Taking the dog or cat on the airline can be a bit of a hassle. It takes time, patience, and even a little extra money. But don’t worry, we can help you keep you sane and your pets happy with our handy Travel Checklist. Like they say: DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!

FareCompare’s Essential Travel Checklist: Pets

by Anne McDermott

• Are you one of those people who cant live without your morning fix of Daily Puppy?
• Is Sparky or Fifi your best listener?
• Do you take your pet everywhere?

If you answered yes to these questions, then you already know that pet travel is big business; you probably already own a polar-fleece traveling coat for Fifi, and you probably already write to the Travel Dog for advice (see the charming and informative “Dear Pepper” column).

But maybe you don’t know everything about flying pets safely and comfortably. No problem: here’s FareCompare’s easy step-by-step guide.

The Big Decision: Cargo or Cabin?

How do you want your animal to fly? With you or with your luggage?

You may not have a choice: generally, only pets weighing 15-pounds or less can stay on board with you. And that’s only if there’s room (most airlines limit the number of pets allowed in the cabin). Also, if your pet is too large for the cabin, you may be out of luck altogether: some airlines, including US Airways, will not transport any pets in its cargo compartments.

You MUST Read This

Before you do anything else, check with your airline: here’s a link to a list of airlines with their phone numbers and websites; just type in pets in the search box for the current regulations. READ THE AIRLINE PET REGULATIONS CAREFULLY!

Our Step-by-Step Guide

Now you’re ready for FareCompare’s step-by-step to flying with your pet. And please see out special tip section that follows the guide, for more practical news-you-can-use!

STEP 1. Verify Airline Restrictions

• Check with the airlines: See their specific guidelines and do’s and don’ts
• Gather documents: Determine if your dog must show proof of vaccinations or if a letter from your veterinarian is required
• Determine weather restrictions: American Airlines, for example, wont accept most dogs as checked baggage if ground-temperatures anywhere on the itinerary are above 85-degrees or below 45-degrees Fahrenheit
• Make reservations early: most airlines limit the number of pets allowed in the cabin and checked as baggage; you must reserve space, and you will pay for it (typically $80 to $100, but it varies)

STEP 2. Check Your Animals Health

• See your vet: Make sure Sparky and Felix are healthy and up on all their shots
• No sedation: Check with your vet, but the American Humane Association advises against it, noting that tranquilizers and sedatives do more harm than good
• No muzzles: it can be dangerous to the animal
• No food before travel: pets do better traveling on an (almost) empty stomach
• First-aid kit: simple kits can be purchased in pet stores or online
• Emergency Care: Keep a list of emergency care veterinarians for every stop on your itinerary (click here for a link to emergency vets throughout the U.S.)

STEP 3. Upgrade Your Animals Identification

• Microchip your animal: this is not fool-proof (not every shelter has a microchip scanner, or one compatible with your pets chip), but its an extra layer of security
• Upgrade pets collar ID: make sure any collar-tag has your cell phone number
• Mark pet’s crate: Be sure your pets name and your information is clearly marked inside and outside your pets crate/traveling kennel
• Pet photos: Tape a photo of your pet on his kennel; also, carry extra photos to pass out if the animal gets loose
• Remember Vivi: A whippet named Vivi (a Westminster Dog Show entrant) escaped from her kennel at JFK airport in Feb. 2006. She is still missing. Don’t let this happen to you

STEP 4. Travel with Appropriate Gear

• Buy the correct type and size kennel: Hard-sided kennels are a must for the cargo compartment, while soft-sided are generally okay in the cabin. In either case, your animal must be able to stand, sit, turn around, and lie down in the kennel comfortably. Most pet stores carry airline regulation kennels
• Mark your kennel: Be sure it says live animal and arrows indicate the upright position of the kennel
• Food and water: be sure to check with the airline to see if you are to provide food and water for your pet, and in what kind of containers
• No loose pets in the cabin: Fifi has to stay in her kennel the entire trip

Final Travel Tips

• Trim those claws: If your cat is traveling with you in the cabin; you’ll have to remove her from the kennel and hold her through the security check-point. The cat will grip you, tightly. Very tightly.
• Exercise: Arrive at the airport early, so you can walk your pet outside one last time before boarding (use the leash youve stashed in a carry-on); make this extra effort and you’ll have a cleaner and drier pet when you land
• Toys: Ask the airline if you can include some in your cargo-traveling kennel; keep some handy for your cabin-traveler. You know how some people sneer at the parents of crying babies? They do the same thing, to the owners of yappy dogs

Last Word

Think about this long and hard: should your pet travel with you? Has he traveled before? Is he adaptable? Fearful? A senior-citizen? Only you know if your animal is up to the rigors of flying. If you’re not sure, ask your vet. If he or she says, leave the pet at home, do it. You could save yourself a lot of worries and just think of the reunion!