Your Pet’s Travel Advisory

Pet travel can be expensive (and even dangerous for some breeds), but a variety of options and services are available.

By Ella Brooks

Luggage fees and barefoot security checks are a pain, but what if you had to deal with blistering heat and Arctic cold, poor oxygen supply and rough handling? That’s the unfortunate reality for many pets who travel by airplane.

Air travel can be dangerous — even lethal — for animals. Here’s our advice on arranging a safe, stress-free trip (or staycation) for you and your best friend. Do Fido a favor and consider one of these cargo-stowage alternatives.

Option No. 1: Book Your Pet In-Cabin

The Ins and Outs Using Quaker Pet Group’s Guaranteed on Board program (formerly Sherpa Pet Group), it’s easier to navigate carry-on restrictions and regulations with the eight airlines they work with. Fill out the form at flygob.com and buy one of 48 approved carriers (from $45). And don’t forget to make a reservation; airlines only allow a certain number of animals per cabin area (Continental’s limit is four while Delta accepts up to eight, for example). Airlines’ fees for in-cabin pets range from $69–$125 each way.

Is It Safe? For most pets, the greatest danger is fear and anxiety in a strange situation. But don’t rely on sedatives: “Sedatives make pets unable to regulate temperature, blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates,” says veterinarian Louise Murray, D.V.M., DACVIM, vice president of Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital of the ASPCA in New York City. Instead, teach your animal his crate is a safe zone. “Give the animal a chew stick or food puzzle toy inside the crate,” says behavioral biologist Karen Pryor, author of Reaching the Animal Mind (Scribner, 2009).

Who It’s Best For All pets should be checked by a vet before air travel, Murray says. Cats and dogs over 8 weeks old and under 20 pounds (including carrier) are the best suited to flying. Pets who are geriatric (over 7 years old for small dogs), or have heart or respiratory conditions (this includes brachycephalic, or short-nosed animals, such as boxers, bulldogs, Pekingese and Persian cats) are most at risk, and a discussion should be had with the vet to see if those animals can withstand air travel, says Murray.

Option No. 2: Use Pet-Specific Transportation

The Ins and Outs On Pet Airways, any breed up to 120 pounds, from Shih Tzu to Great Dane, gets a kennel in the fully pressurized cabin. Drop off your dog or cat at an airport Pet Lounge, then pick him or her up at your destination. One-way flights range from $59–$1,031 (price of carrier included), with pricing based on distance, size of animal and time of year. Cities served are currently limited to: Atlanta; Baltimore/Washington, DC; Chicago; Denver; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Los Angeles; New York City (from Farmingdale, NY); Omaha, NE; and Phoenix.

Or ask your vet and friends to recommend a professional pet transporter. Make sure the organization is certified by the Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association International (IPATA). With Longmont, CO-based Life Unleashed Pet Movers’ Private Pet Chauffeur service, rates start at $895, and your pet rides in a private SUV and gets frequent walks. Life Unleashed also offers a Pet Bus and domestic and international relocation services for pets.

Is It Safe? Vets prefer that you travel with your pet, but specialized transport services are good alternatives if that’s impossible. Keep in mind that most pet transporters ship via cargo, so ask for ground travel. “No matter how organized the company, they can’t control the airline,” says Murray. “If your dog is being driven, they’re not just a piece of cargo.” Familiarize your dog with car rides beforehand and give him extra-special treats along the way (tiny pieces of boiled chicken, Pryor suggests, instead of kibble treats).

Who It’s Best For The same precautions apply as for flying (heart and respiratory problems should be checked), but larger dogs (those who would travel by Pet Airways or car) are considered geriatric as early as age 5.

Option No. 3: Board at a Local Kennel

The Ins and Outs Ask your vet and vet receptionist if boarding is available at the office, or if they can recommend a good kennel. Then visit and trust your instincts. “Most pet owners who’ve had a bad experience get a feeling that something is wrong beforehand but tell themselves they’re being silly,” says Kay Key, founder of boardingkennels.org, a website that lists 1,600 kennels in North America, the U.K. and Ireland, complete with reviews and descriptions. “Trust your instincts and walk away if you feel something is amiss,” she adds.

Is It Safe? Yes, as long as you seek out exceptional digs. Look for a kennel (or “dog spa” or “resort”) that’s clean and relatively quiet — constant barking means pets are stressed and employees don’t know how to soothe them, Pryor says. Also, the staff should be willing to give you a full tour and feed your dog what and when he’s accustomed. “Dogs are prone to gastrointestinal upset due to diet changes,” Murray says. Worried about leaving your pet? Pryor suggests baby steps: Find a kennel that offers doggie day care and try it a few times — just for an hour or two at first — then board your pet overnight.

Who It’s Best For A staycation is a good bet for any pet, but it’s especially smart for those who are older or have health problems (in that case, board at a vet’s office so they can be closely monitored). Just think twice about boarding a cat: “The stress of being out of their usual environment can make them sick,” Murray says. “Upper-respiratory viruses, urinary obstructions or even liver disease can develop, so ask a friend or cat-sitter to check on and feed your cat daily.” A kennel or housesitter is better for companionship-craving creatures like dogs.