Planning a big vacation is fun and a little stressful.
What do you pack?
Do you need to check a suitcase?
And if you travel with dogs or cats, things get even more complicated.
To help your flights with Max or Luna go smoothly, we consult the best experts.
And we give you this top tip: plan ahead.
A smart first step is to review the pet travel guidelines to check for restrictions on flying with animals to different states and countries.
Then, book your ticket and that of your pet in advance, since airlines only allow a
certain number of animals on each flight
.
The Best Pet Carriers, According to Vets
Airlines offer two options for transporting a pet: in the passenger cabin or below in the cargo hold. You can bring a cat or small dog, usually weighing less than 25 pounds (about 11 kilograms), in a carrier that fits under the seat. (That measurement can be found on the airline's website.) If you have a larger dog, your only option is to fly it in a crate in the cargo hold. Being separated from your pet during travel inherently carries some risk, but we consulted Healthy Paws Pet Insurance's veterinarian, Dr. Zac Pilossoph, and he said, "Most pets will be fine flying in cargo, except brachycephalics." Those are breeds like boxers and bulldogs.
Those breeds generally have some form of respiratory problems, which the higher altitudes exacerbate.
Whether you fly your pet in the cargo box or in the cabin with you, the unfamiliar surroundings and sounds of air travel are anxiety-provoking for most pets.
Karin Sullivan, medical director of the Arizona Animal Welfare League, has some advice.
"Put the carrier, with some blankets inside, in your home environment for about a week before your trip," he advises.
If your pet gets used to the carrier, he will be less anxious on the day of the trip.
Also, just before you leave, trim your friend's nails so they don't get caught in the box.
Finally, to help your pet stay as calm as possible during the trip, you may want to talk to your vet about whether an anti-anxiety medication might be a good idea. "It's ideal to experiment with these medications at home before traveling to get an idea of how your pet will be affected. Not everyone responds the same way," advises Mark D. Freeman, assistant professor of community practice in the College of Veterinary Medicine. of Virginia-Maryland. Also, make sure to pack the updated vaccination certificate.
As you can see, it is extremely important to plan ahead for a trip with your pet.
With that in mind, we've focused on products, some recommended directly by the vets we spoke to, that can help make flying with pets as easy as possible.
Products to fly with your pet
Mr. Peanut's Airline Approved
Buy it here:
USD$59 and
MX$1,325
"This is a good example of a carrier that could be used for a small dog or cat," says Erin Askeland, Camp Bow Wow animal health and behavior consultant.
It fits cats and dogs up to 15 pounds and "has multiple mesh windows for breathability and a sturdy base."
Roverlund Carrier and Travel Bag
Buy it here:
USD$159 and
MX$3,957
"Conveyors need to be well ventilated, sturdy and easy to hold," says Askeland.
This model is for pets up to 20 pounds and has a flexible rear frame that can be compressed to meet seating requirements on most smaller aircraft.
It also has storage pockets and a fleece-lined pull-out bed.
Special carrier for cats
Buy it here:
$19.99 and
MX$ 488
"I generally recommend a soft carrier as the most appropriate if your pet will be in the cabin with you, as the areas you're trying to put it in won't always be square," notes Pilossoph.
If you're wondering how to travel with a cat, this carrier is perfect for cats up to 16 pounds and checks all the boxes without being boxy: mesh windows for ventilation, lockable zippers, two entry options, and a budget-friendly price.
Kurgo Pet Backpack Carrier
Buy it here:
USD$127 and
MX$ 3,627
“I also recommend considering an airline-approved backpack carrier,” says Pilossoph.
If the idea of carrying a kitten or your Chihuahua on your back appeals, consider this airline and TSA-approved option.
It holds cats or dogs up to 25lbs and has a waterproof bottom and a leash inside to hook onto your pet's harness to keep them safer.
Harness and leash for cats
Buy it here:
$29.99 and
MX$ 199
"You'll be asked to remove your cat from the carrier and walk them through security," Sullivan observes.
"It's wise to keep your cat in a harness on a leash so she can't slip out of your arms and get lost at the airport."
Made from cooling mesh, this harness has a buckle that locks twice to make it incredibly difficult for a feline to escape.
Wolfgang man & beast necklace
Buy it here:
$19.95 USD and
MX$453
The dogs must be in well-fitting collars with an identification tag, Askeland insists.
Not only does this one look great, but it will last forever.
It's stain resistant and cut in a special way so it doesn't fray.
Plus, it has a high-strength steel D-ring to hold an ID tag.
Wolfgang man & beast necklace
Buy it here:
USD$86.36 and
MX$1,749
If you're traveling with a large friend, a cargo hold-equipped kennel is a must.
This top flight model is made for dogs up to 90 pounds and meets most airline requirements, with a raised floor for your dog's comfort and special holes for crew to secure tie-down straps.
Sport Pet Carrier and Bed
Buy it here:
USD$27.60 and
MX$ 1,074
Cats, in general, get scared when pushed in a carrier.
This one, built for cats up to 25 pounds, has a clever design where the entire side opens, with which your feline will surely feel much more comfortable.
Includes machine washable and dryable fabric and pleats for storage.
GoDog Dinosaur Chew Toy
Buy it here:
$18.99 and
MX$ 153
"Bring a good chew toy to distract yourself, and especially important during takeoff and landing," says Askeland.
"Dog ears can have trouble adjusting just like ours."
These have a special chew-resistant lining and reinforced seams.
These are designed to meet the same safety standards as children's toys.
American Kennel Club Calming Shirt for Dogs
Buy it here:
$34.99 and
MX$1,401
If offering your pet an anti-anxiety medication doesn't seem like the ideal option, Askeland suggests considering a calming shirt.
Available in dog and cat versions, they are essentially little jackets that apply gentle, continuous pressure, which is calming.
This one from the AKC is made of a comfortable stretch fabric that resists skin sticking to it.
It also comes in blue and grey.
American Kennel Club Calming Shirt for Dogs
Buy it here:
$16.99 and
MX$ 826
This patented design applies gentle, consistent pressure to calm even the most skittish kitties.
The fabric will stay snug despite being soft and machine washable.
That also applies to the dog version.
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