa via Kenya with her dog, and just before she caught the flight she was informed that the animal would be put down upon arrival in Johannesburg- something to do with disease control that any animal flying from or through Nairobi was to be destroyed. Fortunately, she had the ability to cancel and rebook on a different route, but it was a very close call. Asking ahead can save time, hassle, and your pet's life.
7. Be sure to contact the consulates of any countries you will be flying through. Stepping foot in the airport may require documentation for your pet, and if you clear customs for an extended layover you will definitely need your pet's papers, which won't necessarily be the same information the destination country requires.
8. If you are considering doping your pet for the flight, have a thorough conversation with your vet first. The advantage of calming his nerves seems the humane way to go, but tranquilizers have their down sides as well. An overly excitable pet might still get a shot of adrenaline which would not only counteract the medicine but also the combination of the natural upper and synthetic downer would strain his heart. I've also heard that tranquilizers can affect your pet's thirst receptors, causing him to drink less water and become dehydrated.
9. On long flights, you will want to give your pet the chance to use the bathroom. For small dogs, carrying extra pee pads is a great idea. If your dog isn't used to them, start training as soon as possible so they know what to do once on the flight. For cats, I find that carrying a large resealable freezer bag of litter in the pouch of his carry case works well (though security always takes a second look at it), along with large garbage liners. I'll take him into the bathroom, open the mouth of the garbage bag and roll it down to a few inches off the ground, then pour litter from the freezer bag into it- just enough to coat the bottom and give him something to bat around. When he's done, unroll the garbage bag, pull the strings closed and throw it in the bin. This entire process is easier if you can convince them to go while in the larger airport bathrooms, but they just don't tend to listen...
10. Research the airlines you are considering flying- not just for their policies, but for their attitude towards pets. Read their websites, ask friends and co-workers for recommendations and when talking to the airlines listen for their level of sincerity regarding your animal. The right in-flight attitude can make flying with your pet much easier and more enjoyable. In my personal experience, foreign airlines tend to be pet-friendlier than American-based airlines and I will fly them as often as I can. It also helps if you let flight attendants swoon over your pet- my cat has been known to get first-class treatment while we're sitting in coach! I can't get water, but he'll be sitting with a plate of minced meat while we're still on the tarmac. Ah, to be cute and furry.
