Preparation: Check airlines’ requirements
There are certain legal guidelines and restrictions for pet air travel. The airlines themselves have varying regulations, so always contact airlines well in advance to get specific information about procedures, requirements and charges. Keep in mind also that rules may change, so ensure you have up-to-date information.

Airlines may have any of the following transportation options for your pet: in cabin, checked baggage, or as cargo. Regardless of which option will be used for your pet, reservations are required well in advance as each flight can only transport a certain number of animals in each cabin class and cargo hold. These capacities vary by airline and aircraft

If you are traveling with a puppy or small dog many airlines allow you to bring your dog in the cabin as “carry-on” luggage, provided the dog is in an airline approved pet carrier. The general rule is one dog per person. You must be on the same flight as your pet and the carrier in which the pet is to travel must fit entirely under the seat in front of you. The size and weight limitation varies and weight restrictions may also apply. Make sure you have an acceptable crate or bag and that your dog does not exceed the weight limit.

When booking let the airline know the your dog’s size, weight, and health as well as the type and size of carrier. Be sure to reconfirm with the airline 24-48 hours before departure that you will be bringing your pet.

Selecting a airline carrier
There are a variety of different types and styles of dog carriers that are approved by airlines, including kennel-type carriers, totes, and in-between. Some of the carry-on approved airline carriers are similar to handbags and are obviously intended for only the smallest of dogs. Others include the kind that look similar to a duffel bag, but have breathable mesh or netting so that your dog is as safe as they would be in a traditional dog carrier.

When selecting a carrier for airline travel consider the following:
Size: Airlines approve dog carriers to be checked as carry-ons only if they are small enough to fit under the seat in front of the traveler.
Safety:  Strong, durable high-impact shell and windows to let in fresh air when rolled down
Easy of carrying:  Lightweight and balanced, with handle and padded shoulder strap for carrying
Easy of use: Removable and washable bedding
Practical extra features:  Some have shoulder straps that detach to serve as a leash

Before you leave
Take a care kit in your carry on – bottled tap water from your home, baby wipes (good for accidents or when something ‘comes up’), and a cookie or treat.

Prepare your dog for its journey by reducing the quantity of food (not water) the day before flying. You will also want to give your dog a light meal a few hours before check-in. A heavy meal might make your pet sick during the trip. Walk your dog before leaving for the airport and then again before check in.
Take your dog for a walk before you place it in its carrier so that it may relieve itself.

Make certain that your pet is wearing a collar with identification in case it escapes. If traveling in cargo the safest type of collar for air travel is a paper collar you make yourself from a strip of paper and tape with identification written on the paper. This will prevent your pet from accidentally strangling itself in its collar. Never muzzle your pet as its ability to breathe and regulate its temperature by panting will be severely restricted.

Make certain to have a leash or harness with you as most airports will require that the pet be removed from the carrier at the security screening checkpoint so that the carrier may be sent through the x-ray machine. Your pet will not be allowed out of the carrier during the flight.

1. Plan ahead for all travel arrangements
If you are planning to fly with your pet, you should make reservations at least 2-3 months prior to your journey as many airlines limit the number of pets flying on each plane (both in the cabin and in the hold).
Many accommodations do not accept pets and some that do have only a limited number of rooms available to pet owners, so do some research and book well in advance. Guide books and hotel directories are a great resource, but pet policies change often so you should always verify the current policy. If your pets will be staying with you in your room here are some of the questions you should ask when making your reservation:
Do you accept pets?
Are there any pet fees or deposits? Are they per pet or per room? Are they daily or one time only? Is the deposit refundable?
Am I limited to certain type rooms?
Are there any areas that I can’t go with my pet?
Do you offer anything special for pets?

2. Make sure all the paperwork is in order
Make certain that all vaccinations are up to date and that all paperwork is in order. You will be required to have these if your pet is traveling by air. Also, you may need to board your pet unexpectedly and many kennels will not accept pets without these certificates. And, if your pet does require emergency medical care, these will allow this to take place much more quickly. Bring along your vet’s phone number-it’s a lot easier (and cheaper) to call your vet with a non-emergency concern than to try to find a local vet who doesn’t know your dogs.

3. Make sure your dog can be identified if lost
Many pets become separated from their people while traveling and often collars are not on pets when they are recovered at shelters. Seriously consider having your pet microchipped – animal hospitals, humane societies and kennels nationwide are using scanners that will read these implanted chips and let you be reunited with your lost pet. Microchip procedures are safe, quick and very common. Your veterinarian can tell you more about this procedure.

Your pet should wear a secure collar at all times with tags showing your name, address, and phone number in case your pet becomes separated. Make a set of temporary paper tags with the address and phone number at your destination.

4. Start your trip with a clean, healthy pet
Be honest about your pet’s ability to travel. If your pet is very old, or is ill, it may be better for all concerned to look into a pet sitter or kennel rather than take a chance on injuring your pet by taking it with you. If you are in doubt, ask your veterinarian.

Check in with your veterinarian at least one week before you begin your trip to be sure your pet is healthy and all vaccinations are current. Your vet can also alert you to any special problems that may exist in the area you are planning to visit. If your pet becomes carsick or restless when traveling, ask your veterinarian about appropriate medications or treatments.

Wash your dog, clip the nails, brush the teeth, clean the ears ; in short give your dog a full grooming so that you start your vacation with a spotless dog!

5. Things to bring
A leash.
An extra collar.
An old blanket or sheet for the back seat of your car or wherever the pet’s carrier will be secured to make cleanup easier.
Two old sheets to cover bedding and furniture at your destination.
Your pet’s bed or carrier with some of your pet’s bedding
Food. If you do not feed a brand you are certain will be available at your destination and along the way, bring enough for the whole trip. If you feed canned, bring a can opener and spoon.
Bottle of water to give during the trip
Food & water bowl set.
Portable water bowl or bottle for use when away from your lodging.
Treats and toys or chew items.
All required medications
First aid kit, including tweezers to remove foreign objects from fur or paws.
Brush or comb.
Baby wipes or moist towelettes to wipe off paws.
Waste removal bags.
Old towels, carpet cleaner, disinfectant spray, and trash bags for accidents.

6. While You’re Traveling
Try to create a traveling environment that is as “close to home” as possible.
This means trying to feed your dog the same food at approximately the same time you feed her at home. Bring your dog’s bed, or if you pet sleeps in a crate at home, bring it along.
Keep fresh water available for your pet at all times.
Avoid sudden changes of diet. If you are unable to obtain your pet’s normal brand, switch gradually over to the new food over a period of four or more days.
Obey all leash laws and make certain to keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times when not securely in a room.
Clean up after your dog-please! No one actually likes this task but it is necessary. The more people pick up after their dogs, the more welcome all dogs will in public places.