AIRLINE TRAVEL WITH A PET IN THE CABIN


Most airlines have the regulations for pets in the cabin on their
web site.  If not apparent, check under frequently asked questions.

Call the carrier and get the dimensions for under seat baggage for 
the particular aircraft you are going to fly.  The passanger will 
not be permitted to take pet out of crate for the entire flight.

With the extra security procedures, you must remove the animal from the 
carrier and send the cage through the X-ray machine.  Make sure the pet 
is wearing a collar or a harness.  A leash also comes in handy.  Having 
a cat wear a harness gives you something to hang on to.  Also, make 
sure the nails are clipped so you don't get scratched.

Softsided carriers are more comfortable for the pet and easier to get 
under the seat.  The airline representative also said that the softsided 
carriers are safer for the pet.  Some pets have been know to chew a hole 
in a soft sided carrier.  Also, some pets can work the zipper open.  
Hardsided carriers are easier for a person traveling alone to load a 
squirming cat.

The size limit for an animal to travel in the cabin is usually 10 pounds.
Verify this with the airline when you make your reservation.

Make sure you have your pet's boarding pass and health certificate available.

Get to the airport early.  Checking pets can take time (you have to have 
a health certificate from the vet for the pet; the airlines don't always 
check, but they do sometimes).

Small pets allowed in the cabin 1st/main cabin:
	American Airlines - 2/5
	Continental - 1/2
	Delta - NO
	Northwest - 1/1
	TWA -1/2
	United - 1/3
	USAir - 1/1

To get an updated airline transportation booklet - send $1.00 to

ADOA
1654 Columbia Turnpike
Castleton, NY 12033
(518) 477-8469

You will need to check with a vet to see what vaccinations the state 
you are flying to requires (with dogs, usually only rabies is required) 
by law.  You will also need a health certificate.  This requires a vet 
exam and you get a little piece of paper.  

Your pet will need a reservation - call the airline and have them attach 
a cabin pet reservation to your reservation. Most airlines charge $50-60 
one way for a cabin pet.  You have to pay the fee once you get to the 
airport with the animal and they have checked the animal's size, carrier 
and health certificate.

Take LOTS of old cloth towels.  After you have used them to absorb or wipe 
up a mess, just throw them out  or store in a plastic garbage bag to launder 
later.  Keep the spare towels handy to replace the soiled towels.  Old cloth 
towels or newspaper work well for lining the traveling carrier.

Always carry your pet's Rabies Certificate with you along with having him 
wear the rabies tag.  If your pet is on medication or has health problems, 
take some documentation with you in case your pet has to see a vet.  Also, 
take your own vet's phone number with you.

Pack a bag especially for your pet containing dishes, food, water, leashes, 
medication, treats, toys etc.  It makes everything easier to find if it is 
consolidated.

If your pet gets air sick or is easily upset, discuss medication with your 
vet FIRST.

Make sure your pet is wearing a collar or harness with identification.  Make 
sure that there will be someone available at the phone number listed on the 
ID tag.  If you carry a cell phone with you, list that number so you can 
be called directly.  Keep a current photo with you to use for identification 
purposes if the pet should get lost.

The Air Transport Association have a press release on this topic (written in 
conjunction with the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American 
Humane Association)  The relevant URLs are listed below:
-- 
THE AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION http://www.air-transport.org/

ATA PRESS RELEASE #33 05-02-96 http://www.air-transport.org/press/96-033.htm

Homeopathic flower essences have been used successfully by many people
to keep their pets calm in stressful situations.  Most popular for
the stress of travel is Rescue Remedy.  Rescue Remedy is a mix of 5
flower essences: Cherry Plum, Clematis, Rock Rose, Star of Bethlehem
and Impatients.  It is prepared using Homeopathic principles of dilution
and succussion.  It is best used for shock, trauma, stress, etc.  It
is available in liquid and cream at a lot of health food stores.  One
can use 4 drops on the tongue or put it on a pet's ear, paws, or any
place really.  You can even put it in the pet's water bowl.  Flower
essences are not harmful in any way.
 
Page last updated on Sat Jul 26 13:22:15 PDT 1997