Schedule a veterinary appointment to have your pet's health assessed and get vaccinations up to date. Within ten days of departure, obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian so that the airline will know your pet is up to date.
Talk to your airline about rules regarding flying with a pet; every airline is different in regards to policies. Some airlines restrict the types of pets that are allowed and the size of carriers allowed under the seats on the plane. Dogs with pug noses, such as bulldogs, Pekingese, pugs, Shih Tzu and Boston terriers, are generally not allowed to fly in cargo holds due to inhibited breathing.
Purchase a USDA-approved crate that is large enough for your pet to stand up in. You can purchase a crate from the airline or a local pet supply store. Write "Live Animal" on the crate and attach identifying information that includes your name and address, the pet's name and its destination. Make sure your pet has a secure collar on with identifying information. To reduce stress on the day of departure, get your pet accustomed to the crate at home prior to flying.
Book direct flights whenever possible; this will lessen the possibility of your pet sitting on a tarmac and the overall stress of being handled by strangers. Avoid traveling in extreme weather if your pet will be in the cargo hold or sitting on a tarmac while changing planes. Travel early in the morning or late evening in the summer and in the afternoon in the winter.
Arrive early to the airport so that you have plenty of time to walk your pet, allowing it to go to the bathroom. Put some food in the crate, or for longer flights provide feeding instructions to airline personnel. Put some frozen water in a bowl in the crate.
