Holidays are a great time for family reunions, long awaited vacations and visits to friends overseas. What some people face this season is a new challenge for taking the whole family along – including the family’s adored pets. 

Most U.S. airlines have changed their policies regarding the transportation of pets and have become more flexible. Here are some valuable tips that will make your trip less stressful and ensure that you are aware of possible hurdles in advance and plan your trip well. 

Even if you are going for a long weekend, pack your pets well

• Make sure your pets' I.D. tags are current
• Update your pets' immunization cards
• Make a list of your pets' medications and take a good supply with you
• Have your pets' first aid kit ready
• Stack up on emergency food and water supplies
• Pack at least two travel bowls
• Get a flashing collar/ID tag to find your pet quickly
• Pack a picture of your pets in case you get separated.
• Get a safety harness and leash.

Hassle-free Airport Experience

Usual Check In Procedures

• Pets traveling in the cabin require a reservation to ensure no more than several (usually 7-10) pets are booked on any single flight. For this reason, it is recommended that you make arrangements for your pet in advance by contacting reservations of your airline.
• Checked-in (shipped) pets who will travel in the cargo area do not need a reservation.
• Passengers traveling with pets must check in at the ticket counter with curbside or self-service check-in is not allowed. Please allow extra time beyond normal check-in guidelines. However, checked-in pets will not be accepted more than four hours prior to your flight time.
• Some airports have animal relief areas to make your waiting more pleasant. Ask for assistance if your airport website doesn’t list any.
• Some applicable charges may apply and are payble at the origin of the trip if you are using only one carrier.
• If any other carries is operating one of your flights, the charges are payable to that operation flight upon check-in.
• Check with your airline about temperature restriction. If temperature is above 84F or below 20F they might not accept your pet into the cargo area.

Pet Carrier Guidelines

• The maximum size for cabin pet carriers is 19" long x 13" wide x 9" high.
• Soft-sided pet carriers such as Sherpa bags may exceed these dimensions slightly because they are collapsible. 
• Animals must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in the kennel. 
• Soft-sided pet carriers are accepted as long as they are constructed of water-repellent, padded nylon with mesh ventilation on two or more sides.
• A pet kennel counts as either a passenger's one carry-on bag or personal item but you still might have to pay a pet charge.

Types of Pets Allowed

• Cats and dogs are usually the only types of pets accepted for travel on U.S. Airlines.

Things to remember: Your pets are NOT allowed outside of their carrier at any time during flight.

Number of Pets Allowed

• Only one pet kennel per ticketed passenger may be accepted for travel in the cabin. 
• The kennel may contain two (2) dogs or two (2) cats but they must be the same species, at least 8-weeks old.
• The pet and container can weigh no more than 20 lbs. combined.

Age/Health Information

• Dogs and cats must be at least eight (8) weeks old for travel. 

Things to remember: No airlines assume any liability for the health or well-being of carry-on pets.

Domestic travel

If staying at your uncle’s cottage or friend’s home is not an option this holiday season, more and more American hotels allow guests to check in with their pets. To get an updated list of “pet friendly” hotels at your destination, please use the pet friendly hotel finder at  www.petsready.com

International travel

• If your pet is traveling with you overseas, please check with your destination country’s Embassy in the U.S. first. There might be restrictions and special rules that apply to traveling with pets to that particular country and certain vaccinations might be required.
• According to the Department of State’s travel website, a listing of foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S. is available at http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/32122.htm. 
• Foreign embassy and consulate contact information can also be found on the Country Specific Information for each country.

Things to remember: should the evacuation of American citizens be required at your destination, pets will not be allowed to board military aircrafts or ships. Please check with animal shelters or friends in your visiting country to have a backup plan for your furry friends should a disaster strike.

Travel stress free

• Your anxiety will easily be picked up by your pet so stay calm and composed. Allow yourself extra time at the airport (if you are traveling by air) and pack a day or two ahead of the departure day.
• This way if you remember something, you will still have time to put it in the suitcase vs. regretting about it later.

And, most importantly, enjoy your Holidays!