Airline Pet Travel - Cargo

If you are accompaning your pet on the same airline, your pet can travel as checked baggage as long as their weight is approximately 70 pounds (the weight varies by airline) and your airline offers this service. You will check your pet in at the ticket counter where you check your luggage and pay a fee at that time. Your pet will travel in the cargo hold where the temperature and pressure is controlled as it is in the cabin.

If your pet is over 70 pounds,* or you are not traveling on the same flight as your pet, it will have to travel as manifested cargo. It will travel in the same place as a pet traveling as checked baggage. The difference is that you need to make reservations with the cargo department of the airline you are using. The day of travel, you must drop off and pick up from the cargo department of the airline as well.

Consider the age and health of your pet prior to traveling. A trip to your pet's veterinarian is a must. Traveling by air requires a pet to be in good health. Your veterinarian can confirm this and also check your pet for any fleas, ticks, or any disease that could be passed along to humans or other animals.

If you have a long trip or are traveling internationally, consider breaking up your trip. Although we are all in a hurry to get to our destination, it makes sense to break up your trip to give your pet time out of the crate and time with you. Either a long layover or overnight stay at a pet friendly hotel will help make your trip more tolerable for your pet. Just remember, on international trips, if you pass through customs, you are entering the country and must adhere to the requirements for entering that country with a pet. Depending on the country, this could include quarantine.

You will need an airline compliant pet crate for your pet that is sized appropriately so that your pet can stand up and turn around in the crate. It must be made from wood or heavy duty plastic, have a waterproof bottom, adequate ventilation, no wheels, a secure spring lock door, and a water/food bowl that attaches to the door.

The crate must fit the door of the cargo hold. This is especially important when flying in smaller aircraft. 

• Do not try to get your pet into a crate that is too small for your pet. It is a risk and your pet may be denied boarding. Measure your pet when standing erect from tip of nose to base of tail and from tip of head to the ground when selecting your pet crate size. (Measure from tip of ears for breeds where ears are cropped.) International flights require at least 3" above the head or ear tips (whichever is farther from the ground)
• Get a pet pad for your crate. This will help to have your pet arrive at its destination dry and free of odor.
• Get your pet accustomed to its carrier ahead of time. Take your pet to fun places in its crate prior to travel. See more tips for pet travel by air in cargo.
• Do not put anything in the crate except a pad, your pet, one soft toy (if necessary) - no cat litter or loose material is allowed except shredded newspaper.
• Put one of your unwashed t-shirts in the crate so your pet will travel with your scent. This is very calming to most pets.
• You will need Live Animal Stickers for the outside of the crate. Also, attach your pet's health certificate and traveling documents to the outside of the crate with your contact information and your pet's name. You can also attach some of your pet's food if it will be a long trip with layovers. Many airline require crate hardware to attach the top and bottom halves of the crate. Also, you should use ties on all four corners of the doors for extra security. Our accessory kits include all of these requirements.
• Do not sedate your pet unless it is unavoidable. Many airlines will not accept a sedated pet. If you must use sedation, consider a natural pet calmer.

Hydrate your pet prior to travel. Several days before travel, encourage your pet to drink as traveling is very de-hydrating. However, take the water away at least 2 hours prior to traveling and be sure you walk and exercise your pet prior to putting them in the crate. A light meal should be given about 4 hours prior to departure time.

After a short walk at the airport, put your pet in the crate and proceed to the ticket or cargo counter.

Verify that your pet has been loaded on the aircraft. If you cannot see the luggage being loaded on your aircraft from the gate, be sure and ask for verification that your pet has been loaded.

You can pick up your pet in the baggage claim area. Despite the temptation to remove your pet from its crate immediately, wait until you are outside at your destination airport. Inquire as to the location of the pet areas around the airport

Despite the effort it takes to fly a pet in cargo, it is oftentimes unavoidable. In the end, your pet will be happy to be with you during your travels. Being a saavy and prepared pet traveler makes all the difference.