Traveling with Your Pet
If you are planning air travel with your pet, here are some things you need to know.
USDA Health Certificate
In most cases, you will need a USDA health certificate to travel by air with your pet, even for a local domestic flight. These certificates, also called a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), are evidence that your pet is free from parasites, has received their necessary vaccines, and is in good health to fly.
The USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) considers a health certificate to be valid for 30 days, but many airlines and states have varying requirements around how long a health certificate should be valid. It is typical for airlines to limit validation to only 10 days for domestic travel. Check how many days before travel the certificate must be issued with both the airline you are flying with and the states/countries you are flying between.
A USDA health certificate must be obtained through a veterinarian who is certified to issue these certificates. Not all veterinarians can issue USDA certificates, so be sure to plan early as you may need a referral if your regular veterinarian is not certified.
International & Domestic Travel Requirements for Pets
When traveling internationally with your pet, it is important to keep in mind that every country has its own requirements for animal travel.
Most of the time, an international travel certificate (International CVI) is required when taking your pet overseas. Like USDA health certificates, International CVIs can only be obtained through veterinarians who are certified to issue them. The number of vets who have this international certification is much smaller than those able to provide domestic travel certificates, so it is even more vital that you plan ahead!
To learn more about traveling with your dog to different countries, visit the USDA website. Their website also contains domestic travel requirements for each state.
Pet Safety for Flying
It is important that you use a high-quality carrier when flying with your pet. Choose a pet carrier that will be sturdy enough to not open or break as this will help prevent injuries or escapes.
Get your pet used to being inside the carrier prior to travel to help minimize anxiety. Keep in mind that brachycephalic (short-faced) dog breeds may have difficulty breathing when agitated so it is especially important to plan ahead and practice time inside the carrier.
Microchip IDs are strongly recommended for any pet that travels (and just any pet in general!). Many countries have similar scanning systems to those we use in the USA so regardless of where you are traveling, it is worth having the extra safety net of a microchip ID.
Flying with Your Pet in the Cabin
Most airlines require pets to be 15 pounds or less to fly in the cabin with their owners (this weight includes both the pet and the carrier). A larger animal may sometimes be permitted if you purchase a seat for them on the plane.
Check with the airline about the carrier size and dimensions. Typically, the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Most airlines sell carriers, or you can buy one from a pet supply store.
Be sure to confirm with the airline the day before travel that your pet is coming with you.
Some states require specific vaccinations. Check on the USDA website or local state regulations website for vaccine requirements. Act early to ensure your pet is fully immunized before travel.
Travel to foreign countries now requires the notarization of the certificate beyond the veterinarian’s signature. Always be sure to check with the country’s consulate regarding what you need.
Some animals may be stressed or frightened by travel. There are several natural and medicinal methods to ease anxiety in pets. Discuss these options with your veterinarian prior to flying to help you decide the best option for your pet.
Your Pet as Checked Luggage or Manifest Cargo
General Tips for Flying Your Pet in Cargo Hold
Do not feed your animal in the two hours prior to departure, as a full stomach can cause discomfort for a traveling pet.
Some airlines have maximum weight requirements. Be sure to check, particularly if you have a big dog.
Most states will not accept animals younger than 8 weeks of age. If your puppy or kitten is younger than 8 weeks, they will not be allowed to travel via checked luggage.
Book an appointment with your veterinarian prior to your pet’s flight to discuss sedation options.
Marking Your Pet’s Kennel for Air Travel
Federal regulations require that each kennel be properly marked as follows:
“Live Animals” label: Display label with letters at least one inch high, on top and on at least one side of the kennel.
Indicate the top: Use arrows or “This End Up” markings on at least two sides.
Feeding instructions label: If food is necessary, it must be attached to the outside of the kennel.
Feeding certification: Certification must be attached to the kennel stating that the animal has been offered food and water within four hours prior to drop off at the airline. (Do not feed 2 hours prior).
Contact information label: Include your name, address, and cell phone number (or phone number at origin and destination cities). It is also a good idea to include your pet’s name on the label, this way airline workers can call the animal by name in the event of escape.
Include two empty dishes: One for food and one for water, securely attached to the container and accessible from the outside.
Absorbent material: The kennel must contain absorbent material or litter. Puppy pads or newspapers can work well. Straw, hay, or wood shavings cannot be used for international travel.
