Taking your pet on an adventure can introduce you to new sights and scents, giving you a refreshing change of pace. Additionally, it provides families with peace of mind that their pet is nearby, safe and sound.
Planning and preparing to travel with your pet can be daunting due to laws, restrictions, and safety concerns. Take some time to plan your trip. To avoid the inevitable stress during your trip, know in advance what your pet will need to stay safe and comfortable.
Get started with a comprehensive guide with important insights to make your journey easier and ensure the safety and well-being of your beloved furry companion.
Visit your veterinarian to obtain documentation
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some destinations have health and identification requirements for pets. Requirements may include:
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Microchip.
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I allow it.
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Blood test.
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vaccination.
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Health certificate.
If you are traveling within the state, consider visiting your state agriculture department's website or contacting your destination's state animal health officer to determine exact requirements.
On the other hand, traveling abroad requires more research and time with your veterinarian. His website for the CDC has a drop-down menu to select your desired destination. The website will show you what documents and tests are required for your pet.
The CDC website also lists requirements for bringing animals into the United States. Due to canine rabies, dogs entering the United States from high-risk countries are temporarily suspended, but most pets are allowed with proper entry documentation.
Do airlines allow pets to travel?
Most planes allow cats and dogs on board. However, it depends on whether the pet can be moved next to the owner or into the cargo area. According to Chewy, the US airline-branded airline pet he policy is as follows:
american airlines
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Assistance cats or dogs that are housed in a kennel and are under 2 years old but over 4 months old are allowed on board. Documents are required. If your animal cannot fit under your feet or in your lap, you will need to purchase a separate ticket.
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Other pets (2 small cats or dogs) may be carried in the cabin for $125. Must be at least 8 weeks old and housed in a carrier.
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Cats and dogs can be shipped by freight for $200. Check the restrictions regarding varieties that are not allowed.
delta
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Service and emotional support animals are permitted with documentation. It should fit on your lap or on your feet.
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Pets, small cats, dogs and birds may be brought in a carrier bag for $125. Must be at least 10 weeks old.
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Pet cargo fees range from $100 to $300 depending on size. However, it is not always possible for pets to travel on the same flight as their owners.
southwest airlines
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Cats and dogs providing services and emotional support are permitted with documentation. The animal must fit on your lap or on your feet.
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Carry-on cats and dogs can travel for $95 each as long as they remain in their carrier and are over 8 weeks old.
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Pets are not allowed in cargo.
united airlines
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Service dogs and emotional support dogs and cats are permitted with proper documentation. It must be sized to fit above the knee or over the foot.
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Cats, dogs, rabbits, and domestic birds can be carried on board for $125 each way. Animals must be kept in a carrier.
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United Airlines has a program called PetSafe for transporting animals in cargo.
jet blue
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Service cats and emotional support dogs and cats are permitted with proper documentation provided 48 hours in advance. The animal must be able to sit on your lap or on your feet.
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Cats and dogs can be carried on board in a carrier bag for $125. There is a limit of one pet per person and the pet cannot weigh more than 20 pounds.
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Pets are not transported as cargo.
alaska airlines
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Service and emotional support dogs and cats can travel with documentation provided at least 48 hours in advance. Dogs must be leashed, well behaved, and kept in a travel kennel that fits under the seat in front of you.
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Dogs, cats, rabbits, and pet birds can be brought on board for $100 each way. Must be at least 8 weeks old, weaned and in a carrier.
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Pets can be brought as cargo for $100 each way.
spirit airlines
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Service and emotional support animals are permitted with proper documentation. Snakes and other reptiles, rodents, ferrets, sugar gliders, and spiders are prohibited. Animals must be placed in a carrier and placed on your lap or on your feet.
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For $110 per pet carrier, you can bring small dogs, cats, rabbits, and domestic birds. In one carrier he can fit two pets and the maximum weight he can hold is 40 pounds. Pets must be weaned at least 8 weeks old.
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Spirit does not carry animals in its cargo.
frontier airlines
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Small service and emotional support dogs and cats may be admitted on board with proper documentation provided 48 hours in advance. They must sit on your lap or on your feet.
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You can bring dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and family birds as traveling pets for $75 each way. Must fit in a travel kennel and remain within the kennel.
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Frontier does not accept pets as luggage.
loyalist
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Cats and dogs providing services and emotional support are permitted with documentation. The animal must weigh no more than 30 pounds and sit on its knees or feet.
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Dogs and cats are allowed on board as pets, as long as they fit in a small carrier. The cost is $100 per carrier each way, with a maximum of 2 animals per carrier.
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Allegiant does not accept pets as cargo.
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What you need to know about road trips
If you don't want to have to worry about extra charges or have to transport your pet in cargo, a road trip may be the way to go. There are no documentation rules for bringing your pet in your car, but you may want to make sure your pet is safe.
The Wildest offers some tips to stay safe.
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The schedule will stop.
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Start with short trips and build up to longer ones.
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Don't feed your dog while driving if he or she is susceptible to motion sickness. Stay hydrated.
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Be aware of other people and pets you may encounter.
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Use a crate, designed seat belt, or something else to keep your pet safe in an emergency. Accustom the animal to restraint if necessary.
Hotels and other accommodations
If you're not staying at a friend's house or visiting family, you'll need to find a place that allows pets of certain types or breeds. Progressive offers tips to make your stay at our accommodations more enjoyable.
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Find out about pet fees and restrictions. There may be restrictions on the weight and size of your pet. Additionally, some places ask that animals not be left alone and that they have a designated place to go to the bathroom.
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Please inquire about facilities and noise levels. Pets with anxiety may become nervous around crowds or loud noises.
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If you're in a hotel, book a room on the ground floor. With no people downstairs, your pet is less likely to disturb your guests. If you need to take your pet outside to go to the bathroom, it will be faster.
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Please bring necessary supplies such as litter boxes, disinfectant spray, cleaners, trash bags, and wipes to keep the area clean and your pet healthy.
By prioritizing your furry friend's safety and comfort, you'll have an unforgettable experience and create great memories.
