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.

There are a variety of situations in which kenneling your pet may become necessary. Even if your dog lounges on your sofa during day and sleeps in your bed at night, there are times when a crate is not only useful but necessary. Your dog will travel safer in the car if confined. In the event of an accident, the crate will provide some measure of protection and keep a scared dog from running away in an anxious moment. A crate may also be medically necessary.

Crates and kennels vary in size and function. Before shopping for a crate consider what the kennel is to be used for so you can select the proper one for your and your dog’s needs. If your dog will be kenneled in your home while you’re gone, buy the largest crate your budget and space will allow. Your dog should be able to stand, lie down, or sit in any position in the crate without restriction. The crate should be roomy enough to accommodate a water bowl or have a water bottle attachment. If your dog will need a kennel only for an occasional short trip, you might compromise slightly on size. If you have a puppy, choose a crate size that will accommodate his as an adult and allow enough room for him to stand, lie down, or sit in any position in the crate without restriction.

Some dogs have a canny ability to ability to escape confinement, so make sure the door on the crate you choose latches securely. It shouldn’t bend or pop open when you put pressure on it from the inside. Also, a dog can strangle if he squeezes his head between the door and its frame while the crate is latched.

Wire frame crates

Wire frame crates are made from heavy gauge wire or stainless steel on all six sides. This increases ventilation and visibility for your pet. Many types of crate can be collapsed and folded up for storage or transport. When selecting a crate of this type, consider the size of the wire, be sure your dogs paws won’t fall through the bottom grid. Check for any sharp edges. Check the doors to see if they are spring loaded, these doors can snap shut on a paw or tail.

Advantages of wire crates:
*Available in collapsible or folding models
*Offers lots of visibility and ventilation
*Crate covers available to increase insulation on cooler days and increase privacy for dogs that prefer a more confined environment to relax
*Suitable for car travel
*Easy to clean

Disadvantages of wire crates:
*Not approved for airline travel
*Can be heavy: This might not be a big issue for smaller crates, but is something to keep in mind for the larger crates

Solid (Plastic) kennels

Plastic kennels are most commonly used for your dog’s travel needs. They are sturdy and have solid bottoms. Usually only the sides are slotted for ventilation. Most of these crates have separate tops and bottoms that are assembled and secured with nuts and screws. The front of the crate frame supports a wire door. They are easy to take apart for cleaning and storage. This type of kennel also provides a greater degree of protection for your dog if something should fall on the kennel or if there is any impact. Plastic crates are the standard for air travel.

Advantages of plastic dog crates:
*Provides some degree of insulation which can be valuable in cold or wet climates.
*Can be airline-approved: Many plastic crates are airline-approved.
*Can be stored or used as a dog bed: You can find many plastic crates that come apart for storage. Some are even designed to allow the top to be removed so you can use the bottom as a dog bed.
*Usually light weight: Even a bigger plastic dog crate can be exceptionally light, which is something to keep in mind if you travel a lot or need to move the crate often.

Disadvantages of plastic dog crates:
*Less ventilation and air movement
*May increase feelings of isolation
*Plastic material can trap odors
*Can’t fold flat

Soft-sided Kennels

A variation to the wire crate is the soft side kennel. The sides are made from breathable fabric material and are ventilated with nylon netting. Being light weight and collapsible they are very portable. Their disadvantage is that they offer no protection against impact and can be penetrated by sharp objects, thus they are not suitable for use in cars, airline travel or for dogs that dig or chew while crated.

Advantages of soft kennels:
*Light weight, portable
*Easy to set up & take down
*Can be used as an everyday crate

Disadvantages of soft kennels:
*Not approved for airline travel
*Not suitable for use in cars
*Pet must be well crate trained

Useful crate accessories

Once you’ve chosen the right dog crate for your pet, you can make it more inviting with a few simple accessories.

Crate bedding or crate pad

Be sure to choose bedding that’s both durable and washable. Many beds, including bumper style beds or pillow beds can often be found in sizes that fit most crates and can add an extra level of comfort

Crate Cover

Crate covers make wire dog crates more den-like and give your dog extra privacy. They also block outside distractions, which can be useful if your dog barks or whines while he’s in a wire crate.

Water bowl or water bottle

There are several types of bowls that attach to crates.

Crate fan

Crate fans provide a refreshing airflow for pets whilst travelling or while at home. Fans circulate the air, removing warm air from the cage interior, and can help to protect pet from overheating. Some feature an optional freezer pack insert to add extra cooling power

Preparation: Getting used to the car
Let your puppy become accustomed to riding in a car gradually. There are a few simple things you can do to ease the uninitiated pet into a comfortable travel mode. Start by simply playing with your dog in the car and rewarding good behavior. Next, take short trips to fun places. The more fun the better, as eager anticipation and fear are not compatible. If every time your dog gets in the car he ends up at the vet, he’ll soon dislike riding in one.

Safety & Restraint Equipment
Keeping your dog safe is the number one priority.
Do not allow your dog to stick his head out the window. Not only can he damage his eyes this way but what if he jumps? And although your dog might be happy about having he whole backseat to lounge on, remember that if you have to brake suddenly your dog is going to become a projectile. Even relatively low-speed accidents can be fatal. Also, an unrestrained animal can interfere with the driver and be the cause of an accident herself. Your dog should travel in a safe, designated place.

Crate
A crate is the safest way for your dog to travel in a car. Make sure the crate is secured. If you have a crate, get the crate essentials.

Safety harness
A safety harness that attaches to the seat belt will keep your dog safely restrained while allowing him to sit or lie down.

Car seat
If your have a smaller dog there is also the option of dog car seat. Car seats allows for a dog’s natural desire to look out the window, while minimizing motion sickness. Look for a car seat that can be secured by using your car’s seat belts so it will remain stationery. Many car seats also come with straps to secure your dog to the seat or the seat belt.

Before you leave
Feed your pet lightly before beginning the trip, about one third of their normal amount. Save the remainder and feed it once you’ve reached your destination. Before you set out on your trip, take your pet for a walk.Once you are in the car, make sure that your pet’s area is either well ventilated or amply air-conditioned. While each pet is different, plan frequent pit stops (at least every 2-3 hours or so) to exercise your pet on a leash.

On the road: Ensure ventilation, shade and water
Dogs, cars and summer temperatures do not mix. NEVER, EVER leave a dog in the car on warm summer days – even if there is no direct sunlight and even if your are planning on being gone only for a few minutes. The temperature inside a car, even one where the windows are open, can rise in minutes to dangerous or fatal levels. Even on overcast days and even if the temperature outside is not particularly hot the temperature in a car can get dangerously high very quickly! Many pets have suffered heat stroke and death from being left for just a short while in a car.

Even when traveling, the sun beating in the windows can quickly turn backseats into heating pads. Ensure shade, water and ventilation during travel.

Crate fan
If your dog is crated, buy a crate fan to ensure adequate ventilation, as even in an air conditioned car it can get hot in a crate. If you do not have an air conditioned car consider fans with cooling elements.

Crate waterer or bowl
Get a dog crate waterer (To train the dog how to use a crate waterer, dab a little honey on the opening and show it to your dog)