Flying With Fido? Get Travel Tips

Debbye Turner Explains Everything You Need To Know

(CBS) 
Pets As Carry-On
If you are traveling with your pet as a carry-on, know that only one pet per passenger is allowed in the cabin. The pet must travel on the same flight as the owner in approved travel kennels. The carrier usually must be small enough to fit under the seat in front. And pets must remain in the kennel at all times. In-cabin pet kennels are available through the airline for an additional charge.

There are, however, some restrictions on location animals can travel to, so check with the airline. For example, no carry-on pets to/from Hawaii or Transatlantic/Transpacific or Central and South America.

One of the most important steps you can take to ease the stress of travel for your pet is to make sure it becomes familiar with the kennel. Purchase the kennel as far in advance as possible. Veterinarians recommend leaving the kennel door open in the house with an old sock or familiar object inside so that your pet may spend time near the kennel and perhaps venture inside on its own. Since it is important that your pet be as relaxed as possible during the flight, familiarization with the kennel is essential.

Kennels
All kennels must follow the following guidelines

Type/size: The kennel must be sturdy, properly ventilated, and, most importantly, must be large enough for the animal to freely sit and stand with its head erect, turn around, and lie down in a normal posture. To prevent accidental injury, no part of the animal's body can protrude through any openings in the kennel. For this reason, kennels made exclusively from wire are not accepted.

Closing Mechanism: Check the closing mechanism to make sure it works properly. Do not put a lock on the kennel door. In accordance with federal regulations, your pet must be accessible in the event of an emergency. Doors made of plastic or fiberglass can be prohibited.

Wheels: Most airlines discourage kennels with wheels on the bottom unless the wheels have a locking device. If your kennel has wheels, it is recommended that they either be removed or taped in order to prevent them from rolling in transit.

Weight: Each kennel should contain no more than one adult dog or cat, or no more than two puppies or kittens younger than 6 months, of comparable size, and under 20 pounds each. Dogs and cats cannot travel together in the same container. For carry-on pets, the maximum weight of pets and kennel is 15 pounds.

Absorbent Material: The kennel must contain absorbent material or litter. (Black and white printed newspaper is a good choice. However, newspaper with colored ink or advertisements can be toxic to animals.) Please note that the use of straw, hay or wood shavings is prohibited for international shipments.

Kennel Label Requirements:

• Display a "Live Animals" label with letters at least 1 inch high, on top and on at least one side of the kennel.
  
  
• Indicate the top with arrows or "This End Up" markings on at least two sides.
  
  
• Display Feeding Instructions. (If food is necessary, it must be attached to the outside of the kennel.)
  
  
• Certification: Any animal traveling must display certification attached to the kennel stating that the animal has been offered food and water within four hours prior to scheduled departure. Do not feed in the two hours prior to departure as a full stomach can cause discomfort for a traveling pet.
  
  
• Contact Information: Label the kennel with your name, address and phone number at origin as well as destination. Include your pet's name and clearly indicate the final destination on the top of the kennel.

If the animal cannot go on a plane, it will go on the airplane as cargo. This area is temperature controlled and pressurized for the safety of the animal.