Flying with Pets During the Holidays: What You Need to Know

Between airline regulations, weather changes, and the possible emotional stress, the experience can feel rather daunting. With our tips for flying with pets during the holidays, you’ll be prepared for travel and, by the time you return home, confident in your pet’s abilities to handle new things.

Safety and Comfort

A consistent and focused attention to a pet’s safety and comfort is the key to their seasonal success. When you can anticipate how they might react to certain stimuli you can ultimately sidestep a lot of negative possibilities. 

Step One

The best place to start is with a wellness exam. We can prepare the necessary documentation, including a travel certificate, that helps smooth any wrinkles at the airport, on the plane(s), at your destination, and accommodations. You will want proof of your pet’s vaccinations, parasite prevention, health conditions/prescriptions, and any other pertinent information related to their well-being. This process must be finalized within 10 days before your departure.

Identification Matters

A sturdy collar with current ID tags is essential travel gear. Add a tag that lists their microchip number, your cell, and our hospital number. Update their microchip to reflect current contact information, if needed.

Also label their travel carrier or crate with bold, clear handwriting. Larger pets must be able to stand up, lie down, and turn around inside their crate. 

Pet Nerves and Digestion

It is common for pets to experience some digestive upset before and during travel times. Because this is expected, it may be worthwhile to limit meal portions or skip meals altogether. It is recommended to line their carrier or crate with absorbent puppy pads. If necessary, prescription medication can help pets feel less insecure or frightened, and even reduce nausea. 

An Eye on Breaks

If you can break up long flights so your pet can stretch their legs and go to the bathroom in designated airport areas. When you book flights, consider that your pet has to enter their crate (for large breeds) long before departure and even way after you arrive at your destination. If it is longer than they’ve ever had to wait to go to the bathroom, it may not be the best itinerary.

If you are traveling in the cabin with your pet (they must be under 15 pounds for most airlines), be sure to bring all sorts of distractions so they remain calm and content. Toys, treats, and comforting items can go a long way to minimize any fear or doubt regarding the trip.

Other Tips for Flying With Pets

To support your travel goals, we offer the following tips for pet safety and comfort:

• Always check and recheck what you understand about their airline’s rules and restrictions. Read the fine print regarding in-cabin and cargo travel. Confirm your pet’s travel with the airline 24 hours before departure.
• Be absolutely certain the dimensions of your pet’s carrier or crate match the regulations for air travel. 
• Make a few photocopies of your pet’s USDA health certificate, just in case.
• Be sure that you are prepared to follow health and safety requirements at your destination.

If you have further questions about planning a trip with your pet, please let us know at (616) 457-9200. Happy holidays from the team at Jenison Animal Hospital.