You and the airlines must follow IATA regulations on the size of travel crates for your pets. Your dog kennel and cat carriers must be sturdy, properly ventilated and large enough for your pet to freely be able to stand, turn around and lie down. The kennel must close securely with a mechanism that requires no special tools to operate. APHIS regulations require that the kennel have projecting rims or spacers to ensure that the kennel’s ventilation slats cannot be blocked by adjoining kennels or cargo. Appropriate kennels are available at pet stores and from most airlines. Remember to check with your airline because airline policies can vary.

As far in advance of the trip as possible, let your pet get to know the travel crate. Veterinarians recommend leaving it open in the house with an old sock or other familiar object inside, so that your pet will spend time in the kennel. It is important for your dog or cat to be as relaxed as possible during the flight. At the time of travel, be aware that most airlines do not permit pet toys in the kennel during transport in the cargo hold.

* Clearly display your name and address on each pet carrier
* Use arrows or other marking to indicate the top of the kennel
* Include food and water dishes (both empty), which are secured inside the kennel and accessible from outside
* Show a food and water schedule and, if any food is necessary, include an ample supply in a bag attached to the outside of the kennel
* Contain no more than one adult dog (or puppy between eight weeks and six months old that weighs more than 20 lbs.) or one cat per kennel. (Two puppies or kittens that are between the ages of eight weeks and six months old and under 20 lbs. Each may share the same kennel if they are personal pets of comparable size and are socially compatible with one another)
* A general rule of thumb is that your pet must be able to stand comfortably in the kennel and be able to turn around while standing in the kennel
* Contain absorbent material or bedding, such as newspaper
* Display labels on top and on at least one side with the words LIVE ANIMALS printed in 1-inch-high letters.

At the time you book a trip on which you plan to transport your pet, advise the airline directly that you will be traveling with a pet either in the cabin with you, as accompanied baggage in the cargo hold on your flight, or as cargo. Be sure to contact your airline again 24-48 hours prior to departure to reconfirm your pet’s transportation plans. This is important since airlines will transport only a limited number of pets on each airplane.

Please note that advance arrangements do not guarantee that your pet will travel on a specific flight. Airlines reserve the right to refuse to transport a pet for reasons such as illness, poor kenneling or extreme temperatures at origin, transfer or destination airports.

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