If you plan to take your pet along on your next flight, you need to be aware of specific rules. Every airline has various rules and tips that must be followed for safe travel, depending on the country from which the pet is coming from or moving to. For your better understanding, listed below are the various rules for flying with your pet that you must note down.

Health certificates
Many airlines need your pet to be weaned for traveling and should be at least eight weeks old. Only the healthy pets are allowed to travel as any violent or ill pet will not be permitted. Most importantly, all pets must have a rabies vaccination and a health certificate issued by a licensed vet within thirty days of travel.

Use of sedatives
In the long list of rules for flying with your pet, this is extremely important. Whether your dog is flying as a checked pet or traveling in the cabin with you, they will definitely be exposed to high altitude pressure. This can cause various respiratory issues for those who are sedated or tranquilized before flying. In case the tranquilizer is medically necessary, the name of the drug and dosage should be indicated on the carrier.

Extreme weather conditions
If you are traveling to or from a place where the temperature is below 45F or above 85F, you will require a letter signed by your vet to assure that your dog is adjustable to extreme weather conditions. Many of the airlines do not allow snub-nosed dogs to travel in the cargo area during the summer months.

Pet carriers
Among numerous rules for flying with your pet, the carrier’s design or size should also be given proper attention. Whether your pet is a German Shepherd or Chihuahua, there is a carrier for every breed. These well-ventilated carriers must allow the pet to move freely, turn around and lie down, as otherwise, the airlines will refuse them.

Certain breeds are not allowed at all
Due to multiple dangerous cases that occurred in the past, a number of airlines have decided not to allow certain breeds to travel at all. These dog breeds are generally considered historically violent, and their behavioral patterns put them at a higher risk of being negatively impacted with the environment created during the flight.

Quarantine period
You also need to keep a check on those rules for flying with your pet, which have been declared by the authorities of the destination you are traveling to. For instance, traveling to Hawaii requires your pet to attend a quarantine period as it is the only state which is rabies-free. Similarly, every state or country has a specific set of rules that you have to abide by to travel with your pet smoothly.

These days more and more airlines are making arrangements to help you conveniently travel with your pet. All you have to do is follow the above-mentioned rules for flying with your pet and make certain enquiries to ensure your furry friend’s safety.